Search bushwalks in Lake Macquarie City Council, Page 161

Starting behind the Visitor Centre at the end of Lake St Claire Road, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this Aboriginal cultural heritage walk takes you on a figure-of-eight loop via the Watersmeet, Larmairremener tabelti and Platypus Bay tracks. Read the information boars along the track to learn more about the Larmairremener people. The walk starts on the Watersmeet Track, following an old road that was constructed to allow for limited logging after bushfires in the 1960s. You'll pass fragrant tea tree, wattle and banksia through buttongrass sedgeland to the Watersmeet Bridge. The track leads toward Platypus Bay. As the name tells you, you might spot a platypus there if lucky. The walk returns via the Larmairremener tabelti track, following the ridges formed by retreating glaciers during the ice ages. This hike can be completed as a loop walk or split into three shorter walks. At their longest, these walks combine to form a figure-of-eight loop. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Watersmeet Loop

4 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from across the Greenbushes Discovery Centre, Mine Heritage Circuit embarks on a captivating journey around the periphery of the town. Delving into the rich history of tin mining dating back to 1886, the track unveils remnants such as an old mining tunnel and hand-dug shafts and trenches. Passing by the local courthouse and goal, the path offers glimpses of mine shafts utilized during the 1900s to the 1940s. Miners employed diverse winch mechanisms and buckets to extract ore from depths reaching up to 10 meters beneath the surface cap rock. Marked by a distinctive triangular badge adorned with a miner's safety hard hat and crossed pick and shovel, the trail serves as a poignant tribute to the town's mining legacy. Situated 250km south of Perth, Greenbushes serves as the northern gateway to the Warren Blackwood region, boasting a mining heritage that continues to thrive with the production of tantalite concentrates, lithium minerals, tin metal, and kaolin. Named after the vibrant green bushes that contrast with the surrounding grey eucalyptus trees, Greenbushes exudes natural beauty and pioneering spirit, with numerous historical landmarks dotting its forested landscape. Perched on the edge of the Darling Scarp at an elevation of 342.8 meters above sea level, Greenbushes offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills from various vantage points within the town. From the mine lookout, visitors can marvel at the Talison Minerals Cornwall Pit, adding another layer to the fascinating mining heritage of the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mine Heritage Circuit

2.9 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Mine Heritage Circuit

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Mapleton Falls Road, Mapleton, this walk takes you on a circuit in the lush rainforest of Mapleton National Park via the Wompoo Circuit, visiting Peregrine Lookout along the way. Also, you can visit the Mapleton Falls Lookout after/before your hike to enjoy some exceptional views over the Queensland hinterland along with the waterfall. The dense rainforest is teeming with interesting wildlife, and the towering trees around add an extra layer of serenity to the experience. The Peregrine Lookout features a cozy sat with a backrest that you can refuel as you savor the views of the mountains covered in green. With interpretive signs and undulating tracks, this walk makes for a great opportunity for little kids to get started and learn about nature. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Wompoo Circuit

1.5 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Environment

Balls Head Reserve Circuit

Balls Head Reserve Circuit

1.3 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Starting from Balls Head Drive, Waverton, this walk takes you on a circuit in Balls Head Reserve. This is a little gem of a walk that is situated in the centre of the city while still being chill and serene. Along with the views of Balmain and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are remnants of the past, such as aboriginal waterholes and foreshore caves, that will be appealing for the walkers. It is also possible to see the wildlife in the area; you can keep an eye for Australian Water Dragons throughout your journey. Let us begin by acknowledging the Yerroulbine people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Train

Mill-bullah Walking Track

Mill-bullah Walking Track

1 km return

30 min to 45 min

Starting from the information shelter at the end of Allambie Road, this short return walk takes you through box-cypress forest and dry rainforest to the beautiful Mill-bullah (meaning two eyes) waterholes. Experienced walkers can prolong their walk along Waa Gorge walking track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Kamilaroi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander Lookout

