CUMBERLAND BIRD OBSERVERS CLUB
Birdwatching in Sydney since 1979
Affiliated with BirdLife Australia
Sunday 17 November 2024
Field of Mars, Sugar Loaf Point, Boronia Park
Saturday 23 November 2024
Scheyville National Park
Sunday 1 December 2024
Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills
Wednesday 4 December 2024
Mitchell Park, Cattai National Park
Sunday 8 December 2024
Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill
Sunday 13 October 2024 | 10am-2pm TBC (bookings closed)
MEMBERS' BBQ - SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Details
Come along and join us for a BBQ lunch. Sausages, bread rolls, tea, coffee, biscuits and juice will be provided. Each person should bring their own cup, plate, thermos of hot water for their own tea/coffee. When booking, please include any details of dietary requirements. There will also be a short bird walk in the area. More details will be provided to attendees in due course.
Meeting place
Meet at the Banquet Pavilion at Wentworth Common, Sydney Olympic Park on Marjorie Jackson Parkway. Parking is on either side of the road. After parking, walk north along the path with the pond on your left, pass the toilets, turn right and you’ll see the shelter shed up ahead.
Leader
Coralie Turner-Morris | 0408 510 525
Habitat
​Parkland and bushland
Grade
Grade 1. A short walk to the picnic area.
Facilities
​ Toilets nearby. There are picnic tables, but bring a chair in case there is not enough seating for everyone.
Sunday 6 October 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
RICHMOND LOWLANDS AND SURROUNDS
Meeting place
Meet at Pughs Lagoon, Smith Park, corner of Old Kurrajong Road and Francis Street, Richmond
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Pastureland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 3 km, mainly flat on paths or roadsides.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Pugh's lagoon with toilets and picnic tables nearby. Depending on route taken after leaving the lagoon, toilets and facilities might not be nearby.
Wednesday 2 October 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
WATTLE FOREST & LADY CARRINGTON DRIVE, ROYAL NP
Meeting place
Meet at Wattle Forest picnic area at Audley. Enter park at Audley end. After crossing Audley Weir, turn right onto Lady Carrington Drive. Turn right to cross the white wooden bridge, then turn left and continue to the end of this road to Wattle Forest.
Leader
Robyn Pedersen | 0438 989 422
Habitat
Rainforest and woodland
Grade
Wattle Forest: Grade 2. Approx 2 km walk with some uneven ground.
Lady Carrington Drive: Grade 2. Approx 5 km walk on a gravel track with some gentle inclines.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. There is a set of toilets as you go across the bridge and also at Wattle Forest. Plenty of under-shelter picnic tables.
Lady Carrington Drive has plenty of parking and toilets are a short walk away and plenty of under-shelter picnic tables.
Sunday 29 September 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
DHARAWAL NP and AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL GARDENS, MT ANNAN
Meeting place
For Dharawal NP, meet at the carpark at the end of Victoria Rd, Wedderburn.
For Mt Annan, meet near the Visitors Centre. Parking is in the P3 carpark on Cunningham Drive, Mt Annan.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Bushland, waterways and formal gardens
Grade
Dharawal NP: Grade 2. Approx 5 km on fairly flat firetrails.
Mt Annan: Short walks from cars on mainly formed pathways.
Facilities
Dharawal: Plenty of parking. Toilets nearby. No picnic tables.
Mt Annan: Plenty of parking. Toilets nearby and a café. Bring chairs.
Saturday 21 September 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
ANNUAL RAPTOR COUNT, SCHEYVILLE
Meeting place
Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark. Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Open
Grade
Grade 1. Birding from around cars with possible short walks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. Only a couple of picnic tables.
Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September 2024 (Mudgee B6) (bookings closed)
Friday 13 to Sunday 14 September 2024 (Mudgee A13) (bookings closed)
WEEKENDS AWAY - MUDGEE AREA
Meeting place
These two weekends will be based in Mudgee, travelling to nearby birding areas. They are now open for booking. Once the booking has been confirmed, more details will be sent to you. Do not book any accommodation until then as there will be a maximum of 30 people on this weekend.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Various
Grade
Various
Facilities
TBC
Wednesday 4 September 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
LONGNECK LAGOON - SCHEYVILLE NP
Meeting place
Longneck Lagoon, Scheyville NP
Leader
Nathan Bligh and Adrian Dick | Nathan: 0412 787 150
Habitat
Forest, grassland, lagoon
Grade
Grade 2. Max 4km on mostly flat walking tracks with a couple of hills..
