Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a 11km, grade 4 hike located in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 5 hrs 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
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
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."
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Gear to consider

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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
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.
0 Reviews on “Great North walk - Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (11km)”
This photo is at Brooklyn, I believe. You’d walk up this hill towards the Brooklyn Dam campsite, heading south towards Jerusalem Bay – Cowan..
Michael Sharkey
There are camping grounds for this out and back hike?
Vincent Ayerst