The Cowan to Jerusalem Bay Track winds through scenic bushland, leading to a beautiful bay that is perfect for a swim and a picnic.
This 2.4 km trail is generally easy but features some steep sections as you descend to the bay, where you’ll be treated to fantastic views of Cowan Creek.
Cowan to Jerusalem Bay Track | |
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Distance: | 2.4 km (one way) |
Time: | 1 hour |
Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections) |
Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The walking track to Jerusalem Bay begins at Cowan train station, making the train the most convenient way to get there. The journey from Sydney Central takes less than an hour.
On weekends, you can take advantage of the Opal card travel cap, which applies to all public transport. Cowan train station is on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line.
If you’re driving, free suburban street parking is available near the station, along with a small commuter car park next to it.
After arriving, cross the tracks at the southern end of the station to reach the other side, then follow the signs for Brooklyn and the Great North Walk.
Below is a map of the walk.
Track Notes
The 2.4 km walk from Cowan Station to Jerusalem Bay takes about an hour to reach the water and slightly longer on the return journey, as the hike back is uphill.
Once you arrive at Jerusalem Bay, you have the option to continue further north to Brooklyn, adding an extra 10 km to your journey. However, this section is challenging, so only attempt it if you’re well-prepared.
Start of the Walk
The scenic track to Jerusalem Bay is clearly signposted from Cowan train station.

Follow the signs for Brooklyn and the Great North Walk, cross the pedestrian bridge over the noisy motorway, and make your way into the serenity of the forest ahead.

The trail begins with a steep, rocky section that gradually transitions into a more enjoyable forest path.

After about half an hour, you’ll catch glimpses of water as you follow Cowan Creek towards the bay, passing towering gum and eucalyptus trees and small waterfalls along the way.

At this point, it may feel like Jerusalem Bay is just around the corner, but there’s still a little way to go before you reach the bay.
Jerusalem Bay
Continue along the path until you reach an elevated spot offering stunning views over Cowan Creek and Jerusalem Bay.
It’s hard to believe the city is less than an hour away, as it truly feels like a secluded paradise far removed from civilisation.

On warm days, a refreshing swim is highly recommended. Flat, rocky surfaces along the water’s edge provide a convenient spot to lay down your towel and belongings before taking a dip.
The tranquillity of the bay, surrounded by trees, makes swimming here a truly special experience.

Jerusalem Bay rarely gets crowded, thanks to its lack of road access, and you need to have a bit of an adventurous mindset to hike down to the water from Cowan.
Another way to reach the bay is by boat, and you’ll often see several boats floating peacefully in the water, adding to the picturesque scenery.

When you’re ready to leave, simply retrace your steps along the same trail back to the train station.
Read our guide on hiking in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for more great walks in this beautiful part of Sydney.
More Hiking
The 2.4 km trail between Cowan and Jerusalem Bay forms part of the Great North Walk, an iconic 250 km track connecting Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Newcastle.
As mentioned, the short walk from Cowan to the bay can be extended to Brooklyn, where you can catch the train back to Cowan or Sydney.
The total distance of this challenging walk is around 13 km, so make sure you come prepared with good hiking shoes and lots of water and snacks.
Another adventurous track is the 13 km hike between Cowan and Berowra via Berowra Waters.
This challenging walk explores the ridges and valleys around Berowra Waters, with great views and vantage points along the way. Berowra Waters is also a suburb with great accommodation and restaurant options.
The Cowan to Brooklyn hike is one of the great hikes in Sydney, with some great restaurants, cafes and pubs in Brooklyn catering for hikers, cyclists and fisherfolk.
Couldn’t agree more!
We walked Cowan you Jerusalem Bay about 6 weeks ago and loved it. A great distance and rewarded by the beautiful views and a decent, challenging track. Went back this weekend to tick off the Cowan to Brooklyn walk. Well, that was a solid 15 km and 4 hour hike. Definitely not for the fainthearted. The last half was fire trail and by then we just wanted to “be there”. Very glad we hadn’t brought any novice hikers with us. Glad to have completed and will walk to Jerusalem Bay again but Brooklyn is only 10 mins on the train from Cowan!
Wow, thanks for sharing, Lara. You’re absolutely right, the hike to Brooklyn is very challenging!