Taffys Rock had been on my hiking list for a while, but until now, I hadn’t made the trek. This time, I joined a group of six hikers to finally explore this well-known trail in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, north of Sydney.
Taffys Rock is named after Dorothy “Taffy” Townson, a member of the Rucksack Bushwalking Club who tragically died from a snake bite in 1948 while hiking Tasmania’s Overland Track. The rock platform overlooking the Cowan Creek was one of her favorite places, and today, a commemorative plaque honors her memory.
Taffys Rock Return Hike Overview
- When: 7 March 2025
- Where: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Weather: Overcast and humid with drizzle during the day. Low of 69.8°F (21°C) and a high of 80.6°F (27°C)
- Departure: From Cowan train station, finishing at Cowan train station.
- Length: 9.87 miles, 15.9 km
- Elevation gain: 2191 ft, 668 m
- Duration: 5 hours 31 minutes moving time
Starting the Hike: Cowan to Jerusalem Bay
Our group met at Cowan Station at 8:45 AM and, after crossing the train line, set off into the bush.
The hike began with a descent towards Jerusalem Bay, a stunning inlet known for its peaceful waters and bushland surroundings. With recent rain, the track was wet and slippery in sections, making footing a little tricky—especially on wooden surfaces, which can become dangerously slick.
Before long, we arrived at Jerusalem Bay, where we took a short break. The overcast skies and light drizzle muted the usual brilliant blue of the water, but the view was still beautiful in a more dramatic, moody way. This section of the hike I had completed in January – you can read about it here.
Challenging Ascent: The Climb Out of Jerusalem Bay
Not long after crossing a small creek feeding into Jerusalem Creek, the 200-meter (656-foot) ascent over 1.4 km (0.87 miles) began. This section was steep and rocky, requiring careful footing, particularly with the wet conditions.
We stopped for a quick morning tea break about halfway up, fueling up for the steepest part of the climb.
Turning onto Taffys Rock Track
At the junction marked by the sign pointing toward Brooklyn Dam, we turned onto the Taffys Rock Track. This section followed a ridge line and featured a mix of terrain—dense bushy patches, rocky climbs, and undulating.
Top of the World: A Must See Lookout
Along the way, we reached a striking tessellated rock formation and made a short scramble up to “Top of the World,” a rock platform offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding national park. After taking in the scenery, we pressed on, passing two large, well-constructed stone trig points.
Reaching Taffys Rock and a Lunch With a View
Reaching Taffys Rock, we dropped our packs and explored the area, eventually locating the plaque dedicated to Dorothy Townson. Even with the gray skies, the views over Cowan Creek and the surrounding bushland were incredible. There’s nothing quite like enjoying lunch with a spectacular view!
The Return Journey
As this was a return hike, we retraced our steps back to Cowan. What had been a steep climb earlier became a tricky descent, requiring extra caution over the wet rocks. And, true to the nature of bushwalking in Australia, the hike ended with an uphill finish.
Trail Conditions: Steep Climbs & Bushy Sections
The trail to Taffys Rock is varied, with a mix of well-defined paths and narrow, overgrown sections. The initial descent to Jerusalem Bay is straightforward but can be slippery after rain.
The climb out of Jerusalem Bay is steep and demanding, particularly when navigating large, uneven rock steps. Once on Taffys Rock Track, some sections are quite bushy, requiring a bit of pushing through shrubs and low-hanging branches.
For anyone planning this hike, long pants and gaiters are a good idea to protect against scratches and ticks.
Flora & Fauna: A Wallaby Sighting
The landscape on this hike is diverse, ranging from eucalypt forests to rocky outcrops and dense scrub. Along the way, we spotted a wallaby, which was a highlight of the day. These native marsupials are common in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, though they can be elusive.
Birdlife was also abundant, with lorikeets and kookaburras making their presence known throughout the hike. The humid, damp weather seemed to bring out the best of the bush’s fresh scents and vibrant greenery.
My Final Thoughts on Taffys Rock
After hearing so much about Taffys Rock, I’m glad to have finally checked it off my hiking list. The combination of stunning views, varied terrain, and a bit of a challenge made for a fantastic day out in the bush. Thankfully, no snake encounters this time! Happy hiking!
Have you hiked to Taffys Rock? Please leave your comments below.