320000E 321000E 322000E 323000E 324000E 325000E 326000E 327000E 328000E 6267000N e Glade 1 Loretto William Lewis School k Park ree grounds C Burkes Bushland reserves and localities s oup Bush C Adventist land 6266000N ornleigh Turramurra Adventist 1. The Glade and William Lewis Park p98 Granny2 Lane land Browns Lorna Springs Small but valuable remnants of 6 Field Finlay Reserve True Magnetic ornleigh Cove Pass 2. Granny Springs Reserve p99 Scout Oval National Reserve North North Sheldon Valuable Blue Gum High Forest remnant in the commercial heart of Turramurra Asssociation Park 3. Sheldon Forest and p100 Pennant Hills lease Forest Observatory 6265000N Blue Gum High Forest, forest of shale/sandstone transition, sandstone gully rainforest; fungi, Park 4

3

Twin Creeks terrestrial orchids and a beautiful waterfall B Ludovic o y Reserve Fox Valley 4. Twin Creeks Reserve and Browns Field p106 Blackwood Rofe Lane 5 Memorial Pennant Sc Park Small volcanic diatreme with subtropical rainforest, diverse sandstone ridgetop and valley flora Sanctuary ou Bradley 0 1 2 km Hills ts Creek Pymble 5. Fox Valley p110 Park Cove Reserve Hammond Diverse sandstone ridgetop flora, sheltered valley with tall forest B Reserve yl Lane C es o 6. Lorna Pass p114 National v e Avondale 6264000N Beecroft

R Golf Blackbutt forest and forest of the shale/sandstone transition, gully rainforest, ridgetop heath and Auluba Avondale C 8 iv Course r er woodland eek Park 11 Reserve Dam Ahimsa Whale Bullock 7. Beecroft Reserve and neighbouring reserves p119 Rock 10 STEP Park Tall, open Blackbutt forest makes this a serenely beautiful area despite motorway encroachment

Pennant Chilworth k e Track Hills Conservation e Bradley 8. Pennant Hills Park and p124 7 r Golf C 329000E 330000E 331000E 332000E Reserve Cheltenham Reserve Gordon s 9 Coachwood forests and pools of Devlins Creek contrast with diverse sandstone ridgetop flora Course Beecroft n i Castle Howard l 6263000N Reserve v North C e 9. North Epping Oval p130 s r Conservation Epping n e D li e v e k Reserve Oval Small but diverse reserve featuring forest on the shale/sandstone transition D Browns 15 Bicentennial 18 Cheltenham Gordon Oval 10. STEP Track p132 Waterhole Park Blackbutt Golf Course Track circuit through sandstone bushland, a hanging swamp and wet sclerophyll forest along the k 16 Reserve ee Berriwerri Macquarie Ray r k Lane Cove River C e Killara

Reserve University e r Park Sports 11. Auluba Reserve p136 C 7 Ground t s Lucknow t y Florally-rich Blackbutt forest on an outlier of Mittagong Formation u 6262000N r b Blackbutt r Park Waterloo k e Macquarie c 12. Upper p138 T a

Park l Reserve Killara University

Marsfield Animal B Golf Course Shale sandstone transition and Blue Gum High Forest in the upper reaches of this tributary Park 13 Enclosure Christie Park 13. Macquarie University area p142 L an Lane e ove Ri Isolated but important remnants of forest on Ashfield Shale and the shale/sandstone transition Epping C ver 17 Dence Stewart 14. Shrimptons Creek p144 Park Park Macquarie Cove Lindfield University De Burghs Tall forest remnants along shallow valley with popular walking and cycling trail Macquarie 6261000N Shopping Bridge L 15. Browns Waterhole p146 Macquarie it Pembroke National t Centre le Park University B Sandstone valley system with Blue Gum forest on alluvium, and florally diverse moist l u 19 e 12 Sir Phillip Game heathland Park G Vimiera Wilga Tunks Park u Reserve Edna Park Reserve m 16. Bicentennial Park p150 Hunt C L k a Sanctuary k Forests in the shale/sandstone transition zone; geologically-interesting old quarry face e n 20 Roseville e e Lane r 17. De Burghs Bridge p151 14 C Cove

s Macquarie C n ov National 6260000N Unusual floral assemblages on sandstone intruded by dolerite; gorge of Lane Cove River ELS Hall to Park e Jim p R Park m i Park i v 18. Blackbutt Reserve p156

