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BUSHWALKS IN THE REGION. V0L 2 Edn 4.

Editors: Stephen Lord and George Daniel.

Design, Layout and Production: This publication would not have been possible Stephen Lord and George Daniel. without the track notes contributions of the following NPA members. Cover: From an oil painting "Rocky Ponds - Tank Creek, National Park" Steve Bennetts Val Lincoln by George Daniel. (see walk 30) Trevor Bensley Stephen Lord Jean Blackman RosemaryMacDouga1 Published by: the National Parks Association Jeanette Blomfield Andrew Molnar of NSW Inc. PO Box A96, Sydney South, 1235. Jim Chapman Terry O'Brien John Clarke Greg Powell First Edition, May, 1993, Print run 5,000. George Daniel Anita Reidy Second Edition, July, 1995, Print run 5,000. Helen Fastovsky Pam Robinson Third Edition, March, 1998, Print run 5,000. Phil Foster Ian Schleter Fourth Edition, June, 2006, Print run 3,000. Flora Graham Caryll Sefton Ann Hamilton Len Sharp Printed on recycled paper by Dorothy Hart Richard Thompson Southwood Press, Pty Ltd, Sydney. Alan Heath Dick Weston Les Lawrenson Terry Whatman Distribution: NPA Head Office, PO Box A96, Sydney South, NSW 1235. The editors also gratefully acknowledge the Phone: (02) 9299 0000. assistance of the National Parks and Wildlife Fax: (O2) 9290 2525 Service and the Land and Property Information. Web: www.npansw.org.au Email: [email protected] All proceeds go to support NPA projects and activities. © Copyright, NPA of NSW Inc ISBN 0-9757416-0-8 Recommended retail price: $26.95

BUSHWALKS IN THE SYDNEY REGION VOLUME 2

Fourth Edition This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} Edited by

Stephen Lord and George Daniel

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF NSW INC, 2006 CONTENTS Introducon - 4; The NPA ― 5; Key Maps ― 6-7; Boxes index ― 33; Place names index - 159 Grades: E = Easy, EM = Easy/Medium, M = Medium, MH = Medium/Hard, H = Hard WALK

CENTRAL AREA Days Grade KM Map/s Page 1. : Manly Dam Circuit 1 E 8 1 8 This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} 2. Garrigal N.P.: -Bantry Bay-Seaforth Oval 1 EM 10 1 8 3. North Arm Walking Track, Castle Cove 1 E 9 1 10 4. Bilgola to Long Reef via the Coastline 1 EM 16 2,3 13 5. : Scotland Island 1 E 5 4 13 6. Ku-ring-gal Chase N.P.: Great Mackerel Beach - White Horse Beach 1 M ll 5 15 7. Ku-ring-gai Chase N.P.: Willunga, Wallaroo and Salvation Tracks 1 E 10 6 15 8. Ku-ring-gai Chase N.P.: Waratah Track 1 E 9 6 18 9. Ku-ring-gai Chase N.P.: Wahroonga - Bobbin Head-Mt Kuring-Gai 1 EM 11 7 18 10. Ku-ring-gai Chase N.P.: Cowan to Brooklyn via The Great North Walk 1 M 10 8,9 22 1 1. Ku-ring―gai Chase N.P.: Cowan ― Jerusalem Bay - Taffy’s Rock 1 M 14 9 22 12. Berowra Valley Park: Berowra to Cowan via the Great North Walk 1 M 11 8 23 13. Marramarra N.P.: Coba Ridge ― Collingridge Point 1 EM 10 10 23 14. Marramarra N.P.: Smugglers Ridge · Marramarra Creek 1 EM 13 11 25 15. Sydney Harbour N.P.: The Hemiitage Foreshore - Nielsen Park 1 E 5 12 28 16. N.P.: Captain Cooks Landing Place - Cape Baily 1 E 10 13 28 17. Royal N.P.: Lous ― Winifred Falls 1 E 14 14 31 18. Royal N.P.: Bundeena ― Marley Beach - Deer Pool 1 EM 15 15 31 19. Royal N.P.: Waterfall - The Forest Path ― Palona Cave 1 M 17 16 33 20. Royal N.P.: Walumarra Track - Palona Cave 1 EM 12 16 35 21. Royal N.P.: Oord ― Figure 8 Pool ― Buming Palms 1 EM 13 17 37 NORTHERN SECTOR 22. Bouddi N.P.: Daleys Point Ridge - Rileys Bay-Hardys Bay 1 E 9 18 39 23. Bouddi N.P.: Maitland Bay Centre - Mt Bouddi ― Maitland Bay 1 E 7 19 39 24. Bouddi N.P.: Mt Bouddi - Little Beach Circuit 1 E 10 19 41 25. Bouddi N.P.: Kincumber South ― N.W. Bouddi - Bullimah Lookout 1 EM 16 19 41 26. Norah Head Wildflower Walk 1 E 10 20 43 27. West Gosford Railway Dams 1 E 2 21 43 28. Strickland State Forest: Banksia Picnic Ground - Narara Creek 1 E 8 21 45 29. Brisbane Water N .P.: Umina ― Patonga 1 M 17 22 47 30. Brisbane Water N.P.: Woy Woy Road ― Rocky Ponds, Tank Creek 1 M 19 23,24 47 31. Brisbane Water N.P.: Wondabyne-Kariong Brook-Wondabyne Trig 1 M 17 23 50 32. Brisbane Water N.P.: Girrakool - 1 E 10 25 50 33. Dharug N.P.: Mangrove Ck - Simpsons Trk - Ten Mile Hollow 2 EM 24 26,27 52 34. Dharug and Yengo N.Ps.: Old Grt N Rd - MacDonald Rdg - Finches Rd 1 EM 14 28 55 NORTH WESTERN SECTOR 35. Yengo N.P.: Howes Valley Creek ― MacDonald 2 E 31 29,30 57 36. Wollemi N.P.: Deep Pass 2 E 5 31 57 37. Blue Mountains N.P.: Grose Vale ― Cabbage Tree Ck ― 1 M 8 32 61 CONTENTS

