Chapter Three |
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GUR 7 - Dharawal Ride |
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| Sub-section |
| Start and finish |
Appin to Flat Rock Junction (Princes Highway) at Darkes Forest |
| Distance |
26km (cycling) |
| Grade |
4-5 |
| Main features |
- Dharawal State Recreation Area
- Stokes Creek
- O'Hares Creek
- Maddens Falls
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| Description |
East from Appin - along fire trails to Lysaghts Road - turning north at fire trails heading into Dharawal SRA - along Fire trail 10B and north into 10C through (former) North Cliff Colliery - cross O'Hares Creek and east along 10H to gate and intersection with Darkes Forest Road - east on-road shoulder (narrow to non-existent) to Flat Rock Junction with Princes Highway. |
| Opportunities and constraints |
- Dharawal SRA - outstanding environmental and Aboriginal heritage values - upland swamps, pristine Stokes and O'Hares Creeks
- Existing fire trail system can be used for cycling and walking trails
- Some trail erosion repair work required - Stokes Creek and O'Hares Creek
- Signs required
- Enforcement of regulations on horses, 4WD and trail-bikes near Darkes Forest (Dharawal Nature Reserve and SRA) - erosion in upland swamp areas
- 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 / BHP Billiton / Dharawal LALC / local residents Wedderburn area/ TC - plan and sign (26 km) trail route from Appin Road to Princes Highway
- NPWS - nominate priority road works along the route and identify earth repair and bush regeneration opportunities - TC to coordinate CVA and Work For The Dole (DEET) involvement
- NPWS / Dharawal LALC residents - develop more effective 4WD, trail bike and horse management strategies
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| Priority |
B |
| Estimated cost |
$60k |
| Key stakeholders |
NPWS/NPA/Dharawal Elders & LALC/CCC/WCC/Bicycle NSW/RFS/CVA/TC |
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Rationale:
This cycling route is nominated by NPWS across a network of fire trails. Grades 4-5 to experienced walkers only - recommended for very fit, experienced and adventurous cyclists only.
Valleys of the O'Hares and Stokes Creeks have outstanding scenic, environmental and indigenous cultural heritage values. The route is great eco-recreational experience. Would be difficult and demanding during very hot weather. |
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• Lower Reaches 
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre | Suite 4 (1st Floor), 2-4 Merton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232