Looking for somewhere a little different to explore with the kids in Sydney? Check out the newly opened Hornsby Park.
The first section of Hornsby Park has just opened, giving families their first chance to experience this ambitious transformation of a former quarry into a unique bushland park. (It’s just the first stage of the transformation of this 60-hectare site).
Think dramatic rock walls, a fully accessible lookout with incredible views, picnic spots, BBQs and bushwalks if you’re up for a bit of adventure.
This site was once home to a major industrial crusher plant, where volcanic rock was processed for use across Sydney. Now that space has been reimagined into an open area that blends history with nature.
The Crusher Plant Precinct is the first section of the park to welcome visitors, and there’s plenty to see and do here. The first thing you’ll notice is the Crusher Plant. This is where the rock from the quarry was crushed to become the gravel and road base for Sydney.
One of the highlights of this first stage is the Southern Lookout. It’s an impressive structure, with its 14-metre-high tapered steel columns, 13-metre flight of stairs and 42-metre-long viewing platform.
This fully accessible viewing platform gives you sweeping views across the quarry and surrounding bushland.
It’s a great spot to stop, take it all in and explain to the kids just how big this space really is. It’s fully accessible, so everyone in the family can take in the view.
From the Southern Lookout, you can also down the stairs and then under the lookout. From below, you realise how impressive this structure is.
You can then walk up the hill and this leads back to the grassy area.
Lawns, picnic shelters and BBQs make this an easy spot for a family lunch or afternoon outing. The precinct has been designed as a relaxed, open space, so bring a picnic blanket and chill.
If your family is up for a bit more adventure, the Heritage Steps are worth checking out. The Hornsby Heritage Steps, also known as ‘Depressions Steps’, were originally built as part of a program of ‘works for the relief of unemployment’ during the Great Depression.
Recently upgraded, these steep but scenic steps connect the precinct to surrounding bushwalks, including the Blue Gum Walk and sections of the Great North Walk.
It’s a more active option and better suited to older kids, but it adds another layer to the experience if you’re keen to explore beyond the main park area.
Future stages of Hornsby Park include a Quarry Loop walking and cycling track, additional scenic lookouts, a bike jump and pump track, and the Old Mans Valley Field of Play.
The masterplan also includes a freshwater lake at the base of the quarry cliffs, a wetlands cascade, and a canopy skywalk linking Hornsby Town Centre to the site.
Good to Know Before You Go
Getting there: Hornsby Park is located off Quarry Road, Hornsby. It’s about 1km west of Hornsby Town Centre and not far from the train station.
By Train: It’s 1.3km walk from Hornsby train station (approx 17 minutes, longer with kids) and it’s uphill going back to the train station.
Accessibility: The Southern Lookout is fully accessible. Also accessible toilets and parking.
Parking: Access via Quarry Road, Hornsby. The carpark was pretty full when we visited. You might need to park on Quarry Road and walk.
Best for: Families with kids of all ages for the lookout and picnic area; older kids and adults for the Heritage Steps walk.
How long do you need? It depends. You can spend 10 minutes at the lookout and leave, or spend an hour walking around the site, and then stop and have a picnic.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic shelters and electric BBQ facilities on site.
Dogs: Dogs on a leash are welcome in Hornsby Park.
Cost: Free entry.
More info: Hornsby Park website
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