Walsh r e Park h r S Sandstone valley with Blackbutt forest and sandstone gully rainforest; small hanging swamps UTS Greenwood 19 Blue Park m Creek 19. De Burghs Bridge to Fullers Bridge p159 u Gum B G Eastwood Flinders Tindarra 22 lue 21 Park Serene riverscapes with aquatic flora and fauna; diverse sandstone forest and woodland floras Park Reserve Fullers Bridge 20. Sir Phillip Game Reserve p168 Bundara North Santa Scenically varied sandstone bushland with river flat forest Reserve 6259000N Rosa Ryde Kobada Blenheim Park Park 21. Blue Gum Park p170 Park P a g Chatswood Quiet, secluded rainforest valley close to busy suburb and commercial district e Fairyland s 22 S s waine Cr Ferndale 22. Mowbray Park and Fairyland p172 Cr eek eek Chatswood Mowbray Golf Park Sheltered sandstone and alluvial bushland and forest bordering serene mangrove lined river; historic Park Course Fairyland Pleasure Grounds Nundah 22 23 Res. Banool 23. p176 Martin Res. Coolaroo 6258000N ReserveGwandalan Sheltered sandstone valleys with beautiful gully rainforest; close to Chatswood centre Reserve Park Whatmore Lake Upper Stringybark Portius Lane Creek Reserve 24. Wallumatta Nature Reserve and p180 Nature 24 ybark C 27 K g r Reserve Park Cove rin eek Extensive bushland from the shale/sandstone transition to mangroves and salt marsh 17 i t n C Descriptive area or route t S Stri gybark re t ek Artarmon ys National 25. Sugarloaf Hill to Magdala Park p184 Cr eek Park Hands Easily accessible mangrove and salt marsh system, river views and quiet sandstone bushland, good Stra 26 Quarry ng birdwatching Pidding er Reserve s Park C 6257000N 26. Blackman Park to Stringybark Creek p188 Epping – Chatswood line Field of Mars ree 25 k Blackman Mangroves, and extensive, grassy and reedy salt marsh

Reserve Park

C 24 Sugarloaf

re Buffalo

ek 27. Upper Stringybark Creek p190 Bu o

ffal Hill

North Shore and Northern lines Creek Lovetts 29 Tennyson Secluded sandstone valley nestling among medium density suburbs Reserve L Reserve Lane an Cove e Park 28. Buffalo Creek Reserve to Boronia Park p193 Hartman Golf 28 C Lane ov Hill reek Course Biologically rich mangroves and sheltered sandstone bushland e C Burns y Cove

r Mangroves and salt marsh e R Bay Warraroon

ann 29. Tennyson Park p198 i Bushland T k

v Reserve Reserve 6256000N

e e r

e Park Sheltered sandstone valley with rainforest and tall eucalypt forest

Boronia Burns r G C 31

o 28 St Ignatius r 30. Tambourine Bay Resrve to Warraroon Reserve p200 Park Bay e e

(Riverview 30 in r C Strikingly beautiful conjunction of sandstone bushland and quiet bay with mangroves Hodgson u Gore r Grassed or parkland areas, ovals, sports fields College) o e mb e Park a Creek k 31. and Gore Creek Reserve p204 Tambourine T Bay Reserve Closest real rainforest to Sydney CBD, sheltered and florally-rich sandstone valley noted for its Fig Tree Reserve Tambourine Bridge Bay endangered fungal community Woodford 6255000N Bushland other than national park Ferdinand St Bay 32. Shell Park to Greenwich Point p208 Reserve Confluence of Lane Cove and Rivers meet; waterside reserves with sweeping views

National park bushland Shell Park Woolwich Foreshore Reserve Greenwich Point 32 94 Reserve 6254000N 95 Kellys Charles Point Bush Reserve Greenwich Point Bushland reserves

