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National park · Australia

Berowra Valley National Park

Base yourself in Hornsby or Berowra and walk one trail per visit: the Place of Winds boardwalk (1.2 km, 30 min) or Lyrebird Gully circuit (9 km, 4–5 h). Entry is free; the park has no gate and no camping. Go on a weekday morning in spring or autumn.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
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From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

39 km²

approximate

Established

2012

Best months

Mar–May, Sep–Oct

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7
  • Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
  • Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
  • Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
  • Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
  • Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
  • Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
  • Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.

At a glance

Country
Australia
Area
39 km²
Roughly 3,850 ha of bushland and creek valley; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Established
2012
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Permits
For some areas
Base
Sydney

Berowra Valley National Park is a strip of eucalypt and banksia bushland wrapped around Berowra Creek in Sydney's northern suburbs, gazetted as a national park in 2012 after starting life as the Elouera Bushland Natural Park in 1964 and a regional park in 1998. It is Guringai country east of the creek and Dharug country west of it, with campfire sites, shell middens and rock engravings still in the bush. About 70 km of tracks cross the valley, including 25–27 km of the Great North Walk between Sydney and Newcastle. There is no gate, no fee and no camping; you walk in from a suburban street, and the creek itself is polluted, so you look at it rather than swim in it.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 2012.

Size and age

39 km² · national park since 2012

Roughly 3,850 ha of bushland and creek valley; boundary figures vary by source (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Sydney.

Why go

  • Seventy kilometres of walking tracks inside Sydney's northern suburbs, reached by train and a short walk.
  • The Great North Walk crosses 25–27 km of the park on its 250 km route from Sydney to Newcastle.
  • Barnetts Lookout gives a valley view over Berowra Creek with no fee and no booking.
  • Quiet bushland either side of Berowra Creek, with eucalypt and banksia forest and regular lyrebird sightings on the gully circuit.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanCaution
  2. FebCaution
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayBest
  6. JunGo
  7. JulGo
  8. AugGo
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovGo
  12. DecCaution
  • JanHot and humid; start before 8:00
  • FebHot; afternoon storms
  • MarWarm, drying out; good walking
  • AprMild and clear; best all-round month
  • MayCool, dry, few people
  • JunCool and often clear; short days
  • JulCold mornings; crisp walking
  • AugCool; wildflowers start
  • SepMild, dry, spring growth
  • OctWarm and clear; watch for snakes
  • NovWarm; afternoon heat builds
  • DecHot and busy; go early

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Berowra Valley National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
LyrebirdsMar–Sep · Most often reported on the Lyrebird Gully circuit.nonoyesyesyesyesyesyesyesnonono
Owls, kookaburras and wedge-tailed eaglesAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Swamp wallabiesAll year · Most active around dawn and dusk.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Red-crowned toadlet (protected frog)All year · Do not handle or move frogs or rocks.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
SnakesOct–Mar · Warm months; stay on track and wear covered shoes.yesyesyesnonononononoyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Sydney CBD

Train to Berowra or Hornsby, then walk or a short taxi to a trailhead; driving is about 40 min up the M1. Confirm current train times and station-to-trailhead distances before relying on rail (check).

1–1.5 h

Open the page →

From Hornsby

Bus or taxi to the southern trailheads off Pennant Hills Road, Boundary Road and Bellamy Street; distances from the station are unverified (check).

15–25 min

From Berowra station

Walk or taxi to Barnetts Lookout and the northern creek tracks; the walk from the station is unverified (check).

10–20 min

From Sydney things to do

Where this park fits with harbour walks and beaches.

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Berowra Valley National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Southern section (Pennant Hills, Westleigh)Bellamy Street and Quarter Sessions Road trailheads, Blackfellow Head engravings, Lyrebird Gully circuit.Open on foot; free street parking.
Central Berowra Creek valleyThe creek, the Place of Winds boardwalk and the Great North Walk river section.Open on foot; no swimming.
Northern section (Berowra Heights)Barnetts Lookout and the ridge tracks above the creek.Open; short drive from Berowra station.
Western section (Shepherds Drive)Quieter entry point into the valley from the west.Open on foot; limited parking.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 6 approximate points in Berowra Valley National Park, north up123456
Approximate positions across the valley from Westleigh to Berowra Heights, for orientation only.
  1. 1Bellamy Street trailhead · Gate≈-33.700, 151.077Southern entry off Boundary Road; approximate.Map ↗
  2. 2Blackfellow Head engravings · Cave≈-33.700, 151.077Off Quarter Sessions Road, Westleigh; approximate.Map ↗
  3. 3Barnetts Lookout · Viewpoint≈-33.616, 151.128Map ↗
  4. 4Steele Bridge (Quarry Trail) · Trail≈-33.680, 151.085Map ↗
  5. 5Berowra station · Ranger station≈-33.625, 151.150Approximate; nearest rail access to the northern section.Map ↗
  6. 6Hornsby station · Ranger station≈-33.703, 151.099Approximate; nearest rail access to the southern section.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasy30 minPlace of Winds interpretive trail1.2 km one way through mangroves and forest, so about 2.4 km and an hour if you walk back the same way; the easiest taste of the park.TrailsModerate4–5 hLyrebird Gully circuitAbout 9 km with a small boardwalk mid-route; lyrebirds are often seen. Steep in places. Length and time are reported second-hand — confirm on the official track page (check).TrailsHard1–3 daysGreat North Walk (park section)25–27 km of the Sydney–Newcastle route runs through the park; plan transport at both ends.ViewpointsEasy20–30 minBarnetts LookoutValley view over Berowra Creek from the top of the ridge; short walk from the road.CultureEasy1 hBlackfellow Head engravingsAboriginal rock engravings off Quarter Sessions Road, Westleigh; look, do not touch.
CultureEasy1–2 hHistoric Steele BridgeOld military bridge on the Quarry Trail near Berowra Creek.
Boat tripsEasyHalf dayCanoeing and fishing on Berowra CreekBoats and canoes can be launched on the creek; do not swim, the water is polluted.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check
Fees for Berowra Valley National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreepersonNo gate or ticket on the walking entries used here; NSW National Parks can charge entry at some parks, so confirm on the official park page before you go (check).
Parking at trailheads (Bellamy Street, Shepherds Drive, Barnetts Road)FreevehicleFree street parking; spaces are limited on weekends (check for local time limits).
Train, Sydney to Berowra or HornsbyAUD 4–8person2026 estimate, Opal fare depending on distance and peak/off-peak.
Guided walk or tour operatorAUD 40–120person2026 estimate; only some operators run in this park.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry no permit

