Getting started
From the end of Boronia Avenue, this walk follows the GNW arrow post up along the rocky track. The track leads over a small rise then bends right (ignoring the track to your left), to head down a few stone steps, then a series of timber steps. The track then continues along the bank of the Lane Cove River (to your right) for about 100m to come to a T-intersection with Princes St. Here the walk turns left and heads up the road (away from the water view) for about 50m, coming to an intersection with another track and a large green 'The Great North Walk' signpost (on your right).
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Buffalo Ck. Park' arrow down along track. Veering right after about 50m, this wide track then leads through the casuarina forest for a short time, coming to an intersection and a small clearing with a picnic table, the informally named Brickmakers Creek picnic area.
From the picnic area, this walk follows the GNW arrow post across the rocky Brickmakers Creek and up the steps. The walk continues along the short timber boardwalk, then leads up the timber steps for about 100m where the track flattens out, veering right at another GNW arrow post. Here the track leads down between the rocks, with a filtered view to the water, and a short distance later, the track veers right again at another GNW arrow post, heading gently down between some more rocks. For another 150m , the mostly flat track leads over some rock platforms then along a short section of timber boarding to come to a three-way intersection marked with a GNW arrow, and a larger unfenced rock platform (to the right).
From the intersection, this walk heads along the rock platform, keeping the river down to your right. The walk soon heads down some steps carved in the rock, then follows the rocky and sandy track gently downhill, passing some interesting rock formations over about 140m then climbing over some rocks with a metal handrail. The track leads up a series of steps for about 200m, then goes up some carved steps (also with a handrail). From here, the rocky track heads down the steps then leads alongside the mangroves for just shy of 100m, coming to a T-intersection marked with a GNW arrow.....

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.3 km apart with the largest gap of 2.5 km.

Mangrove viewing platform
This timber viewing platform is found on bank on south-west of the confluence of the Lane Cove River and Buffalo Creek. This area is affected by the tides so the view is constantly changing. The lookout platform provides an opportunity to view the mangroves community and the eroded sandstone ruins

Sugarloaf Point
Sugarloaf Point is a large grassy clearing with a picnic area on the edge of the Lane Cove River, just north of the Buffalo Creek junction. The riverside picnic area has a couple of picnic benches and a small beach, making it possible to pull a boat up to the point.

Magdala Park
Magdala Park, found at the end of Magdala Rd, North Ryde, is home to a large playing field with a baseball diamond in the corner and a smaller playing field to the north. There is a car park , public toilets, sheltered picnic tables , childrens playground, garbage bins, and town water on tap. There are a few Great North Walk signs highlighting the direction of the walk as it winds across the open grassy area.