1 2 4 5 6 3 7 8 9

10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17 18

19 20 21 P 41 22 23

24

26 25 27 31 28 30 29 32

33 140

Legend

1. Regular walking track, well used and in good condition at the time of compilation 2. Regular walking track with sealed surface, cycleway 3. Gate or barrier 4. Track passes beneath road bridge or overpass 5. Track in poor condition, eroded, overgrown, excessively steep and slippery, narrow or petering out 6. Route follows road or grassed area Trails, tracks, steps, boardwalks and bridges 7. Wide track, service trail or firetrail 8. Sealed trail, cycleway Top left: Bushland reserves host an extensive network of service trails. 9. Track closed or abandoned Above right: Lovers of nature and quiet bushland prefer narrow, leafy tracks like this one. 10. Bottom left: Boardwalks and bridges protect sensitive wetlands from erosion and trampling 11. Great North Walk follows road or grassed area and keep tracks open during floods and king tides. 12. Steps Below: The weir roadway crossing near Fullers Bridge is “multi-use”, by walkers, picnickers, 13. Boardwalk, low-level footbridge cyclists, service vehicles and wildlife. 14. Historic road Opposite: Sandstone was always in abundant supply for construction of steps along walking 15. Picnic spot tracks and many were built by conscripted labour during the Great Depression. Nowadays, the 16. Scenic spot or viewpoint range of materials used extends to concrete, wood and steel, though modern sandstone steps 17. Playground built by skilled stonemasons are a charming feature of several walking tracks. 18. Toilets (no guarantee they are open) 19. Off-road parking 20. No access at trackhead 21. House number next to trackhead 22. Main powerline with pylon 23. Local powerline 24. Railway station 25. Pool, dam broadwater, inlet, tidal reach 26. Watercourse, creek, stream 27. Mangroves and salt marsh 28. Freshwater swamp 29. Bushland other than national park 30. National park bushland 31. Grassed or parkland areas, ovals, sports fields 32. Contour intervals: minor – 4 m, major – 20 m 33. Cliff or rocky dropoff ADVICE AND DISCLAIMER e condition of tracks may change with time and their representation on these maps is not a guarantee of access or safety. STEP accepts no responsibility for injury and inconvenience arising from information contained in the maps, or the omission of information therein.

Local advice should be sought before swimming. All freshwater pools should be regarded as polluted and unsafe.

e depiction of bushland areas on this map is not a guarantee of access or right of way: please stay on the tracks. Taking short cuts can damage native vegetation, spread weeds and lead to erosion.

96 97 Bushland reserves

200 (Clerodendrum tomentosum) and Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus e Glad e reticulatus). An extensive bushcare programme is current, but e Glade 6266,000mN previously the forest floor was covered with vines and ue n Oval e v A creepers. Most were native, such as Water Vine (Cissus

180 e antarctica), Native Grape (Cayratia clematidea), Wonga

a Glade Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana), Wombat Berry r

o o 180 K (Eustrephus latifolius), Tylophora barbata and Old-man’s Beard True Magnetic Tanderr North North Mahra a Street (Clematis aristata). Silkpod Vine (Parsonsia straminea) had e tta Ave u

n

e v climbed almost to the top of one tall Blackbutt.

A

e e

u u

n n e Other areas of forest floor were open and ferny, covered v ve

A A

160 a

with False Bracken (Calochlaena dubia), Gristle Fern d

n i a e

c d u

u A n L Blechnum cartilagineum Hypolepis muelleri ( ) and . e

v A o o r a a att

hr m

a A M 180 William Lewis Park William Lewis Park sits on the corner of Fox Valley Rd and ad Ro

Lucinda Ave South. Its shale-based soil is of the Glenorie soil y alle V landscape, and stony and lateritic. There is a small stand of William Fox Lewis Sydney Blue Gums but the principal tree is Grey Ironbark

h t Park

u

o

S

160 (Eucalyptus paniculata) and there are one or two particularly

e

u 140

n

e

v fine specimens (p21). The other rough-barked tree species in

A

a

d

n the reserve is Rough-barked Apple (A. floribunda). i

c u

325,000mE L 0 100 200 500 metres scale 1:10,000 2. Granny Springs Reserve These two pages feature examples of small bushland Granny Springs Reserve is directly behind Turramurra reserves that preserve forests on Ashfield Shale soils around Plaza shopping centre. Although small it contains some of the upper reaches of the Lane Cove catchment. The soils the largest Sydney Blue Gums in the district. Its value is support Sydney Blue Gum and Grey Ironbark trees and considerable because it is visible to thousands of shoppers, other species that do not thrive on thin sandstone soils. many of whom would not normally go anywhere near The most important plant community of the undulating bushland, let alone Blue Gum High Forest. Because of the shale landscape was Blue Gum High Forest but that is now steep terrain, deep soils, location and looming development preserved in just a few isolated enclaves. pressures it is a highly vulnerable site. The main tree species are Sydney Blue Gum and 1. The Glade and William Lewis Park Blackbutt. Grey Ironbark also occurs, but most of the other trees are of the understorey. These include Pittosporum spp., The Glade borders Koora Ave in Wahroonga. It is around Celery Wood, Lillypilly () and Native Quince 2 ha in area and is now fenced off. It is entirely tall forest, (Alectryon subcinereus). All are native to the Sydney area the principal trees being Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) and though the last one probably not to local bushland. Volunteer Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna). In addition there are Smooth bushcare is gradually improving the floral balance of the and Rough-barked Apples ( towards the forest, parts of which are now relatively weed free, but large lower ground and A. floribunda towards the north). There areas remain infested. are small Forest Oaks and Black Sheoaks (Allocasuarina

torulosa and A. littoralis), some small Turpentines (Syncarpia 180 glomulifera) and a lone Red Mahogany (E. resinifera). Turramurra D e Station nm There are several understorey trees and shrubs, the a n 160 S ay tr et P Highw ee e Pacic principal and most conspicuous being Celery Wood (Polyscias t tr S Turramurra