WALK CENTRAL AREA Days Grade KM Map/s Page 38. Historic Railway Walk: Lapstone - Glenbrook 1 E 12 36 63 39. Glenbrook - Euroka Clearing - 1 E 8 36 64 40. Glenbrook Gorge - Portal Lookout – Glenbrook 1 EM 10 36 64 41. Woodford to Glenbrook via the Woodford Fire Trail 1 H 28 33-36 67 42. Warrimoo - Florabella Pass - — Blaxland 1 E 6 37 67 43. Magdala Creek — Glenbrook Creek - Sassafras Creek Circuit 1 E 8 38 71 44. Faulconbridge - Linden Creek Tributary 1 EM 3 39 71 45. Faulconbridge - Grose River - Wentworth Cave 3 MH 26 39,40 74 46. Lawson — Dantes Glen - Empire Pass - Frederica Falls 1 E 7 41 76 47. Hazelbrook - Adelina Falls - Terrace Falls 1 E 10 41 76 48. Wirraway Plane Crash Site and Ingar Area 1 EM 10 42 78 49. Wentworth Falls - Katoomba via Roberts and Lindeman Passes 1 M 13 43 80 50. Katoomba to Wentworth Falls via 2 MH 17 44,45 82 51. Pierces Pass - Grose River - 1 M 11 47 85 52. Mt Victoria - Blue Gum Forest - Lockley Pylon - Leura 2 M 34 46-49 88 53. Hydro Majestic, Medlow Bath - Three Brothers - Tucker Lookout 1 E 7 50 91 54. - The Grand Canyon - Neates Glen 1 M 7 51 91 55. Katoomba - - Devils Hole – Katoomba 1 M 10 52 94 56. Old Ford Reserve - and Nellies Glen 2 EM 29 52,53 96 57. Katoomba to via The Six Foot Track 3 MH 45 52-57 97 58. Car1on‘s Farm — Konangaroo Clearing-Coxs River-Breakfast Creek 3 MH 35 58-61 103 59. Kanangra Walls - Mt Cloudmaker - Dex Creek 2 M 24 62,63 109 60. Kanangra Walls – Katoomba 3 MH 49 62-65 112 61. Boss Peak - - Dingo Dell - Tuglow Caves 2 EM 12 66 115 This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} 62. Kanangra Walls — Bullhead Ridge - Cambage Spire-Kowmung River 2 MH 21 67,68 117 63. Kanangra Walls to Kowmung River via the Uni Rover Trail 2 MH 36 69-72 121 64. Batsh Camp - Colong Caves - Lannigans Creek - Kowmung River 2 MH 19 71,72 125 65. Oberon Stock Route - Mt Armour - Church Creek - Kowmung River 2 M 20 73,72 127 66. Katoomba to via Mt Cookem, Scotts M.R. and Beloon Pass6 MH 125 74-77 121 SOUTH WESTERN SECTOR 67. Mt Alexandra Reserve: Box Vale Track - 40 Foot Falls 1 M 10 77 136 68. Bungonia S.R.A. & Morton N.P.: Bungonia Gorge - 1 MH 23 78 137 69. Morton N.P.: McPhai1s Fire Trail 1 M 18 79 140 70. Wodi-Wodi Track, Stanwell Park 1 EM 7 80 140 71. SRA: Stanwell Park - Maddens Plains 1 M 15 81 143 72. Bulli Pass S.R.: Austinmer - Sublime Point- Bulli Lookout Circuit 1 EM 8 82 143 73. Hlawarra Escarpment S.R.A.: Mt Keira Ring and Summit Tracks 1 E 8 83 146 74. Illawarra Escarpment S.R.A.: Mt Kembla Ring and Summit Tracks 1 EM 8 84 146 75. Port Kembla - Windang Island 1 EM 16 85 148 76. Minnamurra Beach - Kiama 1 E 8 86 148 77. Budderoo N.P.: Carrington Falls - Missingham Steps 1 M 8 87 151 78. Barren Grounds N.R.: Griffiths Trail 1 EM 17 88 154 79. Saddleback Mountain, Kiama - Barren Grounds via Hoddles Track 1 EM 6 89 154 80. Barren Grounds N.R.: Wartamolla Road - Drawing Room Rocks 1 EM 4 90 156 INTRODUCTION To use the compass variation diagram: 1) place This is the second volume of "Bushwalks In your compass over the diagram with its dial north The Sydney Region" published by the National aligned with true north, 2) rotate the map till the Parks Association of . Like the compass pointer is aligned with the magnetic north first volume, this is a collaborative work, with many of the diagram, 3) the map is now oriented for your NPA members contributing walk suggestions. All those position, and by relocating the compass to your who contributed did so voluntarily so that the proceeds position, read off bearings to features, landmarks of this book can support NPA conservation projects and from the dial clockwise from true north. This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} activities. Eighty walks are described, adding to the 93 The diagram below indicates how to use published in "Bushwalks in the Sydney Region topographic map grid references. Volume l". They include walks on newly marked and constructed tracks, little known routes and some of the classic walks in the region. In all, there are 62 one— day walks, 13 two— day walks, 4 three- day walks and l six-day walk. Many walks are accessible by public transport and all are accessible by most conventional (2WD) vehicles.

