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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) are found in each of the tabs below
Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)
Time: 2 hrs Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
1.2 km W of Hornsby
Length: 4.2 km Walk Length
As this is a Circuit style walk, the 4.2 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again
Berowra Valley National Park
Climb: 231 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 231 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: Circuit
Track: Hard

This is an enjoyable circuit walk that allows you to explore this rare pocket of Sydney Blue Gum forest. You will follow a signposted track across a few creeks and alongside Waitara Creek, with a few cascades. There are many small sandstone caves and a great diversity in plant life along the way. Sit quietly on the bank of Waitara Creek and you may see a water dragon, or get going early and listen for the Lyrebirds. (open in app)


There are Safety alerts in Berowra Valley National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Blue Gum Walk (Joe
Map of Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Int of Great North Walk and Rosemead Rd service trail
Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
Int of Great North Walk and Manor Rd Bushtrack
Fishponds Lookout
Fishponds Lookout
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
Int of powerline bushtrack and Blue Gum Walk
Int of Blue Gum Walk at bottom of wooden steps
Int of Blue Gum track and old logging trail
Int of Blue Gum and Pipeline tracks
Int up from Jimmy Banks crk int
Jimmy Banks Crk int
Ginger Meggs Park
Starting point for this hiking track: Berowra Valley Bushland Park

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Hornsby 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91304S 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park
 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park +
 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park at the end of Rosemead Rd
 
