Patonga NSW

Patonga is a river side town located directly on the Northern Banks at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. It has many opportunities for an adventure with a boat ramp, ferry wharf, sandy beach the perfect launching spot for any water based activity.

There are several ways to reach Patonga including road and even on foot walking the Great North Walk. For some people the drive by car can take many hours, especially if you were to live on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. A good alternative to driving is to catch the ferry which is a spectacular trip on a great day. Have a look at Palm Beach Ferries or Sydney Scenic Cruises for some routes that cover Patonga.

Whilst in Patonga you can enjoy a refreshing ale in the beer garden of the local Patonga Beach Hotel, a coffee in the cafe or a bite of fish and chips from the general store.

Green Patch - Jervis Bay

Green Patch located within the Booderee National Park is a popular camping and picnic area in Jervis Bay. Crystal clear waters and of the whitest sands in the world. Whether you stay for a while or just a day trip Green Patch has a lot on offer for the adventurer.

Green patch offers several paid camping spots which open depending on demand and the season. Busier times during the summer months you need to book well in advance. Camp grounds appear bushier at one end and more open at the other, but all have conveniently located facilities. BBQ's, flushing toilets and hot showers make Green Patch a great place to camp with the family and more comfortable for those who don't like ruffing it to much.

Camp sizes range in price and size , so people with camper trailers are welcomed. Check out the Booderee National Park site for better information on fees. Also Parksaustralia.gov.au

From the camp sites don't be surprised if you get a few visits from the true locals. Plenty of kangaroo's, birds and possums for you to see.

The waters adjacent to the Green Patch camping area are beautiful and clear. A low swell makes it ideal for kayaking. You can fish from the waters edge but be warned that parts are part of a marine park so best check the regulations before going to far a field.

Shelly Beach - Manly

Everyone loves a perfect day at the beach, the cool breeze and perfect waters for a refreshing swim. If your after a place with some adventure, then why not check out Shelly Beach in Many, NSW.

Shelly Beach - View from pathway

Shelly Beach is a small bay just a short walk from Sydney's Manly Beach. When on Manly Beach (Ocean Side) head south along the beach following the path past the Surf Club. The path continues to Shelly Beach. The walk itself is spectacular with many adventures waiting to be discovered.

Ocean Rock Pool

 As you walk along the path you begin to see the many different activities that this place holds. A small ocean pool allows for an uninhibited swim but also a great place for the kids.

The waters around Shelly Beach offer one of the most accessible dive sites Sydney has to offer. You will often see many people snorkeling around the calm waters and scuba divers exploring further out.

"Bower" - Surf Break

As the waters are shallow it makes for a great beginners dive site and many dive schools are often seen gathering on the beach.

Surfing is another highlight of Shelly Beach with the shallow waters offering some great waves over the reef. You can watch the surfers dive straight into the waters from the rocks.

The western point of the beach also know as the "Bower" offers some of the shallowest breaks in Sydney. The shallow waters make it popular for surfers when the swell is right.

You'll often see paddle boarders make the journey out to the bower or just paddle around the calm waters in the bay.

Calm waters of Shelly Beach

As Shelly Beach faces inland and not directly towards the ocean it remains a calm and kid friendly beach. No big dumpers are going to send you flying here, which makes it a excellent spot for launching a kayak.

There are fantastic picnic facilities in the area including gas bbq's and picnic tables. Get in quick as they go really fast. Several cafes are also nearby for those that prefer a sit down or take away feast.

Climb the hill behind Shelly Beach for an awesome exploring. A rocky outcrop offers magnificent views and further on you can walk to the famous North Head.

For more information check out :-

Wikipedia
Manly Council Website

Watson Bay by Ferry - Fish and Chips and the sea breaze

Looking for a lazy Sunday that it still packed with a little bit of adventure, then how about taking a Ferry Ride to Watsons Bay.

Watsons Bay is a beautiful part of Sydney, located right on Sydney Harbor in an area well know for its expensive real estate and neighboring attractions such as The Gap. Also famous for its Fish and Chips Doyles.

Watsons Bay

Getting there:- 

Travelling to Watsons Bay is more of an adventure if you travel by Ferry. A ferry service runs very regularly and can be boarded from several locations such as Circular Quay. I suggest checking the Sydney Transport Info for your best travel options.

What can I do there :-

Why not grab a feed of fish and chips and enjoy the beautiful park or sandy beach. If a sit down meal or a beer is more your fancy then try Doyles or the Watsons Bay Hotel. 

You can stroll up the hill and take in the magnificent harbor views and cliff and views from The Gap.

Mountain Bike Park - Golden Jubilee Field North Wahroonga

A place that I am yet to ride myself and provide a better review of, is the mountain bike park at North Wahroonga.  Head North on Westbrook Ave and follow the long drive into Golden Jubilee Field. There is usually plenty of parking but things do get busy when other sporting events are on in the area.

From the car park take your bike North just off the edge of the back field and you will see the large open area containing the various obstacles.

View over park from rear oval

You can ride directly to the park and enjoy some great riding. There is also some nice fire trails which leave from this area and provide some great downhill.

Park sign

The park consists of three different sections. 

• An area consisting of wooden tracks and other surfaces to practice for off road conditions.
• A pump track with various difficulties giving the rider a real work out.
• Single track of over 800 meters down into the valley

Skills Area

Pump Track

Skills Area

Section of single track

Brooklyn NSW

Some describe Brooklyn as a quaint fishing village or a beautiful riverside community on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. No matter how you describe Brooklyn it offers many adventure for those that seek it.

Brooklyn is situated on the Hawkesbury River just off the F3 freeway, just North of Sydney. It offers some great Sea Food , including Oysters that have been harvested from the river. Accessible via car or catch the train to Hawkesbury River station.

