Summary
A circuit that will suit walkers who are comfortable with some off-track walking and reasonably experienced in navigation. Starts with a walk across open grassland near Kambah Pool, then after negotiating two crossings of McQuoid Creek goes steeply up Forster Hill. From there, the route continues north to New Station Creek returning via the Murrumbidgee Nature Discovery Corridor. Some blackberries and gravelly areas with the possibility of water in McQuoid Creek, but all are reasonably manageable. A walking pole may be useful for those with dodgy knees.
- 8 km, allow 4 hours including an hour of breaks
- Stunning views of the Bullen Range and Murrumbidgee River Corridor, delightful bird life along the river
Route
Park your car outside the entrance to Kambah Pool Reserve before the cattle grid. Head towards the vertical set of pine poles on the right-hand side of the entrance. Climb through the gate on your right signposted Bullen Nature Reserve before those poles. Turn right (east) and walk along the fence line paralleling Kambah Pool Rd towards the large metal electricity tower until you get to the boundary fence. At the fence, head north towards Forster Hill keeping the fence on your right as your guide.
You will encounter the first of two crossings of McQuoid Creek. The first crossing is often dry but quite gravelly and steep on its sides so take care as you go down and up the other side. The second crossing which is about 400 metres north may have water in it but can usually be done with dry. Often you can find animal footpads/tracks across these creek crossings which are useful.
Once across the two crossings continue north towards Forster Hill. You can see the trig on top quite easily. Be careful to avoid old fence wire which lies on the ground in several places. You will have to scramble through a fence as well. Make sure that you stay on the western side of the reserve and don’t stray into the private property on your right (east). There are a few patches of blackberries and some granite boulders/rocks to avoid on your way up the hill and the odd wombat hole as well. The climb up is quite steep so you may prefer to zig zag your way up to the top. Enjoy the magnificent views from the top of Forster Hill right down to the Murrumbidgee River in the west with Bullen Range beyond.
Head north down Forster Hill towards a dam. The dam itself is outside the reserve in private property but, for now, it’s a good feature to aim for as you make your way down. There are a couple of small creek gullies to cross on the way.
Walking alongside the fence line, you’ll notice three trees in the private property to the east which have been surrounded by metal barriers to prevent damage by horses rubbing against them. You may also see a pig trap on your right on the same property as you head under some electricity lines heading north.
As you approach the bottom the landscape starts to level out and you’ll notice that the fence to your right will start to head north-west and then north. Follow that fence line as this will ensure you stay in the reserve. You’ll find that several animal footpads help you through this area – animals always pick the smartest way to go – the only problem is you need to hope they’re going where you want to go!
Eventually, you’ll get to the bottom where you’ll see that the fence turns a hard left to the west towards the Murrumbidgee River. You have magnificent views of the Bullen Range from here. Follow the fence line westerly, staying inside the reserve, down the spur towards New Station Creek. You’ll notice a creek line paralleling you to your left. This is a tributary that feeds into New Station Creek and is usually dry. New Station Creek itself is often too full of water to cross without getting your feet wet so stay on its southern side by dropping down into the dry gully just south of the fence line and climbing back up the other side. You’ll see where the fence turns that this dry gully has a large dead tree and rock feature. You can cross anywhere but ideally near the old dead tree.
Follow this old dry creek bed and in approximately 25 metres you’ll see some tall grasses, more fencing, an open gate and dead trees. Pass through the gate. New Station Creek is now on your right.
You will see a timber bridge on your right (north) but you don’t cross it. Stay to its south. You’re now at the intersection of the Murrumbidgee Nature Discovery Corridor. This is a delightful place to stop for morning tea before you start your return journey.
After morning tea, you can start your return trip to your car by heading south, back along the Murrumbidgee Nature Discovery Track following the metal signposts. It’s only 2.8 km back to the cars from here. Within 15 metres of walking south you’ll see the first distance marker. Expect to see magnificent views along the river on your way. Keep your eyes open as you meander along the track for nectar-loving birds like Eastern Spine bills, raptors like the Brown falcon and acrobatic birds like the superb Dusky Wood swallow performing aerial manoeuvres.
The last 800 metres or so are in open grassland with eucalypts to your right framing the Murrumbidgee and its lovely rock pools. When you come to the end of the path you have to climb through a gate. To your left you’ll see a blue sign. Head towards this sign and from there you’ll easily find the exit from the Reserve where you’ve left your car.
Walk description contributed by Terrylea Reynolds.