GRADES Most walks in this book are intended for walkers with some experience, however some of the walks would provide a good introduction to bushwalking for beginners. The walks have been graded for people with bushwalking experience as easy (E), easy medium (EM), medium (M), medium-hard (MH) and hard (H)4 Some beginners Land Property Information National Park maps may find the easy walks quite difficult. Total of Blue Mountains, Wollemi, Royal & Heathcote ascents (in metres) are provided for each walk. and Ku-ring-gai Chase are useful for showing the way to and from walks and for overall views of the TRACK DISTANCES & WALK RATE GUIDE areas, It is also recommended that LPI Because of the circuitous and undulating Topographic Maps be taken on walks into remote nature of walking tracks, most distances in this book, parts of Wollemi, Blue Mountains, Kanangra which have been measured on maps, are less than the Boyd, Morton and Nattai National Parks. Walkers actual distance. For more accurate distances, allow in these areas should be in parties of at least four, 20% more for the track sections than the map wheel as a safety precaution. distances. Allow an average of 3-5 km/hour on a fairly level track or tire trail with a 5kg day pack and 3 km/hour with a l2kg (two day) pack. Add l0 minutes for FIRST AID, FOOD AND HYGIENE every 300m ascent with a 5kg pack and 15 minutes The areas of first aid, safety, food, hygiene, with a 12kg pack. equipment and navigation have not been covered in this book, as there are several books devoted to MAPS these subjects. Two are: "Australian First Aid" by Spot heights on the maps indicate metres St John Ambulance of , and "Stay Alive" above sea level. Most of the maps are scaled 1:25,000, by Maurice Dunlevy, issued by the Australian the same as the LPI topographic maps, and are 'true Government Publishing Service. north up'. Magnetic variation for the Sydney region (2006) is 12.2° East. CORRESPONDENCE Every care has been taken in ensuring the track WATER AVAILABILITY notes and maps are correct, but no responsibility is Many of the track notes describe places where taken for any inaccuracies. Constructive criticism, water may be collected. In droughts, these sources may comments and notification of errors are welcome, be dry. In such conditions carry additional water. address to NPA, PO BOX A96, Sydney South. NSW, 1235. THE NATIONAL PARKS Membership of NPA also gives you: ASSOCIATION OF NSW l. The bi-monthly National Parks Journal with articles on conservation issues, the walks program, New South Wales is one of the most notices of meetings and activities, book reviews, environmentally diverse areas on earth and NPA branch news, photographs and letters. works hard to ensure it remains this way. We are 2. Monthly meetings with guest speakers, slide fortunate to still have rainforests, deserts, shows and discussions, a lecture series on National mangrove swamps, eucalypt forests, alpine herb Parks, environmental issues and the natural fields, coastal heaths and grasslands. Yet with only sciences (extra fee payable) and social functions. 6% of our state protected as national parks and 3. Discounts for bushwalking and camping nature reserves, our biodiversity is under pressure. equipment at selected retailers. 4. The opportunity to join a working committee to Today we are more aware of our environment than help influence the outcome of conservation issues. ever before. Yet still well over 60,000ha (or 120,000 football fields) of native vegetation is still NPA BRANCHES being cleared by bulldozers in NSW every year. NPA has 19 branches located throughout the state, Each has a walking program and committees and National Parks Association of NSW was formed in working groups which are active in regional 1957 as a non-profit, non-government charity. conservation issues. Since then NPA has been working towards the NPA branches are located at Armidale, Central protection of our natural areas and limiting the Coast, Central West, Clarence Valley, Far North Coast, decline in biodiversity. NPA was established when Far South Coast, Hawkesbury— Cumberland, Hunter, there was no system of national parks in Australia, Illawarra, Lachlan Valley, Macarthur, Macquarie Valley, and spent its first years lobbying the state , Milton, Southern Highlands, Southern government to create the NSW National Parks and Sydney, Sydney, Tamworth-Namoi and Three Valleys Wildlife Service. (Nambucca).

