Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Sydney Itineraries » Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Blue Gum Walk in Hornsby
If you're looking for a peaceful and scenic hiking trail just outside of Sydney, the Blue Gum Walk in Hornsby is the perfect destination. This beautiful trail winds its way through serene bushland, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. As you hike through the forest, you'll encounter towering blue gum trees, wildlife, and bubbling creeks. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all levels, making it a great choice for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking for a quick escape from the city or a full day of outdoor adventure, the Blue Gum Walk in Hornsby is an excellent choice. So pack a picnic, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to explore one of Sydney's hidden natural gems.
A word of caution: Rosemead Road Reserve, the starting point of the walk, has been known to be heavily infested with leeches, especially after wet weather. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding the walk during or shortly after rain. Additionally, the creeks throughout the walk, including Old Mans Creek and Waitara Creek, are also known to have leeches. To protect yourself from these small blood-sucking creatures, it is recommended to wear well-covered clothes, including long sleeves and pants, and sturdy hiking shoes. Tucking your pants into your socks can create an additional barrier against leeches. By being prepared and taking necessary measures, you can still enjoy the beauty of Blue Gum Walk while minimizing any potential encounters with leeches.
A word of caution: Rosemead Road Reserve, the starting point of the walk, has been known to be heavily infested with leeches, especially after wet weather. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding the walk during or shortly after rain. Additionally, the creeks throughout the walk, including Old Mans Creek and Waitara Creek, are also known to have leeches. To protect yourself from these small blood-sucking creatures, it is recommended to wear well-covered clothes, including long sleeves and pants, and sturdy hiking shoes. Tucking your pants into your socks can create an additional barrier against leeches. By being prepared and taking necessary measures, you can still enjoy the beauty of Blue Gum Walk while minimizing any potential encounters with leeches.
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Getting there
The track commences at the fire trail at the corner of Rosemead Road and Lockinvar Place in Hornsby. Picnic shelters and drinking water are available in Rosemead Road Reserve and Ginger Meggs Park (read further to know more about this park).
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Provided below is an AllTrails map of the walking trail, along with some key facts about the walk.
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As you begin your walk, you'll be greeted by a group of trees adorned with smooth slate-grey bark and rough brown socks – these are the iconic Sydney Blue Gums. Remarkably, the Blue Gum Diatreme Forest is now exclusively found within the Hornsby local government area, making this encounter all the more special.
Within a short distance, approximately 170 meters from the starting point, you'll come across the Old Mans Creek.
Above Old Mans Creek, on the eastern side of the trail, a dense grove of trees known as Sassafras will capture your attention. These trees emit a delightful scent from their leaves, adding a touch of aromatic bliss to your journey.
As you progress along the trail, a majestic hill will come into view on the west side. Known as Joes Mountain, it provides a scenic backdrop and serves as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of this region. In slightly over a kilometer from Old Mans Creek, you'll reach the captivating Fishponds. Nestled along a bend in Berowra Creek, these series of waterholes offer a tranquil oasis amidst the verdant surroundings. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the serenity and appreciate the harmony of nature.
Follow the signs for the Blue Gum Walk, and in around 350 meters, you'll arrive at Washtub. This picturesque crossing at Waitara Creek unveils lovely cascades and natural "washtub" pools carved by the creek over millions of years. Let the sand and quartz grains beneath your feet transport you back in time, to an era when dinosaurs roamed the ancient floodplains of Sydney.
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Continuing on the trail, you'll encounter a high ridge that separates Berowra Creek to the west from Waitara Creek to the east. Take a moment to relish the stunning panoramic views of Berowra Valley to the north and the majestic Joes Mountain to the east.
Approximately 550 meters from the ridge, you'll notice a shift in the vegetation. The trail transitions from a dry, exposed northerly slope to a more shaded and moist southerly aspect, offering a diverse ecosystem to explore.
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In another 650 meters, you'll reach an intersection known as the Ginger Meggs Loop. Here, you have the option to either turn left or continue straight ahead to reach our destination. We turned left at the intersection as per the map provided at the beginning of this post and continued our walk.
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This section of the trail leads to another enchanting crossing over Waitara Creek, providing a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings.
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Next on your journey is Ginger Meggs Park, a delightful oasis featuring a playground for the kids to enjoy, while adults can unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to take a break and savor the natural beauty of Hornsby.
From Ginger Meggs Park, follow Valley Road until you reach Rosemead Road. Turn left and continue along Rosemead Road until you reach the intersection with Lockinvar Place. This marks the end of your invigorating journey through Blue Gum Walk.
Note: The sections of Fishponds Walk (2.4km) and the Ginger Meggs Loop (approx. 1km) are particularly well-suited for those new to bushwalking or those seeking shorter walks. These sections provide a taste of the natural beauty and tranquility that Blue Gum Walk has to offer. If you're embarking on the Ginger Meggs Loop, park your car near the Ginger Meggs Park instead.
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Blue Gum Walk is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a captivating blend of lush forests, tranquil waterholes, and breathtaking vistas. With its diverse vegetation, fascinating geological features, and opportunities for relaxation and exploration, this trail is a must-visit for both seasoned hikers and beginners alike. Immerse yourself in the serenity of Blue Gum Walk and discover the hidden gems that await along its scenic path!
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