Plaza et u 180 elegans) with its clean trunk and dark-green, umbrella-like re A D t l Granny P s S an The forest of The Glade is rich in tree species. The two tall trunks in the left e A lm v Springs canopy. There are several species of wattles, though one or o e Boyd Street backgound are Blackbutts. There is a gleaming white Sydney Blue Gum H Reserve two may be interlopers since they occur on the forest margins. towards the right. Celery Woods grow in front of the Blackbutts while the tree d A mighty Sydney Blue Gum specimen in Granny Springs Reserve. a o on the right is a Rough-barked Apple. The ground flora is a rich mix of native R

Acacia parramattensis, A. implexa , t

They include Hickory ( ) t e

n e

i r

140 t

ferns and native and exotic herbs, shrubs, twiners and creepers. This area is o S

P

A. fimbriataand A. longissima (the latter certainly native to

now fenced off, and dramatically changed by an ongoing bush restoration y e

g rs

n t

i e

program. Hopefully the ground flora will recover its former diversity. s n J the area). There are small specimens of Hairy Clerodendrum e

s c

i s

0 100 200 metres e K r

C

a

p scale 1:10,000 l 98 a 99 t a C Bushland reserves

160

P t ac There include Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius), Happy small Turpentines, Sydney Peppermints (Eucalyptus piperita), e i To Turramurra re c t Station & shops S l 160 140 o d Wanderer (Hardenbergia violacea), Wonga Wonga Vine Smooth-barked Apples and Black Sheoaks (Allocasuarina o a b o H m R

a ig W h t 160 N w (Pandorea pandorana) and Old Man’s Beard (Clematis aristata). littoralis). Common small trees and large shrubs include d n o a A r a o sce v t y R e oc Warragal h t r a n C Two tick trefoil species (Desmodium rhytidophyllum and Old Man Banksia (Banksia serrata), Christmas Bush oi S P Road t h ee Sheldon o ng tr P r 326,000mE e si S A is 140 D. varians) also grow here: they also favour heavier soils. There (Ceratopetalum gummiferum), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus K ru a L Scout hall in d im e a a T C p o are patches of Common Silkpod (Parsonsia straminea) and reticulatus), Pultenaea flexilis and geebungs (Persoonia spp.). a l G R t ta od S a a w B Forest lp C fr l in a ey a C d e Bearded Tylophora (Tylophora barbata). The groundcover, Down-slope the valley supports tall Blackbutts and Smooth- B g l o u a C A ra o n n r r ve r se e el e n a v la sc u A n e e W n Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) is widespread. barked Apples, plus Forest Oaks (Allocasuarina torulosa). n o A t lbi B ve A o n r u Ju

o e b Explore the forest floor along the various trails here. There n i 140 ia le e 6265,000mN S A h v A e 160 are numerous small herbs. Blue trumpet (Brunoniella sp.) Waterfalls, ferns and potholes v a

e n n 120 u d 120 e K 120 d C i a m t o flowers in summer, as does Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum The track descends through rocks to a level stretch next to r C b e R e a

r e s r

r t h c

a S rt

R o variabile). Several species of daisies have been recorded the creek. Follow it past the branch track to Troon Place. 120 ra w

o oo h a y

t D M ec e T 120 d e re a B St m 100 Rofe Park including the everlastings Xerochrysum bracteatum and At F the creek disappears over a waterfall about 7 m high b d o a a o

b o n 140

m R Coronidium scorpioides, and mauve Brachyscome angustifolium. (p102). You can reach the base via a slippery scramble. Here Rofe Park 100 a A er ve Old Y h n bridge 100 a u t K e Spotted Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium variegatum) is a is “fern heaven”. On the wet rocks grow Blechnum ambiguum, ra a piers J ue a te n