Our work today continues, especially in the areas If you are interested in joining NPA, either to This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} of achieving protection for our western woodlands participate in our walks program or to help with the and coastal marine areas. Currently about 2% of group’s conservation work please contact NPA NSW coastal waters are protected as marine parks, State Council Office or one of the branch offices and only 1% of western woodlands in NSW are listed beside the membership application form at protected as national park or nature reserve. the back of this book.

NPA is campaigning for a comprehensive: system NPA State Council Office, of well-managed marine sanctuaries that protect at Level 9, 91 York Street, Sydney least 20% of all marine habitat types across NSW. PO Box A96, Sydney South 1235 We are also campaigning for greater protection of Phone: (02) 9299 0000. vulnerable and endangered marine species such as Fax: (02) 9290 2525 the grey nurse shark by ensuring their critical Web: www.npansw.org.au habitats are protected and for better protection for Email: [email protected] our precious western woodlands. Membership Fees (2006) are- NPA is also proud to run the largest bushwalking Adult $55 program in the Southern Hemisphere. We offer our Family/Household $65 Members over 800 bushwalks each year — a Unwaged $30 fantastic opportunity to get out and enjoy the very Pensioner $30 thing we are working to protect — the beautiful Student $30 natural areas of NSW. Our walks are led by 200 Schools/Libraries $65 experienced walks leaders. We invite you to try out Corporate $250 an NPA walk if you wish, before you join. You Donations of $2.00 or over to NPA are tax will find many walks to choose from in the deductible . bimonthly NPA Activities Program. This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} CENTRAL AREA The starting point is the car-park on the 1. MANLY DAM RESERVE: eastern foreshore of . Access is from MANLY DAM CIRCUIT the NE end of the Roseville Bridge. The walk passes The Manly Dam Reserve preserves an though a section of Garrigal National Park (this important area of urban bushland. The dam and its section was formerly Davidson Park State main feeding watercourse — Creek — are Recreation Area). very picturesque. From the car-park, head SE along the sign-

