Distance: 9 Km | Duration: 3 Hrs | Grade: Grade 2 | Rating: | Style: Return
About the Walk
Overview
From the mouth of the estuary, a walkway follows Balcombe Creek through swamp scrub and<br /> paperbarks to the historic Briars property and wildlife sanctuary. The walk then meanders through<br /> woodlands and wetlands, visiting two bird hides, before returning along the estuary track.
The Walk in Detail
From the Balcombe Estuary Reserve, follow the Balcombe Creek walkway eastwards along the track and boardwalk. Avoiding side branches, follow the main route to 'The Briars'. Upon reaching Uralla Rd, immediately swing left over the footbridge, then turn right and follow the creek-side track until you pass under the Nepean Highway and enter ‘The Briars’ Park.
From the gate on the western side of the Visitor Centre (toilet stop), follow the Woodland Walk, crossing Stockleys and Balcombe Creeks before turning right, passing through Manna and Swamp Gum woodland. After approx. 1km, you’ll reach the Wetlands Viewpoint. Turn right here, descending the Tichin-Goroke Link, which wends through the wetlands, providing access to the Chechingurk and Boonoorong bird hides. This area, situated on the Balcombe Creek floodplain, was once farmland: it has been replanted with indigenous species. Continue along the boardwalk to the Visitor Centre.
You can choose to have morning tea near the Visitor Centre either before or after your circuit of the woodlands and wetlands: there is a café onsite. Return to Mt Martha along the estuary walk you followed on the outward leg.
Getting There
GETTING TO THE START
From Wallaces Rd, turn right onto Nepean Hwy. After 2.6km, at roundabout, remain on Nepean Hwy B110 (2nd exit) for another 4.5km, then turn left into Uralla Rd. After 1.2km this becomes Bay Rd; continue for 1.5km then turn right onto The Esplanade. In 200m, park on RHS in car park on corner of Watsons Rd. (Melways 144 J12) Distance: 14km.
Walk Precautions
Boardwalks are slippery when wet; be snake aware