Looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike near Sydney? The Cowan to Berowra section of the Great North Walk is a fantastic option. Just an hour north of Sydney, this hike takes you through Berowra Valley National Park, featuring steep climbs, rocky descents, and scenic views over Berowra Creek.
It’s graded a 3, being moderate, but don’t let this grading fool you as much of the track is rocky ascents and descents. With over 626 m (2,053 ft) of total elevation gain, this hike offers a solid workout while rewarding you with stunning bushland scenery and a peaceful creekside section. It’s ease of accessibility, via train, makes it a great choice.
Cowan to Berowra Hike Overview
- When: 21 February 2025
- Where: Berowra Valley National Park
- Weather: Overcast and humid Sydney day with a 40% chance of rain during the day but most likely in the afternoon. Low of 62.6°F (17°C) and a high of 73.4°F (23°C)
- Departure: From Cowan train station, finishing at Berowra train station.
- Length: 8.45 miles, 13.6 km
- Elevation gain: 2,053 ft, 626 m
- Duration: 4 hours 23 minutes moving time
Starting from Cowan
Our group of six set off from Cowan Station at 8:50 am, meeting on the western side before crossing the road and heading onto a well-defined bush track.
The first couple of kilometers were relatively flat with gentle undulations, allowing us to warm up before the real challenge began.
The First Descent Down to a Creek Crossing
About 2 km (1.2 miles) in, we started our first major descent – a 160 m (525 ft) drop over 1 km (0.6 miles). The track became rockier, requiring careful footing, but we found ourselves immersed in the bush as we made our way down. You will find my post on how to tackle descents here.
At the bottom, we reached our first creek crossing, which was shallow and easy to navigate with no wet feet for our group!
The First Climb
As any hiker knows – what goes down must go back up! After the creek, we faced a 175 m (574 ft) climb over 1.5 km (0.9 miles). This was a solid workout, but we took it at a steady pace, enjoying the peaceful bush surroundings with the odd outburst from cicadas.
Once at the top, the track became less steep but still undulating, offering a nice mix of terrain.
Scenic Morning Tea Stop with Views of Berowra Creek
We took a well-earned morning tea break on a rock platform overlooking Berowra Creek. The view was stunning, with boats moored along the water and the Berowra Waters ferry shuttling cars back and forth.
This was a perfect spot to refuel, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the cool breeze from the creek.
The Second Descent Down to Berowra Creek
From here, we continued descending towards the creek shore. This section wasn’t as steep as the first, but it had tricky parts that required caution, especially with the rocky terrain.
Once we reached the bottom, we enjoyed a beautiful, flat section along Berowra Creek. The cooler air and lower humidity here were a welcome relief after the climbs.
The Final Climb Out
Of course, we knew another climb was coming. This 170 m (558 ft) ascent over 1 km (0.6 miles) felt like the toughest of the day, probably because we were already feeling the earlier climbs and the humidity as rain loomed!
Once we conquered this final major uphill, we found ourselves on an undulating and rocky section that led us towards Berowra.
The Final Stretch to Berowra Station
After so many ascents and descents, the last small climb felt short and easy. Before we knew it, we were back on the road and heading towards Berowra Train Station, completing the hike in just under 4.5 hours, as rain drops started to fall. What perfect timing!
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
The track is well-marked, but the rocky and uneven terrain means careful footing is necessary. Several steep ascents and descents, making it a good challenge for intermediate hikers. Some creek crossings, mostly easy, but after heavy rain, they may require more caution. A mix of shaded and exposed sections, so sun protection is a must. There is the option to top up your water and toilet facilities before the last climb, near where the ferry wharf.
Wildlife & Nature
This hike passes through Berowra Valley National Park, home to a variety of native Australian wildlife:
- Birds: Kookaburras, lyrebirds, black cockatoos
- Reptiles: Water dragons, and occasionally a snake (be alert but don’t panic!)
- Flora: Eucalyptus forests, banksias, and seasonal wildflowers
My Final Thoughts
The Cowan to Berowra hike is a fantastic half day adventure, offering challenging climbs, rewarding views, and a great workout. Despite each individual ascent being manageable, the total elevation gain of 626 m (2,053 ft) adds up, making this a solid hike for those wanting a bit of a challenge.
Whether you’ re training for a longer trek or just looking for a scenic bushwalk near Sydney, this section of the Great North Walk is well worth doing. Happy hiking!
Have you hiked this trail? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!