Cherrybrook to Thornleigh

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.7217468,151.0442126)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From Pennant Hills Road, A28 Turn on to Castle Hill Road then drive for 580 m Turn right onto New Line Road and drive for another 400 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto New Line Road and drive for another 1.4 km At roundabout, take exit 1 onto New Line Road and drive for another 540 m At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Shepherds Drive and drive for another 600 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Shepherds Drive and drive for another 150 m
Finish	(-33.7320121,151.0782166)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From below 50 Shepherds Drive, opposite the shopping centre, the walk follows the concrete footpath into 'The Lakes Of Cherrybrook' park, keeping the playground to the right. The footpath comes to the signpost for 'Callicoma Walk' just before the unfenced lakes.....

An optional side trip to Thornleigh Quarry.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Cherrybrook Lakes at the start. Cherrybrook Village shopping centre (about 95 m back from the start). Cherrybrook Village shopping centre The Cherrybrook Village shopping centre is located at 41/47 Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook. There are a number of local cafes and eateries here, plus some franchises such as Subway and Gloria Jeans, making a great stop for walkers. There is also a Woolworths supermarket. The centre is open 9:00-5:30 Mon-Wed & Fri, 9:00-9:00 Thu, 9:00-5:00 Sat and 10:00-4:00 Sun. Some of the cafes and eateries open directly outside so they may be open longer hours. After 135 m pass the playground (15 m on your right). After another 15 m find the "The Lakes Of Cherrybrook" (8 m on your right). The Lakes Of Cherrybrook The Lakes Of Cherrybrook is a park at the intersection of Shepherds Dr and Macquarie Dr, Cherrybrook. The lakes featured in the park were formed when the local creek was dammed for the benefit of farmers. The park has a free electric BBQ, sheltered picnic tables, taps and bubblers as well as a playground for the kids. There is a large shopping centre nearby. There are several signposted buswalks in the area, including the 5.1km 'Callicoma Walk' loop track. After another 25 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 65 m turn right.
	After another 10 m turn left. After another 20 m head through the tunnel (about 30 m long) After another 45 m find the "Cherrybrook Girl Guides" (20 m on your left). Cherrybrook Girl Guides The Cherrybrook Girl Guides building is at the corner of Shepherds Dr and Macquarie Dr, Cherrybrook. Then pass the car park (135 m on your left). After another 60 m find the "Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade" (55 m on your left). Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade The Cherrybrook Rural Fire Brigade building is in Shepherds Dr (near the intersection with Macquarie Dr), Cherrybrook. This is the home of the Cherrybrook Rural Fire Service, a wholly volunteer brigade. There is an entry onto the 'Blackwattle Trail' and some of the local bushwalks behind the building, and a water tap at the front of the building. After another 350 m cross the stepping stones.
	After another 155 m (at the intersection of McKinley Firetrail & Benowie Walking Track) continue straight, to head along McKinley Firetrail.
	After another 40 m continue straight, to head along McKinley Firetrail.
	After another 170 m turn left, to head along McKinley Firetrail.
	After another 120 m (at the intersection of Pogson Firetrail & McKinley Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Schofield Firetrail.
	After another 390 m (at the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along Schofield Firetrail. After another 105 m cross the ford.
	At the intersection of Schofield Firetrail & The Great North Walk turn left, to head along The Great North Walk (a walking track). After another 20 m find the "The Jungo" (7 m on your right). The Jungo The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words. Then pass the sign (10 m on your right). After another 530 m cross the ford. After another 60 m cross the ford. After another 130 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Thornleigh Quarry. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 680 m (at the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk) turn right, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway. After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 50 m find the "Thornleigh zigzag railway" (10 m on your left). Thornleigh zigzag railway The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9 After another 50 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	Sydney Cove After another 9 m (at the intersection of Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway & The Great North Walk) by following the "Sydney Cove" sign veer left, to head along The Great North Walk. Then find the "Trip Hazard" (on your left). Trip Hazard Unfenced and unmarked edge with potential 80cm or higher fall into the creek. Keep clear of the culvert's edge when crossing. After another 40 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 3 m long) After another 160 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right).
	At the intersection of Morgan Street & The Great North Walk turn left, to head along Morgan Street (a residential road).
	After another 145 m continue straight, to head along Morgan Street.
	After another 15 m (at the intersection of Morgan Street & Dale Close) continue straight, to head along Morgan Street. After another 120 m (at the intersection of Tillock Street & Morgan Street) continue straight (a footpath). After another 270 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (5 m on your left).
	Tillock St By following the "Tillock St" sign turn left.
	After another 40 m continue straight. After another 660 m pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left).
	Continue straight.
	After another 200 m continue straight.
	After another 8 m turn right.
	After another 25 m veer left. Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your left). After another 60 m pass the "Monday Morning" (40 m on your right). Then pass the pay phone (15 m on your right).
	Veer right. Then cross the bridge Then pass the "The Great North Walk" (on your right). After another 7 m pass a seat (on your left)., has a backrest.
	After another 20 m come to the end. About 20 m past the end is a pay phone. About 20 m past the end is a toilet., female.
	At the intersection of The Great North Walk & Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway Start heading along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway (a walking track). After 30 m cross the ford.
	After another 8 m continue straight, to head along Timbarra Road - Bellamy Street Cycleway.
	After another 110 m come to the end. "Old Thornleigh Quarry". Old Thornleigh Quarry The old Thornleigh Quarry is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9 Turn around and retrace your steps back the 150 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cherrybrook to Thornleigh

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	4.7 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Campsite: There is one 1.7 km from the start.

