Great North Walk: Jerusalem Bay Track (Cowan to Brooklyn)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the front of Cowan station, this walk follows the GNW arrow up the concrete ramp, turning right to cross the track at the controlled 'Pedestrian Railway Crossing'. The walk follows the ramp onto platform 1 (Sydney-bound side) then around the shelter to follow the GNW arrow post right, down the steps and through the gate. Here the walk crosses the train lines (train storage area) and turns left, following the 'Brooklyn' sign along the wide management trail. After 130m, the trail leads past an electrical switching area then turns right at the large 'Great North Walk' signposts. Here, the narrower trail leads between the fences over a small rise to cross the freeway on a large, fenced concrete bridge.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Pacific Highway & Cowan Trail Start (a walking track). After 45 m pass the car park (on your right).
	Continue straight.
	After another 65 m turn right. After another 15 m pass the shelter (on your right). Then pass the emergency call device (9 m on your left). After another 8 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). Mo-Fr
	Turn right. Then pass the emergency call device (on your left). Then head down the 13 steps (about 3 m long)
	After another 10 m (from the Jerusalem Bay Track) turn left, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track (a vehicle track).
	After another 130 m (from the Jerusalem Bay Track) turn right, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track (a walking track). After another 10 m pass the "Great North Walk" (5 m on your left). After another 45 m cross the bridge (about 50 m long) After another 240 m head down the 4 wooden steps (about 10 m long) After another 30 m cross the ford. After another 80 m find the "Aboriginal rock engravings" (50 m on your right). Aboriginal rock engravings Located just a short walk from the Great North Walk, these Aboriginal rock engravings are on a large rock platform and consist of three definable carvings, a man, a whale and a bird. After another 490 m cross the ford. After another 190 m cross the ford. After another 630 m (from the Jerusalem Bay Track) continue straight, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track. After another 440 m (from the Jerusalem Bay Track) turn left, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track (a steps). Then head up the 11 earthen steps (about 3 m long) From the Jerusalem Bay Track veer right, to head along Jerusalem Bay Track (a walking track). Then find the "Jerusalem Bay" (on your right). Jerusalem Bay Jerusalem Bay, Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a nice bay east of Cowan Station. The bay is popular with bushwalkers as it is part of the Great North Walk. The bay is sometimes known for an iconic photo of the single palm in front of the water. The bay itself is also popular with boaters who can anchor in the bay. Jerusalem Bay can be accessed by the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay or from Brooklyn or Cowan Railway Stations.
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Jerusalem Bay Foottrack & Jerusalem Bay Track) continue straight. After another 35 m pass the cave (about 35 m ahead). After another 285 m cross the bridge (about 2 m long) After another 130 m pass a seat (6 m on your right)., has no backrest. After another 610 m pass a seat (on your right)., has no backrest.
	After another 50 m (at the intersection of Campbells Crater Track & Taffys Rock Track) continue straight. After another 760 m head down the earthen steps (about 5 m long) Then cross the ford.
	After another 1.2 km veer left. After another 45 m pass the "Log book".
	From the The Great North Walk turn right, to head along The Great North Walk (a vehicle track). After another 220 m come to the viewpoint (10 m on your left). After another 2.6 km (from the The Great North Walk) continue straight, to head along The Great North Walk.
	After another 295 m (at the intersection of Brooklyn Dam Trail & Brooklyn Dam Firetrail) turn right, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
	After another 240 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 290 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
	After another 105 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 380 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 50 m find the "Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam" (25 m on your left). Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam The small campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a small grassy campsite which has room for approximately four sites. The close proximity to Brooklyn Dam means close water. The campsite also has a few tall shady trees and is a fuel-stove only site. After another 65 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 280 m cross the ford. After another 185 m cross the ford.
	After another 245 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 25 m find the "Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam" (30 m on your left). Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam The large campsite next to Brooklyn Dam, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a spacious and well-maintained campsite which has room for plenty of tents. The close proximity to the dam means accessible water (treat before drinking). The campsite has many tall, shady trees and is a fuel stove only site. The concrete dam wall was built in 1884 to provide water for the steam trains passing about 500m to the north. The dam was enlarged six times before 1924, then in in 1989 the dam was added to the expanded Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
	After another 490 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) veer right, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
	After another 110 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 60 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 235 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail. After another 40 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
	After another 280 m (from the Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Dam Trail.
	After another 335 m (at the intersection of Brooklyn Loop Firetrail & Brooklyn Dam Trail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Loop Firetrail. After another 930 m (from the Brooklyn Loop Firetrail) continue straight, to head along Brooklyn Loop Firetrail. After another 125 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of William Street & George Street) continue straight, to head along William Street (a residential road).
	The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int of George and William Sts to Hawkesbury River Railway Station. To take the alternate route turn right here. Details below. After another 9 m (from the William Street) turn left (a footpath). After another 170 m head down the steps (about 2 m long) After another 8 m find the "Brooklyn Accomodation" (25 m on your left). Brooklyn Accomodation Brooklyn is a lovely little village with plenty of holiday style accommodation. There are several small cafe/restaurants in the area, good choice for cooked meals. There are two options for overnight visits, both need to be booked in advance. Brooklyn Motel: Newly renovated accommodation on Bridge St,nearly opposite The Anglers Rest. This studio style accommodation starts from $120 per night with a spa, television and free wifi. Ph: 99858540 or 0410454530. Breakfast can be organised for an extra fee. The Anglers Rest: Pub style accommodation on the intersection of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds. There are shared bathroom facilities. From $60 single and $90 a double. Breakfast not included (but you can grab breakfast from a cafe) PH:(02)9985-7257 After another 15 m pass the "Homer's Kitchen" (75 m on your left).
	Veer right. After another 5 m pass the "Brooklyn Corner" (on your right). Day Time
	Veer left.
	After another 8 m (from the Brooklyn Road) continue straight. After another 15 m pass the car park (40 m on your left). After another 10 m pass the pay phone (on your left). After another 65 m pass the "Fitzies Fish and Chips" (on your right). Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 After another 30 m pass the "Lifeboat Seafood" (about 65 m ahead). Then pass the car park (about 80 m ahead). Then pass the car park (about 15 m ahead).
	Turn left.
	After another 7 m (from the Dangar Road) continue straight.
	After another 4 m turn left. After another 20 m come to a emergency call device.
	The end.

