Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is an 11km, grade 4 hike located in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Ever dreaMount of completing the legendary Great North walk? Why not try a taster, without wearing out your walking boots? Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a challenging section that winds through dense bushland within the park. Starting from Cowan Train Station, it's not just the scenic wilderness views that will take your breath away. It's definitely a track for the experienced bushwalker.
Descending steeply, you'll hardly believe you're only an hour from the centre of Sydney. The track leads past the ruins of Rhodes boatshed and on to Jerusalem Bay. Stop here for a break and take in the spectacular views over Cowan Water before tacking the hard climb to Brooklyn. You might be in need of a beverage or two at the pub before catching the train at Hawkesbury River Train Station.
Continue your Great North walk exploration by linking with Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park towards Sydney or continue north along Great North walk - Brisbane Water National Park.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Check the weather before you set out as Jerusalem Bay track can become boggy when it rains
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Trail location
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Getting there
To Brooklyn, William Street. Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is in the northern precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there:From Sydney or NewcastleFollow the Pacific Highway to Cowan Train StationThe walk begins just north of the station heading east across the F3 Sydney to Newcastle FreewayAlternatively, if beginning from Brooklyn:From Sydney or NewcastleFollow the F3 Sydney to Newcastle FreewayTake the Mooney Mooney/Brooklyn exitFollow the Pacific Highway south across the Hawkesbury RiverTurn left into Brooklyn Road and continue to Hawkesbury River Train StationThe walk begins a short walk away at the end of William StreetAlternatively, if taking public transport:The track is a short walk from either Cowan Train Station or Hawkesbury River Train StationCheck out the Transport Info website for more information. Park entry points Brooklyn, William Street See on map Cowan Railway Station See on map Parking Parking is available at Cowan Train Station, Hawkesbury River Train Station, Brooklyn or William Street, Brooklyn.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Located in Sydney's north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for school excursions. Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.
Australia's second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a recreational favourite for locals and visitors alike. This large park, located in Sydney's north, lets you feel at one with nature without leaving the Sydney metropolitan area. A heritage-listed park, it combines important history with scenic beauty.
Winding creeks and stretches of ocean meet rainforest and eucalypts, rocky cliffs and mangroves. Camp at The Basin or spend your time exploring walking tracks, mountain biking trails, breathtaking lookouts and significant Aboriginal sites. You'll still have plenty of time to discover its marinas, cafes, kiosks and well-equipped picnic areas."
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.
3 Reviews on “Great North Walk: Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Hike (11km)”
Vincent Ayerst
There are camping grounds for this out and back hike?
Michael Sharkey
This photo is at Brooklyn, I believe. You’d walk up this hill towards the Brooklyn Dam campsite, heading south towards Jerusalem Bay – Cowan..