Facilities
Toilets at Longneck Lagoon Environmental Centre. No picnic tables.
Saturday 24 August 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
IRRAWONG RESERVE AND WARRIEWOOD WETLANDS
Meeting place
Meet near the end of Irrawong Rd, Warriewood.
Leader
Lindsay Sherman | 0418 624 905
Wetlands and forest
Grade
Grade 2. Max 4 km. Mostly flat on gravel paths and boardwalks. Some steps on Irrawong Reserve section.
Facilities
Warriewood Wetlands has parking, which can sometimes be busy. Toilets at nearby Warriewood Square. No picnic tables.
Sunday 18 August 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
CAPE SOLANDER and KAMAY NP
Meeting place
Meet at Cape Solander, at the parking spots right near the end of Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell. Entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Sea watch and heath
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2-4km on mainly flat paved or gravel paths.
Facilities
Nearest toilets are at the Kurnell Visitors Centre off Cape Solander Drive on the way to Cape Solander. Only one small picnic table.
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
EMU GREEN
Meeting place
Meet at Emu Green Reserve, corner of Palomino Road and Russell Street, Emu Plains. Decide where else to go on the day based on the status of the floods and nearby tracks.
Leader
Robyn Pedersen | 0438 989 422
Habitat
A mix of parkland, riverside and bush reserves
Grade
Grade 2. Generally flat on gravel paths or bush tracks with up to 4km walking at Emu Green.
Saturday 3 August 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
SCHEYVILLE NP
Meeting place
Meet at Scheyville National Park Headquarters carpark. Vehicle access is from Scheyville Rd (not from Old Pitt Town Rd, despite what the GPS tries to tell you).
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Morning walk of approx. 2.7 km loop on wide, mown tracks that are mostly flat with some gentle hills. Decide what else to do on the day.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets nearby at the back of the headquarters (follow the signs).
Only a few picnic tables with not much shade.
Sunday 28 July 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
LAUGHTONDALE GULLY and WISEMANS FERRY
Meeting place
Meet at the corner of Laughtondale Gully Rd and Old Northern Rd, Maroota.
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Sandstone woodland, parkland and rainforest
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km walking on tracks with uneven surfaces and gentle uphill sections and some steps.
Saturday 20 July 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
MISTRAL POINT SEAWATCH, MAROUBRA and CENTENNIAL PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the northern end of Marine Parade, Maroubra
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Coastal, parklands
Grade
Mistral Point: Grade 2. Approx. 200 m walk to rock platform with some easy rock passage.
Centennial Park: Grade 1. Approx 2 km on flat paved paths.
Facilities
Street parking at Mistral Point, but it can be busy on the weekend. Short walk to toilets. No picnic tables.
Plenty of parking at Centennial Park but it can get busy. Toilets available. Some picnic tables but not usually used by the group.
Sunday 14 July 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
CROSSLANDS RESERVE, HORNSBY HEIGHTS
Meeting place
Crosslands Picnic Area, 441 Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. Please note that some GPSs try to take you to the western side of the creek so it is best to put Somerville Road into the GPS. It is a steep hill down to the reserve at the end of the road.
Leader
Prasad Ganesan | 0450 670 199
Habitat
Parkland and bushland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx. 2 km. Mostly flat on paved paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets a few minutes walk away. Some picnic tables.
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (cancelled)
ROYAL NP – WATTAMOLLA CLIFFS and BONNIE VALE (near Bundeena)
Meeting place
Meet at the P2 car park at Wattamolla. The turnoff to Wattamolla is on the left, 10kms from Audley when coming from the north. The car park is about 5km further on, accessed from a right hand turn as you go down the hill, before you get to the bottom carpark. Entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass. Note that there is no mobile reception at Wattamolla.
Second location is at Bonnie Vale picnic area, off Sea Breeze Lane, Bundeena.
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Heath, forest
Grade
Wattamolla Cliffs: Grade 2. Mainly flat with a few steps and a gentle hill. Approx 2 kms.