No permit or ticket is issued for walking in from a trailhead; check the official park page for any entry charge (check).

Camping no permit

Not permitted anywhere in the park; there are no campsites.

Commercial or group activity permit or guide

Arrange with NSW National Parks before running a paid or large group event (check).

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
No swimming in Berowra Creek
The creek is polluted; keep out of the water and do not let dogs or children swim.
No camping
There are no campsites and camping is not allowed anywhere in the park; sleep in the Upper North Shore suburbs.
Dogs
Not allowed in the national park; leave them at home.
Aboriginal sites
Engravings and artefacts are protected; do not touch, chalk, photograph with flash or move anything.
Fires and rubbish
No fires; carry out everything you bring in.
Drones
Not allowed without permission from NSW National Parks (check).check

Where to stay

Near the park

Hornsby

Motels and apartments near the station, closest to the southern trailheads.

Near the park

Berowra and Berowra Heights

Small guesthouses and B&Bs, walking distance to Barnetts Lookout.

Near the park

Upper North Shore (Waitara, Wahroonga)

Hotels and serviced apartments on the train line into the city.

Safety

Bushfire high

Check the NSW RFS fire danger rating and park closures before you leave; on a total fire ban day, do not enter the bush.

Heat on summer walks medium

Start before 8:00 in December–February, carry 2 L of water per person and turn back if you feel unwell.

Steep, rough track and creek crossings medium

Wear covered shoes; tracks are rocky and can be slippery after rain. Phone signal is patchy in the valley.

Snakes medium

In warm months make noise, stay on the track and never try to move a snake.

Polluted creek water medium

Do not swim, wade or drink from Berowra Creek; wash hands after contact.

Accessibility

  • Barnetts Lookout is a short walk from the road and is the easiest option for limited mobility.
  • The Place of Winds boardwalk is flat but has steps at the start (check).
  • The Lyrebird Gully circuit and Great North Walk sections are steep and rocky; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Visiting lightly

  • Stay on marked tracks to protect banksia and eucalypt regrowth and the fragile creek banks.
  • Take all rubbish out; there are no bins in the bush.
  • Do not feed or approach wildlife, and keep your distance from lyrebirds and wallabies.
  • Use the train to Berowra or Hornsby instead of driving when you can.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Berowra Valley National Park?

Walking in from a trailhead has no ticket and no gate, and parking at the trailheads is free street parking. NSW National Parks can charge entry at some parks, so confirm any charge on the official park page before you go (check). The main cost is the train fare from Sydney, roughly A$4–8 each way (2026 estimate).

What are the best hikes in Berowra Valley National Park?

The Place of Winds interpretive trail is the easiest at 1.2 km one way, about 30 minutes each way. The Lyrebird Gully circuit is the best half-day walk at about 9 km and 4–5 hours (check). The Great North Walk crosses 25–27 km of the park and takes 1–3 days if you do the whole section.

When is the best time to visit Berowra Valley National Park?

March to May and September to October: mild, mostly dry and quieter. December to February is hot and humid, so start before 8:00. Winter days are cool and clear but short.

Can you camp in Berowra Valley National Park?

No. There are no campsites and camping is not allowed in the park. The nearest accommodation is in Hornsby, Berowra or the Upper North Shore suburbs.

Can you swim in Berowra Creek?

No. The creek is polluted and swimming is not advised. Canoes and small boats can be launched and fishing is allowed, but keep out of the water.

Do you need a car to visit Berowra Valley National Park?

No, but rail access is only partly verified. Trains run to Berowra and Hornsby; check current timetables and the distance from each station to your chosen trailhead before you rely on walking or a taxi from the station (check). A car gives you more choice of entry points, especially on the western side off Shepherds Drive.

Are there Aboriginal sites in the park?

Yes. The land is Guringai country east of Berowra Creek and Dharug country west of it, with campfire sites, shell middens and rock engravings such as those at Blackfellow Head. They are protected; do not touch or move anything.

Related

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Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Sources