Toilet: There is one 4.7 km from the start.

Seat: There is one 4.7 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Campsite	1.7 km	The Jungo
Seat	4.7 km	[seat]
Toilet	4.7 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

The Lakes Of Cherrybrook
The Lakes Of Cherrybrook is a park at the intersection of Shepherds Dr and Macquarie Dr, Cherrybrook. The lakes featured in the park were formed when the local creek was dammed for the benefit of farmers. The park has a free electric BBQ, sheltered picnic tables, taps and bubblers as well as a playground for the kids. There is a large shopping centre nearby. There are several signposted buswalks in the area, including the 5.1km 'Callicoma Walk' loop track.

The Jungo
The Jungo is a relatively small clearing and campsite near the junction of Berowra and ZigZag Creeks at a well signposted intersection. There is often water in the creeks (treat well before drinking) but there are no facilities. Speculation on the source of the name 'Jungo' includes the Aussie tendency to abbreviate words ('Junction' gets corrupted to 'jung-o' etc) as well as a possible derivation from one of a few similar sounding aboriginal words.

Thornleigh zigzag railway
The Thornleigh zigzag railway originally ran from the main rail line near Thornleigh to a historic quarry, near present day De Saxe Cl, Thornleigh. There are only minor fragments still visible today. The 'Heritage Trail' in Thornleigh has interpretive signs for the railway and the old Thornleigh Quarry. A book is available with some detail on railway and associated quarry: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Old Thornleigh Quarry
The old Thornleigh Quarry is located beside the Heritage Trail in Thornleigh, within Berowra Valley Regional Park. The quarry dates back to 1883 and was initially a source of 'ballast' for portions of the Sydney (Homebush) to Newcastle (Waratah) rail link. There is a firm, flat dirt track that leads about 40m from the concrete trail to the centre of the old quarry. You will find a series of log seats in this amphitheatre making this a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the intriguing mix of nature and history. A book is available with some detail on this quarry and the associated zigzag railway: 'Sydney's Forgotten Quarry Railways' by John Oakes, ISBN 0 9757870 3 9

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Hornsby Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed
  
  Thursday 31 October
  
  27°C
  Showers developing. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the late evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:00am to 4:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 9 [Very High]
  
  Friday 1 November
  
  15°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southerly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light early in the morning then becoming southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon.
  
  Saturday 2 November
  
  14°C → 21°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the morning and afternoon. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h shifting north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon.
  
  Sunday 3 November
  
  15°C → 32°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Monday 4 November
  
  19°C → 27°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Tuesday 5 November
  
  17°C → 24°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Wednesday 6 November
  
  17°C → 27°C
  Partly cloudy.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Berowra Valley National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Berkeley Trail partial closure for surface works
  There will be emergency surface repair works on the Berkeley Trail in Berowra Valley National Park from Wednesday 30 October 2024 until Friday 15 November 2024, weather permitting.
  Please follow all signage and instruction from NPWS staff and contractors. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Closed areas: Quarry trail and Great North Walk closure in Berowra Valley National Park
  Due to upgrade works on Steele Bridge on the Quarry trail in Berowra Valley National Park, there will be changed access to the surrounding trail network from Tuesday 8 October until Mon 30 December 2024.
  There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk (GNW) from the Quarry trail section in Hornsby, between Simon trail and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge campground.
  Walkers using the GNW will be required to detour via Simon trail, Sydney Road or Ulolo Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, McKay Road or McKay trail in Hornsby Heights.
  Walkers planning to use Tunks Ridge campground can only access this area from the north, via Galston Road GNW entrance and Tunks Ridge trail.
  Access between Tunks Ridge campground and Quarry Road, Dural via Quarry trail through the Rifle Range safety template is prohibited at all times.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service
- Berowra Valley Regional Park alerts
  Closed areas: Quarry trail and Great North Walk closure in Berowra Valley National Park
  Due to upgrade works on Steele Bridge on the Quarry trail in Berowra Valley National Park, there will be changed access to the surrounding trail network from Tuesday 8 October until Mon 30 December 2024.
  There will be no access across Berowra Creek on the Great North Walk (GNW) from the Quarry trail section in Hornsby, between Simon trail and Galston Gorge via Tunks Ridge campground.
  Walkers using the GNW will be required to detour via Simon trail, Sydney Road or Ulolo Road, Galston Road, Montview Parade, McKay Road or McKay trail in Hornsby Heights.
  Walkers planning to use Tunks Ridge campground can only access this area from the north, via Galston Road GNW entrance and Tunks Ridge trail.
  Access between Tunks Ridge campground and Quarry Road, Dural via Quarry trail through the Rifle Range safety template is prohibited at all times.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on (02) 8448 0400.
  
  Safety alerts: Swimming safety in Berowra Valley National Park
  Swimming is not advisable in Berowra Creek at certain times as the water may be subject to variable pollution levels and algal blooms. Please refer to the Hornsby Shire Council website before swimming in Berowra Creek. Alternatively you can call the Hornsby Council 24 hour information line on 9847 6666 or the Algal information line on 1800 999 457.
  Swimming at Fishponds is not advised at any time due to heavy water pollution.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.For more information, contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Other Journeys Discover nearby and similar journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast

Alerts