Great North Walk Cowan to Brooklyn
Hornsby, NSW
Jerusalem Bay stage of the Great North Walk — 11km from Cowan station down to the bay, over Govett Ridge and out to Hawkesbury River station.
About this place
This is the named Cowan and Brooklyn trailhead section of the Great North Walk through northern Ku-ring-gai Chase. From just north of Cowan station the track crosses the freeway corridor and drops to the Jerusalem Bay foreshore, then climbs Govett Ridge through sandstone overhangs and temperate rainforest before the Hawkesbury views into Brooklyn Dam (1864) and Hawkesbury River station. NPWS grades it 4, 11km one-way, 4.5-5.5 hours. Trains at both ends make it one of the best car-free day walks in Greater Sydney. Carry a map — coverage is thin.
Access & getting there
Start at Cowan station or reverse from Hawkesbury River station, Brooklyn (end of William Street). Parking at both stations. No park vehicle entry fee if you arrive by train. Toilets at both stations and Brooklyn village.
Cowan Station, Pacific Hwy, Cowan NSW 2081 (north of the platform, heading east)
Safety notes
Steep, exposed ridges and a long day. Limited mobile coverage. Carry extra water. Tell someone your plans. Snakes in warm months.
Gear notes
2+ litres of water, map/GPS, head torch, first aid. No water on the track you should drink without treating.
On the map
Community photos
Posts from this place will appear here soon.
Events nearby
Linked Hikezilla events coming soon.
Connected challenges
Tied to challenges — coming soon.