Bonnie Vale: Grade 2. Level walking on easy bush tracks. Approx 3 km.
Sunday 30 June 2024 | 8.50am for a 9am start - open for booking
RICHMOND LOWLANDS AND SURROUNDS
Meeting place
Meet at Pughs Lagoon, Smith Park, corner of Old Kurrajong Road and Francis Street, Richmond
Leader
Paul Johnstone | 0434 350 409
Habitat
Pastureland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 3 km, mainly flat on paths or roadsides.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Pugh's lagoon with toilets and picnic tables nearby. Depending on route taken after leaving the lagoon, toilets and facilities might not be nearby.
Sunday 23 June 2024
MIDDLE CREEK RESERVE AND BILARONG RESERVE, NARRABEEN
Saturday 22 June 2024 | 8.50am for a 9am start (open for booking)
BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS,
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Meeting place
Meet by the Cafe at the Waterview Convention Centre overlooking Lake Belvedere.
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Wetlands, parkland, and woodland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Bicentennial Park near the café, though it can get busy on the weekends. Be aware that is a one-way road. Toilets at the Waterview Café. Not many picnic tables.
Sunday 16 June 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
FLOYD BAY and MIRRAMBEENA
Meeting place
Meet at the end of Hollywood Drive, Lansvale.
Leader
Peter Abraham | 0451 292 512
Habitat
Parkland, wetlands
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 6 km on mainly flat easy concrete paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Floyd Bay but no toilets or picnic tables. Mirrambeena has plenty of parking, toilets and picnic tables.
​
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
WEST HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP
Meeting place
Meet at the lookout at the end of West Head Road. National Park entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass
Leader
Coralie Turner-Morris | 0408 510 525
Habitat
Sandstone country
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km of mostly flat walking on tracks and fire trails.
Sunday 2 June 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
MILL CREEK PICNIC AREA & DEVINES HILL WALK, DHARUG NP
Meeting place
Meet at Mill Creek Picnic Area on Mill Creek Rd off Wisemans Ferry Rd, Gunderman. Turn left before the car camping area and go past the turn-off to group camping, to the picnic area. Allow time for the ferry crossing if coming via Wisemans Ferry.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Mill Creek: Bushland, creek, grassy areas.
Devines Hill: Sandstone rock formation and bushland convict history of the Great North Rd.
Grade
Mill Creek Picnic Area: Grade 2. Approx 2 km on a dirt rocky trail and a flat dirt road.
Devine Hill: Grade 3. A 3-4 km walk on a steep graded firetrail.
Facilities
Toilets and plenty of parking at Mill Creek Picnic area. Some picnic tables, but best to bring a chair.
Saturday 25 May 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
WIANAMATTA REGIONAL PARK, ROPES CROSSING section
Meeting place
Meet at the car park just inside the gates off Mainwaring St, Ropes Crossing.
Leader
Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619
Habitat
Ironbark Woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km on flat bush tracks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking just inside the gate. There are toilets and picnic tables in two sections of the park.
Sunday 19 May 2024 | 7am and 9am starts - arrive 10 mins prior (nearly full)
ROOKWOOD CEMETERY and SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Meeting place
Meet towards the end of William Dr, Rookwood Cemetery. Enter via East St, Lidcombe. Second start location at 9am near the Waterview Café at Lake Belvedere, Bicentennial Park, Homebush off Australia Ave.
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Woodland, parkland, wetlands
Grade
Rookwood Cemetery: Grade 1. Approx 2 km of flat walking.
Sydney Olympic Park: Grade 1. Approx. 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Rookwood: Plenty of parking beside road. No toilets in the area that we are going but there are toilets near St Michael's chapel.
Sydney Olympic Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets available. Some picnic tables depending on location.
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
AUSTRALIAN BOTANICAL GARDEN,
MT ANNAN
Meeting place
Meet near the Visitors Centre. Parking is in the P3 carpark on Cunningham Drive, Mt Annan.
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Grassland, lakes and forest
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 3 km flat walking.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets near carpark. No picnic tables near the carpark.
