The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan - Camden Council

Natural Escapes
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan
Narellan Rd, Mount Annan
Ph: (02) 4634 7900
www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/annan
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is Australia's largest botanic garden with more than 4000
species of native plants. The Garden covers 416 hectares and features five picnic areas with BBQs and
shelters. It is the native plant garden of the Botanic Gardens Trust, which is also responsible for the Sydney
Royal Botanic Gardens and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.
Themed garden areas
From the fascinating Connections Garden to the Wattle, What’s the Big Idea and Banksia picnic areas,
the themed garden areas show the diverse beauty of nature. The Australian Botanic Garden also has an
interesting mosaic of natural areas. An exclusive addition to the garden is the Wollemi Walk of Discovery.
This world-first is home to exact genetic replicas of the ancient trees found in the secret gorge in Wollemi
National Park. It is an important part of the Conservation Management Plan to conserve these amazingly
rare and endangered trees.
Almost all the Garden’s cultivated plants have been raised from seeds or cuttings from wild sources.
Details of the original location and habitat of each plant collected are carefully documented and a reference
specimen is held in the National Herbarium of NSW at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney.
Natural areas
The Botanic Garden has an interesting mosaic of natural areas that have their own intrinsic value. These
woodland and native grassland areas contribute to the landscape character and visitor experience of the
Garden. These areas of remnant native vegetation are becoming increasingly rare in western Sydney as
urban development continues, and the Garden is now important for species conservation and fauna habitat.
Wildlife
The Australian Botanic Garden has become an increasingly valuable ‘greenspace’ in a fast growing urban
area. The size of the site, and interesting variety of landscapes, have made it an important fauna refuge.
Well over 160 bird species have been seen in the Garden, and visitors can take advantage of the lakes,
woodlands and grasslands to see this wide range of bird life. Native mammals such as the Wallaroo and
Swamp Wallaby are commonly seen throughout the Garden in their natural woodland/grassland habitat.
Cycling
You can enjoy Aussie plants and wonderful views by bicycling off the beaten track at the Australian
Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. There are feature gardens, lakes, picnic areas and toilet facilities scattered
throughout the Garden. For the experienced road cyclist, the Garden can be reached by bicycle, if you
travel by train to Campbelltown Station. The Enduro Trail, an international standard, purpose built mountain
bike trail has been constructed within the Garden. The trail caters for competent, intermediate and advance
levels of mountain bike enthusiasts.

Koshigaya Park
Cnr Camden and Hurley Rds, Campbelltown
Ph: (02) 4645 4000
Koshigaya Park was opened in 1984 in
celebration of Campbelltown's Sister City
relationship with Koshigaya, Japan. Today it
is a popular venue for outdoor activites and
functions. Facilities available include sheltered
picnic tables, BBQ facilities, toilet amenities and
modern playground equipment.
Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living
Macarthur Park
Mount Annan Dr, Mount Annan
Ph: (02) 4647 9828
www.mcsl.org.au
The centre includes functioning displays of renewable solar energy production and use, waste water
recycling, water and energy efficiency, waste avoidance and management. The centre demonstrates
environmentally sound design and construction methods, utilising renewable and recycled building
materials. Display space and regular events are onsite which enhance the sustainability of homes
and gardens. For researchers, there are opportunities to investigate aspects of the use of renewable
building materials or organic gardening methods.
Menangle Rd, Camden
Ph: (02) 4654 7777
The park was opened in 1906 and has a number of different areas including a heritage rose garden,
wisteria walk, Cenotaph honouring World War I soldiers and a shelter built in 1913 in memory of Mrs
Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow. Mrs Elizabeth Macarthur-Onslow, a granddaughter of John Macarthur,
gifted Macarthur Park to the people of Camden in 1905. The park is home to Camden's War Memorial
and the Faithfull-Anderson Fountain which once stood, where the roundabout is now, at the John and
Argyle Streets intersection. In 1905, Camden was a rural village and the land for the park was at the
perimeter of residential blocks. The forethought used in donating the park has ensured the people of
Camden can still enjoy the rural atmosphere of the past that the park engenders.
Pembroke Park
Pembroke Rd, Minto
Ph: (02) 4645 4000
Pembroke Park has an area of approximately
seven hectares and is one of the most popular
parks in Campbelltown. The park is extremely
popular with weekend family groups and has a
range of facilities including BBQ and playground
equipment.
www.macarthur.com.au
NATURAL ESCAPES
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NATURAL ESCAPES
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Bushwalking
Macarthur is bordered by scenic hills, nature reserves and the Georges and Nepean
Rivers. If you enjoy a bushwalk or a relaxing picnic - there are plenty of places to
escape to. The bushland in Macarthur was an important focal point for Indigenous life
and culture in the southern Sydney region, offering both food and dreamtime links.
