Diary 2026 - Walks & other activities

Friday 17 July 

BENOWIE

This semi-strenuous ten km walk is suitable for the winter months.

Commencing from Thornleigh Station down along Zig Zag Creek (which we visited two years ago) then northwards on to the ‘Great North Walk’ where we see the contrast between moist valleys and exposed cliff tops. As the Berowra Creek Valley widens, we turn eastwards through the verdant hillside forest of the Blue Gum Walk towards Hornsby station. (See blue line on map below.)

Close to the end we climb the newly restored 350-step staircase hewn by hundreds of men in the 1930s in order to get a Depression Relief payment. And then we get a brief view over the enormous Hornsby gravel pit which is in its early days of being transformed into a recreation reserve.

Meet:

9.30am Thornleigh Station, Thornleigh

Terrain:

Most of this walk is along a single file bush track and in a few places it resembles a goat track. (I will be bringing a walking stick and I will be walking at a sensible pace with rest-breaks while climbing the Depression Steps).

Warnings: 

This walk is not suitable for everyone. There are no recommended early-exit points. (We encountered leeches last time we visited Zig Zag Creek but I saw none on my reconnoitre walk.)

Bring: 

Lunch, snacks, drinking water etc, and perhaps walking stick and insect repellant. 

Enquiries:

Mark Matheson 9559 5502 (preferred) or 0409 617 778 (emergencies)

Tuesday 18 August

HILLS SHOWGROUND METRO to CASTLE HILL (via Cattai Creek)

JOINT [SCOG] & [NATURE HIKERS] WALK 

Photo: typical of the path along Cattai Creek  

This is a short, medium grade Walk for mid-Winter, around the Castle Hill Showground & adjoining bushland.

Travelling to / from:  We start at Hills Showground Metro Station.  Be there before 10 a.m.

From Central (Platform 26) the trip takes 38 minutes.  If travelling from Epping (Platform 6), the duration is 10 minutes.  Metro services run frequently every 4 minutes in each direction.

For the trip home from Castle Hill Metro Station, there are frequent services to the City via Epping.

Meeting-up:  After exiting the Metro, turn right, cross the road & follow the footpath to a small Park.  There are take-away coffee shops here, for those needing a caffeine fix!

It is here, at the Park, that we will do the usual 'meet & introduction circle / numbers', before starting the Walk at 10 a.m.

Detailed description of Walk:  The first section is along a shared path around Castle Hill Showground.  It then follows a bush track through the Fred Caterson Reserve & along Cattai Creek.  There will be a stop for Morning Tea / Coffee, etc., & later on we will have Lunch beside Cattai Creek.

For those wanting an early exit, the opportunity arises near the Lunch spot.  A short Walk into the adjoining suburb of Knightsbridge, where a Bus service returns you to Castle Hill Metro Station.

After Lunch the Walk follows a trail leading down into the valley of Cattai Creek.  There is a short steep climb out of the Valley back to the ridge.

From here we follow Fire Trails & formed paths to Linksley Avenue, where we catch a Bus to Castle Hill Metro Station.

Distance Travelled & Grade:  The distance walked from Hills Showground Metro Station to Linksley Avenue, Castle Hill is calculated to be approximately 7 km.

It is regarded that this Walk is of a moderate nature (say a Grade 3) & therefore it's emphasised that walkers need to judge the difficulty against their personal fitness & for it not to be beyond their ability.

Degree of difficulty:  Apart from the short up-hill climb, it is a medium grade.

If you have a Trekking Stick you are advised to bring it. 

THEREFORE, INTENDING WALKERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE SUCH TERRAIN AS MENTIONED.  Those unable are advised not to attend.

Personal Responsibility & Disclaimer:  Walkers are reminded to consider their level of fitness before committing to this Walk.  This is an informal group, and the organisers cannot be held responsible for those who enter into the Walk without having the sufficient level of fitness required or adequate preparation.  Nor are the organisers responsible for accident or injury.  Participate at your own risk.

Bring:  your cheerful self, Sufficient Food & Water, suitable sturdy Walking Shoes, appropriate Clothing to suit the weather conditions, Towel (if required) and First Aid Kit.  Remember this is mid-winter, it could be cold especially when we start out.  Adequate sun protection should be observed.

Leader:  John W. may be contacted on 041 472 7060 for any enquiries. 

Map: showing the route for this Walk commencing from Hills Showground Metro (highlighted in Red)

Mid-September

(date and details to be announced)

KU-RING-GAI WILDFLOWER GARDEN (St Ives)

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden Ku-ring-gai

Date to be announced

MEADOWBANK to PARRAMATTA

This is a pleasant, non-strenuous walk along familiar pathways. (See map below.)

The walk is around 9 kilometres from Meadowbank to Parramatta. But it would be shorter if one catches the new Light-Rail Tram for the last section between Rydalmere and Parramatta.

We will get good views of the placid river and some new landscaping. And we might see some signs of the new high-rise suburb on the north side called Melrose Park and the two bridges planned to connect it to the fast metro train at Olympic Park on the south side.

Exit-points: There are a few exit-points via bus and ferry along the walk.

Bring Lunch, snacks and drinking water.

Meet at Meadowbank station at 10:05am. 

Enquiries: Mark Matheson 9559 5502 (preferred) or 0409 617 778 (emergencies)