Saturday 20 April 2024 | 8.50am for a 9am start (waiting list open)
BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS, CROSSLANDS RESERVE, HORNSBY HEIGHTS
Meeting place
Crosslands Picnic Area, 441 Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. Please note that some GPSs try to take you to the western side of the creek so it is best to put Somerville Road into the GPS. It is a steep hill down to the reserve at the end of the road.
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Parkland and bushland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx. 2 km. Mostly flat on paved paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets a few minutes walk away. Some picnic tables.
Wednesday 17 April 2024 (in School Holidays)
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK - Discovery Centre and Armory
Sunday 14 April 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
BLUE GUM CREEK RESERVE, ANNANGROVE
Meeting place
End of O'Keefe Road, Annangrove
Leader
Paul Johnstone | 0434 350 409
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km on flat bush trail.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. No toilets or picnic tables at the reserve, but morning tea wil be 15 mins away at Maralya Park where there are toilets and picnic tables.
Sunday 7 April 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
CUMBERLAND LAND CONSERVANCY: WALLAROO & WOMBAT SITES, MULGOA
Meeting place
Meet at the entrance to the property, which is accessed from the turnoff to the Penrith Landfill Depot. This is just south of the Nepean Christian School. Once you turn off Mulgoa Rd, parking is immediately on the left opposite the gate on the right. If the gate is open, drive in and park on the left near the shed.
Leader
Mark Fuller | 0424 440 140
Habitat
Open forest/woodland with clearings and small dams.
Grade
Wallaroo: Grade 2. Approx 3 km of relatively flat walking with some gentle hills.
Wombat: Grade 3. Approx 1 km with some steep hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets available. No picnic tables.
Wednesday 3 April 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
WATTLE FOREST & LADY CARRINGTON DRIVE, ROYAL NP
Meeting place
Meet at Wattle Forest picnic area at Audley. Enter park at Audley end. After crossing Audley Weir, turn right onto Lady Carrington Drive. Turn right to cross the white wooden bridge, then turn left and continue to the end of this road to Wattle Forest.
National Park entry fee of $12 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Robyn Pedersen | 0438 989 422
Habitat
Rainforest and woodland
Grade
Wattle Forest: Grade 3. Approx 2 km walk with some uneven ground, including some scrambling under fallen trees and roots.
Lady Carrington Drive: Grade 2. Approx 5 km walk on a gravel track with some gentle inclines.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. There is a set of toilets as you go across the bridge and also at Wattle Forest. Plenty of under-shelter picnic tables.
Lady Carrington Drive has plenty of parking and toilets are a short walk away and plenty of under-shelter picnic tables.
Friday 22 to Sunday 24 March 2024 (bookings closed)
WEEKEND AWAY - JERVIS BAY AREA #2
Meeting place
Due to overwhelming demand, we are holding a second Jervis Bay weekend away in March 2024. This weekend is now open for booking and we have some accommodation reserved. Contact Heather for details.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Various
Grade
Various
Facilities
TBC
Location link: TBC
​
Friday 15 to Sunday 17 March 2024 (bookings closed)
WEEKEND AWAY - JERVIS BAY AREA
Meeting place
We are holding the first weekend away for 2024 in the Jervis Bay area. This outing is now closed for booking.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Various
Grade
Various
Facilities
TBC
Wednesday 6 March 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
NARRABEEN LAGOON
Meeting place
Meet at 8.30am at James Wheeler Place, Wheeler Heights. Once you turn into James Wheeler Pde, go down the hill and around the corner and park anywhere on the left. It is likely that you will need to carry morning tea with you.
Leader
Lindsay Sherman | 0418 624 905
Habitat
Bushland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 4kms of flat, easy walking on gravel path.
Facilities
There are no toilets at James Wheeler Parade; the closest are at nearby St Matthews Farm Reserve. There are toilets at Jamieson Park, which is usually where we have morning tea.
Only one picnic table at James Wheeler Pde but more tables at Jamieson Park.
Sunday 3 March 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
NURRAGINGY RESERVE, WESTERN SYDNEY PARKLANDS
Meeting place
Meet at the Colebee Centre, Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside.
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on level bush tracks.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets at the Colebee Centre. Some picnic tables near the centre, but these are often being used.
