Hornsby Park opens Crusher Plant Precinct as former quarry transforms

The Southern Lookout at Hornsby Park offers panoramic views across a former volcanic quarry through 14-metre-high steel columns and a 42-metre viewing deck. The structure opened in March 2026 as the first completed section of what will become Sydney’s largest quarry-to-park transformation.

The Crusher Plant Precinct marks the opening of the first stage of Hornsby Park, a $130 million project converting the former Hornsby Quarry into 60 hectares of recreational space. The precinct, accessible off Quarry Road, gives visitors their first glimpse of the scale planned for one of Hornsby Shire Council’s largest ever projects.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell said the precinct offers a preview of the site’s potential as construction continues on other sections.

“Hornsby Park is being delivered progressively, and the Crusher Plant Precinct gives the community a real sense of the scale, beauty and potential of this unique site as it continues to evolve,” Waddell said.

Work continues on the Old Mans Valley Field of Play, which will deliver a recreational playing field, bike pump track, new picnic facilities and a Quarry Loop walking track. The Australian Government has provided $12 million through a Thriving Suburbs Grant for over 7,000 square metres of new multipurpose green space, to be matched by Council through development contributions.

The site contains Blue Gum Diatreme Forest, a critically endangered ecological community of which only two percent remains. Mountain bike enthusiasts already rate existing trails as featuring “everything from greens to blacks” with “multiple light blue and dark blue flowing and technical trails.”

Community consultation revealed support for wheelchair-accessible sensory pathways allowing visitors to experience “the feel of the bush, the odour of the eucalyptus and flowers.” Mountain bikers expressed commitment “to do the right thing and stick to legal trails” as new facilities develop.

NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig described the opening as demonstrating successful government partnership with councils.

“The new Crusher Plant Precinct offers an exciting snapshot of a remarkable community asset,” Hoenig said. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when the NSW government partners with local councils to deliver high-quality public assets for growing communities.”

The full park transformation will proceed in stages as funding becomes available from federal, state and council sources alongside private investment. Visitors can currently access the Crusher Plant Precinct via Quarry Road or the Heritage Steps track near Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre.