This is no small statement, but the Hornsby Blue Gum Walk is one of our favourite Sydney trails (and we’ve hiked A LOT of trails in Sydney). It’s so beautiful and varied, and it’s one of those walks where every single step is a delight. The highlights are those Blue Gum trees, the extensive valley of ferns, wandering along Berowra Creek and the overhangs along the way that look like honeycomb.
The track does have a few climbs and some easy scrambling, but it’s not a difficult walk. For a short trail, it packs in so much and it’s hard to believe how much it feels like you’ve got away from it all. It’s a walk we love to do time and time again.
So after all that hype, here’s what to expect on the Blue Gum Walk.
Hornsby Blue Gum Walk
The trail stats
Distance: 4.5km (add 2.4km return if coming from Hornsby station)
Elevation: 171km
Difficulty: Moderate
Type of trail: Circuit
Into the Blue Gum Forest
This isn’t one of those tracks that takes a while to get going, this walk is stunning from the off. The moment you leave the picnic area and hit the trail you are straight into the incredible Blue Gum Forest. You walk inbetween the majestic Blue Gums which are scattered amongst hundreds of ferns.
We’ve done this walk many times and it’s always a wow moment. It’s easy to race through this bit but it’s well worth taking the time to really appreciate what a gorgeous forest it is.
The track heads uphill but it’s not very steep and it soon flattens out as you continue through the shady forest.
The walk is really well signposted so you can relax and not have to worry about looking at maps which is always appreciated!
Onto Fishponds
After a kilometre of walking through the forest, you’ll see a staircase to your right which takes you off the wide stony path and onto a narrow bush track.
It’s a rocky descent and there is one bit where the stairs have worn away a bit but there’s a railing in place which makes it easy.
It’s not long until you reach the lookout for Fishponds. It’s a pretty enough view, but it’s worth taking the 100m detour to your right (which isn’t signposted) to get a better look at Fishponds, as the view from the lookout is partially obscured.
Fishponds from the ground
You’ll pass the picturesque stepping stones which lead over the creek on the trail to Thornleigh. Just along from here you’ll see the little beach beside Fishponds.
It’s a shame the water quality is not good because it looks like an idyllic swimming hole!
Following the creek
After taking a look at Fishponds, retrace your steps to the lookout and then head down the stairs in the opposite direction.
I love the next bit of the walk because it feels like a little bit of an adventure, with the track taking you up and over some rocks and past some unusual looking overhangs.
You walk along a rocky ledge with the babbling creek to your right, until you get to the point where you have to cross over the creek.
There is one gap between the rocks which requires a big step to get over. The first time I saw it I was really new to bushwalking and it actually freaked me out!
I’m pleased to say now that hundreds of hikes later I can hop over it no problem! Most people probably won’t give it a second thought!
Into the bush
After crossing the creek there’s a bit of climbing to do. The track is fairly rocky, but it’s not difficult to climb.
You’ll see some flood damage, which has brought one big tree and some smaller branches down, but it’s easy to climb over.
It’s not a particularly long ascent - around 500m - but if you’re walking on a really hot day, it can become a bit of a sweaty affair!
As you near the top there is a bit of a clearing a few seconds off trail to your right which provides a nice view over the forest.
The valley of ferns
Now you head into the forest which is absolutely covered in hundreds and hundreds of ferns. The path is narrow and you feel completely surrounded by them.
Being a bit of a fern fanatic I fell in love with this part of the walk, you’ll mainly descend through the forest, with a couple of gentle undulations and the whole time it’s just a sea of beautiful greenery.
It’s a really gorgeous part of the track and the perfect ending to the walk. The whole forest section is around 1km and it is mainly on narrow track but does turn into a wider stony path towards the end of the descent.
You’re then back out on the road and need to make a left turn and walk for around 300-400m along the road (but it’s nice and quiet and surrounded by lots of trees so it’s not too bad) to get back to your car.
All in all this is one of the best walks in Sydney for distance and effort vs reward!
If you’re coming from Hornsby station
We’ve done this walk several times from the station and it adds on around 1.2km each way. Some of that is through residential streets and in the town, and some of it is on the Hornsby Heritage Steps. The steps were built during the Great Depression to help create jobs and have since been upgraded.
This is a pretty addition to the trail and it feels like you’re back in the bush. On the way to the walk it’s mainly downhill, but unfortunately there is a bit of climbing to do on the way back!
Packing suggestions for the walk
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Essential information about the Blue Gum Walk
Parking for the walk
If you’re driving to the walk, the best place to park is nearby the Rosemead Road Picnic Area. This drops you by the start of the nicest part of the loop and there’s plenty of free street parking nearby. You can find the exact location on Google Maps by clicking on this link.
Public transport to the walk
To get to the trail by public transport, take the North Shore line train to Hornsby Train Station. From the station head west on Station Road. Turn right onto Peats Ferry Road before crossing and heading down Dural Street.
Keep an eye out for Quarry Road which is a turning on the right side which leads to the top of the Heritage Steps and then the start of the Blue Gum Walk.
Opening times
There are no opening times but we are just mentioning it because for some reasons Google says it closes at 3.30pm! We have no idea why, but it doesn’t!
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Are you planning a bush walk in Sydney? Have you hiked the Blue Gum Forest in Hornsby before? Let us know in the comments below!