120 e W v S 80 A particularly conspicuous summer flower. Christella dentata, Rough Maidenhair (Adiantum hispidulum), tr re ee o T t m a h

yl H E s C Doodia caudata caudata o 80 A Follow the main broad trail down towards on top of a small Rasp Fern ( var. ) plus the r A Scout Hall ve nu e L 327,000mE sandstone bluff. You have left the deep soils of the Blue Gum primitive Fork Ferns Psilotum nudum and Tmesipteris truncata, aw le I Overhang y 120 forest behind, and the ground here is of the Lucas Heights soil (p102) the best specimens of the latter hanging from a low 100 M C im re o d sc landscape over Mittagong Formation. Blackbutts dominate ledge to the left. King ferns (Todea barbara) grow on higher s G oa en a 100 R t

100 80 se P h o and Turpentines () have become common ledges. The splash pool used to be deep and rocky but is now R t l oa r C Mimosa o a d w r 60 h a Rofe Park ec k se and the understorey has thickened. Among the pittosporums silted up. The falls are fringed by a stand of Grey Myrtle

100 e a nt Clo

B D Quadra S

Oval t

K A o True Magnetic and other shrubs and small trees you may see the occasional (Backhousia myrtifolia), with Coachwood and Water Gum

80

n n d 60 a d North r North e P w l 80 Tree Heath (Trochocarpa laurina), the largest member of the (Tristaniopsis laurina). a s

c e D n r F oo Pl i 80 heath family (Ericaceae-Styphelioideae) in the Sydney region, Follow the creek upstream from G, crossing after a short Tr ace v 100 e

l

P

100 and attractive when sporting its colourful new growth. distance. Turn right to follow the west bank. The track curves

K a uru d 60 k P a n o r l R o H to the left and follows a side valley. At the water disappears M 40

a n i Down into the rainforest into a solution pothole and under a small natural bridge. Such r

a ue 80 0 100 200 500 metres C en v A 80 The view from the sandstone bluff is of a valley filled with karst-like features are common in sandstone drainages.

100

scale 1:10,000 e l k P 6264,000mN o forest. There are tall Blackbutts and Smooth-barked Apples r rd b o lf em i Private P M and a sense of thicker, darker vegetation deeper down. After Stringybarks, rare shrubs and orchids rse 60 am u The scout hall, A, in Warrigal Rd, is a convenient starting the main trail swings to the right, take the track to the left Follow the track around to the left and climb the hill to D o le C R da  a n Land lf point for the itinerary. There are a handful of off-road parking down a succession of sandstone steps to a small side valley. the scout hall at I. The commonest trees in the sandstone v 40 vo o e e n A G

h

i l A few specimens of Correa reflexa grow near the track. Cross woodland here are ageing and rather moribund Narrow-leaved spaces and you are right in among the Sydney Blue Gums l e

C

40 l d 60 o Roa a m d e n (Eucalyptus saligna). Walk up the access road and look across the creek (often dry) and follow the track around to the right Stringybarks (Eucalyptus sparsifolia, p103). Lack of fire has n o a r 80 v r A a the small valley to the east to view the graceful, smooth- and down the metal steps. Turn left and head down the valley. meant they have produced hardly any seedlings. They are

