Past adventure.
 

ADVENTURE REPORT
Last Sunday morning, right on cue, the drenching downpours that swept across Sydney overnight stopped just as eight of our tribe converged on Heathcote in Sydney’s far south. Our mission: to hike a beautiful bush track between Waterfall and Heathcote through the Heathcote National Park. Not another drop fell. Instead, the skies turned sunny and blue, and the air grew warm and muggy. Occasional cool breezes offered welcome relief.

Walking after heavy rain is always a real joy – everything seems to sparkle and come to life. Colours were vivid, tree trunks glistened, streams flowed, and yes, we were gifted with some puddles and glorious mud.

Our route followed bush tracks and fire trails – sometimes they were rocky, sometimes undulating, sometimes demanding, but always peaceful and beautiful. One hiker remarked afterwards, “it was like a section of the Great North Walk but without the rungs” 😂.

We passed one lake, skipped another, wandered by countless pools (with one brave soul taking a plunge in one), scrambled up and down rocky paths, listened to gurgling creeks, admired a waterfall, and moved through an endless vista of lush green Aussie bush. We weren’t alone though, sharing the track with a long, worm-like snake, a few persistent leeches, some cheeky lizards, some other random hikers, and the occasional mountain biker or two.

After roughly 13 kilometres, and a few wrong turn tests, we emerged from our bush playground and made our way to the local for a well-earned lunch and celebratory drink. To our delight, we were joined there by two non-participating NBREA regulars who had been sidelined by injury but were still eager for a catch-up. Stories and trail tales flowed freely.

It was truly a wonderful day in the bush. Thanks to Alex, Chantal, Joanne, Jacquie, Kaye, Steve, and Farhad for your great company and enthusiasm, and thanks too to our surprise guests, Di and Narelle.

Until next time …
Yours in adventure Nick

DETAILS
A pretty, quiet, remote, and hilly 14km walk through the Heathcote National Park in Sydney’s far south between Waterfall & Heathcote. It’s along bush tracks and fire trails, and will take 5 or so hours to complete. This is a loop walk starting with a one stop train journey to the walk start.

MEET AT the Coffee House  opposite Heathcote Station (opens from 7:30am). Tap the Meetup Button below for directions.  Parking is available at the station or nearby at the Heathcote Hotel here. We’ll then catch the 8:30am train to Waterfall and walk back.

BRING snacks, poles and your Opal card.

AFTERWARDS depending on time and interest, we can share a late lunch at the Heathcote Hotel or other local establishment.

NOTE this walk is different to HA53 that we did last year (16 Nov 24). That one was through the Royal National Park on the east side of the railway line. This one is through the Heathcote National Park on the west side of the railway line.

Elevation gain:  +260m  -290m

Our route on Komoot.