Byarong Creek Cascades

Featured Walk

Byarong Creek Cascades – 3-4hrs

“An urban adventure following the footsteps of my Grandfather up to the cascades and waterfall,” says Jenae Johnston from Bushwalk the ‘Gong.

“When I recently hiked this trail I was the fourth generation to retrace the steps (fifth if I could’ve convinced the kids to come!) of my Great Grandfather Mr. Percy Kennedy. A keen amateur geologist and an active citizen of Wollongong, Percy was convinced of evidence of an extinct volcano under Mt Robertson as he explored the beautiful Byarong Creek and its cascades in the early 1930’s. Today I set out to do a reconnoitre with my Dad in town, with some vague directions recalled from the 1950-60’s from his own personal adventures as a kid.”

These days Byarong Creek probably looks much the same as it did in the 1930’s. Starting from the back of Mt Keira initially in the suburbs, the creek quickly turns into pristine wilderness, so typical of the surrounding rainforest areas. A relatively flat creek with a distinctive fork, leading you up towards Mt Keira Scout Camp, or South towards the cascades under Mt Robertson. The trail consists of lots of rock hopping and ample opportunity to check out the local wildlife, aquatic life and gorgeous plants including native fruits, flowering trees and majestic red cedars. Along the way you may see lizards, water dragons, yabbies, frogs and fresh water tortoises and fish, not to mention the likely chorus of birds. True to Percy’s observations there are some very distinctive shale outcrops which can be surveyed, petrified wood fossils, sandstone conglomerates and, of most interest, granite – typical of volcanic activity.

A somewhat challenging walk of rock hopping and exploring, but fine for families and all ages with reasonable agility. Explore the natural rainforest and cascades that remain untouched. After rain, swimming and playing in the creek with kids is suitable. Excellent diversity and interesting walk.

Caution: slippery rocks, leeches, water, cliffs.

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