Hornsby & Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

Things to do

There’s more than 70km of walking tracks and fire trails at Berowra Valley National Park. Those who like water sports such as kayaking, boating and fishing will love spending the day by Berowra Creek and there‘s free barbecue facilities, including picnic tables at nearby Crosslands Reserve.

Barnetts lookout in Berowra Heights, Berowra to Cowan via Berowra Waters, Sydney

Barnetts lookout, Berowra

Heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase is the second oldest national park in Australia. Explore the rainforests and mangroves which sit by stretches of ocean and discover significant Aboriginal sites. Make the most of scenic waterside picnic spots such as Apple Tree and Bobbin Head.

Aerial overlooking Bobbin Head Picnic Ground and Cowan Creek, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Both national parks contain sections of the Great North Walk, a 250km trail from Sydney to Newcastle created to mark Australia's bicentenary of the First Fleet arrival. Berowra track follows the creek and Ku-ring-gai track begins at Cowan station, two stops northeast of Hornsby station.

Jerusalem Bay to Brooklyn Track in Cowan, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Great North Walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Cowan - Credit: Andy Richards

If trekking is too much, stroll the smaller trails such as the Place of Winds interpretative trail that starts and ends at Crosslands Reserve or the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. Before setting out on any kind of bushwalking trail, it‘s important to read these bushwalking safety tips.

A cyclist riding on the Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, in northern Sydney

Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, Hornsby

For those who prefer two wheels to two legs, take the exhilarating cycling route through Ku-ring-gai which begins at Mount Colah station, just five minutes by train from Hornsby. The Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail is also near the station and is made up of 6km of track through picturesque bushland for beginners and more advanced riders.

Eat & drink

You’re spoilt for choice with cafes, restaurants, and shops near Hornsby station, so you can BYO lunch. If you’re heading up on a Thursday, stop by the Hornsby Organic Markets to pick up some fresh produce and cater your own picnic in the national park.

Berowra Waters Inn, Berowra Waters

If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, you can’t go past Berowra Waters Inn or Cottage Point Inn. Both restaurants serve award winning cuisine, but to make it memorable leave the car at home and take a seaplane from Rose Bay to either restaurant for a waterside dining experience like no other.

Getting there

It’s easy to reach Hornsby via public transport, trains regularly depart from the city centre or Strathfield . If you prefer to drive, take the M1 or M2 motorway from the city centre, it should take you just under an hour.