The trail starts in the riverside township of Brooklyn beside the Hawkesbury River. Commencing with picturesque views across the Hawkesbury from the START at Parsley Bay, the trail quickly enters the bush at joins the Great North Walk beginning its journey southward to Sydney. As the trail winds its way through the northern most reaches of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Berowra Regional Valley Park, the event's greatest challenges are presented. The trail has many twists and turns and ascents and descents along the rugged bush tracks of the Mt Ku-ring-gai, Bobbin Head, Sphinx, and Warrimoo Trails before reaching Garigal National Park. The event trail then traverses the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track' (in reverse) as it follows Middle Harbour Creek from its beginnings into Middle Harbour proper. From Davidson Park onwards the trail offers numerous stunning views which get more spectacular as you approach the finish line. The last kilometre rewards you as you walk high above Sydney Harbour looking out through Sydney Heads, before the finish at Georges Height Oval in Mosman.
The Start – Checkpoint 1 12.5km
Parsley Bay (UBD Ref: 56 K11) to Mougamarra Rural Fire Station (UBD Ref: 92 A2)
The Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney 2010 event trail sets off from Parsley Bay in the township of Brooklyn. Idyllically situated on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn is steeped in history and is considered as the northern gateway to Sydney. Once you enter the ‘Great North Walk’ trail, you’re in the northernmost reaches of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Wide fire trails take you past Brooklyn Dam before the first of the challenging bush tracks. After the steep descent into Jerusalem Bay (pictured) the trail climbs through the towering Sydney Red Gums and Eucalypts into the village of Cowan and the first checkpoint.
Checkpoint 1 – Checkpoint 2 12.5km
Mougamarra Rural Fire Station (UBD Ref: 92 A2) to Berowra Community Centre (UBD Ref: 94 L12)
Cumulative total: 29km
The route re-enters the Great North Walk and begins its journey to Berowra. This section of trail is considered the toughest. After crossing Glendale Road, there are a number of steep descents and climbs coupled with a real sense of remoteness before you reach the peaceful village of Berowra Waters. The challenges aren’t over yet as the trail rapidly climbs up and away from Berowra Creek. Once on the ridge high above the creek (pictured) the trail meanders its way into the outer Sydney suburb of Berowra. Prior to reaching Berowra, make sure you stop at the ‘Naa Badu’ lookout. This beautiful view looks towards your next section of trail.
Checkpoint 2 – Checkpoint 3 14km
Berowra Community Centre (UBD Ref: 94 L12) to Apple Tree Bay (UBD Ref: 114 N10)
Cumulative total: 43km
From Berowra, the trail again returns to the Great North Walk and briefly retraces the route you took into Berowra before descending to Sams Creek – n named after a recluse fisherman who lived for many years in a bark hut near the mouth of the creek. After the creek crossing, the trail follows Sams Creek to the mangroves beside Berowra Creek, and then onto the boardwalk through the marshlands (pictured) prior to the Calna Creek footbridge. At this location the event trail veers away from the Great North Walk proper and begins its ascent through Lyrebird Gully to the suburb of Mt Ku-ring-gai. Some suburban street walking follows before the trail re-enters Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and descends to the picturesque Apple Tree Bay on the shores of Cowan Creek.
Checkpoint 3 – Checkpoint 4 7.5km
Apple Tree Bay (UBD Ref: 114 N10) to Sphinx War Memorial (UBD Ref: 134 M9)
Cumulative total: 50.5km
As Apple Tree Bay disappears behind you, the trail ascends an adjacent ridge before descending into the renowned picnic grounds of Bobbin Head. Situated within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the second National Park to be established in Australia, Bobbin Head has been a popular recreational area since the 1800's. Behind the marina the Bobbin Head track snakes its way up the hill before flattening out for a few fast kilometres, bringing you down into the Sphinx War Memorial.
Checkpoint 4 – Checkpoint 5 9km
Sphinx War Memorial (UBD Ref: 134 M9) to St Ives Showground (UBD Ref: 155 K2)
Cumulative Total: 59.5km
The centre piece is a sandstone miniature of the Egyptian Sphinx carved by a returned serviceman in the 1920s, the trail descends back to the shores of Cowan Creek. At the junction of the Sphinx Track and the Warrimoo Track (pictured) the trail crosses creeks and then climbs out of the National Park into suburban St Ives. The contact with suburbia is short lived as the trail re-enters the bush and begins to make its way to Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens. Upon entering the Gardens, there is temporary relief as you reach the sealed cycleway and enjoy a smooth walk almost all the way to St Ives Showground.
Checkpoint 5 – Checkpoint 6 12km
St Ives Showground (UBD Ref: 155 K2) to Kambora Public School (UBD Ref: 155 N16)
Cumulative Total: 71.5km
The route out of St Ives Showground retraces the route through the Wildflower Gardens before crossing the busy Mona Vale Road and entering Garigal National Park. At this point the trail begins to follow Middle Harbour Creek and its tributaries towards Sydney Harbour. With the Great North Walk well and truly behind us, the event trail now follows the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track only in reverse. A series of interconnecting fire trails feature throughout this section of trail, offering relief from the more technical walking tracks. This may please the majority of teams that will be walking this section at night. At the rock platforms on Middle Harbour Creek known as The Cascades, the trail veers off the Harbour to Hawkesbury route and enters suburban Davidson.
Checkpoint 6 – Checkpoint 7 10km
Kambora Public School (UBD Ref: 155 N16) to Davidson Park (UBD Ref: 176 A13)
Cumulative Total: 81.5km
From Kambora Public School the trail retraces its route to The Cascades, and then continues on the Harbour to Hawkesbury Track towards Davidson Park. The trail is narrow and rugged at times as it closely follows Middle Harbour Creek with plenty of crossings of side tributaries along the way. It then connects with Governor Phillip Walk which derives its name from the first official overland expedition of Governor Phillip when he set out in search of farmland for the colony in April 1788. After crossing paths with the large Sydney Water pipeline across Middle Harbour Creek, the trail continues to the crossing of Carroll Creek above the high tide mark. Now on Middle Harbour proper, the trail continues to follow along the waters edge into the parklands of Davidson Park.
Checkpoint 7 – Checkpoint 8 7.5km
Davidson Park (UBD Ref: 176 A13) to Ararat Reserve (UBD Ref: 176 L10)
Cumulative Total: 89km
After departing Davidson Park, the trail continues alongside Middle Harbour and offers expansive views of the deep blue waterways of the inner reaches of Sydney Harbour (pictured). Passing by small beaches and the historic decommissioned military magazine buildings in Bantry Bay, the trail is relatively flat with the exception of the climb up to Ararat Reserve at the end of the section. Before this last climb the trail passes across an impressive naturally occurring sandstone formation, known descriptively as 'The Natural Bridge'.
Checkpoint 8 – The Finish 11km
Ararat Reserve (UBD Ref: 176 L10) to Georges Heights Oval (UBD Ref: 217 F10)
Cumulative Total: 100km
the final section enjoys its last contact with Garigal National Park before reaching Seaforth Oval. Prior to descending the Gallipoli stairs (pictured), ensure you stop to enjoy the magnificent views. After crossing the Spit Bridge the trail route then meanders its way through the picturesque suburb of Mosman beside beautiful bays, on beaches and up some great stairs to Middle Head. Situated high above Sydney Harbour, and offering spectacular views of Sydney Heads,
