I’ve been to a few places to hike around Sydney now. On this trip on a weekend day, this time I took the train north to Hawkesbury River station. At this station there is an access to the Great North Walk, which goes from Sydney to Newcastle or even further. I decided to walk the piece from Haweksbury River to one of the more southern stations. This walk took place in December 2022.
Few trails capture the diversity and beauty of New South Wales like the Great North Walk, a 250-kilometre track linking Sydney and Newcastle. In this video, we explore one of its most rewarding sections: the hike beginning at the Hawkesbury River and heading south. This stretch of trail showcases everything that makes the Great North Walk so iconic – river crossings, sandstone cliffs, lush bushland, and panoramic lookouts.
Our journey begins at Brooklyn, a small riverside town on the Hawkesbury. With its fishing boats, oyster farms, and relaxed atmosphere, Brooklyn is the perfect gateway to the wilderness. The river itself feels immense and timeless, with mangroves lining its edges and forested ridges rising steeply on both sides. Setting out from here, the Great North Walk quickly carries you into another world – one where the sounds of water and bird calls replace the noise of city life.
The track climbs steadily out of Brooklyn, winding through dry eucalypt forest dotted with scribbly gums, angophoras, and sandstone outcrops. The ascent is challenging but rewarding, as each turn brings glimpses of the Hawkesbury River below, shimmering in the sun. Along the way, you pass through rocky overhangs and shaded gullies, reminders of how ancient and rugged this landscape truly is.
One of the highlights of this section is the Jerusalem Bay Track, a spur that offers stunning views of one of the Hawkesbury’s most beautiful inlets. Here, the water curves between steep headlands, and the bush drops right to the shoreline. It’s a perfect spot to pause, breathe in the salty air, and take in the silence of this secluded bay.
Continuing south, the trail immerses you in classic Sydney sandstone country – weathered cliffs, honeycombed caves, and ridges that stretch into the distance. Vegetation changes as you climb and descend: dry ridges give way to lush gullies filled with ferns, palms, and creeks that trickle after rain. Birdlife is abundant – kookaburras laugh from the trees, whipbirds call sharply through the undergrowth, and sea eagles soar high above the river valleys.
As the track progresses, lookouts reveal sweeping views across Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the waterways that carve through it. On clear days, the vistas stretch for miles, showing the scale and wild beauty of the region. Standing here, it’s easy to forget how close you are to Sydney – the city feels a world away.
The Great North Walk is well-marked, but it demands effort. The climbs are steep, the terrain rugged, and the distances long. Yet that’s part of its appeal – this is a trail that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Hikers are treated not just to views, but to the sense of being immersed in landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.
The final stretch southward brings you toward Cowan and beyond, where the Great North Walk continues through ridges and valleys toward Hornsby and ultimately Sydney. Whether you complete the full distance or just this section, the experience lingers – the sound of the river, the vastness of the bush, and the satisfaction of following one of Australia’s great long-distance trails.
Practical tips: The section from Hawkesbury River (Brooklyn) to Cowan on the Great North Walk is about 13 kilometres and takes 4–6 hours depending on pace. The track is steep in places and can be slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as well as a good map or GPS. Trains connect both Brooklyn (Hawkesbury River station) and Cowan to Sydney, making this a convenient point-to-point day hike.
This hike on the Great North Walk is more than just a trail – it’s a journey through landscapes that define New South Wales. From river shores to sandstone ridges, from hidden bays to panoramic lookouts, the walk south from the Hawkesbury River offers a taste of wilderness so close to the city. It’s challenging, beautiful, and deeply rewarding – a reminder of why the Great North Walk is considered one of Australia’s iconic hikes.
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