Great Places on the Doorstep

With walking almost everyone’s favourite pastime these days it’s good to know that there are some fantastic spots to discover in the “backyard” as it were. Both Hills Shire Council and Hawkesbury City Council have some great bushwalks with a variety of walks for all ages.

The Hills Shire Council’s Guided Walks Program lists 10 bushwalks that vary in length and intensity level. We have listed a few favourites below:
• 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: Up to three hours.

• Wildflower Walk (Cranstons Road Middle Dural). Distance: 3.5 km. Grade: Moderate. Steep ascent and descent. Time: One and a half hours.

• Geebung Walk (Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill): There is a large variety of native plants as well as many species of birds that feed on them. Distance: 3.6 km. Shorter sections of the walk can be undertaken if preferred. Grade: Easy to Medium. Time: 2 hours.

• Bushland Corridors at Rouse Hill: An early farmhouse, original land grants, a mysterious grave, remnant bushland including Forest Red Gum Woodland and Heathland. Distance: 4.4 km. Grade: Easy. Time: 2 hours.

• Stevenson Creek (Excelsior Reserve/ Baulkham Hills): This walk is one of the more challenging walks in The Hills Shire. Distance: 3.3 km. Grade: Moderate. Some steep sections and three creek crossings on stepping stones. Time: Two hours.

• Waterfall Walk (West Pennant Hills/Richard Web Reserve): This walk follows Darling Mills Creek to the only waterfall in The Hills. Distance: 3.4 km or 3.1 km 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: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Venues/Parks-Recreation/Tracks-Trails.

The Hawkesbury region has some wonderful world heritage locations and has more rivers and national parks than any other part of Sydney. We have listed two of the most popular.

• Mitchell Park Walking Tracks located in Cattai National Park. The tracks offer several routes through woodlands and wetlands all within an easy 20-minute

drive from Windsor. The tracks are open, but the picnic area is currently closed. Toilets are available. Dogs are not permitted. Currently, the gates remain open from 8 am to 5 pm.

• Windsor Downs Nature Reserve: Although there are no dramatic views or features, it’s a great family walk to stretch your legs, look for eastern grey kangaroos and enjoy the bush. No dogs are allowed.

To find out more tails in the Hawkesbury area visit www.discoverthehawkesbury.com.au