Dec 2, 2013

Euroka Clearing

We began this pleasant day walk at the Glenbrook entrance to the Blue Mountains National Park.

Glenbrook Creek near causeway

 

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos


We passed through an area with trees showing regrowth after hazard reduction burning (left), before reaching the popular picnic and camping area.

Euroka was cleared by early settlers for farming on the volcanic soil. There are forty camping sites at Euroka spread around five camping areas within the large grassy basin. (Camping sites must be booked)


Apple Tree Flat camping area

Our walk was around 8Km return from Glenbrook station via Bruce Road, with an extra 2Km loop from Euroka to the Nepean River.  There is a steep climb out from causeway to park entrance.
 map link

Nov 16, 2013

Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve


                                                  
                                                                                                                 

Updated 8th January 2015

Wentworth Falls Lake was created in the early 1900s to supply water for steam locomotives, by damming Jamison Creek.

Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve has a picnic area and children's playground with sandstone sculptures, based on seed pods of local plant, nearby. There is a walking track around the lake, of about 3.5 Km. in length. (this includes some walking along Waratah & Banksia Rds.)

Much of the lake is surrounded by sensitive hanging swamp, which is listed as an 'Endangered Ecological Community'


                                                 location map

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov 2, 2013

Gore Cove track to Berry Island




This 6.5Km walk which starts at Smoothey Park Wollstonecraft, follows a narrow green corridor along Berry Creek and Gore Cove to Berry Island.


Beencke’s Bridge (left), built in 1964 to replace a wooden trestle bridge, is named after the Greenwich stonemason and carpenter who built the original footbridge.



The walk passes through rain forest remnants along Berry Creek, then through open woodland along the Gore Cove foreshore.





The small island was originally joined to the mainland by narrow mudflats which have since been filled and a lawn established. The bushland was regenerated and is now maintained by North Sydney Council. There is a short circular bushland track with views of the harbour and information about Aboriginal history.
Gore Cove from Berry Is.

Our group had planned to complete our walk back to Wollstonecraft station through Badangi Bushland Reserve but hazard reduction on the day prevented this. This walk can also end at Waverton Station. (see map)

Badangi Reserve on Balls Head Bay

                             North Sydney Council Bushland Reserves info          location map

 

Oct 20, 2013

Mamre House

Mamre House, at Orchard Hills, is recognised as a property of State significance. This substantial Georgian homestead, was the residence of the Rev. Samuel Marsden during the 1820s and 1830s. He was a colonial chaplain, magistrate and pastoralist who helped pioneer the Australian wool industry by importing and breeding the famous Merino sheep. 


The property later became the residence of Richard Rouse, a prominent public servant and grazier. It is now leased to the Sisters of Mercy who run a program combining job creation, training and tourism, for people returning to the workforce, those with a disability, and refugees.

Mamre House

Companion Garden

As well as the training centre, Mamre House includes a restaurant and tearoom (closed Mondays), a plant nursery and gift shop.
                           

                 Location map

Buses from St Marys railway station: 776 bus (Mamre Rd. just after Motorway at St. Clair)  775 bus  (turns off at nearby Banks Drive St. Clair)