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WAITE CIRCUIT Circuit : 1 hour 45 minutes, 5 km |
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CIRCUIT
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The Waite Conservation Reserve lies south east of Waite Institute, up the hills face. We drive up Waite Road, off Cross Road, and then right at the first roundabout up Hartley Grove, parking at the top. The path we follow is marked in red.
This is the entrance at the end of Hartley Grove. There is a curious stile at right.
Near the gate is a welcome plaque to the reserve. The logo here is the eryngium rostratum ...
... which looks like this (not in flower in winter!).
There are many interesting signs along the way, giving details of the reserve and its flora and fauna. No dingoes around here now!
The track is well marked, and quite steep up to #3 on the map.
I didn't see any fairy wrens on this walk, only the sign ...
Here is a view looking down the glen.
Old Man's Beard is a climber found in the area.
Unless I missed something, the label 'Caves Lookout' on the map requires some imagination.
At #3 the trail links to 'The Old Coach Road' which we follow up. There appear to be several such roads dating from the old days. This track is quite wide and grassy, with a gentle slope.
The track follows the Urrbrae Ridge, and then we follow the Coach Road branch to the left, although this trail is not sign-posted. I am interested in this trail because it follows high above the South Eastern Freeway. I have often driven up the Freeway and wondered whether there are any walking trails on the south side.
Returning to the main trail, we reach #7. This is the high point of the reserve, with views over parts of the hills I have never seen before. There is a nice stile which crosses the electric fence into private property: I am deterred!
Shortly we come to an unmarked branch trail that supposedly leads along a spur. This large gum lies beside the track. How the mighty are fallen!
At the end of this branch path is a fine view over the plains and to the city. It is very pleasant countryside.
I have been conscious of the very many birds in this reserve. They have been mostly elusive, but these lorikeets were prepared to show their true colours. The number of birds may be due to the absence of people, or to the variety of trees in the reserve.
Back to the main track, we descend quite steeply before coming to #10 : 'Geology'. Looks like a few rocks to me!
Just beyond #11 is the old quarry – picturesque, and obviously tidied up.
These were the only two fellow walkers I came across.
Near #12 there is an exit. If you pass through this gate, and looking back see this view, you know you are heading for Hillside Road – not Hartley Grove!
Continue following the main track north to reach Hartley Grove. This walk is slightly complicated by the fact that there are tracks on the map which are not signposted on the ground, and tracks on the ground which do not appear on the map. For example the Yurrebilla Trail meanders right through this Reserve; this obviously makes another visit desirable. |
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CIRCUIT
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