Sydney isn’t short on green space, but a major new park taking shape on the Upper North Shore is offering something a little bit different. As large-scale greening projects continue to roll out across NSW, from tree planting to major public space upgrades, there’s also a growing focus on turning underused land into more accessible spaces. Set within a former quarry that was off-limits for decades, the Hornsby Park site is now being gradually opened up as part of a long-term transformation into a public park. The first section has now opened, giving visitors an early look at the site as more stages are rolled out. Here’s everything you need to know.
Hornsby Park Opens First Stage
Located off Quarry Road in Hornsby, on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, Hornsby Park occupies a former quarry that has been gradually reshaped after years of restricted access. What was once a working industrial site is now being opened up to the public, revealing a deep, crater-like landscape surrounded by ancient volcanic rock walls and dense bushland.
The newly opened precinct gives visitors direct access into this space, with an elevated lookout across the quarry floor and surrounding vegetation. Open lawns, picnic areas and built facilities have been introduced across the site, creating a usable public area while still keeping the scale and structure of the original quarry clearly visible.
Inside the newly opened precinct
The first public area to open is the Crusher Plant Precinct, which acts as the main entry point into Hornsby Park for now. This section has been designed to make the site accessible while work continues elsewhere, with a mix of basic amenities and viewing areas already in place. The Southern Lookout is the main drawcard in this section, boasting a direct view into the quarry below, with the surrounding bushland enveloping the site. Sheltered picnic spots and barbecue facilities are available nearby, so you can turn your visit into a longer day out.
Pathways throughout the precinct are easy to follow, with a simple layout that allows safe access while the rest of the park remains under construction. At this stage, the main highlight is the lookout, along with short walks through the bushland, and space for picnics and barbecues.
What’s coming next
This is only the first stage of a much bigger project. Future plans for Hornsby Park include a Quarry Loop walking and cycling track, additional lookouts, and dedicated recreation areas such as a bike jump and pump track. The Old Mans Valley Field of Play is also planned as part of the broader development. New sections will open progressively as construction continues. Find more information about Hornsby Park here.
How to get to Hornsby Park
Hornsby Park is accessed via Quarry Road in Hornsby, which leads directly into the Crusher Plant Precinct. You can also reach the area on foot via the Heritage Steps, a steep bush track starting near the Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre. From there, it links to longer trails including the Great North Walk, the longest walking track in NSW. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