Start the walk from the car-park, adjacent to posted Flat Rock Track. There are pleasant views This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} the Manly Dam wall (access by car is from Condamine of the harbour through the trees and a good display and King Streets, Manly Vale). Walk back up of wildflowers at most times of the year. At Flat along King Street (NE) 400m to where the road Rock Beach, rock-hop across the creek below the bends ESE, just opposite the Water Research waterfall and continue around to the Magazine Laboratory. Take the track on the left, cross a creek Track which passes disused explosives magazines. and continue past back fences of a few cottages and After leaving the magazines, the track rises re-enter the Reserve. steeply in parts to a fire trail to a three-way Follow the Waterfall Track and cross a side junction. turn right and cross Bates Creek. Climb creek flowing through reeds — a good area for up and cross the Cook Street trail, and follow the viewing water birds. Next, turn up a track to the trail opposite for l60m, then take the Natural Arch right and climb steadily for 800m to a fire trail. track on the right. It is unmarked and indistinct, but Follow the track for another 800m where another marked by white paint stripes on rocks. It leads fire trail joins on the right, The track crosses a down 300m to a natural rock bridge over Main small creek, and then swings around to the west to Creek — a very interesting formation which could cross Curl Curl Creek. Just beyond the creek, turn be suitable for a lunch stop, There is room to left (SE) and follow the track which follows Curl shelter under the rock bridge if it is raining. Curl Creek downstream, past some waterfalls back After a break, continue along this track for to the dam. Continue on the track, as it follows the 400m to a track junction. turn right (SE) and walk dam foreshore back to the picnic areas. At the first 500mto Bluff Lookout, where there is a wonderful picnic area, take the wildflower walk on the right, view over Bantry Bay, Middle Harbour and the then the Nature Trail which leads to a track distant city skyline. junction. turn left back to the car-park. From Bluff Lookout, descend to the Bay track by climbing down some narrow crevices between Grade: Easy, 60m asc. the rocks. The Bay Track heads south and follows Distance: 8km. the eastern shore of Bantry Bay. It crosses several Best in Autumn and Spring. small creeks, and comes eventually to a cleared Public Transport: Bus to corner of Campbell grassy area where there are picnic tables, toilets, Parade and Condamine Street. drinking water and a wharf. Map 1 and Sydney Street Directory. Two tracks connect the picnic area with Flora Graham Seaforth Oval on Wakehurst Parkway - the Timbergetters Track which starts immediately 2. GARRIGAL N.P.: ROSEVILLE BRIDGE - behind the toilets, and the Old Bullock Track BANTRY BAY - SEAFORTH OVAL which commences l00m further around the shore Within Garrigal National Park is the Bantry from the wharf. Both are steep but not very long Bay Catchment — the largest forested pocket of (about 600m). From Seaforth Oval, there are more bushland on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour. marvellous views of the harbour and the city. This walk offers delightful foreshore walking, an interesting natural rock arch and panoramic views Grade: Easy/Medium, 200m asc. Natural Arch of the harbour and the city skyline. The track also Track rudimentary only. passes some disused explosives magazines at Distance: 10km. Bantry Bay, which date from 1915. Public Public Transport: 1) To the start: catch a Forest transport is available to points near the walk start Coachlines bus from Chatswood station and finish (see below). Alternatively, a car shuttle interchange. Alight at Malga Avenue, East is required between Roseville Bridge and Seaforth Roseville. Cross Warringah Rd by an overhead Oval. bridge to Babbage Road, then follow a track down to the Middle Harbour shoreline. Cross This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} under Roseville Bridge near the water‘s edge, resting place below the track on the stone jetty. then take the steep track which leads up to the Make a short diversion up Willis Road to view footpath on the left hand side of Roseville Innisfallen Castle. This sandstone castle with its Bridge, Cross the bridge over Middle Harbour, imposing battlements was built in 1903. For more then go down a ramp. Cross back under the than 90 years, the Willis family occupied the b1idge to the car— park and the start of the track. castle. Originally it was surrounded by 2lha of 2) From the finish: catch Government bus No. bushland and the only means of access was by