Today, the area is a highly significant landscape feature of the Sydney region and
environment. It is home to much biodiversity, including an active koala colony, and
provides immense scenic value to the region.
Dharawal National Park
Victoria Rd, Wedderburn
The Dharawal National Park, declared in 2012, has been managed by the National Parks and Wildlife
Service since 1974. Waterfalls, extensive upland swamps, steep-sided sandstone gorges, swimming
holes and rock shelters are just some of the many fascinating landscape features you can explore.
‘Dharawal’ refers to the language group of the local Indigenous people who have continued their
relationship with the area for more than 15,000 years. Their long occupation of the area is evidenced
by many Indigenous sites, making the reserve among the richest in Indigenous heritage in the Sydney
region.
Walking Trail - Jingga Walking Track, Wedderburn
Jingga means 'nice and sweet' in reference to water, from the Dharawal language group.
Accessed via Victoria Rd, Wedderburn
Distance: 2.8km return
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Hard, includes some steep hills
Follow the Victoria Rd Fire Management Trail in an easterly direction for approximately 500m, then take
the track on your right. Follow the Jingga Track and it will lead you to a spectacular waterhole along
O'Hares Creek.
Walking Trail - Madden Falls Walking Track, Darkes Forest
Accessed via the Princes Hwy, then Darkes Forest Rd, Darkes Forest
Distance: 2km return
Time: 45 minutes
Grade: Easy
From the carpark, follow the Fire Management Trail to Maddens Creek, walk along the raised walking
track until you reach the viewing platform at the falls. Note: No picnic or toilet facilities are located in the
Dharawal National Park.
www.macarthur.com.au
www.macarthur.com.au

Macarthur Bushwalkers
Ph: (02) 4628 2528
www.bushwalking-cycling.com
The Macarthur Bushwalkers are a local group.
Activities include backpacking, hiking, trekking
and bushwalking, both locally and further
afield. Enjoy all levels from short day walks to
overnight trips.
William Howe Regional Park
Mary Howe Pl, Narellan Vale
This regional park supports natural vegetation
within surrounding agricultural and residential
areas. Expansive views of the surrounding
areas are available from Turkeys Nest Dam.
A walking track leads visitors to the lookout
platform and picnic tables. Dogwalking (on
leads) is permitted.
Mountain Devils Bushwalking
Ph: (02) 9603 3559
www.mountaindevils.org.au
The Mountain Devils Bushwalking and Social
Club is dedicated to the enjoyment of the great
Australian bush. Activities are run on weekends
and include one day walks, overnight trips
and social gatherings such as movie nights or
dinners. Walks can vary in both distance and
terrain and can cater for all levels of fitness.
Razorback Lookout
Remembrance Dr, Razorback
Razorback has panoramic views of the district
and to Sydney.
National Parks Association
Macarthur Branch
http://branches.npansw.org.au/br-macarthur
The NPA offers a variety of activities including
an extensive bushwalking and camping
program. The NPA is a non-profit community
organisation founded in 1957, which seeks to
to protect, connect and restore the integrity and
diversity of natural systems in NSW (Australia)
and beyond through national parks, marine
sanctuaries and other means.
The main activity of the Macarthur Branch
is the conservation and protection of our
natural habitat. In addition, it is involved in
a comprehensive range of activities that
are related to our appreciation of the bush
and nature. These include a lecture series,
biodiversity surveys and through NPA NSW, an
extensive bushwalking and camping program.
www.macarthur.com.au
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The Georges River
Historical and Cultural Importance
The Georges River was an important focal point for Aboriginal life and culture in the southern Sydney region, offering both food, transport and dreamtime links.
Several major language groups existed alsong the river: Eora to the east, Dharag to the west, north and north-east, Dharawal to the south and Gandangarra in
the far south-west. The early 1800s saw European settlers migrating to the areas along the Georges River. Much of the catchment was cleared for farmlands
and housing, however the banks stayed relatively untamed due to their rugged slopes. Development within the catchment has flourished since WWII. Today,
the Georges River and surrounds are a highly significant landscape feature of the Sydney region and the Campbelltown environment. It is home to much of the
biodiversity that can be found in the region, including an active koala colony, and provides immense scenic value to the area. The corridor also offers a number
of recreational opportunities for local residents. This brochure outlines some of these recreational opportunities and where they can be undertaken.
Planning Your Trip
When accessing bushland areas, care should always be taken. Please consider the
following guidelines in planning your trip:
• Let someone know where you are going and when you should return by. If you do
not return by the designated time, this person can alert the appropriate authorities
to get you assistance.
• Dress suitably for the environment. When in bushland areas, you should dress
suitably, such as enclosed shoes, dress for the weather (hot or cold) and wear
appropriate sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunscreen).
• You should always take water with you, as you cannot guarantee that there will be
suitable drinking water sources in bushland areas.
