Chickens of the Gorge

Ever since I was a kid I can remember seeing chickens on the side of the road in Galston George. At the time I never really understood how they survived in such a remote location, or where they originally came from. Even now 30 years on, I still wonder about the chickens of the Gorge and how they came to be.

Galston George in located in the Northen Suburbs of Sydney along Galston Road between Hornsby Heights and Galston. You can reach the small picnic spot which is the home of the chickens either via Galston Road or if your up for the adventure try the walking tracks that follow the Great North Walk from Hornsby.

Whether you walk or drive you can't really miss the small picnic spot at the bottom of the Gorge. However parking is tight with only a couple of spaces and no other parking options nearby hence why its much more fun to walk in.

There are many stories about how the chickens arrived in the Gorge, with most people believing they had been dumped by local residents. Its hard to know if they come under threat from foxes or other wild animals but some how they survive, possible on the scraps of passing bush walkers.

So if your passing by the area be sure to drop in and say hi to the Galston Gorge chooks.

Quarry Road Track - Mountain Biking

Stewart Ave End

The Quarry Road Track is a well maintained fire trail running through the Berowra Valley Regional Park. It offers a steep downhill run into the valley from the end of Stewart Ave Hornsby, crossing a historic military 'steele' bridge and climbing out the valley ending at Quarry Road in Dural.

The track also links sections of the Benowie Walking Track, so care must be taken where walkers share the trail. Quarry Road Track is very popular with mountain bikers due to its fast downhill sections and is very accessible.

The track is just over 6km in length dropping you approx 150m within the first 2km into the valley below. The track is a mixed of hard packed dirt and sand, with the odd cemented sections in places where erosion is being prevented. I found the climb up towards Dural to be easier then the climb to Hornsby, but this may just be my opinion.

'Steele' Bridge

At the bottom of the valley is a historic bridge which crosses Berowra Creek. If you are exploring the area on foot you can follow the sign towards the Fishponds , which is a large watering hole. Well worth the walk for another adventure. But for the two wheel variety you must stick to the main trail.

As you climb out of the valley on the Dural side there are a few side trails which you  iscan explore if your after a slightly longer ride. But all of them are dead ends but do offer a great view of the valley below.

Tunks Ridge Rest Area

Close to the top of the Dural side you will pass through a camp ground which is available for use, but again more appropriate for another adventure. At the camp ground the track does fork but the Quarry Road gate is signed to the left.

Climb out (Dural Side)

Once on the ridge top, its a simple ride to the gate. Don't take the side track on the left near the trig marker, as it takes you down a steep descent that turns into a walking track, so no bikes. Stick to the ridge and continue to the gate.

Trig Point - Stay to the main trail

From the gate you can either take Quarry road and ride the road, or as the track is more fun, just do a return trip along the track.

Quarry Road End

Dargan Creek Dam

Dargan Creek Dam is an awesome spot to cool off after a day of adventures.  Turn off Bells Line of road, just near the railway line between Clarence and Newnes Junction. Following the trail leads to a large open carpark like area where most people park their vehicles and walk the rest of the way.

At the waters edge you can see across the other side to a massive cliff which the locals jump from into the water. There was also a rope swing nearby when I visited. I don't know how deep the water is but from the height of the dam wall, I don't think you will be touching the bottom anytime soon.

From the Dam wall you can continue down into the Dargan Creek Canyon, which is supposed to be a very easy no abseil canyon.

Remember to take care if you decide to swim as its at your own risk. Don't spoil it for others. Recent posts on other sites indicate that a management plan is being drafted for this area. Hopefully they won't lock us out.

Empress Canyon

If your looking for a quick simple canyon but still after a great adventure then check out Empress Canyon.

Located near Wentworth falls in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, you can easily find parking at the top near the Conservation Hut just off Valley road.

Best to check a couple of Canyon guides for the exact details, as there are a few different ways in.

The canyon itself has an upper and lower section, with the upper section well worth doing as you get a nice drop into the water just before you start the lower section. It also has a couple of nice slippery dip time rapids, just some fun for those that still have the little kid in them.

The lower section starts where the track crosses the creek and continues over several drop ins and a few technical sections where you have to climb down into the water. The climb down has a tape and rope alredy in place, but it did look a little worn.

Towards the end of the canyon there is a final drop in before the main abseil, which is the only real abseil on the whole canyon, but well worth it. There are bolts and chains already seyup, so you just need to feed you rope through. It about a 30 metre drop down to the bottom, and you can decide to go in the waterfall or down the side.

Overall I really enjoyed the canyon and the short swims and drop ins.

The walk out follows the track back up to the Conservation Hut. Its very steep with many stairs but well worth the effort.