» Wolli Creek and Walk
» Wolli Creek Walk
Wolli Creek and Walk
The Wolli Creek Valley contains the largest area of bushland occurring in the City of Canterbury. It is also the most significant bushland remaining in the inner southwest of Sydney.
Much of Wolli Creek Valley is comprised of bushland, which although impacted by urban development over the decades, remains largely intact. The combination of bushland, creek, mangroves and sandstone cliffs provides a significant natural environment in an urban context. The bushland is also significant for the native fauna occurring there, particularly the birdlife and contains a rich cultural heritage with evidence of past indigenous and historical use of the valley.
For decades the bushland remained under threat from road development. Following the decision to build the M5 East tunnel, the NSW Government gazetted the first 8 ha of the Wolli Creek Regional Park in 2001. In 2004 the NSW Government released a Plan of Management for the Regional Park which will eventually comprise 60 ha. The Plan of Management can be accessed at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/wolli_creek_mgmtplan
The NSW Department of Environment and Conservation is currently negotiating with the City of Canterbury and State Government agencies for the transfer of remaining land to the Regional Park.
In the meantime work is progressing to regenerate the bushland which continues to be impacted by weeds, dumped rubbish, polluted stormwater and feral animals such as cats and foxes. A lot of this work is carried out by volunteers from the Wolli Creek Preservation Society, with the assistance of the City of Canterbury, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Planning. Residents can play a part in protecting the bushland by joining the regular working bees held at various locations and by being good neighbours through controlling weeds in their gardens, disposing of garden waste using the council collection service and by preventing domestic animals such as cats wandering at night.
Wolli Creek Walk
The Wolli Creek Walk centres around Girrahween Park. Some of the attactions of the park include picnic, barbeque and play facilities, a pond, lookouts with extensive views over the valley and ample native flora and fauna. From Girrahween Park a well defined bushtrack heads east through forest, heathland, past sandstone rock faces and down to the base of 'Nanny Goat Hill'. Wetland areas rich in birdlife lie to the south of the track which continues on to Turrella Reserve. This walk is approximately 2 kilometres long and will take about 1 hour.
Please note that although this is a most enjoyable walk, it is difficult and strenuous in places. It is recommended that appropriate footwear is worn, and that inexperienced bushwalkers limit themselves to the developed parts of Girrahween Park.
Due to the difficult nature of sections of the Wolli Creek track, it is recommended that fit and experienced walkers only attempt these. A good map is available from the Wolli Creek Preservation Society Web site at http://www.wollicreek.org.au/walk/walk.html.
Start: | Girrahween Park |
Finish: | Turella Reserve |
How to get there: | Catch a train to Bardwell Park Station. If you decide to drive to Girrahween Park, there is ample street parking and a small carpark |
Length: | 2 kilometres (Girrahween Park to Turella Reserve) |
Walking time: | 1 hour |
Rating: | A most enjoyable walk, it is difficult and strenuous in places. |
Weather check: | Not recommended on a rainy day |
Further information on Wolli Creek can be obtained from www.wollicreek.org.au
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