Sunday 25 February 2024
CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST
Saturday 24 February 2024 | 8.50am for a 9am start (open for booking)
BEGINNERS and NEW MEMBERS,
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK
Meeting place
Meet by the Cafe at the Waterview Convention Centre overlooking Lake Belvedere.
Leader
Trevor Waller | 0467 977 508
Habitat
Wetlands, parkland, and woodland
Grade
Grade 1. Approx 2 km walking mainly on flat paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Bicentennial Park near the café, though it can get busy on the weekends. Be aware that is a one-way road. Toilets at the Waterview Café. Not many picnic tables.
Sunday 18 February 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (bookings closed)
MITCHELL PARK, CATTAI NP
Meeting place
Meet at the second picnic table in Mitchell Park. National Park entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Bushland, woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Mostly flat with approx 4 km walk around the southern part of Mitchell Park.
Facilities
Plenty of parking at Mitchell Park with toilets nearby. Some picnic tables.
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
LIME KILN WETLANDS, PEAKHURST and
OATLEY PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the corner of Pamela Ave and Jinna Rd, Peakhurst.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Wetlands
Grade
Lime Kiln Wetlands: Grade 3. Approx 3km on a formed track loop walk.
Oatley Park: Grade 3. Approx 2-3km on a dirt track with some rocky climbs.
Facilities
Lime Kiln Wetlands: Plenty of street parking. Nearest toilets are at Mortdale Plaza Shopping mall on Roberts Ave, or nearby service stations.
Oatley Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets and picnic tables.
Saturday 3 February 2024 | 8.50am for a 9am start (waiting list open)
CENTRAL COAST WETLANDS (PIONEER DAIRY) and CANTON BEACH
Meeting place
Pioneer Dairy parking area, 1897 South Tacoma Rd. Veer left off the Pacific Hwy near the Hyundai dealer before the Wyong River bridge, then follow this around to South Tacoma Rd. After passing under the railway line, the turnoff is on the right.
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Wetlands and coastal habitat
Grade
Grade 1 or 2 easy walks, depending on tracks chosen.
Facilities
Central Coast Wetlands has plenty of parking, toilets and undercover picnic tables. Canton Beach has street parking and amenities. Bring a scope if you have one.
Sunday 28 January 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
LANDING LIGHTS - RIVERINE PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the car park off West Botany Street, Arncliffe
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Wetland, mangroves, reed beds, parkland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3kms on mainly flat paths.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. Toilets at the nearby golf driving range. No picnic tables.
Saturday 20 January 2024 | 8.20am for 8.30am start (nearly full)
BOBBIN HEAD, KU-RING-GAI CHASE NP
Meeting place
Meet on the western side of the bridge at Bobbin Head picnic area, near the start of the Gibberagong boardwalk
Leader
Prasad Ganesan | 0450 670 199
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush tracks with some slightly steeper sections including steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. Some picnic tables, including some undercover.
Sunday 14 January 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
IRRAWONG RESERVE AND WARRIEWOOD WETLANDS
Meeting place
Meet near the end of Irrawong Rd, Warriewood.
Leader
Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802
Habitat
Wetlands and forest
Grade
Grade 2. Max 4 km. Mostly flat on gravel paths and boardwalks. Some steps on Irrawong Reserve section.
Facilities
Warriewood Wetlands has parking, which can sometimes be busy. Toilets at nearby Warriewood Square. No picnic tables.
Wednesday 3 January 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
FRED CATERSON RESERVE, CASTLE HILL
Meeting place
Enter Fred Caterson Reserve via Gilbert Rd, Castle Hill. Continue along Caterson Drive until you reach a car park at Fields 2 and 3. Do not turn left at any time.
Leader
Heather Cavanagh and David Cree | 0419 432 720
Habitat
Bushland
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km on bush paths, tracks and road with some uneven ground and gentle hills.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. No picnic tables but some seating near the oval.
Sunday 10 December 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (nearly full)
LAUGHTONDALE GULLY and WISEMANS FERRY
Meeting place
Meet at the corner of Laughtondale Gully Rd and Old Northern Rd, Maroota.
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Sandstone woodland, parkland and rainforest
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km walking on tracks with uneven surfaces and gentle uphill sections and some steps.
