Garigal National Park

A sweaty afternoon to a sweet little spot. We left home about 1 and made our way to the Douglas road end of the Cascades Fire Trail, for about a 2 pm start. It was dead easy to find and between the head of the trail, the road and the sports field there is plenty of free parking. We headed down the trail, it was an easy walk downhill, a reasonably steep grade but the track was smooth. Plenty of big shady trees overhead. The walk had lots of wild flowers and some cliff sides, but was unremarkable other than that. It was a warm humid November afternoon so apart from some loud Cicadas not much wildlife. The bush is well recovered from a fire a few seasons ago. The highlight is the lovely little waterhole in the creek at the actual cascade. There hadn't been significant recent rain so the two creeks were just trickling and the water was shallow with plenty of algae. But we had a dip and it was clean and cool. We saw a diamond python curled up on a warm rock, we didn't bother it and it didn't bother us. Like all snakes leave them alone and they will head off somewhere you aren't. Such a gorgeous snake though, my first diamond. The walk out was uphill and pretty warm, I suggest reserving some water and having some waiting in the car. Also doesn't hurt to wet a shirt, rashie or towel to provide some relief. On a cooler day or one with more recent rain this little spot may have gotten a five star review. Our boys are 8 and 12 and made it easily and loved the swim and building a little dam on the creek. All up our walking was approx 1 hour and probably 1.5 - 2 hrs at the creek.

A nice, easy trekking track not too far from the city. There's a small 'beach' along the river that must be great in summer. I visited in July and the river was calm and pleasant to walk around, with mostly green surroundings, although some areas of forest were still recovering from the fires. I did get bitten by a tick, so be sure to stay cautious.

The environment here is pristine, we took a route called French Creek, which is a bit dangerous, running through many small streams and cobblestone steps. Please do not come to this route on rainy days and hot summer days, because you will be tortured by leeches and wet moss. But if you like jungle adventures, I will recommend you this route without hesitation.

We walked from Belrose/Frenches Forest to Roseville Bridge, some 14km along the upper reaches of Middle Harbour. The walking track is pretty rough in many places especially along the Governor Phillip track. It dips and rises over sandstone shelfs and boulders and is quite narrow. Scenery however is worth the walk with many native plants flowering during this Spring walk. A large Monitor Lizard was observed climbing a rock shelf as we walked along the waterside path. Plenty of views of the stream and waters of Middle Harbour.

A very nice park with a lot of access points to lookouts, bike trails and hikes. There seems to be a lot of people on bikes here and with a lot of narrow hiking tracks it can be dangerous. Be aware of the bikes and they normally shout out on approach. Some tough and easy trails to do here. Amazing lookouts located in the park too. Some give you a view of the city. We will be back again.