Do you like outdoor activities? Prepare for one of the best trails you’ll ever walk through in Sydney! It’s easy to get there even though it’s a little bit hidden. I think it’ll be an advantage if you have a car or motorcycle. I didn’t have any at the time. So I took public transportation.
I started from Arncliffe Station. The direction is towards Campbelltown Station. If you have read my previous blog of The Cheapest Cinema in Sydney, yes, it’s the same direction!
https://dindatahier.wordpress.com/2024/01/09/the-cheapest-cinema-in-sydney/
About one and a half hours later, I arrived at Campbelltown Station. I needed to take one more transport to get there. I got out and waited for the bus right in front of the station. It was quite long. I reckon because the place I was heading is not famous. The bus driver didn’t even know where it was!
I just followed Google Maps hoping it wouldn’t lead me to a weird place. I think I arrived after half an hour. It was like the end of the road. Dead end. No more way for vehicles. Only forest and bushes. But I was relieved that I finally got there! Keith Longhurst Reserve.
The Keith Longhurst Reserve is a 76-hectare bushland reserve. Formerly known as ‘The Basin Reserve’, the area offers a number of walking trails leading down to the Georges River. These trails include ‘The Basin Walking Trail’ / ‘Kentlyn Basin Walk’ and the ‘Old Ford Road Walking Trail’.
There was nobody. It kind of creeped me out. So I sat on a rock, waiting for someone. Lucky! A car came and parked. A minute later, another came. A couple from one of the cars got out of the car carrying daypacks and off they went into The Basin Walking Trail. I made that as a cue for me to go as well.
Well, it was not as scary as I thought! The track was clear enough for me to see. The signs were a bit unclear due to corrosion though. But it was still okay. I love the trail. It’s a medium grade and it has steep sections and parts where the surface is loose, rocky and unsealed.
I didn’t really count how long I walked. Maybe it was about 30 minutes later when I heard the river and some noises which I was sure came from some kids who were laughing, shouting, and chattering.
I was on top of a hill and from there, I could see a glimpse of the river. I walked down some stone stairs that led me there. After several steps, I arrived at the riverbank.
There were 4 boys playing in the river. They jumped and swam. They’re so brave! Well, all foreigners are so brave when it comes to swimming. I mean, look at the water! It’s dark. I couldn’t see the bottom. What if? What if…?! This is Australia, mates! Oh, I don’t want to think about it!
Thank God, they’re fine until the time for them to go. I could breathe and eat my lunch. The best part of hiking is eating in the nature. Accompanied by the beautiful scenery. Rivers, mountains. What else do you hope for? It’s way better than a fine dining. Even though the food is only noodles. I believe the taste is like a restaurant spaghetti.
I spent some more time after eating lunch. There was a couple who just came and they went back again after sitting for a while and another couple were sunbathing. They had been there before I came and was still there when I left. Not a surprise. Because the place is just so good for chilling. Even better with some good music!
Well, since I had to catch the bus, I went back to where I started. But apparently, there was another track I should try – The Old Ford Trail. I didn’t know where it would lead me. But since I was curious, I began walking. It’s not a sin to have a look, is it?
Well, I thought it’d be like 5 minutes to get to wherever it was. But it was almost half an hour! The track was wider than before. I think 2 cars would fit. But it was gravel road that’s closed for vehicles.
The ‘Old Ford Trail’ is one of three historical routes dating back to the 1880s. I found some plates that explain about the history of the trail.
I followed my curiosity because who knew I’d find a heaven? But turned out I found nothing. Only Georges River. Well, it was good. There was a natural pool with calm water. I passed a family with kids on my way there. I think they had just swum. For me, the water here is scarier that the one before. Because it’s a calm water. Do you get it?
After fulfilling my curiosity, I went back to the parking lot which also function as the bus stop. I waited for it to come. It was quite long but there’s no sign of it at all. There was no reception there. So I didn’t have any idea what time the bus would come. Then, I decided to walk to the main road for it was getting late and the cars left one by one. I didn’t want to be the only one left there.
I walked through residential area. It was very quiet. There were people. But just a few. And I was barked by a dog. He almost ran to chase me if only his owner didn’t shout at him to stop. So scary!
After more than 1 km walking, I saw a bus coming. Finally! But the driver had to go to the last stop where I had been waiting for him. So I waited again at the edge of the road. He saw me already, so I was sure he’d come pick me up even though I was not a proper bus stop.
And yes, he came! I got on and sat tight to Campbelltown Station. As I waved goodbye to the bus driver, my adventure to Keith Longhurst Reserve ended. It was a nerve-wracking yet fun day!
