Chapter Three |
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GUR 6 - Dharawal Walk |
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| Sub-section |
| Start and finish |
Cataract Scout Camp/Flat Rock Junction (Darkes Forest) |
| Distance |
16.5 km (if 10R route could be used - land tenure needs investigation) |
| Grade |
3-4 |
| Main features |
- Dharawal SRA
- Seven Creeks Walk
- Upland swamps
- O'Hares Creek
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| Description |
From Cataract Scout Camp north along Cataract Dam Road -cross Bulli-Appin Road - north along Wedderburn Road - east into Seven Creek Walk - to 10B Fire Trail and 10R - cross at O'Hares Creek Crossing up to Darkes Forest Road and east to Flat Rock Junction. |
| Opportunities and constraints |
- Dharawal SRA - outstanding environmental and Aboriginal heritage values - upland swamps, pristine O'Hares Creek
- Existing fire trail system can be used for walking trails
- Some trail erosion repair work required - O'Hares Creek
- Signs required
- Enforcement of regulations on horses, 4WD and trail-bikes near Darkes Forest (Dharawal Nature Reserve and SRA)
- Maddens Falls - recently completed NPWS/GRFIP project providing upland swamp walking track and falls viewing platform and upgraded carparking, gates and signage - used for educational visits for school groups. Maddens Falls loop should feature as important part of GRW - need for bicycle parking facilities and improved micro management of the area - horses/trail bikes.
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| Actions |
- NPWS/ NPA / RFS / TC - plan and sign walking track route through Dharawal SRA from Cataract Scout Camp to Darkes Forest
- NPWS - identify opportunities for track repair and bush regeneration along route
- NPWS / TC - Darkes Forest community consultation - access along 10R fire trail
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| Priority |
B |
| Estimated cost |
$35k |
| Key stakeholders |
NPWS/NPA/RFS/Dharawal Elders & LALC/Darkes Forest residents |
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Rationale:
This route is nominated by NPWS and is part of their existing fire trail network and walking tracks (Seven Creeks Way) - allows for a long day walk across varied and interesting sandstone plateau country. It crosses headwaters of several small streams, near to upland swamps of exceptionally high biodiversity.
The route would have great educational opportunities in terms of natural and heritage values. Selecting these trails as part of the Great Kai'mia Way - could attract additional funding for NPWS towards ongoing maintenance and interpretative signage and more effective policing of illegal 4WD and trail bike access. |
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• Lower Reaches 
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre | Suite 4 (1st Floor), 2-4 Merton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232