“What’s that humming?” I wonder. As we stand at the start of the Gundagai Ridge track, a chorus of cicadas fills the air. It is loud. It is almost deafening.
Welcome to the Gundagai Ridge track. This track offers not only a pleasant walk but also a glimpse into Sydney’s natural beauty. It also reveals a bit of its industrial past. Our journey will take us along fire trails. We will discover hidden views and maybe even the remains of a trig station.
Our walk starts at the end of Beaumont Road in Berowra Heights. This might seem an unusual start. An industrial estate sits on one side of the road. Don’t be discouraged. The views over the valley soon appear. They offer a welcome distraction.
The fire trail leads us along the ridge. Soon, we reach the Hornsby Junior Dirt Bike Club. It is known as the smallest minikhana club in the Sydney Metropolitan area. The club has only 50 members. Hopefully, it will be quiet today. The firetrail follows the fence. It prevents access to the bike-riding area.
Just past the Dirt Bike Club is the TS2358 Gunyah Trig. Or rather, what is left of it. It is a sorry sight. The remains of a rusted vane lie on top of a pile of stones. Sadly, there’s no view from here. The Gundah Trig is accessed via an easy walk along the Gundah Ridge Trail. You’ll need to leave the firetrail. Hunt around to find the pile of stones and a rusty vane. This is the only remains trig station.
We continue along the trail. It is easy and quite pleasant walking along the ridge. Towards the end, there are more views through the trees. We can see Berowra Creek and the ridge on the other side.
The fire trail ends near a rock platform. It is at the end of the ridge. A bushwalking track continues down. The track descends steadily. It drops through a gap in some large boulders. The trail meets the Great North Walk at the bottom of the ridge.
Take a moment to enjoy the views looking down Berowra Creek. You can see towards Berowra Waters. The views are especially rewarding.
As we return the same way, notice the large rock cairn. It marks where the main track is. It guides walkers up through the cliff. The path becomes much clearer at that point.
The Gundagai Ridge track is more than just a walk. It is an experience. It combines industrial landscapes with natural vistas. It offers the sounds of cicadas and the thrill of discovery. It’s a reminder of the simple pleasures of the Aussie bush.