Berowra Valley Bushland Park at the end of Rosemead Rd +
 
Signposted track head at end of Rosemead Rd
 
Signposted track head at end of Rosemead Rd +

 
Track just north of Berowra Valley Bushland Park
 
Track just north of Berowra Valley Bushland Park +
 
Stepping stones at Old man's Valley Creek
 
Stepping stones at Old man's Valley Creek +
 
Sassafras stand on Rosemead trail
 
Sassafras stand on Rosemead trail +

 
The Rosemead trail goes through dense fern forest
 
The Rosemead trail goes through dense fern forest +
 
Pea flower in bloom
 
Pea flower in bloom +
 
Trunk of gum tree
 
Trunk of gum tree +

 
Hornsby's high Blue gum forest
 
Hornsby's high Blue gum forest +
 
Turpentine Forest
 
Turpentine Forest +
 
Rock formation in Turpentine forest
 
Rock formation in Turpentine forest +

 
Int of Blue Gum walk and Rosemead Trail
 
Int of Blue Gum walk and Rosemead Trail +
 
Looking down steps south of Fishponds
 
Looking down steps south of Fishponds +
 
Walking along the edge of the gully south of Fishponds
 
Walking along the edge of the gully south of Fishponds +

 
Small bridge crossing south of Fishponds
 
Small bridge crossing south of Fishponds +
 
Patersonia sericea
 
Patersonia sericea +
 
Fishponds Lookout
 
Fishponds Lookout +

 
Crossing Berowra Creek at Fishponds
 
Crossing Berowra Creek at Fishponds +
 
Small beach at Fishponds
 
Small beach at Fishponds +
 
Signposted intersection above Fishponds
 
Signposted intersection above Fishponds +

 
Crossing a small gully near Fishponds
 
Crossing a small gully near Fishponds +
 
Track passing an overhand near Berowra Creek
 
Track passing an overhand near Berowra Creek +
 
Berowra Creek upstream of Fishponds
 
Berowra Creek upstream of Fishponds +

 
Walking alongside Waitara Creek
 
Walking alongside Waitara Creek +
 
Water Dragon beside Waitara Creek
 
Water Dragon beside Waitara Creek +
 
Water hole below 'the Spa' on Waitara Creek
 
Water hole below 'the Spa' on Waitara Creek +

 
'The Spa' on Waitara Creek
 
'The Spa' on Waitara Creek +
 
Waitara Creek Crossing
 
Waitara Creek Crossing +
 
Track on west side of Waitara Creek
 
Track on west side of Waitara Creek +

 
Couch in overhang on the western side of the Spa
 
Couch in overhang on the western side of the Spa +
 
Steep track on western side of Waitara Creek
 
Steep track on western side of Waitara Creek +
 
Steps on the track on the Quarter Sessions Road ridge
 
Steps on the track on the Quarter Sessions Road ridge +

 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
 
Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) +
 
Walking alongside the ridge below Westleigh
 
Walking alongside the ridge below Westleigh +
 
Large cliffs and homes above
 
Large cliffs and homes above +

 
Walking through the mixed forest below Westleigh
 
Walking through the mixed forest below Westleigh +
 
Walking through the open forest
 
Walking through the open forest +
 
Intersection with steps on concreted trail
 
Intersection with steps on concreted trail +

 
Blue gums beside the management trail
 
Blue gums beside the management trail +
 
Blue Gum arrow post beside the trail
 
Blue Gum arrow post beside the trail +
 
Waitara Creek sign
 
Waitara Creek sign +

 
Waitara Creek Crossing, near Valley Road
 
Waitara Creek Crossing, near Valley Road +
 
Servicetrail next to Ginger Meggs Park on Valley Rd
 
Servicetrail next to Ginger Meggs Park on Valley Rd +
 
Ginger Meggs Park
 
Ginger Meggs Park +

 
Valley Rd
 
Valley Rd +
 
Int of Valley and Rosemead Rd
 
Int of Valley and Rosemead Rd +
 
Rosemead Rd
 
Rosemead Rd +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit) bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 4.2km
Time 2 hrs
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
1.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (990m) is very steep.

Quality of track
1.9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.1km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs
Around 2.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 1.4km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
2.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 990m requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (930m) requires some bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 3.2km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 990m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 2.4km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 1.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Berowra Valley Bushland Park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Berowra Valley Bushland Park Alt = 82 m
'Berowra Valley Bushland Park'[1] is also known as Rosemead Rd Park and is found at the bottom end of Rosemead Rd[2], Hornsby. This is an open area park surrounded by shady eucalyptus trees[3], making a pleasant spot to rest on a walk. It has a picnic table with bench seats[4], and a sheltered free electric BBQ[5]. There is a water tap[6] in the park, near the road. There is also a 'Welcome to Old Mans Valley' information sign with information about the traditional country of the Darug and Guringai peoples[7].

(0 km) Berowra Valley Bushland Park to Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack,servicetrail
Length = 887 m Time = 20 mins
Climb = 45 m Descent = -39 m
From the lower side of Berowra Valley Bushland Park[8] (at the end of Rosemead Rd, Hornsby[9]), this walk follows the 'Fishponds 1.2km' arrow on the large sign[10], down the track[11] for approximately 30m, to the intersection with the Rosemead management trail[12], marked with a Great North Walk arrow.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the wide rocky management trail[13] as it bends left (and passing some houses off to the left). The trail then bends right[14] and leads across Old Mans Creek using some concrete stepping stones[15]. The walk then continues by heading up the moderately steep hill and then through a thick blue gum and bracken fern forest[16]. The wide trail leads to the top of the hill then bends left, (ignoring the track on the right[17]) to pass over a saddle[18]. Here the trail leads down the gentle hill[19], through the turpentine forest for just over 300m to find an intersection with narrower track on the right, marked with arrow posts[20].

(0.89 km) Int of Blue Gum Walk and Joes Mountain Service Trail to Fishponds Lookout
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 297 m Time = 7 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -39 m
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Great North Walk' arrow[21] down the narrower track a short distance to find a three-way intersection marked with a large 'Great North walk' signpost[22].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Fishponds' sign[23] along the flat narrow track past the 'Berowra Valley Regional Park' sign[24]. The track soon bends left (passing along the top of an unfenced cliff) then winds down some steep carved rock steps (with a hand rail)[25]. The rocky track then leads down along the side of the valley for just over 100m to cross a timber foot bridge[26]. The track then continues for another 70m to find a fenced rock platform[27] and signposted intersection[28].

Fishponds Lookout Alt = 49 m
Fishponds Lookout is a fenced rock platform at the intersection of the Benowie walking track and the Rosemead trackhead. It is marked with a number of Great North Walk signs. This informally named lookout has good views down over Fishponds, a large waterhole on Berowra Creek. Looking north across the creek, there are views to the upper waterhole and the cliffs on the other side.