80 P D a barked trees rising through an understorey mainly of Sweet You are now at , and it is best that you do this section in the accompanied by Red Bloodwoods, Smooth-barked Apples r kw ay Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) and Celery Wood middle of a sunny day because light levels are low in the dense and Broad-leaved Scribbly Gums (Eucalyptus haemastoma). (Polyscias elegans). There are a few large Blackbutts forest of small Coachwoods (Ceratopetalum apetalum), Sweet The rare shrub Melaleuca deanei, listed as vulnerable, used to 3. Sheldon Forest and Rofe Park (E. pilularis) an occasional Grey Ironbark (E. paniculata). Pittosporums and Black Wattles (Callicoma serratifolia). This grow near one of the tracks but can no longer be found there. Walk to the right of the scout hall and follow the trail a is one of the best examples of sandstone gully rainforest in Specimens of Gosford Wattle (Acacia prominens), rare in the Sheldon Forest is the most important remnant of the short distance to the junction, B. The Sydney Blue Gums have the catchment. It supports a diversity of fungi species among metropolitan area, also grow near the scout hall along with endangered Blue Gum High Forest plant community in diminished and the dominant tree is now Blackbutt. There the leaf litter in autumn and early winter. Commonest are the more common Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata). These the Lane Cove catchment. Southwards where the Ashfield are single specimens of White Stringybark (E. globoidea), Red Dermocybe austroveneta and Austropaxillus infundibuliformis. are showy plants when in flower and may be garden escapes. Shale bedrock is replaced by Mittagong Formation and Mahogany (E. resinifera) and Rough-barked Apple (Angophora The latter is conspicuous but the former less so because its pale Acacia echinula, rare in the catchment, also grows in the then Hawkesbury Sandstone, Sydney Blue Gums merge floribunda). Larger shrubs include Narrow-leaved Wattle greenish-brown coloration blends in with the leaf litter. With nearby bushland. into Blackbutt forest, and then into sandstone gully (Acacia longissima) and Large Mock Olive (Notelaea longifolia). sharp eyes you may see the beautiful, deep purple Cortinarius Return to the valley bottom at J for the return walk. Take rainforest with a dense canopy formed by Coachwoods. There are Blackthorn shrubs (Bursaria spinosa), Prickly Beard archeri (p105). But this is just a start. In a wet autumn and some time to explore the beautiful bushland in this corner The damp forest and gully floors are exceptionally rich in Heath (Leucopogon juniperinus) and Native Raspberry (Rubus winter you may see different fungi species every time you visit. of Rofe Park. If you are timely and sharp-eyed you may spot fungi species. Waterfalls also provide a haven for ferns. parvifolius), typical of heavier-type soils. Maytenus silvestris and At E, by a pool in the creek, the track climbs steeply a colony of the bizarre Fringed Helmet orchids (Corybas The ridgetop woodland around Mimosa Oval features Native Indigo (Indigofera australis) also grow here. to the left through a thicket of Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea fimbriata, p105), rare in the Lane Cove Valley. You can retrace specimens of Narrow-leaved Stringybark. There is a wealth of climbing, twining and trailing plants. arborea) and you will enter a tall, open forest of Blackbutts, your route, or shortcut back via Warrigal Rd.

100 101 Bushland reserves

Above: Tick Trefoil (Desmodium rhytidophyllum) is a common trailing plant in SHELDON FOREST AND ROFE PARK Above: Old Man’s Beard (Clematis aristata) scrambles across a clump Sheldon Forest. The knobbly seed pods with tacky, clinging surfaces distinguish of Native Indigo (Indigofera australis). Both species grow in the Blue it from similar-foliaged Kennedia. Bottom inset – flowers; top inset – flower and Gum High Forest, and the Blackbutt forest that grows on the shale/ pods of closely related D. varians which grows in the same sites. sandstone transition in the lower part of Sheldon Forest.

Left: Sydney Blue Gums (Eucalyptus saligna) tower above Sweet Pittosporum Below: Fork Fern (Tmesipteris truncata), a primitive, fern-like Below: Narrow-leaved Stringybarks (Eucalyptus sparsifolia) are (P. undulatum) and Celery Wood (Polyscias elegans) in Sheldon Forest. epiphyte, hangs from a ledge to the left of the waterfall. It lacks common in the woodland south-west of the scout hall (I) at Kate St. Below: The waterfall upstream of Avondale Dam at map point F, on a wet day. a proper root system and lives rather like seaweed, attached to Narrow juvenile leaves discriminate the tree from Common Sandstone rocks in damp crevices and under ledges. Stringybark (E. oblonga) which is widespread in Ku-ring-gai Chase.

102 103 White Fingers (Caladenia catenata) Superb Greenhoods (Pterostylis grandiflora) Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans) Pixie Caps (Acianthus fornicatus) Cradle Orchid (Corybas aconitiflorus) Fringed Helmet Orchid (Corybas fimbriata) SOME STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS FROM SHELDON FOREST AND ROFE PARK

COLOURFUL FUNGI OF SHELDON FOREST AND ROFE PARK Coral Fungus (Ramaria formosa) Russula mariae Cortinarius archeri Cortinarius rotundisporus

104 105

Bushland reserves

L u c in Along the firetrail there is a rich shrubby flora, especially howittiana) and Sandpaper Fig (Ficus coronata). Large d

C a

l 120 A e y 140 v u d Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua), Flaky-barked Tea Tree specimens of Frosty Wattle (Acacia schinoides) grow along the e n

e e v S 140 P A o

l u a M t od c 140 (Leptospermum trinervium), Dwarf Apple (Angophora hispida), creek bank. These short-lived trees often become moribund. h i o e ld w re es d d h a t o l ly R Mountain Devil (Lambertia formosa), Grevillea buxifolia and There are thickets of tangled vines including Lawyer Vine B P S e Be tr y n eet a y r l o il in G. speciosa. There are geebungs (Persoonia pinifolia, (Smilax australis), Pearl Vine (Sarcopetalum harveyanum), B d F 100 a e

v i 120 r P. levis and P. lanceolata), Old Man Banksias (Banksia serrata), Snake Vine (Stephania japonica), Morinda and Water Vine approx A D Browns v e boundary l C ue n l n 140 120 e r r e u e e e b M op v Banksia species (B. spinulosa, B. marginata and B. oblongifolia), (Cissus antarctica). Ferns include tree ferns (Cyathea cooperi of diatreme p Co s m c A Ca Field