Cape Baily Track from Cape Solander Lookout

4.1 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

This walk starts at the end of Cape Solander Dr and heads south along the coast to the end of Sir Joseph Banks Dr, in the Boat Harbour Coastal Reserve. The walk explores a vast array of environments including sand dunes, hanging swamps, rock platforms and dense heath. The Baily Lighthouse is a highlight and a nice place to rest. There are also city views from the top of a few of the sand dunes. Let us begin by acknowledging the Dharawal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

4.6 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

This walk is an excellent way to see some of Bouddi National Park's greatest views. The walk follows the Maitland Bay Track and the Bouddi coastal walk to Putty Beach. The track shows off Maitland Bay from a number of different lookouts while passing through different types of vegetation. There are also many interesting rock patterns along the coastal cliffs. Watch out for sharks, bluebottles and rips if you decide to take a dip. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Swim

Environment

The Kuniya Walk is a return track located near the Mutitjulu Waterhole in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. This walk features wallabies, bush foods, rock art, waterfalls, birdlife and spectacular rock formations. The Kuniya walk encompasses a vibrant cultural landscape with a captivating creation story. It is the backdrop for an awe-inspiring narrative that recounts the intense confrontation between Kuniya, the woma python woman, and Liru, the venomous brown snake man. This compelling tale epitomizes the rich cultural heritage of Uluru, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its profound significance. Additionally, the Kuniya walk holds great importance for the Traditional Owners of Uluru, who frequently guide esteemed visitors like the Dalai Lama to this sacred and cherished location. For the most captivating experience, visit this destination during or after rainfall, when the waterfalls are at their best. You can bring binoculars or a long lens to improve your birdwatching session. Let us begin by acknowledging the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Kuniya walk

1 km return

30 min to 40 min

Environment

Horseshoe (Burgess) Falls Track

Horseshoe (Burgess) Falls Track

2.6 km return

1 h to 2 h

Starting from the Burgess Falls Walking Track in Hazelbrook, the Horseshoe (Burgess) Falls Track is a return walk that takes you through a natural landscape. This walk is pet friendly and perfect for taking your furry friends with you (adult). You will come across a number of waterfalls, including Horseshoe Falls (and the cave behind), Oakland Falls, Burgess Falls, Fairy Falls, Glow Worm Nook Falls, and Lena Falls. It is best to wear joggers or hiking boots as the track can be slippery and muddy after rain. Large fallen-down trees make the atmosphere stronger but also block some of the water flow to Burgess Falls, meaning you will need to climb over them in some sections of the track. For the best experience, it is recommended to take this walk after heavy rainfall. Additionally, autumn is a great season to visit as there is a wider variety of fungi to observe. After following the track for 500m, you will emerge in close proximity to various shops and amenities, including the Hazelbrook Bowling Club, while restrooms can be found on a street nearby, along with facilities for having a nice meal or a drink. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout

Dead Horse Gap to Cascades Lookout

4.2 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h

This enjoyable walk starts at Dead Horse Gap, the highest point on the Alpine Way. The walk follows the Riverside track downstream, along the Thredbo River, through the valley and the snow gum forest to the cascades lookout. This walk follows a well defined track and, although close to the road, you can feel a million miles from anywhere. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngarigo people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Collins Cap and Myrtle Forest Falls

