The best walks and hikes in Berowra Valley National Park
4.6
(160)
1,591
hikers
86
hikes
Hiking in Berowra Valley National Park offers access to over 3800 hectares of bushland, characterized by bushland valleys, woodlands, and dramatic sandstone rock features. Berowra Creek winds through the park, providing a central natural feature for many trails. The landscape includes eucalypt forests and areas with hardy native plants, with deeply incised topography creating varied microclimates. This park is located just north of Sydney.
Best hiking trails in Berowra Valley National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Blue Gum…
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.5
(4)
49
hikers
4.23km
01:14
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
13
hikers
3.83km
01:13
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
2.28km
00:38
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
36
hikers
14.7km
04:20
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
10.2km
03:17
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
There's a small waterfall here that can turn to just a trickle when the water is low. However, it picks up after rain and is a nice place to rest and cool down while on the trail.
0
0
Berowra Valley National Park is a beautiful bushland reserve in northern Sydney, stretching along Berowra Creek between Pennant Hills and Berowra. The park is known for its rugged sandstone terrain, with steep ridges, deep valleys and dense eucalypt forest. It offers a network of walking tracks and lookouts, perfect for exploring peaceful natural areas without travelling too far from the city.
0
0
Refuge Rock is a wide sandstone rock platform, with extensive exposed outcrops that stretch for hundreds of metres. The open rock surface is a fantastic space to explore and relax, with beautiful views across the surrounding bushland. There is a natural sandstone arch, known as “London Bridge,” that sits at the south-eastern edge of the rock platform and is reached via a short, sometimes faint side track.
0
0
Refuge Rock Trail is a short loop in Berowra Valley National Park that follows a mix of fire trail and narrower bush tracks from Trevors Lane. It passes through open forest and sandstone terrain, leading to Refuge Rock, a wide exposed platform with beautiful views across the valley, before continuing to a hidden natural rock arch. The track is generally easy but can be unclear in places, with rocky sections and informal paths around the key features, so it's a good idea to have your offline komoot GPS route handy to stay on course.
0
0
The view of Berowra Waters from here is breathtaking, where the narrow waterway winds through the sandstone valley. From this vantage point, you can see the inlet below, framed by the steep, bush-covered slopes. It's a great spot to stop and capture a few photos of the secluded nature of this part of the valley.
0
0
Roland Murray Bench is a simple memorial seat nestled under a large rock overhang on a steep section of the track, and is a great place to catch your breath in the shade. This quiet spot is a well-known resting point for walkers tackling the climb through the surrounding sandstone valley.
0
0
Great North Walk is a long-distance walking route stretching roughly 250 kilometres between Sydney and Newcastle, connecting a series of national parks and bushland reserves. In this section, the track descends steeply through sandstone ridges and gullies before reaching Berowra Waters, and is known for its rugged terrain, rock steps and scenic views across the surrounding valleys.
0
0
Turner Firetrail is a wide management track that runs along the ridge above Berowra Waters, forming part of several loop walks from Berowra Heights. The trail follows a gently undulating route through open bushland, with a few breaks in the trees with views across Berowra Valley. As a former vehicle trail, this track is an easier walking surface compared with the steeper single tracks nearby.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Berowra Valley National Park?
Berowra Valley National Park offers a wide range of hiking experiences, with over 90 routes recorded on komoot. These trails cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more challenging day hikes.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Berowra Valley National Park?
Yes, the park has several easy trails suitable for families. The Blue Gum Loop Trail is a popular easy option, featuring creek crossings, waterfalls, and fern-filled gullies. Another gentle path is the Waitara Creek Rock Pools loop from Hornsby, which leads to tranquil spots with sandstone basins and small cascades.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Berowra Valley National Park?
No, dogs are generally not permitted on walking tracks within Berowra Valley National Park to protect the native wildlife and natural environment. National Parks in NSW have strict rules regarding pets. For detailed information, it's best to check the official NSW National Parks website: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
Are there any trails with waterfalls or interesting water features?
Absolutely. The Blue Gum Loop Trail is known for its creek crossings and waterfalls. Additionally, the Waitara Creek Rock Pools loop from Hornsby takes you to the 'Washtub,' an area with unique sandstone basins and small cascades, perfect for a refreshing stop.
What are the best viewpoints in Berowra Valley National Park?
The park offers several stunning lookouts. Barnetts Lookout provides panoramic vistas up and down the Berowra Valley. Elouera Lookout and Naa Badu Lookout also offer scenic views over the valley. The Calna Creek Swamp – Naa Badu Lookout loop from Mount Kuring-gai specifically includes the Naa Badu Lookout.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the park?
Yes, many trails in Berowra Valley National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Blue Gum Loop Trail, the Turner Firetrail circuit, and the Waitara Creek Rock Pools loop from Hornsby.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Berowra Valley National Park is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for Grey-headed flying foxes, Kookaburras, and Superb lyrebirds. You might also spot Swamp wallabies. Birdwatchers can look for powerful owls, sea eagles, and wedgetails, while the distinctive call of the red-crowned toadlet can often be heard.
How can I access Berowra Valley National Park using public transport?
The park is accessible from various suburbs that have train stations, such as Hornsby and Mount Kuring-gai. Some trails, like the Waitara Creek Rock Pools loop from Hornsby, start directly from areas well-served by public transport, making it convenient to reach the park without a car.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Berowra Valley National Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 170 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse bushland valleys, the dramatic sandstone rock features, and the tranquil presence of Berowra Creek. The variety of trails, from easy loops to moderate day hikes, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest in the park?
Yes, the park holds significant Aboriginal heritage sites, including artifacts, middens, and campfire sites, reflecting the traditional Country of the Dharug People. Hikers can also find remnants of the historic Thornleigh Quarry and the Zig Zag railway, which can be explored as optional side trips on some walks.
What is the best time of year to hike in Berowra Valley National Park?
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer particularly pleasant hiking conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, and winter is generally mild and good for walking.
What are the typical distances and durations for hikes in the park?
Hikes in Berowra Valley National Park vary significantly. Easy routes like the Blue Gum Loop Trail are around 4.2 miles (6.8 km) and take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Moderate trails, such as the Calna Creek Swamp – Naa Badu Lookout loop from Mount Kuring-gai, can be up to 9.1 miles (14.7 km) and take around 4 hours 20 minutes to complete. There are also shorter and longer options available.
Most popular routes in Berowra Valley National Park
Most popular attractions in Berowra Valley National Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