(1.18 km) Fishponds Lookout to Fishponds crossing
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 71 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m Descent = -4 m
Turn right: From the lookout[29], this walk follows the 'Galston Gorge' sign[30] along the fenced rock shelf (keeping the fence to your left). The track leads down the rocky steps to the edge of Berowra Creek[31]. The walk crosses the creek using the stepping stones, and comes to a small cave[32] on the other side. This creek may be impassable after rain[33].
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then continue straight to continue along this walk.)

Fishponds Alt = 49 m
Fishponds is a long waterhole[34] on Berowra Creek in Berowra Valley Regional Park. The waterhole is lined with tall cliffs[35] and a few sandstone caves. At the southern end, there are stepping stones to help cross the creek[36], and a small timber bridge[37] at the northern end. This is a beautiful spot and a worthy place to rest and enjoy the water passing by[38]. The waterhole is fairly popular with local teens in summer, cooling off. Swimming and jumping at the Fishponds waterhole has resulted in fatalities[39] - please heed the signs and Cora's parents' plea and enjoy the water from the edge.

(1.18 km) Fishponds Lookout to Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW)
Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 988 m Time = 21 mins
Climb = 87 m Descent = -21 m
Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the 'Thornleigh Station' arrow[40] (and 'Pennant Hills' arrow[41]) down the timber steps past the 'Blue Gum Walk' sign[42], and crosses a small creek using the small flat timber bridge[43]. The track leads around the side of the hill for about 100m, then scrambles over some rocks and under a sandstone overhang[44].
The rocky track follows alongside Berowra Creek for another 100m, passing beside some cascades[45] to the end of a notably flat section of track[46]. This walk heads over another rock platform[47] (now with Waitara Creek down and to your right), then soon climbs up through the fork in the tree on left[48], coming to a large, unfenced rock platform[49]. This leads to a flat area beside some interesting holes in a rock known as 'the spa'[50].
From here, this walk follows the Blue Gum Track arrow post[51] across Waitara Creek, stepping over 'the spa'[52]. This creek may become impassable after heavy rain, the rocks can also be slippery. On the other side, the track leads uphill[53] and bends right, passing a large rock overhang[54], where the track then leads left, following the arrow posts[55] and climbing up through the crack in the rock[56]. The track leads more gently up through another crack in a rock[57], then continues fairly gently up along the narrow ridge[58]. After about 200m, the track becomes steeper[59], climbing up rock steps[60] and over rocks[61]. This area comes alive with Patersonia lilies and pink wax flowers in early spring. The track then mostly flattens out[62] for another 200m, coming to a signposted three-way intersection, where a 'Fishponds' sign[63] points back along the track.

(2.17 km) Int of the Great North Walk and the Blue Gum Walk (SW) to Int of Blue Gum Walk at bottom of wooden steps
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 817 m Time = 21 mins
Climb = 58 m Descent = -58 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker along the bush track, leaving 'The Great North Walk' track behind. The track winds through the blue gum forest, keeping the valley down to the left and houses above on the right as it winds along the side of the hill. The walk comes to an intersection with a bush track, just below some overhead power lines.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track south, keeping the valley down to the left. The track winds along the side of the hill until coming down a set of wooden steps to the 'T' intersection at the top of the concrete section of management trail.

(2.99 km) Int of Blue Gum Walk at bottom of wooden steps to Ginger Meggs Park
Track: Moderate - servicetrail
Length = 653 m Time = 15 mins
Climb = 15 m Descent = -60 m
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the Blue Gum Walk marker down the bumpy concrete management trail, winding steeply down the hill, until reaching the intersection with an old logging trail on the left .
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the more defined management trail down the hill, following the Blue Gum Walk marker. The trail meanders down the spur until a sharp left turn, shortly after which the walk comes to an intersection with a bush track (on the right) where there is another Blue Gum Walk marker.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the old management trail heads down the hill and follows Waitara Creek past a small pipeline on the left and a few houses on the right, until coming to an intersection with another management trail from the left - this intersection is marked with a Blue Gum Walk post.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north, down the hill with the creek on the right, to the intersection just before the causeway over Waitara Creek. There are usually ducks and brush turkeys in this area.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail across Waitara Creek and up the hill, passing around the gate before arriving on Valley Road, at the lower corner of Ginger Meggs Park.

