Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne is encouraging residents and visitors to The Hills to explore the great outdoors this autumn on a bushwalk.
The Hills Shire Council's Guided Walks Program lists 10 bushwalks that vary in length and intensity level. They are located across the Shire, which gives walkers a totally different experience.
"We want our residents to live their very best lives and our bushwalk program is one way in which we are encouraging people to be more active, enjoy the great outdoors and discover The Hills' hidden gems," Mayor Byrne said.
"Some of my personal favourites from the program include the Knightsbridge Circuit walk and the Heritage Park bushwalk.
"Both are pram friendly and are great for families with small children. I know my girls love going on a bush adventure and these walks are the perfect way to teach them more about our local environment and all the animals and plants that are unique to this area," Mayor Byrne added.
The Hills Guided Walks Program includes:
1. Heritage Trail (Baulkham Hills):
This walk goes through the Headwaters of Toongabbie Creek, which was the earliest settlement in Baulkham Hills.
- Distance: 6.4 km
- Grade: Easy
- Time: Two and a half to three hours.
2. Heritage Park (Castle Hill):
Here you will explore the site of the former Convict Farm established in 1801 and scene of the Rebellion of 1804.
- Distance: 2.4 kilometres
- Grade: Easy to medium. There are two steep hills
- Time: One and a half hours.
3. Wildflower Walk (Cranstons Road Middle Dural):
Expect to see district views, a variety of Sydney's distinctive wildflowers and if you are lucky - a glimpse of a swamp wallaby during the Wildflower Walk in Middle Dural.
- Distance: 3.5 kilometres
- Grade: Moderate. Steep ascent and descent
- Time: One and a half hours.
4. Forest Walk (Cumberland State Forest):
Enjoy walking through Cumberland State Forest - the only urban forest in Australia. A feature of this walk is the tall native trees and Cabbage Tree Palms. As well as gullies and ferns, there is plenty of birdlife to also see in the forest.
- Distance: 1.8 kilometres
- Grade: Moderate
- Time: One and a half hours.
5. Geebung Walk (Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill):
There is a large variety of native plants growing in the reserve which means you will see plenty of wildflowers in most months of the year, as well as many species of birds which feed on them. Plus, you will have the opportunity to venture through Sydney Sandstone Transition Forest and the Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland.
- Distance: 3.6 kilometres. Shorter sections of the walk can be undertaken if preferred
- Grade: Easy to Medium
- Time: Two hours.
6. Knightsbridge Circuit (via Fred Caterson Reserve):
This walk follows a route through the significant bushland corridor in Fred Caterson and Fullers Road Reserves between Castle Hill and Glenhaven. The area is rich in diverse local flora and birdlife.
- Distance: 4.9 kilometres
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Time: Two and a half hours.
7. O'Hara's Creek Walk (Kenthurst):
Enjoy a lovely walk along a sandstone ridge with significant sandstone ridge top vegetation and down into a valley of tall trees. You can also find a large variety of local wildflowers and you will have the opportunity to take in the district views.
- Distance: 6.2 kilometres
- Grade: Moderate includes 95 metre ascent and descent
- Time: Two and a half hours.
8. Bushland Corridors at Rouse Hill:
An early farm house, original land grants, a mysterious grave, remnant bushland including Forest Red Gum Woodland and Heathland, waterways and water birds are just some of the things you will see while completing this walk through Rouse Hill.
- Distance: 4.4 kilometres
- Grade: Easy
- Time: Two hours.
9. Stevenson Creek (Excelsior Reserve/ Baulkham Hills):
This walk is one of the more challenging walks in The Hills Shire. Here you will see beautiful creek valleys, sandstone shelters and some sandstone heath land.
- Distance: 3.3 kilometres
- Grade: Moderate. Some steep sections and three creek crossings on stepping stones
- Time: Two hours.
10. Waterfall Walk (West Pennant Hills/Richard Web Reserve):
This walk follows Darling Mills Creek to the only waterfall in The Hills through pretty native scenery including tall Blue Gums, sandstone gullies and wildflowers.
- Distance: 3.4 kilometres or 3.1 kilometres without the additional loop
- Grade: Moderate
- Time: One and a half to two hours.
For more information about each of the bushwalks and to access the FREE downloadable maps, visit: https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Venues/Parks-Recreation/Tracks-Trails.