Collins Cap and Myrtle Forest Falls

5.9 km return

2 h to 3 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Myrtle Forest Road, Wellington Park, this walk takes you past Myrtle Forest Falls to Collins Cap. The first section leads from the car park to the picnic area where the trailhead, toilets and picnic facilities are located. The trail then crosses a bridge and follows a stone path alongside Myrtle Forest Creek before reaching Myrtle Creek Falls, a small but scenic waterfall with a viewing platform. The trail continues climbing steadily as the environment changes from temperate rainforest to sub-alpine, eventually reaching a marked junction, with the right-hand fork continuing towards Collins Cap. At the summit, which is 1098 metres high, there are panoramic views of Collins Bonnet, Collinsvale, the Derwent Valley and the Mount Wellington plateau. Although the trail is steep throughout and rocky in sections, it's well-constructed and easy to follow. The walk enters a sub-alpine area towards the end, so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park on Hurford Street, Dunsborough, this walk takes you past Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Castle Bay, Meelup Beach, Point Picquet, and Eagle Bay via the Meelup Reserve Trail. Linking Dunsborough to Eagle Bay, the 7.8km Meelup Reserve Trail leads walkers along the coast to beautiful secluded beaches and impressive granite rock formations. Almost all of the beaches here are well-known, and their crystal clear waters are one of the main reasons for that. Small reefs and rocky outcrops provide good snorkelling opportunities. In spring, there are heaps of wildflowers and animals. Numerous vantage points along the way allow you to view whales, mainly from September to December. There are multiple turn-offs in the first kilometres of the walk that take you to small and relatively secluded beaches. One of the main highlights of the walk is the imposing Castle Rock. Further on the trail lies Castle Bay, with Sail Rock to the west and Castle Rock to the east. Those features combined with the panoramic ocean view makes this place quite picturesque. Have a picnic or a swim, and enjoy the refreshing ambience. From Castle Bay onwards, the beaches are larger; however, there are still some rugged sections that divide up the beaches. Meelup Beach is ideal for swimming due to the bay being protected. There are BBQs, picnic tables under trees and big grassy areas for family picnics as well. Another nice feature of Meelup Beach is that it is also where Meelup Brook runs into the ocean. The track from Meelup to Eagle Bay is relatively a bit more challenging, yet the ocean views get better as you get higher. This section features the only real ascent of the trail, although it isn't very long or difficult. After a downhill wander, stunning Eagle Bay looms in the distance. The trail continues through Reidle Park to the Eagle Bay Carpark, with a well-shaded boardwalk leading down to the beach. This is a fairly easy walk along a mostly flat trail with very little change in elevation. The trail is clear, well maintained and reasonably well signed. There are large panels at the start of the trail and markers all along the way. From Dunsborough, the track to Point Piquet is quite straightforward, but it can get a bit hard to follow after Point Piquet. You can either return to your vehicle via Meelup Reserve Trail, get a cab or do some car shuffling. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Meelup Reserve Trail

14.5 km return

4 h to 6 h

Swim

Environment

Bus

Aboriginal Heritage Track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.2 km circuit

20 min to 45 min

The Aboriginal Heritage Track takes in one of the most popular rock art sites in Ku-ring-gai National Park, and an amazing Aboriginal engraving site. The walk leads out from Resolute Picnic Area to pass by the caves and then continues down the management trail to the engravings. The walk then returns to the picnic area. It is a great way to see historic Aboriginal art in the Sydney region. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Environment

Piper Comanche Plane Wreck

Piper Comanche Plane Wreck

6 km return

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

6 km

Return

Walk

2 h 15 min to 3 h 15 min

Starting from Mount Glorious Road, Mount Glorious, this walk takes you to the historic Piper Comanche Plane Wreck and back, exploring the woodlands of D’Aguilar National Park along the way. The Piper Comanche crashed on 2 March 1977, around 400 metres below the summit.The pilot(supposedly named Paul Pavletich) was a colour-blind 57 year old man. He wanted to go home so badly that he asked for landing clearance again and again, and finally was given one. It’s believed that he didn’t see the higher terrain due to clouds and crashed into a tree. May he rest in peace. There is also an old log winch on your way to the plane wreck, if you’re interested. Harmonious birdsong will accompany you throughout the journey, and you can spot some Rufous Fantails and bowerbirds in the area. The track gets muddy and slippery in wet conditions, and leeches tend to come out from the mud. Cover yourself well and try to schedule the walk when it’s been dry for a few days. Also, watch out for spiky vines along the track. Look out for pink ribbons on trees for guidance. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ruins

Environment