Ginger Meggs Park Alt = 70 m
Ginger Meggs Park is a large fenced grassy area with childrens play equipment. The park is found on Valley Rd, Hornsby (opposite Lochness Pl). There are two picnic tables (with shelter), a garbage bin and a drinking fountain. The park was named in July 1997, for the comic character Ginger Meggs[64], created by Jimmy Bancks[65]. Bancks (1889-1952) grew up in the local area, and the creek south of the park is also named in his honour[66].

(3.64 km) Ginger Meggs Park to Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Walk: Easy - road
Length = 578 m Time = 12 mins
Climb = 26 m Descent = -15 m
Veer left: From Ginger Meggs Park, this walk follows Valley Road (past Lochness Pl on the right), keeping the children's playground on the left. Note that water is available from the park. The walk passes 'West Hornsby STP' before coming up to the intersection with Rosemead Road and turning left. The walk follows Rosemead Rd down the hill to the end and heads into Berowra Valley Bushland Park.

Catch the bus from Berowra Valley Bushland Park
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Berowra Valley Bushland Park
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
CampHikeClimb 20 George St, Hornsby (02) 9476 5767 1.2 km
Kathmandu 236 Pacific Hwy (Westfield), Hornsby (02) 9476 1399 1.3 km
All Camping Supplies 12 Railway Pde, Thornleigh (02) 9481 0473 3.5 km
One Stop Adventure Shop 1045 Victoria Rd , West Ryde (02) 9858 5844 11.8 km
Castle Tarpaulin Warehouse 14/ 10 Victoria Ave, Castle Hill (02) 9899 3959 10.6 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit).
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Blue Gum Walk (Joe's Mountain Circuit)
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
4 km (to the SSE)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 11 km (to the NNE)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 19 km (to the WSW)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 30 km (to the S)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 35 km (to the NNE)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 9 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
Wed      33°Showers. Likely storm developing.
Thu19°|28°Possible shower.
Fri18°|33°Partly cloudy.
Sat16°|26°Possible late shower.
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Manor Road Bushland Manor Road Bushland is a small parcel of natural bushland between Manor road and the Hornsby quarry. The blue Gum walk and the Great North walk Hornsby track head pass through the section of land where there are some wonderful tall Blue gums and Black Buts. There is also a lovely array of ferns and Turpentine trees.
Region:
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.


Berowra Valley National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page
Following the Berowra Creek the Berowra Valley National Park is located on the Hornsby Plateau and is made up of typical Hawkesbury Sandstone. The great North walk, Benowie walking track, and many other great walks stretch spann this park. The area has varied vegetation including many different sorts of Eucalyptus and plenty of native animals, includingl swamp wallibies, water dragons, bandicoots, Lyre Birds, and bush turkeys. There are several campsites within the Park, and Crosslands Reserve is also a popular spot near the middle of the park.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
Park fees Camping
Current Park Closure information for Berowra Valley National Park
Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM
Safety alerts: Quarry trail and Benowie walking track restricted access
Access restrictions are in place along trails that traverse the land managed by the Hornsby Rifle Range. Restricted areas include:
  • an 800m section of trail, 2km in from the Quarry Road entrance at Dural
  • an 800m section of trail, 300m in from the Stewart Avenue entrance at Hornsby
  • a 750m section of the Benowie walking track between Steele Bridge and Fishponds Waterholes.
Shooting times are between 9am and 4.30pm, 7 days a week. All visitors wishing to access the restricted sections of trail during these times must request prior authorisation by contacting the Hornsby Rifle Range on their 24 hour contact number 0417 201 606. Consult the map on Page vii of the Berowra Valley National Park Draft Plan of Management to plan alternative routes during these hours. Visit the website for further information about the Hornsby Rifle Range.