R d hakeas (H. laevipes, H. gibbosa and H. sericea). Shrubby plants and C. australis), Gristle Fern (Blechnum cartilagineum) 80 a n

a

i l n 100 o

f

o R r M of the daisy family Cassinia aculeata and C. denticulata also and Bat’s Wing Fern (Histiopteris incisa). False Bracken e

s L o t n t

W 80 ve ei ri th d a grow here. Then there are the attractive flowering shrubs (Calochlaena dubia) is very common across the lower D a y K ll o e R b

p R S

To Fox Valley o tr Woollsia pungens, Epacris pulchella, Boronia pinnata, hillslopes, but Giant Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum formosum) 120 m y

a th a e 100 w l et and ornleigh C e in J ll F 100 M B. ledifolia, Acacia echinula and Pultenaea tuberculata. Dotted and Shield Fern (Polystichum australiense) can no longer 120 it R ch e oa T ll t d Thelymitra ixioides . ixioides err en Sun Orchids ( var ), Red Beard be found and may have died out, smothered by a mass of ell 100 c Av es e Nera r n ng St C u St Orchids (Calochilus paludosus) and purple flags (Patersonia Lantana and Small-leaved Privet. Fortunately Christella e I A e M Mitchell os o tr nt n ei Oval 120 o th sericea and P. glabrata) flower here in spring or early summer. (Christella dentata), Strap Water Fern (Blechnum patersonii) B M

h

80 Approaching D through a small glade with Blackbutts and Fishbone Water Fern (B. nudum) still grow on the creek 80 g H 120 S Twin u t d r o e

a r R et

o d

120 o y

120 n a Eucalyptus pilularis R G 100 t ( ) you may see Eastern Yellow Robins. banks. Pools used to harbour numerous Cox’s Gudgeon

a w h F w h g

i p e

l H e l

c

e R

t d i

100 c (Gobiomorphus coxii), but no fish of any kind have been seen

S a 100

100 P Creeks C d an n E murra Descent to tall forest a To Turra in recent times. d B r o o ro J D n 100 ia At D take a well-defined trail to the right towards a small At J the route is heavily infested with Lantana and

6265,000mN A Pipe v e abandoned sandstone quarry. Just before the quarry, a narrow, other weeds. The valley broadens suddenly as you cross N n i u ob 120 e Howson 120 e La rough track E descends northwards into a deep valley. It’s a the geological contact between the Hawkesbury Sandstone Reserve ne d

Oval oa bit of a scramble but worth it for the contrasts in vegetation. and the Fox Valley diatreme. Note some interesting “exotic 80 R

t e re Casuarina St Near the bottom you will enter a dense forest of juvenile native” trees in the mown, grassy area. River Oaks ( t n

oi

P M y 120 a 100 100 i Turpentines (Syncarpia glomulifera) at F, then join a main trail cunninghamiana) tower to 20 m. They are native to larger 60 m M o s 80 a 100 R g d which follows the alignment of the valley. This valley G, with rivers like the Hawkesbury-Nepean and inland watercourses. in l e ss y C u i 120 True Magnetic sb n K in e tall Blackbutts, is quiet and beautiful and worth a detour. Sta v North North A

In the valley the vegetation changes abruptly to include Browns Field on G s i

ow pp 80 s H C wet sclerophyll and rainforest species. There are Coachwoods Cross the wooden footbridge at K, and follow the track l 60 e (Ceratopetalum apetalum), Cheese Trees (Glochidion towards the Browns Field Oval. After a short distance

