The Depot Beach Rainforest Walk is a short easy track that runs through littoral rainforest and down to a beautiful sandy beach. As part of Murramarang National Park, it is maintained by NSW National Parks and Wildlife and was in excellent condition during our visit. Almost the entire track has boardwalk, or is paved, so it very easy to walk. The recommended time is 15 to 45 minutes, and we easily made the lower and of the range. Remember, because this is a national park, no dogs are allowed.
Getting There
Car parking is available at a dedicated spot about 250m from Depot Beach and also has a toilet and information board. Alternately, parking at the beach allows you to start and finish there and not need to move your car if you intend to spend time on the sand. Whichever you choose, the track is a loop, so you will end up back where you started.
The Track
The 400m track runs through spotted gum rainforest with a lush undergrowth consisting of cabbage tree palms, cycads and bracken. Information boards along the track describe the different vegetation and animal life.
When we reached the beach, there were kangaroos sleeping in the shade near the carpark. We had lunch at the beach, we had almost to ourselves, with only two other people there.
A fun easy walk, with a great beach to enjoy as well. From here we went to the Burrawang Walking Track which was only a 2-minute drive away.
Start of the walk at the carparkInformation BoardLittoral rainforestSpotted gumsBoardwalk on the trackSmall creek crossing and palmsStart of the track at Depot BeachLittorial rainforest growing right up to Depot BeachDepot BeachKangaroos near Depot Beach
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Starting at Depot Beach, the Burrawang Walking Track takes you through spotted gum and cycad forest to Upright Point with views towards North Durras Beach. Access is easy, with parking at the trail head on Carr Street in Depot Beach. As this is part of Murramarang National Park, no dogs are allowed.
The Walk
Graded as a 4 by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the track is mostly uphill on the outward leg. The track itself was well maintained and sign posted during our visit.
Not far from the start, a huge fire damaged spotted gum, continues to re-grow; it is hollowed reminding us of the fires from 2020 that caused significant damage in the area. Time has healed most of the damage and Australian trees regenerate fast after a fire, as we saw while we walked through the headland. The forest is composed of the largest preserved stand of spotted gums in coastal NSW with a Burrawang cycad understory. The gum trees are impressive but it’s the Burrawangs that make the walk special.
Along the track, numerous signs warn about the cliff edges and soft surfaces. So, although fences are in place, don’t risk climbing over them for that perfect photo, it’s not worth it. The viewing platform provides the best views that you would want.
What Did We Think?
At 2km return this is a short walk, but being steep still took us 90 minutes to complete. However, this was not all walking as we stopped for photos and to admire the forest and views. We really enjoyed this walk, especially the views and the cycads.
The Burrawang Walking TrackBushfire damaged gum treeSpotted gum trees and burrawang fernsSpotted gum trees and burrawang fernsBurrawang fern seedsView from Point Upright to North Durras BeachView from Upright Point
The BP refinery at Carradah Park in Waverton has a rich history that dates back several decades. Here is a brief overview of its historical significance:
The refinery was established in 1926 by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, which later became British Petroleum (BP). Its location in Waverton, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, was strategically chosen for its proximity to deep water, which facilitated the transportation of crude oil.
During World War II, the refinery played a crucial role in supporting the Australian war effort. It supplied petroleum products to the military and contributed to the nation’s energy security. The refinery expanded significantly during this period to meet the increased demand.
In the following years, the refinery underwent several upgrades and modernizations to improve its efficiency and environmental sustainability. It became a key player in the Australian petroleum industry, supplying a significant portion of the country’s fuel needs.
However, as environmental concerns grew, the refinery faced criticism for its impact on the surrounding area. Issues such as air and water pollution led to community protests and pressure for improved environmental practices.
In 2012, BP announced its decision to close the Carradah Park refinery due to economic factors. The closure marked the end of an era for the facility, and its refining operations ceased in 2014. BP shifted its focus towards fuel importation and distribution in Australia.
Since the closure, the site has undergone a transformation. The refinery land has been repurposed for various purposes, including commercial and residential developments. The redevelopment has aimed to restore and revitalize the area while preserving its heritage.
Current Use
Carradah Park in Waverton has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, thanks to the rehabilitation efforts carried out on the site previously occupied by the BP refinery. The rehabilitation process aimed to restore the natural beauty and ecological balance of the area, making it a welcoming green space for both the local community and visitors to enjoy.
One of the primary goals of the rehabilitation was to address the environmental impacts left behind by the refinery. Extensive remediation works were conducted to clean up contaminated soil and water, ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem and the safety of those using the park. This process involved the removal of hazardous substances and the implementation of sustainable land management practices.
During the rehabilitation, the focus was not only on remediation but also on the enhancement of biodiversity. Native vegetation was reintroduced, creating habitats for various plant and animal species. This has not only contributed to the park’s aesthetic appeal but has also promoted a healthier ecosystem by attracting local wildlife.
Furthermore, the park’s infrastructure underwent significant upgrades to improve accessibility and provide amenities for visitors. New walking paths, seating areas, and picnic spots were established, encouraging people to explore the park and take advantage of its recreational opportunities. The inclusion of sustainable features, such as rain gardens and water-efficient irrigation systems, further reflects the commitment to environmental responsibility.
Walking through the park, information boards explain the area’s past. It’s amazing how much work has been undertaken to transform it from a contaminated industrial site to a beautiful park.
Meandering through the park, several paths lead you through the revegetated bush. Viewing platforms from the upper section provide fantastic vantage points to see Sydney Harbour as well as the bridge and city. From here you can also look down to where giant fuel tanks once stood but have been transformed into green circles.
At the southern end of the park, two old wooded piers, one of which has collapsed are still visible in Berrys Bay. From here we walked to the Coal Loader and its derelict Coal Loading Wharf before finishing our day at Balls Head Reserve.
Information BoardSteps leading into the reserveSign of the Former BP SiteOld pipe next to a walkwayExcavated Wall of the Old SiteThe Sydney Harbour Bridge from the walking trackSydney, The Harbour Bridge and Harbour From Carradah ParkRusty Steel Sculpture in the ReserveOld Oil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From BelowOil Storage Tank Rehabilitation From AboveOld Structure Toppling into Berrys BayOld Wooden structure rotting away in Berrys Bay