An alternative route linking Int of George and William Sts to Hawkesbury River Railway Station.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the William Street Start (a footpath).
	After another 90 m (from the George Street) turn left, to head along George Street (a vehicle track).
	After another 45 m (from the George Street) continue straight, to head along George Street (a service road).
	After another 20 m (from the George Street) continue straight, to head along George Street (a vehicle track). After another 65 m pass the car park (4 m on your right). After another 55 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right).
	From the George Street continue straight, to head along George Street. After another 15 m pass the shelter (9 m on your right). Then pass the shelter (9 m on your right).
	From the George Street continue straight, to head along George Street. After another 25 m pass a seat (15 m on your right). After another 25 m pass a seat (15 m on your right).
	From the George Street continue straight, to head along George Street.
	After another 25 m (from the George Street) continue straight (a service road). After another 45 m head through/around the gate. After another 30 m pass the car park (40 m on your left). After another 60 m pass the BBQ (50 m on your left). After another 15 m find the "Upper McKell Park Picnic Area" (50 m on your left). Upper McKell Park Picnic Area McKell Park Picnic Area is perched on the headland above Parsley Bay. The picnic area provides a pleasant grassy area with picnic shelters, electric BBQ's and toilets. The picnic area also has a lookout over the Hawkesbury River.
	After another 160 m continue straight. After another 20 m come to the viewpoint (15 m on your left). After another 135 m pass a seat (4 m on your left)., has a backrest. After another 15 m pass the picnic table (40 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 5 m pass the picnic table (4 m on your left). After another 30 m pass the BBQ (5 m on your right).
	Continue straight. Then pass the shelter (7 m on your right).
	After another 2 m continue straight. After another 6 m pass the toilet (on your left). After another 15 m pass the picnic table (50 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 15 m pass the BBQ (9 m on your right). Then pass the toilet (40 m on your left). Then pass the shelter (8 m on your right). After another 7 m find the "McKell Park" (on your left). McKell Park McKell Park is an excellent spot for an afternoon with the kids. It has a large fenced playground, interpretive display about Australia's federation, a swimming area, electric BBQ's, seating, toilets and change room facilities. The park overlooks the boats in the Hawkesbury River and is very close to the car park at the end of Dangar Rd.
	After another 5 m continue straight. Then pass the playground (on your left).
	After another 20 m continue straight.
	After another 150 m (from the Dangar Road) continue straight. After another 90 m pass the "King Tide Cafe" (25 m on your right). Then pass the car park (on your left).
	Veer right.
	After another 4 m (from the Karoola Street) continue straight. After another 55 m pass the toilet (10 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible.
	Turn right. Then pass the car park (on your right). After another 25 m pass the "Lifeboat Seafood" (15 m on your right).
	After another 85 m continue straight. After another 40 m pass the "Fitzies Fish and Chips" (on your left). Mo-Su 10:00-16:00 About 75 m past the end is "Brooklyn Accomodation". Brooklyn Accomodation Brooklyn is a lovely little village with plenty of holiday style accommodation. There are several small cafe/restaurants in the area, good choice for cooked meals. There are two options for overnight visits, both need to be booked in advance. Brooklyn Motel: Newly renovated accommodation on Bridge St,nearly opposite The Anglers Rest. This studio style accommodation starts from $120 per night with a spa, television and free wifi. Ph: 99858540 or 0410454530. Breakfast can be organised for an extra fee. The Anglers Rest: Pub style accommodation on the intersection of Brooklyn & Dangar Rds. There are shared bathroom facilities. From $60 single and $90 a double. Breakfast not included (but you can grab breakfast from a cafe) PH:(02)9985-7257 About 30 m past the end is a pay phone. About 35 m past the end is a car park. About 50 m past the end is "Brooklyn Corner". Day Time
	The end. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	13.6 km
Time	5 h 9 min to 5 h 30 min

