National Park Archives - Page 8 of 16

11 June 202123 June 2021

Ridge to Rainforest Track Strickland State Forest

Ridge to Rainforest Track Strickland State Forest

Getting There

Located in the Strickland State Forest, the Ridge to Rainforest Track is a great walk winding its way through the dry forest along the ridge into the gully rainforest along the creek. Mossy rocks, statuesque trees and a planted grove of Hoop Pine are featured along the track, making the walk interesting as the surrounding forest changes.

Banksia Picnic Area

The track starts near the entrance to the Banksia Picnic Area, where a large car park and toilet facilities sit next to covered picnic areas. Several information boards show the various tracks in the area, along with some of the wildlife you might see along the way.

Alternatively the track can be walked from the Stones Creek car park up to the Banksia Picnic Area. From here you are able to return to the starting point via the Stones Creek track.

Ridge to Rainforest Track

The well formed track runs downhill through the forest, which has a changing vista as it changes from dry to rain forest. Several small creeks cross the track, with each having bridges or stone culverts to aid crossing.

Descending from the ridge the ground rises on your left and consists of mossy rocks and boulders.

The track ends at the Stones Creek car park, where you can choose to return the way you came or use the Stones Creek track to return to the car park. We took the second option, so that we walked a different track on the way back. It’s a steep uphill climb but an enjoyable walk.

Alternatively, the Bellbird and Arboretum tracks start near the lower carpark if you want to extend the length of the walk.

Stoney Creek Track Stairs — Start of the Ridge to Rainforest Track

What did We Think?

This was a very enjoyable walk, because of the varying vegetation and well formed track. Hiking through the while listening to the birds was very relaxing.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

6 March 202131 March 2021

Burrawang Walk Kamay Bay

Burrawang Walk Kamay Bay

Kamay Visitor Centre

Before setting out on the Burrawang Walk, drop into the Visitor Centre. Not only are the toilets located here, but it is full of useful information for your visit. The staff were very friendly and helpful, which made the day start on a positive note.

Burrawang Walk Kamay Bay

Weaving through the history of the area, the Burrawang Walk takes you through the eyes of the original inhabitants of the area, through to Cook’s landing in 1770 and to its ongoing impact. Starting at the Visitor Centre it was originally called the Monuments Track, because of the monuments in the area. This is an easy track, because it’s only 1.2 km long, and mostly on grass or concrete pathways.

Interpretive Signs

Interpretive signs provide an insight into Aboriginal life in the area and the impact white settlement had on them. This is great because until recently, only European heritage was commemorated here.

Interpretive Area Burrawand Walk — Some of the Interpretive Signs

Interpretive Sign Burrawand Walk — Some of the Interpretive Signs

Meeting Place

Cook’s Landing Place

A large obelisk and plaque commemorating Cook’s landing place dominate one section of the shore. In 1770, Lieutenant (later Captain) Cook landed here and claimed the continent in the name of the British Crown.

Captain Cook's Landing — Captain Cook’s Landing

Plaque at Cook's Landing — Captain Cook’s Landing

Banks’ Memorial

Banks inclusion in Cook’s expedition as a scientist led to many discoveries of plants and animals unknown to Europeans. A large memorial to him sits near Cook’s memorial, which recognises his contribution to science.

Solander Memorial

An interesting memorial and the first one we saw is to Daniel Solander, a Swedish scientist who accompanied Banks on the Cook expedition. He was the first Swede and university trained scientist to set foot in Australia.

Solander’s documentation of unknown plants led to the area being named Botany Bay, although now it has a dual name, Kamay Bay in recognition of its Aboriginal heritage.

Overshadowed by Banks while also dying at the young age of 49, he did not develop the reputation he deserved.

Solander Memorial Kamay Botany Bay National Park Burrawand Walk — Solander Memorial

Bronze Sculptures

Sitting in, or on the water’s edge are three sets of bronze sculptures. These commemorate the 250th anniversary of the meeting of Aboriginal Australians and the crew of HMB Endeavour.

First European’s Grave

Located on the waterfront, is a plaque marking the grave of Forby Sutherland, the first British subject buried in Australia. Forby died of tuberculosis.

What Did We Think of Burrawang Walk?

This was a nice, easy walk with lots to see. The numerous information boards were educational, which made it even more interesting. This is a must visit if you are in Sydney, because of the number of memorials and European heritage.

6 March 202121 March 2021

Cape Banks Botany Bay National Park

Rock Platform and the Wreck of the SS Minmi

Cape Banks

Getting There

We drove to Cape Banks and parked near the pistol club and helicopter base. This large car park has plenty of space, so parking shouldn’t be a problem.

Cape Banks Walking Track

The Cape Banks Walking track runs past the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Base towards the coast. On the way you pass an old fortress before reaching the ocean. At this point you turn right, if you turn left, you will arrive back at the car park.

The track continues along the coast to the New South Wales Golf Club, where a small bridge leads out to the cape. From here you are able to explore the rock platform and the higher ground of the cape.

Cape Banks Fortifications

Used to protect the approaches to Botany Bay, Fort Banks is an old World War II bunker and fortification complex. During World War Two, it was armed with two 9.2 inch guns, but these are long gone. Sand dunes and vegetation are overtaking the fortifications. Graffiti also covers most of the site, which detracts from the importance of the site.

Despite this, it is still an interesting spot to walk around, with some of the building accessible through rusty doors.

Several old tombstones are stored here, removed from the nearby Hospital Cemetery.

Rock Platform

Exposed at low tide, the rock platform provides great views over the ocean. Be careful because you need to climb over rocks to get there. Check the tides before going, to make sure the tide will be low. Rock pools and slippery surfaces on the platform mean you need to walk carefully to avoid slipping.

The small cliff face displays some great erosion patterns from wind and waves. The colours of the rocks are also interesting.

To visit the shipwreck at the end of the cape, make your way to the rocks, where the SS Minmi can be seen up close.

Waves Breaking Over the Rock Platform — Rock Platform and the Wreck of the SS Minmi

Wreck of the SS Minmi

Located at the far end of the rock platform, the remains of the wreck of the SS Minmi are easily accessible at low tide. Salvage work in the 1930s removed the forward part of the ship, so only the rear portion now remaining.

The SS Minmi was a 75m long, 1,455 ton collier built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1927. It was named after either the lower Hunter Valley town of Minmi, or the nearby Minmi Colliery.

The Minmi’s captain for all of her ten-year service was Captain McPhall, who had brought the ship to Australia. Captain McPhall commenced two weeks’ leave in the first week of May, leaving Chief Officer Callum to take over as Captain. On 8 May 1937 at 10 pm while returning to Newcastle after delivering coal to Melbourne, the ship struck the outside of Cape Banks. Frederick Boulton, the ship’s cook, collapsed and died of a heart attack soon after the ship struck the rocks.

The Minmi split in two at about 12:45 am, with crew members stranded on both the front and back sections. Those at the front were rescued without incident, but it was more perilous for those in the rear. During the rescue, one life was lost because of the heavy seas.

SS Minmi on the Rocks — SS Minmi on the Rock Platform

What Did We Think?

This was a great little walk, because we saw an old fort, a shipwreck, and enjoyed some nice views. The walk is short, but does require some climbing over rocks and a visit at low tide is a must.

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Tag: National Park

Ridge to Rainforest Track Strickland State Forest

Ridge to Rainforest Track Strickland State Forest

Getting There

Banksia Picnic Area

Ridge to Rainforest Track

What did We Think?

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Burrawang Walk Kamay Bay