Place of Winds
Place of Winds
Some hikes are quiet surprises, and the Place of Winds Interpretive Trail is one of them. Starting from the grassy campground at Crosslands Reserve, this track follows the edge of Berowra Creek through mangroves, boardwalks, estuary shallows, and a whole world of birdlife. It’s short, easy, and a beautiful way to spend a calm morning along the Great North Walk.
Quick Details
Length: 3km
Elevation: Almost none
Grade: Easy
Best season: High Tide (it looks a bit ordinary at low tide)
Suitable for kids: Yes
Starting the Trail
I parked on the edge of Crosslands Reserve, got out of the car and was instantly hit in the face with the heat of the day like I’d just opened an oven door. It was the kind of heat that can only be described as Sydney heat. I decided to check out the park first. The map said there were a couple of viewing platforms on the edge of Berowra Creek.
The viewing platforms are actually really lovely. Wooden decks overlooking the water and overgrown banks. I’ve never been to an estuary before, so I had no idea what to expect — and now that I was here I was regretting not saving this place for a time when Jess and the boys were hiking too. It was beautiful, and I hadn’t even started the trail yet.
I turned around and walked back through the car park and campground. Unfortunately, it’s not always recommended to swim in the creek, but there were a few people out with kayaks on the water. This would be a great campground or day-use area for families — but worth noting the creek is easily accessible so keep a close eye on young kids.
I stepped to the edge of the trees to get my first look at the estuarine wetlands. The trees and water were both filled with birds — ducks, herons, kookaburras, and a few others I didn’t know the names of. It took me a minute to realise they were searching for little fish in the water — which I worked out when one swam past my boot through the grass under the surface. Little islands of pine needles floated in the water and large staghorn ferns hung from the trees.
This area isn’t always flooded — being an estuary, the water level depends on the tide. I got lucky and visited at high tide, so I got to see it at its best. The only trouble with visiting now was the ankle deep water at either end of the boardwalk that I had to walk through in order to cross over the water and get to the track on the other side.
The boardwalks are one of the things I love most about this track. They add a fun element to the walk — and a practical one, because it means not having to wade through knee-deep water to reach the track.
I got distracted along the boardwalk, watching ducks swimming between the tree trunks like they were browsing a supermarket aisle, and a heron flew by and landed on a log, dipping for fish every few minutes with enviable patience. I was blown away by how pretty it all was.
The trail continues on the edge of the wetland. I had to dodge a few puddles left behind by the high tide, although at this point my boots were already wet anyway. I think this part of the track is supposed to be wheelchair accessible, but it’d be a bit rough in places for that.
It wasn’t long before the track joined another boardwalk, this one leading to a seated area overlooking the creek. Although, to actually see the creek, you need to stand in the corner and lean over the railing to peer past the trees. Even though the track is only 1.5km each way, it’s the kind of walk you really want to take your time with, which is exactly what I did.
Place of Winds?
I read somewhere that “Berowra” in the local First Nations dialect means “Place of Winds”, but then I also read that’s a mistranslation and that Berowra actually means “Place of Shells”. A lot of the sign boards along the track speak of what life was like here before Europeans arrived, and based on those stories, I’m guessing it means Place of Shells.
Back to the Trail
The track opens up and you get a better view of the creek beside you. I sat down on a big rock to take it all in and then heard a splash… shortly followed by another splash… I looked up and waited, and before too long I saw it — fish were jumping out of the water. I have no idea why. It wasn’t just an odd jump here and there though, this was pretty consistent for the time I was there.
I wasn’t the only curious one on the trail. I found a water dragon seated next to me on the rock — although I’m not sure if he was also curious about the flying fish or the muesli bars in my bag. He looked at me the way a dog looks at a dropped chip on the ground — hopeful and calculating. I decided to keep walking before he tried to nick my food or hitch a lift in my pack.
The track goes up and down a couple of rough hills. They’re short but not difficult, although the heat made them a little tiring on my visit.
The track curls down a hill to a bridge over Calna Creek. According to a sign next to the bridge, this is a fairly new addition after the old one was destroyed — I presume by floodwater.
The end of the bridge brings me to the last boardwalk, and once again I had to walk through ankle-deep water to reach it — which was annoying, because my boots were finally dry. I did my best to jump over it… fell short… fell over… and ended up with a wet butt as well as newly wet boots.
This last boardwalk looks like it goes through a beautiful grassy meadow. It wasn’t until I crossed a missing plank that I realised there was water under the boardwalk — which, in retrospect, I probably should have already known, given I’d fallen into the water three minutes earlier.
The boardwalk comes to an end in the trees, and this time I didn’t try to jump over the water — mostly because I couldn’t see any dry ground in any direction, and I didn’t trust that I wouldn’t fall over again. For now, it was time to turn around and enjoy the track all over again.
This track forms part of the Great North Walk — a track that goes from Sydney to Newcastle. I’d love to come back here again one day and explore further along the trail — although I think I’ll skip the full 250km hike... There's only so long I can go without a shower, and my limit is definitely less than 250km (and I don’t think falling in an estuary along the trail would cut it).
Getting There
Crosslands Reserve is found at the end of Somerville Road in Hornsby Heights. The gate at the entrance is open from 8am daily and closes at 7.30pm during daylight savings, and 5.30pm at all other times. If you don’t get out by then, you’d better have a tent in the car.
Tips and Tricks
This would make a great overnight camping place. Although there’s no power or showers at the reserve.
High tide is a great time to visit to really see the boardwalks at their best — although it does mean getting wet feet. I saw a few people try to find ways around the water at the edge of the boardwalks — all failed.
Berowra Creek is susceptible to pollution and algae blooms which make it unsafe to swim in. Always check the Hornsby Council Website for information on when it's safe to swim there.
This is a track where you can really spend hours just enjoying your surroundings. The scenery, the water, the birds it’s all incredible. Be sure to choose a day when you can take your time along the trail.
