Blackbutt Creek Track

Tall blackbutts, fern gullies and small cascades make Blackbutt Creek Track one of the cooler bushwalks on the Upper North Shore. It runs through a creek valley in Gordon between St Johns Avenue and Vale Street, and dogs can come on a lead.

Lead rules

Ku-ring-gai Council allows leashed dogs on its bushwalking tracks, but only up to the national park or conservation signs. Where the signs say no dogs, turn back.

The walk

This is a proper bush track, with dirt underfoot, loose rocks, steps and some fire trail sections. Along the way you pass creekside cascades and St Johns Falls.

A thick canopy of blackbutt, turpentine and peppermint keeps most of it shaded. The creek runs beside the track, but there are no dog taps at the trailheads, so carry water.

Max: Loose rock and steps are hard on a dog pulling ahead. Keep the lead short on the descents.

Getting started

Park on the street at St Johns Avenue or Vale Street, where the bins are too. Gordon station is roughly 850 metres away, so you can arrive by train.

Make a day of it

Grab a coffee at The Wyatt, or add a flatter stroll at East Gordon Park.

The shade makes this a good summer choice for fit dogs, though the steps are hard going for older legs.