Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily on making the quarry safe and usable: earthworks, stabilising walls, and building initial paths, lookouts, and facilities.
The Crusher Plant building is currently being reviewed. A report will be presented to Council for them to make an informed decision on the future of the building.
Crusher Plant parking and the Southern Lookout close at 5.30pm (7.30pm during daylight savings) and reopen at 7am.
Bushwalks and open spaces remain accessible at all times, but there is no lighting so visitors should allow time to leave before dark.
Dogs on a leash are welcome in Hornsby Park. Please keep to made paths and bushland tracks. Please pick up after your dog. Please note, water is available at the Crusher Plant Precinct and the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre Precinct.
Completing the Quarry Loop for walking/cycling with two new lookouts.
Then delivering the Old Mans Valley Field of Play, including pump track and more amenities.
It will form part of the Quarry Loop interpretation and is also on the website.
The Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee is being consulted on Aboriginal interpretation and signage.
The route via Quarry Road to the Southern Lookout (with toilets and picnic areas) is via Dural Street and Quarry Road. Dural Street and Quarry Road have a footpath, however, you will need to walk on the roadway at the end of Quarry Road and the path is not fully accessible. Two accessible parking spaces are available onsite and the lookout and picnic area are accessible. The rest of the park is not fully accessible.
Note: Crusher Plant Parking includes two accessible spaces.
Portable BBQs are permitted.
The Crusher Plant Precinct has a free electric BBQ for use.
A Vegetation Management Plan covers habitat protection, ecological monitoring, and weed control.
A historic stairway built during the Great Depression to bolster local employment, now restored as a scenic route to and from the park.
Hornsby Park sits partway along the Heritage Steps walk, allowing visitors to go east or west.
East: 1km / 30 min to the Hornsby Aquatic & Leisure Centre and playground. Join this direction near the Crusher Plant entry plaza.
West: 500m / 15 min to Rosemead Rd Picnic Area, with connections to Blue Gum Walk and the Great North Walk. Join this direction from Quarry Road.
Small, non-commercial use sun shelters are permitted but must not be pegged into the ground (sandbags or weights are permitted). Please ensure their placement does not interfere with the comfort of others or obstruct thoroughfares. Structures for large gatherings or events require approval.
It will open once the Circulation Works are complete. These works are progressing well, and the aim is to open it this year.
There are no cafe’s or shops at Hornsby Park.
Local cafe’s and shops are an 11 minute, 700m stroll away.
Grade 3, steep with many stairs, 500m or 1km depending on direction. Suitable for most fitness levels.
The eastern direction features a short, steppingstone river crossing with no handrails.
The park is delivered in stages over many years and for many generations to come – no single completion date. Different areas will open as they are funded and completed.
Permanent accessible toilets are in the admin building behind the old Crusher Plant.
Yes, but they close after heavy rain. Visitors should check Council’s website for current trail status.
14‑metre columns, a 13‑metre staircase, and a 42‑metre-long viewing deck.
Two water refill stations are available in the park. One at the eastern end of the park near the picnic shelter and one on the western end near the lookout.
The site’s unique terrain, heritage setting and budget shaped the design. The facility reuses an existing building while meeting accessibility needs.
The Skywalk is still planned long‑term, but on hold due to financial constraints.
The Masterplan will be delivered in stages over time. At present, the feasibility of swimming in the quarry lake is yet to be determined. Any opportunity to swim will need to consider community safety, access and funding. In the meantime, you are welcome to enjoy the lake views from the lookouts and along the Quarry Loop. Hornsby Park also contains the Hornsby Aquatic & Leisure Centre which is situated off Peats Ferry Road. Natural waterway swimming is also available across the Shire – please visit swimming in our waterways to find out more.
It was ready sooner, allowing the community early access to Hornsby Park while works continues elsewhere on the site.
Whilst drones may be fun, they can be noisy, disturb other visitors, and impact local birdlife. There are also safety concerns, particularly in public spaces. For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, drone flying is not allowed in the park.
A small, Hornsby Park playground exists near the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre, accessible via the Heritage Steps.
The first stage of the Crusher precinct works focused on lookouts, walking paths, picnic areas and accessible facilities. Additional playgrounds may come in later stages or other precincts.