There are several places to eat in Brooklyn, ranging from the local Anglers Arm Pub, several cafe style restaurants and various places to get fish and chips. These places are usually very popular on a weekend.

Parsley Bay

If your after a waterways adventure, then Brooklyn offers a great place to launch your boat or Kayak. Just head to the ramp at Parsley Bay. A well maintained ramp with fish cleaning facilities and plenty of parking for car and trailer.

Beach at Parsley Bay

On the far side of Parsley Bay is a small beach, which is often used by boat owners to launch their tenders for access to their moored vessels. This is an ideal spot to launch Kayaks and explore the river. You can also walk along the coast line here and explore the secluded river side beaches further along.

There are also several marinas in Brooklyn offering various services including Boat Hire. If you en quire beforehand there are several boat cruises that depart from Brooklyn, the Postal Boat being one of the most popular.

Brooklyn offers a section of the great North walk for those keen for some exercise. You can even walk to the Brooklyn Dam or further afield. Or walk around to Parsley Bay if a short walk is more your thing

McKell Park - Brooklyn

If its a picnic spot your after then Brooklyn has several options available. One of my favourites, McKell Park over looks the surrounding river offering a great view. Offering BBQs and picnic tables and often the odd visit from the resident bush turkey's.

McKell Park - View over Parsley Bay

If your after a quick dip in the river then a spot on the water just North of the Marina offers picnic tables and a fenced off river pool.

This site is best suited if you have young children as there is a fabulous playground only meters away.

You can also walk from here around to Parsley bay, or even walk to the top of the hill to check our McKell Park.

Both spots are various nice, but parking can often be tricky on the lower foreshore.

Being a river side village wouldn't be complete without a spot of fishing. Pop into one of the local shops and I'm sure they'll let go a few secret spots. Otherwise the headland around Parsley Bay always seems popular.

What ever your choice of adventure, I'm sure you'll find something to do in Brooklyn.  Even if its to take 5 and enjoy the peaceful waterside community.

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.

Ferry Ride on Sydney Harbour

What better way to get around Sydney then by ferry. Take a trip to Watson Bay, Cockatoo Island, or spend the day with a ride to Manly.

Starting from Circular Quay in Sydney you get numerous offerings for your ferry adventure. I purchased a $20 day tripper ticket which also included my train travel, but for that price I had unlimited ferry use for the day. If you check out the state transit websites like 131500.info you can find the best ticket for you as well as some great destinations.

Boarding a ferry before lunch gives you the chance to find some great harbour side lunch spots. Though some can be more expensive with views you can still find affordable eats. My choice is to head to Manly early for lunch and an explore.

But if Manly isn't up your alley, then a ferry ride to Watson's Bay and a beer ot two at the Watsons Bay Hotel may be better.

With so many options the humble Sydney Ferry offers a gateway to many other adventures.

Fitzroy Falls

Heading to the Southern Highlands for an adventure, then why not drop by Fitzroy Falls. Access to see the falls is only a few hundred metres from the visitors centre but many more walks etc are available for those seeking some real adventure.

Not far from Bowral and Moss Vale making it a great stopping spot on the way to Kangaroo Valley or other parts of the highlands.

Well worth walking the extra 400 metres to the second lookout, which is where my photo was taken. Gives a much better view of the waterfall.

Dunn's Swamp

Over the mountains from Sydney and a short drive from Kandos and Rylestone lies the hidden gem of Dunn's Swamp. Though the name may sound deceiving it is more a river then a swamp with the body of water a favourite for fisherman, kayakers and adventurers alike.

Dunn's Swamp is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service which provids various camp sites at a small fee. The sites are accesible by 2wd and provide seperate areas for camper trailers and caravans.

Plenty of walks and places to explore on foot including the walk to the weir which makes the river what it is. If walking isn't your choice of adventure you can hire canoes and explore the river and its canyon like walls by water.

Certainly a great place to explore and fantastic to keep the kids busy in the water.

Check out the following sites for more information.

National Parks
Environment NSW - Search for Dunns Swamp

Fancy a quiet drink, or a spot of lunch - Settlers Arms

Settlers Arms

Step back into Australia's early colonial days and stop for a quiet drink at the historic pub of St Albans the Settlers Arms.

Located on the Macdonald River, a branch from the Hawkesburry River St Albans is hidden away from the world that has grown around it.

Though the local population has declined over the years since the days travellers would stop by at the Settlers Arms on their way to the North Coast following the convict built Northern Road.

The Inn's sandstone construction is a magnificant display of Australia's early colonial history and stands to remind us of the turbulent times that the Inn has experienced. At one point the Inn was reduced to a general store as the dwindling poplation and less travellers through the area made it unprofitable to run as an Inn.

In todays time the Inn stands as a reminder of the valleys past and offers a great place to relax and enjoy some food and beverages. Sit in the shady beer garden or even stay the night in the available accomodation.

The area also has camp sites available directly opposite the Inn, where you can stay and enjoy the area.

Ref: http://www.saintalbans.org.au

There are several ways to get to St Albans and the Settlers Arms Hotel, all of which offer great scenery and an amazing drive.  Two main routes from the south cross the Hawkesbury River, then wind along side the McDonald River. One option makes use of the Webbs Creek Ferry and the other takes the Hawkesbury River Ferry.

Webbs Creek Ferry

From the North you can come in via Buckety but the road when travelled recently is still dirt, whilst the other routes are all sealed. If your coming from the Central Coast probably best following Wisemans Ferry road through central mangrove.

Well worth the drive with a great spot for lunch at the end. Pub meals are available.