Depression Era Hornsby Heritage Steps

Hornsby Heritage Steps Sydney New South Wales

Constructed as part of a program of ‘works for the relief of unemployment’ during the Great Depression the Hornsby Heritage Steps, also known as ‘Depressions Steps’ link the Crusher Precinct to Central Hornsby and Rosemead Road Reserve. Rated a grade 3 walk, the steps are steep, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Getting There

Depending on how much of the steps you want to walk, there are three starting points.

Arriving by train, you can walk to the Aquatic Centre and then climb the stairs to the Crusher Precinct. From here you can either descend to Rosemead Road Reserve or return the way you came.
Park at Rosemead Road Reserve; climb the stairs to the Crusher Precinct and then either return or continue downhill to the Aquatic Centre. From here you will have to return the way you came.
Park at the Crusher Precinct. From here you can walk down hill to either the Aquatic Centre or Rosemead Road Reserve. You will then have to walk back uphill to return to your car.

We chose the second option, parking at the Reserve and climbing the 330 steps to the Crusher Precinct. Deciding not to walk on to the Aquatic Centre we returned to our car from here.

What to Expect

Parking at Rosemead Reserve is limited to on-road parking. With no dedicated carpark, spaces will fill up quickly during busy times. The reserve has several shade shelters with seats and tables, but no toilet facilities. A well detailed map shows the local walks, including Blue Gum, Great Northern and Heritage Steps.

Start of the Hornsby Heritage Steps at Rosemead Road Reserve — Start of the Heritage Steps at Rosemead Road Reserve

The steps are cut from sandstone and were repaired in the early 2010s, so are generally in good condition. As you go uphill, you pass through critically endangered blue gum forest with wonderful valley views. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to admire the scenery and take photos. Make sure you keep a lookout for the artwork placed next to the path, including an old pickaxe and plaques in the shape of books.

At the top the path flattens out and meets the Crusher Precinct. This is a great place to stop and have a recover while learning about the old quarry and taking in the views. From here we retraced our steps to Rosemead Road Reserve.