Chapter Four |
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W4-A11 - Goanna Track and Bullawaring Track (N)
Walking Track Option to Waterfall |
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| Sub-section |
| Start and finish |
Eckersley Ford Crossroads to Myuna Pool |
| Distance |
2.8km |
| Grade |
2-4 |
Time |
2hr |
| Main features |
- Marks Lookout - 360 degree views (incl. Eckersley Ridge, Holsworthy military land and Yarrawarra Ridge)
- Myuna Pool
- Links to Mooray Track Views of and the to North West
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| Description |
NPWS-managed walking track, recently refurbished with new signs (Winter 2003), bare sandstone, loosely defined in places, steep gully sections. |
| Facilities |
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| Opportunities and constraints |
- Preventing Cycle Access from Pipeline Road
- Clarify signage at junction of Goanna and Bullawaring Tracks
- Sensitive Plant Communities
- Biodiversity and Cultural Education Opportunities
- Views over hills to the east
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| Actions Required |
- Amend Heathcote NP POM to include GKW
- 5 x waymarker signs
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| Current Status/Zoning |
- Heathcote National Park - designated walking track
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| Priority |
B |
| Estimated cost |
$500 |
| Stakeholders Community |
NPA |
| Agency/Land Manager |
NPWS |
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Rationale:
Sections W4-A11 and W4-A12 comprise the Bullawaring Track.
This designated National Park walking track provides an attractive and fairly direct route to Waterfall and connections to the railway network.
An important management issue to address is how to prevent cyclists accessing this track from the pipeline trail, where the suggested routes for walkers and cyclists diverge. The problem is of particular concern to bushwalking groups who see increased mountain bike usage further eroding the wilderness qualities of the Park.
The Royal National Park has tried to address similar concerns with a Trail Cycling Management Plan. Mountain bike riders in particular are a very diverse group, with ranging levels of skills and the degree of 'challenge' desired from the trail.
Consultation by NPWS with the mountain bike community has indicated that the two ends of the spectrum range from recreational cyclists, who ride predominantly on management trails (and generally appreciate conservation and NPWS management ideals), to the adventure or 'Soul' rider who seeks out areas that provide excitement, technical challenge and/or remote area access. Most bikers preferred circuit or loop routes to linear routes.
The two ends of the spectrum therefore impact the environment in different ways. The recreational cyclists (75%) have minimal impact on the park as they usually ride on approved management trails constructed for vehicle use. Adventure cyclists (25%) will generally avoid management trails labeling them as uninteresting and will instead ride on single lane walking tracks, steep downhill sections and rocky outcrops. These tracks are the most susceptible to environmental damage and track widening, especially after rain. |
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• The Glen 
Sutherland Shire Environment Centre | Suite 4 (1st Floor), 2-4 Merton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232