Walk: Blue Gum Diatreme and Fishponds

Registration essential

Emydura turtlesThis route captures in a single bushwalk the maximum possible diversity to be found in North Shore bushland. It begins in the blue gum forests of the Hornsby diatreme of volcanic rocks and rich, deep soils. It leaves the blue gums to follow a deep, forested sandstone valley down to Fishponds Waterholes (made famous by local artist Jimmy Bancks of the long running Ginger Meggs cartoon strips). The waterholes feature common Emydura (Macquarie River) turtles (see right) and not the usual longnecks. The walk turns left at Fishponds to follow Berowra then Waitara Creek upstream to cross at the striking, potholed waterfall the locals call 'the washtubs'. The washtubs lead to a succession of stepped sandstone ascents through shrubland and heathy woodland before returning through the tallest and most beautiful of the diatreme forests backed by the sheer sandstone wall of the diatreme margin itself.

Date: Sunday 8 October
Time: 8.45 for 9 am start
Length: 5 km
Grade: moderate with short, steep, rocky climbs and descents
Meet: Rosemead Road Picnic Area, Hornsby
Getting there: drive past Barker College onto Pretoria Parade (past Kennards), downhill onto Valley Road and right into Rosemead Road
Weather issues: mostly forested so sun exposure limited to sandstone ridgetops
Bring: snack and drink, strong shoes, camera/smartphone, i.d. guides, salt and DEET repellent (in case of leeches)
Refreshments: provided after the walk
Leader: John Martyn (0425 830 260)
Limit: 15 walkers

Thumbnail orchids

Thumbnail orchids Dendrobium linguiforme (Dockrillia linguiformis), fallen sandstone block in blue gum forest, October 2019

Melaleuca deanei

Rare flowering of Melaleuca deanei listed vulnerable, October 2019 on sandstone near Fishponds

Blue gum forest on diatreme rocks with the diatremes sandstone wall in background

Blue gum forest on diatreme rocks with the diatreme’s sandstone wall in background

The washtubs solution potholes on Waitara Creek

The washtubs: solution potholes on Waitara Creek

Event Properties

Event Date 08-10-2023 8:45 am
Location End of Rosemead Road, Hornsby

We are no longer accepting registration for this event