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
DAVIDSON PARK, ROSEVILLE
Meeting place
Meet at Davidson Park picnic area at Roseville. Entry to Davidson Park is from the south-bound lane of Warringah Rd only. If coming north across Roseville Bridge, it is best to go right to the top of the hill, turn left into Arthur St, turn around somewhere safe, and then turn right at the Arthur/Woodland St lights back onto Warringah Rd to head back down the hill. Turn left just before Roseville Bridge, following the sign to the boat ramp. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn right and follow the road around as far as it goes, stopping at the toilet on the way if necessary. National Park entry fee of $8 applies unless you have a NP pass.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Bushland, river foreshore
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on wide bush track.
Sunday 3 December 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
BOAT HARBOUR AND BOTANY BAY, KURNELL (Migratory waders)
Meeting place
Car park at Potter Point. Approaching Kurnell, turn right off Captain Cook Drive into Sir Joseph Banks Drive (Desalination Plant). Enter Botany Bay National Park at the end of Sir Joseph Banks Drive. Follow the road to the car park at the very end.
** Bring a scope if you have one that you can carry**
Leader
Greg McLachlan | 0405 578 967
Habitat
Seashore, sand dunes
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 3 km including some uneven and possibly slippery rocky surfaces. It includes walking on sand dunes, and a climb to the beach.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. No toilets or picnic tables. Nearest toilets are a 10 minute drive away at Kamay NP near the visitors centre.
Saturday 21 October 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
WIANAMATTA REGIONAL PARK and CASTLEREAGH WETLANDS
Meeting place
Meet opposite #46 Callistemon Court, Jordan Springs.
Leader
Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619
Habitat
Open forest, woodland and wetlands
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 5 km on level bush tracks.
Facilities
Plenty of roadside parking. Nearest toilets are at Livvi's Place playground off Montague Drive. No picnic tables.
Sunday 13 October 2024 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start
CASTLEREAGH and WINDSOR DOWNS NRs
Meeting place
Meet opposite the Northern Auto Wreckers, 557 The Northern Rd, Londonderry.
Leader
Daniel McDonald | 0404 374 362
Habitat
Woodland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 2 km at each site on bush tracks and trails.
Facilities
Plenty of parking. The closest toilets are at McDonalds at 1-21 Cranebrook Rd.
No picnic tables.
Location link
Saturday 22 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
SECOND PONDS CREEK RESERVE, ROUSE HILL
Meeting place
Meet at Withers Rd at Second Ponds Creek, adjacent to the Rouse Hill Rural Fire brigade
Leader
Edwin Vella | 0402 067 619
Habitat
Wetland and forest
Grade
Grade 3. Approx 6 km of walking on a gentle slope.
Facilities
Plenty of roadside parking. Closest toilets are at the nearby Bunnings or Mitre 10. No picnic tables.
Sunday 9 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (waiting list open)
BUSHELLS LAGOON and SWALLOWS REACH
Meeting place
Meet at the junction of Blacktown Road and Brewers Lane, Freemans Reach
Leader
Adrian Dick | 0451 825 403
Habitat
Wetlands and forest
Grade
Bushells Lagoon: Grade 2. Approx 2 km on wide bush track with gentle hill down to the lagoon.
Swallows Reach: Grade 2. Approx 2 km walking on a mainly flat bush track.
Facilities
Plenty of street parking near Bushells Lagoon. No toilets or picnic tables. Plenty of parking at Swallows Reach with toilets and some picnic tables.
Wednesday 5 July 2023 | 8.20am for an 8.30am start (open for booking)
CENTENNIAL PARK
Meeting place
Near the crossroads of Parkes Drive and Dickens Drive, Centennial Park.
Leader
Corinne Tomkinson | 0488 001 802
Habitat
Parkland
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on relatively flat, even parklands.
Facilities
Plenty of parking, which can get busy on weekends. Toilets at various locations. Some picnic tables.
Sunday 21 May 2023
MERRYLANDS GARDENS
8.30am | Wednesday 4 January 2023 (open for booking)
SYDNEY PARK, ST PETERS AND TEMPE LANDS (morning only)
Meeting place
Meet at the carpark in Barwon Park Rd, which is next to the tall chimneys.
Leader
Gabrielle Rees | 0414 947 138
Habitat
Bush, parklands and wetlands
Grade
Sydney Park: Grade 1. Approx 3-5 km easy walking along footpaths, grass and elevated wetland walkway.
