This short 6km walk has to be one of my all-time favourites. The diverse and often-changing scenery is one of the most captivating aspects of this hidden oasis in the suburban outreaches of Sydney. It’s also incredibly family friendly, and you’ll often see people of all ages walking this well-formed track.
Getting There:
For those looking to get the heart rate really going, it’s best to start this loop-circuit from Quarry Road, Hornsby. Here you will find ample parking in the cul-de-sac of the local mountain bike track. The trail itself starts on the south-western aspect of Quarry Road and is sign-posted as a section of the Great North Walk. Starting your journey here will see you descend approximately 200m in altitude via long and curving sandstone steps. It’s the ascent of this legs on the return journey however, that will really build up the lactic acid in your calves.
If you are visiting with less able-bodied companions, or are simply looking for a more leisurely walk, it’s ideal to start the trail from the Rosemead Road picnic area. Here you will find ample street parking, with the well-formed track starting at the south-western end of the reserve.
The Hike:
The hike starts with a slight descent through a well-formed and serviceable fire-trail. The undulations you’ll see in these areas are to manage the cross flow of stormwater and prevent scour and erosion of the compacted-earth surface of the trail. The trail then ascends slightly after a creek crossing via steppingstones.
It’s here that you’ll behold the walks namesake; the giant evergreen Blue Gums reach for the valley sun in the dense sclerophyll forest. It’s humbling to realise that some of these trees are hundreds of years old.
The trail will eventually lead to a local watering hole known as the Fishponds, a favourite for local youth in the summer. However, as inviting as these waters may seem (and often they do not!), remember that the catchments of Berowra Creek extend into densely populated urban areas. Whilst Australia is at the forefront of policy in managing stormwater discharge and quality, gross pollutants and dissolved nasties inadvertently find their way to such creeks. Swimming is generally ill-advised and diving from the cliffs surrounding the ponds, even more so.
The trail meanders adjacent the eastern side of the Creek, where a number of terraced watering holes spill small waterfalls downstream. Here is the perfect spot for a picnic, some meditation or whatever else you feel like doing on a rest-break!
The trail crosses the creek (with a hop, skip or jump) and ascends quite steeply. Here you will gain elevation in climbing out of the valley. The greater solar access in these hillsides readily sees a disappearance of the mosses and ferns below, and you’ll be greeted by the drier Australian bush that we are all well-accustomed to.
Once you’ve reached the crest of the hill, continuation of the trail leads to an incredibly dense sapling forest. Here the trail narrows with enough width for single-file walking. The immersion in these young trees as you make your way through the skinny path evokes a sense of discovery; you will readily forget that you are a stone’s throw away from a suburban hub.
What you’ll find at the end of this sapling forest, is to me, the green jewel of the entire walk.
The trail descends to the leeward side of a large hill. Here, particularly in the winter months, shade prevails. Ferns thrive and cover theses hillside with such a density that has to be seen to be believed. Undoubtedly, it’s the bush regeneration efforts of these areas which has led to the flourishing ferns which remain a spectacle to see, smell and touch.
The tight trail forces itself through, with the ferns tickling your ankles the whole way, eventually descending to another steppingstone crossing. Here you’ll end up on suburban streets, which will lead north and back to the Rosemead Road Picnic Area, closing the loop on what is undoubtedly one of the most stunning walks that Sydney siders are privy to.