169 to Wynyard via North Sydney - an hourly boat. This book was purchased via bushwalk.com store by {email} on {purchasedate} service Mondays to Saturday. On Sundays, Return to the walking track, now a Sydney walk down Wakehurst Parkway to Lister Water access way, for a short distance past a Avenue from where buses run hourly to Manly pumping station. Soon the track narrows and Wharf or to Seaforth junction, where buses to follows a delightful route over creek crossings and Wynyard are available. Alternatively, take the through Casuarina forest. Engravings Track from Seaforth Oval which At about l.8km from the start, ignore a track to runs parallel to the Wakehurst Parkway to the right which climbs through high rocks to Bantry Bay Rd, then walk 2km NNW up Mannerim Place. Wakehurst Parkway to Warringah Rd for buses The next section passes through low woodland to Chatswood. on a sandstone ridge well above the mangroves of Suits all seasons. North Arm. The track is wide and easy walking as Map l and LPI . it merges in to the Sydney Water access-way Flora Graham coming down from Deepwater Rd. Continue on the access-way, and after 300m take a track on the left 3. NORTH ARM WALKING TRACK, which leads down to a bridge crossing (the North CASTLE COVE Arm of Sugarloaf Bay, just above the tidal limit. The North Ami Walking Track follows the Once on the other side. the track leads across foreshore of the North Arm of Sugarloaf Bay, the river flats. The grey mangroves on the mudflats Middle Harbour. The track itself is 4.5km long, form a forest and are vital in maintaining balanced and passes through some of Sydney’s most estuarine life cycles, At a track junction, take the beautiful harbour-side bushland, with fine views branch that ascends via some steps onto the sandstone over Middle Harbour. Tap water is available at the ridge. The track is well defined. It undulates, then end of North Ami Road and Harold Reid Reserve. climbs steeply up some steps to The walk starts at the eastern end of North Arm Road. Cammaray Rd, Castle Cove - access via Castlecove Turn left and road walk about 200m to where Drive, Deepwater Rd and Denawen Ave. Set off down a the road ends and two tracks commence. Take the C steep sealed track to near the foreshore. This was a right hand track which climbs to Harold Reid . favourite place of entertainment prior to the First Reserve. Walk left up the loop road through the World War. Many came by boat for picnics and picnic area to a lookout that provides an _ dancing. There are still signs of buildings, a maze outstanding view over Middle Harbour. This is the of paths and steps, secluded nooks with remains of recommended lunch spot. seats and concrete floor slabs. According to If travelling by car, walk back along the track historical records, "On Sundays, ferries would to Cammaray Rd. lf using public transport, catch a bring the "Merchant Princes" from their mansions bus (route 275) from the front gates of Harold Reid at Vaucluse with their nannies, cooks, butlers and Reserve to Chatswood station (limited service) or waitresses for a "sausage sizzle" at the picnic walk to Eastern Valley Way via Rembrandt Drive ' grounds. and Greenfield Ave and catch a bus (routes 207/8) Just above the boat landing, pick up a track to North Sydney station. which leads west and follows the shoreline almost Grade: Easy, 100m asc. to the Willis Rd access point, where there is a large Distance: 9km (retune). route map. Public Transport: Forest Coach Lines buses run Look out for the rare and endangered Creeping between Chatswoud station and Castle Cove, V Leucopogon, a small inconspicuous plant that Monday - Saturday. grows in moist sites, especially on rock ledges and Map l and LPI Parramatta River or Sydney in creek lines. Just before Willis Road, there is a Street Directory. Dorothy Hart

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