Tempe Lands: Grade 2. Approx 2 km loop on dirt track.
Facilities
Sydney Park: Plenty of parking. Toilets and coffee cart nearby. Need to bring chairs.
Tempe Lands: No toilets or facilities, but parks with toilets nearby.
9am | Saturday 19 November 2022 (open for booking)
CAPERTEE VALLEY
N.B. There will also be an outing to Dunn's Swamp on the Sunday as some members are making a weekend of it.
Meeting place
Meet at the corner of Glen Alice and Glen Davis Rds, Capertee Valley
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Open woodland and pastureland
Grade
Grade 2. Short walks on hardened uneven surfaces and gentle uphill sections.
Facilities
Plenty of parking in the triangle in the middle of the Glen Davis/Glen Alice intersection. Toilets and picnic tables at Glen Davis campground or Glen Alice Community Hall.
8.30am | Wednesday 7 September 2022 (open for booking)
CHILTERN TRAIL and WARRIEWOOD WETLANDS
Meeting place
Meet at start of Chiltern Trail near the end of Chiltern Rd, Ingleside.
Leader
Heather Pearce | 0412 051 951
Habitat
Bushland and Wetlands
Grade
Chiltern Trail: Grade 3, approx 2 km return on a fire trail.
Warriewood:
Grade 2. Max 4 km. Mostly flat on gravel paths and boardwalks. Some steps on Irrawong Reserve section.
Facilities
Parking on the side of the road near Chiltern Trail. No toilets or picnic tables.
Warriewood Wetlands has parking, which can sometimes be busy. Toilets at nearby Warriewood Square. No picnic tables.
8.30am | Wednesday 6 July 2022 (cancelled due to the wet weather)
MULGOA NR and NEPEAN WEIR
Meeting place
Meet at corner of Dillwynia Drive and Cormorant Cres, Glenmore Park.
Leader
Carol and Peter Abbott
Habitat
Bushland and river
Grade
Grade 2. Mostly level walking on wide paths. Some small inclines at Mulgoa NR. Approx. 1.5-2 km walk at Mulgoa, approx. 600m walk at Nepean Weir.
Facilities
Limited street parking at Mulgoa NR. No toilets or picnic tables. Plenty of parking at north end of Nepean Weir. No toilets or picnic tables at that end. We generally stop en-route for toilets.
8.30am | Saturday 23 April 2022 (fully booked)
"WIVENHOE" PRIVATE PROPERTY AT COBBITTY
Meeting place
Meet in the large carpark at the far end of Mater Dei Road off Macquarie Grove Road, Cobbitty.
Leader
Peter Ridgeway | 0401 481 037
Habitat
Woodland, grassland and riverflats.
Grade
Grade 2. Approx 3 km on fire trail with occasional small stones, and some gentle hills. No steps.
Facilities
Plenty of parking with toilets nearby. No picnic tables.
​
8.30am | Saturday 2 April 2022 (open for booking - nearly full)
SHAWS RIDGE TRAIL, WINMALEE and GLENBROOK LAGOON
Meeting place
Meet at the northern end of White Cross Road, Winmalee. Carry morning tea.
Leader
Pat Thorn | 0414 248 941
Habitat
Forest
Grade
Shaws Ridge Track: Grade 2. Approx 4 km on a fairly flat bush track.
Glenbrook Lagoon: Grade 2. Approx 1-2 km on a fairly flat track.
Facilities
There is parking in the cul-de-sac at the end of White Cross Rd. No toilets or picnic tables at either site. There are toilets at the Winmalee Village Centre, White Cross Road, which is en route to the meeting place.
​
8.30am | Wednesday 2 February 2022 (nearly full)
WORLD WETLANDS DAY: SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK WATERBIRD REFUGE, NARAWANG WETLANDS AND MASON PARK
Meeting place
Meet at the south east end of the Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre carpark on Bennelong Parkway.
Leader
Cathy Goswell | 0418 865 421
Habitat
Wetlands, parkland, and woodland
Grade
SOP: Grade 2. Depending on the sites, up to 3 km of relatively flat walking.
Mason Park: Grade 1. Approx 1km on flat pathway.
