Red Gum Park Picnic Area

Slipping through the trees, a flash of blue catches your eye at Red Gum Park Picnic Area. This bowerbird, a decorator of the forest, offers a quirky welcome to this tranquil spot. Red Gum Park Picnic Area, tucked away in the Blue Mountains, isn’t your typical bustling picnic ground. It’s a place where nature whispers secrets and history sleeps beneath a blanket of leaves. There are a couple of ways to find Red Gum Park Picnic Area. You could start at the end of De Quency Road, following the path beside the sign. Or, if the bridge over Minnatonka Creek isn’t washed out, you might try the trail from Boronia Road. Both are short strolls, merging quickly into one. As you wander in from De Quency Road, keep an eye out for that bowerbird nest, adorned with blue treasures. Further along, a rocky outcrop offers a glimpse of the valley below. Eventually, you’ll reach the junction with the Boronia Road path. From there, a left turn leads to Minnatonka Falls, a short five-minute detour. Be prepared for some mud and maybe a leech or two. The falls are best after a good rain, when the water flows more freely. Back at the intersection, follow the path to Red Gum Park Picnic Area. The trail slopes gently downward, leading you across a creek via sandstone steps and strategically placed stepping stones. A sign points back towards Minnatonka Falls, and another track joins from the right. Keep straight on this main path. After a bit, you’ll see a weathered signpost, its sign long gone, and moments later, you’ll arrive at Red Gum Park Picnic Area itself. You’ll find three picnic tables and a couple of old barbecues, likely unused for years. It’s a perfect spot to rest, enjoy a snack, and check for any lingering leaches. From the picnic area, an old road stretches left and right. A left turn leads to a long walk towards Boronia Road. To the right, the road climbs upward. This eventually connects to Cottle Road. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, look for a small track on your right marked by another old metal signpost, also missing its sign. This track loops back to the main trail, bringing you back across the creek and returning you to your starting point. Red Gum Park Picnic Area is an easy walk for any age. The full circuit, including Minnatonka Falls, takes only 30 to 40 minutes.