• Please take your rubbish with you or place it in the bins provided.
• The Georges River may not be suitable for swimming, particularly after heavy rain, as
entry into the water may result in illness or infection during this period. People swimming
do so at their own risk.
• All visitors are to read and follow the site specific signage displayed at each
reserve to keep yourself, other visitors and the environment safe.
• If travelling by car, make sure that your vehicle is locked and that you do not leave
any valuables in your car.
• All fauna, flora and rock formations are protected.
• Keep to the signposted management trails and walking tracks.
• Wildfires can destroy lives and property, so be careful. Observe all fire bans.
• Any camping must be in designated camping locations.
www.macarthur.com.au
www.macarthur.com.au
BRADBURY
LEUMEAH
CAMPBELLTOWN
RUSE
THE WOOLWASH
MINTO
INGLEBURN
KENTLYN
GLENFIELD
MINTO HEIGHTS
INGLEBURN RESERVE
FRERES CROSSING
MACQUARIE
FIELDS
SIMMO’S BEACH
KEITH LONGHURST RESERVE

Simmo’s Beach Reserve
Fifth Ave, Macquarie Fields
Distance: Various tracks ranging from 500m to 1.5km return walks
Grade: The tracks range from easy (paved, mostly flat) through to hard (narrow,
sloping, unsealed)
Suitable for: Bushwalking and picnics (toilets, picnic tables and BBQ facilities available)
Simmo’s Beach is located on the Georges River. Its easy access, picnic facilities and beach
area make it a popular site for local residents. The reserve, which was officially opened in
1986, is named after Simmonds, a past resident, who mined sand adjacent to the Georges
River for a number of years. The features of the reserve such as extensive areas of bushland,
proximity to the Georges River and connectivity with the Georges River Regional Open
Space, means it provides a range of recreational opportunities. Council is currently in the
process of upgrading existing tracks in the reserve that will provide a network of tracks for a
range of difficulty levels when complete.
Ingleburn Reserve
Picnic Grove, Ingleburn
Distance: 400m return walk takes visitors down to the weir
Grade: Medium. Sandstone steps. Trail surface is loose and rocky in places
Suitable for: Bushwalking and picnics (picnic tables and toilet facilities are located at the
reserve)
Ingleburn Reserve is a bushland reserve located in Ingleburn. Situated on the Georges
River, the reserve contains the historic Ingleburn Weir, which was constructed in the late
1930s to provide a swimming area for the local community. A study prepared for Council
in 2008 concluded that the weir has a high heritage significance due to its sandstone
structure and form. Works were conducted in 2009 to enhance fish passage in the river
system. The vegetation community at Ingleburn Reserve is classified as the endangered
ecological community, Shale Sandstone Transition Forest. The reserve is home to a number
of endangered plant species, as well as a range of native birds, some marsupials, other small
mammals and reptiles.
Keith Longhurst Reserve (The Basin)
Georges River Rd, Kentlyn
The Basin Walking Track
Distance: 2km return walk
Grade: Medium. The end of the track is quite steep and is only recommended for
people of moderate fitness
Suitable for: Bushwalking
The Old Ford Road Walking Track
Distance: 2.6km return walk
Grade: Easy. An established, sloping track, suitable for a wide variety of fitness levels
Suitable for: Bushwalking and mountain biking
The Keith Longhurst Reserve is a 76 hectare bushland reserve with significant scenic and
cultural values. The reserve, formally known as The Basin Reserve, includes a number of
walks including The Basin Walking Track and the Old Ford Road Walking Track, which is a
historic road built in the 1880s to cross the Georges River. The Dharawal people originally
inhabited the area, and there are many sites of cultural significance. There are no formal
picnic facilities located at Keith Longhurst Reserve.
Freres Crossing
Georges River Rd, Kentlyn
Distance: 2km return walk along an established firetrail
Grade: Medium, includes hills. Trail surface is loose and rocky in places. Steep
sections
Suitable for: Bushwalking and experienced mountain bike riding
Freres Crossing is a significant heritage site containing the remnants of an old wooden
bridge that formed part of a connection between Campbelltown to Newcastle up to 1917.
The crossing was named after George Pierre Frere, who owned a property at Eckersley.
By 1913, all residents had been moved out of the area to make way for the military reserve.
It is one of the most scenic sites along the Georges River in the Campbelltown area. Take
a walk and enjoy the serene environment. Experienced bushwalkers can make their way
along the river to Keith Longhurst Reserve (The Basin) and make this a circular day walk by
leaving their vehicle on Georges River Road. There are no formal picnic facilities located at
Freres Crossing.
INGLEBURN
RESERVE
www.macarthur.com.au
www.macarthur.com.au
GEORGES RIVER
GEORGES RIVER
WEIR
THE BASIN
GEORGES RIVER
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