Areas to Explore in Dharawal NP

[Allchin09]

Hey All,

Has anyone had any experience walking in Dharawal National Parks?

I'd like to check out the park when I get the chance, but I can't find much on the area. It would be great if anyone could provided some inspiration for areas to explore!

[michael_p]

Alex,

I've done over 100km (probably closer to 150km) of walks in Dharawal NP.

You are right there is no information about what you can do and there are no formal walks as such. NPWS have built a nice viewing platform off West Victoria Rd Fire Trail and appear to have cleaned up the track down to Minerva Pool but that is about it.

You need to be prepared to walk the fire trails, find the old abandoned trails, follow the illegal trails left by motorbikes and do a far bit of off-track to really enjoy the place. There are a lot of really nice spots I have found over the years purely by being prepared to go for a wander. Here is a link to my Panoramio account with some photos from Dharawal NP: http://www.panoramio.com/user/4952129/tags/Dharawal%20National%20Park.

I have a number of my walks mapped out but some recent ones (around the Dahlia Ck area) I haven't cleaned up yet. I can upload these to Google Maps and share them with you if you like. It may be better to share some of these privately as several contain off-track routes that shouldn't be attempted by the inexperienced.

Any questions, just ask.

Cheers,
Michael.

[johnw]

This is the closest NP to where I live and my own experience is similar to Michael's - I agree with his comments. I guess I've been walking there on and off for about 14 years. In addition to what Michael has suggested it might be worth doing the Seven Creeks Way walk which starts along the Appin Road on the southern boundary of the park (near the Cataract Scout Park). It's mainly FT and revegetated FT, which had some nice sections and passes through a couple of nice swamps and has other changes in landscape. It's a return trip to a waterhole on O'Hares Creek, about 17km return. Not signposted; if you don't already have them get the Appin topo map to see this track and explore the area generally. Yep, walking off track anywhere in there can be character building. I've done it a number of times but actively avoid it if possible. But finding the old disused trails etc can definitely be rewarding. I haven't visited for a few months but it would have to be extremely dry in there at present. I'm guessing the water levels in the creeks and other water features would be very low and maybe not seen at their best. I'd possibly consider delaying going there until we get some decent rain.

If doing the walk to the new viewing platform off West Victoria Rd Fire Trail it's worth descending the Jingga track as well, which you pass on the way. These are both short and easy (Jingga is steep). Minerva Pool track is also accessed from Victoria Road but isn't signposted. Yes they have cleaned up that track and I think the intention is to improve access and signage as apparently many locals were unable to find it. I went to the offical open/opening day some time after Dharawal was declared a NP (2011/12?) where the minister announced a grant of about $1 million to improve infrastructure based on public input. I missed the closing date for public comment, but I think there is either a report or management plan somewhere detailing what they intend to do development-wise. Personally I hope they keep it to a minimum.

It's a disgrace that the whole area is so infested with illegal trail bike riding . I've had them roar past me at probably 100km/h while walking on some trails. I almost always have some sort of encounter and have reported these incidents to NPWS on numerous occasions. Speaking to one of the rangers some time ago I was told that they spend more time on trying to manage this than any other aspect of the park.

[michael_p]

the Seven Creeks Way walk

I really like this walk, it's a really good way to introduce people to the area. I normally do this as a car shuffle which allows the inclusion of the Iluka Ck Track.

Minerva Pool...were unable to find it

We have friends who live nearby and their kids are a bit peeved as Minerva Pool was their local swimming hole. Now it's being "invaded" by outsiders.

Jingga track

Well worth the walk down. Crossing OHares and heading up the other side to the Old Coach Road is challenging as well. If you want a bit of privacy, just a short walk downstream from the bottom of Jingga there are some nice swimming holes. Handy if you prefer a nude swim.

I went to the offical open/opening day

So did I. Good chance we probably walked past each other. I had a very long chat with the NPWS people. They were quite surprised at some of the walks I had done, especially some of the longer off-track walks. I ended up sending some information through to them which they seemed quite appreciative of.

illegal trail bike riding...reported these incidents to NPWS

This bugs me as well. On the plus side (if that is even possible) they have kept open a number of old trails that would have overgrown many years ago. Several of which I have used to explore around the western side of Stokes Ck and the Four Mile Creek area. I've also reported to NPWS spots I have found that are being used to illegally access the area. Keeping the motorbikes out is hard as the park borders are very porous. And the house that backs onto the NP that had motorbike tyre tracks clearly visible in the dirt leading to and from their rear gate.

Cheers,
Michael.

[puredingo]

This is an interesting topic for me. This is a very close NP to my home which I know very little about...That might be about to change.

[Allchin09]

Thanks for the info guys, very interesting!

[Onestepmore]

Local to us as well, but I haven't been there. Thanks for the tips