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	115 m	[shelter]
Toilet	120 m	[toilet]
Seat	3 km	[seat]
Seat	3.6 km	[seat]
Campsite	9.8 km	Small Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Campsite	10.6 km	Large Campsite Brooklyn Dam
Toilet	13.3 km + 280 m	[toilet]
Shelter	13.3 km + 290 m	[shelter]
Shelter	13.3 km + 290 m	[shelter]
Seat	13.3 km + 315 m	[seat]
Seat	13.3 km + 340 m	[seat]
Seat	13.3 km + 810 m	[seat]
Shelter	13.3 km + 860 m	[shelter]
Toilet	13.3 km + 870 m	[toilet]
Toilet	13.3 km + 890 m	[toilet]
Shelter	13.3 km + 890 m	[shelter]
Toilet	13.3 km + 1.2 km	[toilet]
Accommodation	13.4 km	Brooklyn Accomodation

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Terrey Hills Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Friday 23 May
  
  Possible storm.
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the east and south, near zero chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm early this evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
  
  Alert: Large and powerful surf conditions for the rest of the day are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
  
  Saturday 24 May
  
  11°C → 20°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h tending west to northwesterly in the morning then tending north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 11:00am to 12:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 3 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 25 May
  
  11°C → 19°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the morning.
  
  Monday 26 May
  
  11°C → 21°C
  Shower or two developing.
  60% chance of rain
  0 → 2mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then increasing to 20 to 30 km/h during the day.
  
  Tuesday 27 May
  
  13°C → 17°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the morning. Mostly sunny day. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h turning westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the morning.
  
  Wednesday 28 May
  
  9°C → 17°C
  Mostly sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds westerly 15 to 25 km/h turning southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning.
  
  Thursday 29 May
  
  9°C → 17°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending southeast to southwesterly during the day.
  
  Friday 30 May
  
  10°C → 18°C
  Partly cloudy.
  30% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming south to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park alerts
  Safety alerts: Hazardous conditions due to weather
  Conditions on walking tracks and fire trails may be hazardous. This is due to forecasted weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding of waterways.
  If visiting these areas, please:
  
  Proceed with caution on rough and slippery surfaces
  
  Beware of falling trees
  
  Look out for erosion, washouts, and flooded creek crossings.
  
  Note that roads, tracks and trails can be closed with minimal notice.
  
  Remember, it’s never safe to drive, ride or walkthrough flood waters, so you’ll need to reschedule your visit and avoid travel through areas in this park. Check Live Traffic NSW for up-to-date information about road closures. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest weather warnings. For assistance during severe weather visit the NSW SES website. In life-threatening situations call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400.
  
  Other planned events: Brooklyn Dam trail maintenance
  Surface works will be carried out on the Brooklyn Dam trail and Brooklyn Dam South trail until Friday 6 June 2025, weather permitting.
  Walkers permitted but there may be delays. Please follow all signage and instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the North Western Sydney area office on 02 8448 0400
  
  Other planned events: Fox Trapping Program
  National Parks and Wildlife Service, Greater Sydney Branch (NPWS, GSB) is conducting an annual soft-jaw trapping program in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park from 20 May to 10 June 2025.
  The operation will use soft-jaw traps with lures for the control of foxes. The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on native wildlife, especially threatened species Southern brown bandicoot. Signs will be placed at the entrances to trap locations. Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.
  Pets and working dogs may be affected. Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the trapping locations. In the event of accidental trapping seek immediate veterinary assistance. In the event of encountering a trapped animal, do not approach or contact the animal.
  Please collect the location information of the incident and contact the local operator Mark Lamb on 0427 346 797 or the local officer Nick Henson on 0418 701 518.
  For more information, contact the NPWS Forestville office on 9451 3479 (business hours) or NPWS after-hours call centre on 1300 056 294 (after hours).
  
  Closed areas: Resolute Beach closed for track maintenance during May 2025
  Access to Resolute Beach is closed from Friday 2 May to Saturday 31 May 2025 while the stairs are upgraded. During this period access to Resolute Beach is not possible using the walking track. The beach may still be accessed from the water.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure
  Berowra walking track is partially closed from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track until further notice. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.
  The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 May 2025 in West Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Do not touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville: 02 9451 3479 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2025 and 31 July 2025 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  
  Closed areas: North Mackerel track closed and Mackerel trail partially closed
  North Mackerel track is permanently closed due to a potential risk of rockfalls and unstable cliff edges in the Great Mackerel Beach area.
  The only designated land access to or from Great Mackerel Beach is via Mackerel track to the north, which intersects with Resolute track.
  Due to land instability and risk to personal safety, there is no through or return access to or from the following places:
  
  The south end of Great Mackerel Beach via The Basin or Mackerel trail
  
  The west of Great Mackerel Beach via North Mackerel track, which is closed.
  
  Please be aware of the risks associated with visiting natural areas, including rock falls, unstable edges, falling branches and interactions with wildlife.
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

Start	At the intersection of Pacific Highway & Cowan Trail (-33.5936512,151.1713556)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From , Cowan.
Finish	(-33.5471267,151.2265964)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Train

Weather Forecast

Alerts