Co me rkway 80 narra Pa To W ferdinandi) and Scentless Rosewood (Synoum glandulosum). it intersects the Browns Field Walking Track. You are P ym b 0 100 200 500 metres Several climbers grow here, including Five-leaf Water Vine surrounded by a rainforest community and it is hard at first to 60 le 325,000mE scale 1:10,000 (Cissus hypoglauca), Morinda (Morinda jasminoides), Wonga pick the tree species. As well as the broad-leaved plants seen Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana) and Old Man’s Beard downstream you will pass Jackwood (Cryptocarya glaucescens), 4. Twin Creeks Reserve and Browns Field (Clematis aristata). a medium-sized tree on the right near the creek crossing at L. Twin Creeks Reserve is best reached via the small Mitchell Smaller trees and shrubs near the track include Celery Wood Twin Creeks Reserve is about 40 hectares in area. It is Oval, A, next to the wide turning circle in the bend of Rainforest gully (Polyscias elegans), Koda (Ehretia acuminata) and Guioa (Guioa formed from two small sandstone valleys that eventually Mitchell Crescent. Walk in past the childrens playground and To the left at H, another, larger creek joins from the north. semiglauca). Downstream is an extremely tall Cabbage Tree join to flow into the Lane Cove River in South Turramurra. have a look at the excellent volunteer bush regeneration work The stream leads down from the Fox Valley diatreme and Palm (Livistona australis). Also just dowstream is a small bank Browns Field lies in a third valley, which is much more around the south fringes of the oval. But notice also the trees rainforest species dominate the valley floor flanked by some of claystone or shale; not itself volcanic, but a mass of country open because erosion of a subcircular enclave of volcanic further into the bush that are affected by dieback. large specimens of Turpentine, Blackbutt and Smooth-barked rock that was blown up or had slumped into the volcanic diatreme rocks, known as the Fox Valley diatreme, has Apple. One particularly hefty Turpentine (p108), more than vent. It is mantled by Fragrant Fern (Microsorium scandens). created a flat floor. The combined reserves contain Diverse sandstone ridgetop woodland 4 m in circumference, is one of the largest native trees in the The main tree species growing on the creek banks are a wonderful variety of plants and scenery for such a From Mitchell Oval take the broad firetrail, B, to the south- Lane Cove catchment. Powerful Owls (Ninox strenua) roost Sassafras, Lillypilly and Sandpaper Fig. Past the crossing you small bushland area. Of special interest are the remnant west through sandstone ridgetop woodland. In addition regularly in the dark canopy of this area (p109). will enter a miniature forest of juvenile Sassafras (Doryphora rainforest flora in the fertile soil of the volcanic diatreme to the common eucalypts, Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus Follow the track on the west bank to the right, towards sassafras). Near the track there is a bank of the moss Dawsonia at Browns Field and the creek downstream, and the rich haemastoma), Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata) and I. Here are Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia), Lillypilly polytrichoides looking like a tiny pine forest. Emerging into sandstone ridgetop flora, including eucalypts uncommon Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera) there are numerous (Syzygium smithii), Coachwood and Sassafras (Doryphora the bright light you pass through tangled banks of water vines in the catchment, like Silvertop Ash and Whipstick Silvertop Ash (E. sieberi), plus Whipstick Ash (E. multicaulis) Sassafras). Shrubs include Wilkiea (Wilkiea huegeliana) and the (p36) before re-crossing the stream on a sandstone ledge at the Ash. Both these communities are threatened by weeds, fire growing to the right of the track at C. Both are rare in the short-lived Native Hydrangea (Abrophyllum ornans), though north-east edge of the diatreme at M. Suggest that you retrace and urban proximity, however they feature active bushcare Lane Cove Valley though less rare elsewhere. A stand of these have not been seen here recently. Also here are Tree your steps through the bush rather than returning by road. sites. Hickory (Acacia implexa) grows by the track near C. Heath (Trochocarpa laurina), Brush Muttonwood (Myrsine You may spot species you missed first time through.

106 107 Bushland reserves

Above: A large Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi), a common tree Above: One of the largest trees in the Lane Cove catchment, this hefty Above: Powerful Owls (Ninox strenua) inhabit the valleys of Twin Creeks along the ridgetop trail. Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera), more than 4 m in circumference at chest and Browns Field. This one is clutching its breakfast: a Ringtail Possum. height, grows a short distance upslope from the stream that flows down from TWIN CREEKS RESERVE AND BROWNS FIELD Browns Field. Right: A tall, twin-trunk specimen of Sassafras (Doryphora Sassafras), a common tree at Browns Field but not found elsewhere in the catchment. Below: Hickory (Acacia implexa) grows in isolated stands in different parts of Twin Creeks Reserve, especially along the ridgetop Below: Clavicorona pyxidata is one of the many bizarre or colourful fungi Below: Hedghog Wattle (Acacia echinula) is a prickly but showy small trail, but in few sites elsewhere in the catchment. It resembles fruiting bodies that burst through the leaf litter in wet autumn-winter wattle, found in a few places in the Lane Cove Valley, including Twin Creeks Blackwood (A. melanoxylon) of furniture fame. weather in the valley bottoms of Twin Creeks Reserve. Reserve and Rofe Park, but is nowhere common.

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