Dog Pound Creek Reserve Dog Pound Creek reserve is managed by Hornsby Council and is home to a spectatular native Blue Gum stand. The valley has a number of walks and creeks running through it and joins Westleigh, Thronleigh and Hornsby. The reserve is named after a creek that runs from the former dog pound that was on Warrigal Dr, Westleigh.
Region: Sydney & Surrounds
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Arram IP:119.225.4.xxx | 2010-01-14 01:55:37
Nice walk but dont stop to take photos of the fern forest or you'll be attacked by leeches! Keep moving.
Hector Xu - re: Leeches IP:60.241.64.xxx | 2010-04-18 09:38:09
Arram wrote:
Nice walk but dont stop to take photos of the fern forest or you'll be attacked by leeches! Keep moving.


Keep moving did not help us! I read this and kept moving, but 3 out of 6 of us had leeches on our legs. Make sure you wear long pants and tuck them into your socks! Especially before going into the fern forest in the last section.
MSch - fern forest IP:27.32.63.xxx | 2011-03-27 02:20:18
it would have been one of the most pleasant walks in Sydney suburbia if it wasn't for the fern forest: interesting landscape at the beginning; the fish pond just lovely... but the fern forest is not only very overgrown (up to shoulders in some parts) so you wish you had a machete, but leech infested. This was like Dorrigo Nationalpark. Each of us had probably 20 on the shoes and socks. Next time I will stay on the Benowie Walking Track and look for a different way to get back.
Linda - Watch out - wild ferns and lee IP:60.242.94.xxx | 2011-04-17 05:19:41
Last Sunday late afternoon, after about 30 minutes walking in rain along a bush track from the intersection of 'The Great North Walk'and Blue Gum Walk, fear of getting lost stopped us from walking further when we realized the village down to the left and houses above on the right all fanished. We did an U-turn walking back and eventually saw again the houses above rocks. We ended up by climbing up to a house for help. A very kind lady gave us a lift to my car. Then we found dreadfully leeches everywhere on our legs sucking blood...
What a shame, I did not read the notes/feedbacks on this website before bushwalk.
Berry - Easy route and NO leeches! IP:124.184.184.xxx | 2011-07-30 09:40:04
Hi all
I did this walk today, August 2011, and I vote it to be one of the best Wildwalks in Sydney!!

After the wettest July in 50 years, I am happy to report, no leeches!!
The trail through the ferns has been cut back I think, as we had none of the experiences described above. The walk through the ferns was magnificent and one of the highlights of the walk.

The route was easy to follow with the Wildwalk tracknotes and map. No problems experienced and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Thank you Wildwalks!!
Natalie - Lovely rainforesty walk IP:124.188.249.xxx | 2011-09-14 11:31:18
This walk had lots of rainforesty scenery which we really enjoyed. Lots of interesting things to look at, and convenient starting point at the end of a cul de sac with lots of street parking and a nice quiet park with a BBQ.
Wish it went for longer!
Jens - No leeches! IP:60.241.17.xxx | 2012-04-08 06:52:51
Beautiful and diverse track. No leeches found in overcast and dry conditions on Easter 2012.

Agree that the walk through the ferns is wonderful, almost magic. I wouldn't have been surprised if I had met an elf.

I wish there'd be more information about the original Aboriginal people.
Maureen - Lots of leeches IP:142.136.89.xxx | 2013-07-02 03:35:53
Hiked in late March of 2013. Leeches were all over half the trail. Never again.
James and Elly - leeches IP:66.249.80.xxx | 2014-03-02 04:36:15
A very enjoyable walk apart from the last section through the ferns. Not for those of a weak disposition or without leech repellant...
Susan IP:110.33.131.xxx | 2014-04-25 13:12:40
Yes leeches a problem, especially on the fire trail just outside the fern walk. We were told by locals to spray your boots socks and clothes with aeroguard to prevent them form sticking to you.
Milan - Great Walk IP:115.70.218.xxx | 2015-09-22 22:17:58
A friend and I did this walk last night and we were not attacked by any leeches. It has been quite dry for the past week and there were no wet spots on the track. We did the walk at night with headlamps and found it to be very enjoyable. The track in not very difficult and will definitely be doing it again in the day so we can enjoy the views.
Hannah - Fantasticwalk IP:58.166.70.xxx | 2015-09-30 06:09:33
I walked this trail today with a friend. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Such beautiful features along the way - the rock overhangs, the fishpond, the changes in vegetation. Zero leeches found. An excellent hike, helped by the information and notes provided by this website. Thankyou!!!
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