Hornsby Park Opens First Stage on Upper North Shore
Sydney’s newest public green space has risen from a quarry on an ancient volcano, offering a blend of heritage architecture and modern urban planning.
Hornsby Park, a 60-hectare bushland park on Sydney's upper north shore, opened its first stage in March. The site—located on Dharug and GuriNgai country—is situated on an ancient volcano just a 10-minute walk from Hornsby train station. Previously a quarry abandoned in 2003, the land has been transformed into a significant community asset.
Key Features
Heritage Steps
Approximately 1 km long, these steps connect Hornsby pool to the Great North Walk. Constructed in the 1930s, they pass through fern groves and blue gums, offering a scenic route through the park.
Quarry and Viewing Platform
The former quarry now contains striking turquoise water. A 42-metre-long red metal viewing platform juts out 14 metres above the ground, providing panoramic views of the quarry lake. The quarry void and lake remain fenced off and not accessible to the public; swimming would require future safety and funding assessments.
Old Crusher Plant
A remnant of the quarry's working history, this equipment is fenced off for preservation.
Wildlife
Lorikeets, rosellas, and kookaburras have been observed in the park.
Development Context
Hornsby is one of eight precincts rezoned by the New South Wales government as a transport-oriented development (TOD) precinct. This rezoning allows up to 6,000 new homes near the train station. The park is intended to provide essential infrastructure and green space to support the increased housing density.
Future Plans
- Old Man's Valley: A $24.3 million project including sports fields and a cycling track, scheduled to open in May 2027.
- Walking and cycling track: Currently under construction around the top of the quarry, featuring scenic lookouts.
The park is described as an intergenerational project, with development expected to continue over time.
Comparison with Other Sydney Parks
Sydney Park in Alexandria (42 hectares, former brickworks and landfill) and Sydney Olympic Park are cited as successful examples of redeveloping industrial or brownfield sites into public green spaces.
Statements
"The park provides amenities to support housing density."
— Glen Magus, acting general manager of Hornsby Shire Council
"Parkland is essential urban infrastructure. Sydney (and Australia) are world leaders in such redevelopment."
— Mike Horne, director of Turf Design
"Redeveloping brownfield sites is expensive but positive because it cleans up and reclaims land."
— Elisa Palazzo, senior lecturer at UNSW
Accessibility
Parking and pathways are available, though the heritage steps are steep in parts. One visitor noted the park is good for elderly people, unlike some bush tracks with leeches.