Muogamarra Djarra crossing walk
Muogamarra Nature Reserve
Overview
Get your heart pumping on this 8km guided walk over 4.5 hours along high ridgelines and down to Djarra Creek, near Cowan. Enjoy impressive views of Berowra Creek and Bujwa Bay in Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
- When
Sunday 5 May 2024, 9.30am to 2pm.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Medium. Suitable for adults and children, 15 years and over. You'll need to have a good level of fitness because there are some steep sections.
- Price
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Adult $20 per person. Concession/child (15 to 17 years) $15 per person. Family (2 adults and 2 children) $60.
- Meeting point
- Meet on Glendale Road, Cowan.
- What to
bring - Drinking water, lunch, snacks, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, clothes for all weather conditions
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 or book online.
- Please note
- You can only visit Muogamarra Nature Reserve if you have booked a guided tour in advance.
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve protects a fragile ecosystem so let's keep it plastic-free.
We’ll walk along a ridge-top fire trail before descending to Djarra Creek crossing, where we’ll stop for morning tea. Hear about the early history of the area and view the brilliant display of plants and wildflowers along this guided walk. You'll learn about Glendale Road farm, the activities of Sir Edward Hallstrom (a driving force behind the development of Taronga Park Zoo) and the research activities of the University of NSW.
We'll stop for lunch overlooking pristine Berowra Creek and return via a loop track. Enjoy spectacular views across Muogamarra and the broader Hawkesbury plateau to the north, south and west. This is a rare opportunity to visit the nature reserve as it's usually closed to the public due to the fragile ecosystems.
A good level of fitness is required as there are some steep sections. There'll be time to stop, rest and take in views. Bring at least 1 litre of drinking water, lunch and snacks.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/muogamarra-djarra-crossing-walk/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Park info
- in Muogamarra Nature Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region
Muogamarra Nature Reserve is open to the public from 9am to 4.30pm for 6 weeks around August and September each year. The reserve is closed to the public at other times to protect sensitive natural and cultural heritage values.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Muogamarra Djarra crossing walk.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
By car:
- Turn off the M1 Motorway at the Berowra exit.
- Head toward Berowra and then on to Cowan along the old Pacific Highway.
- Glendale Road is on the left, approximately 1km before Cowan.
Parking
Street parking is available in Glendale Road.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible.
Learn more
Muogamarra Djarra crossing walk is in Muogamarra Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A snapshot of colonial times gone by
You'll also find remnants of colonial history at Muogamarra. During the 1830s and 1840s, several roads were built throughout the area, providing vital transport routes between Sydney and the Hawkesbury River. Remains of dry stone walls, culverts and foundations of earlier buildings can be found in the reserve.
Fascinating landscapes
Hawkesbury sandstone is the most common geological feature found within Muogamarra Nature Reserve and forms the extensive plateau on which you'll explore. Impressive volcanic pipes filled with solidified magma (a type of diatreme) can also be found at Peats Crater and Peats Bight. The volcanic rocks from these diatremes house a striking deep red soil which is rich in nutrients and fantastic nourishment for the plants which grow here.
- Muogamarra Djarra crossing walk Get your heart pumping on this 8km guided walk over 4.5 hours along high ridgelines and down to Djarra Creek, near Cowan. Enjoy impressive views of Berowra Creek and Bujwa Bay in Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
Rich in Aboriginal significance
The Aboriginal people of Muogamarra Country lived in the area for at least 20,000 years prior to European settlement, making extensive use of the Hawkesbury River and adjacent ridgelines. Evidence of Aboriginal heritage can be seen in engravings and shell middens found throughout the reserve. Discover the significance of Muogamarra to Aboriginal people today on a Muogamarra Indigenous heritage walk.
- Muogamarra Djarra crossing walk Get your heart pumping on this 8km guided walk over 4.5 hours along high ridgelines and down to Djarra Creek, near Cowan. Enjoy impressive views of Berowra Creek and Bujwa Bay in Muogamarra Nature Reserve.
The language of wildflowers
For plant lovers, it’s hard to find an area so diverse in unique plant life. There are over 900 plant species found in Muogamarra – an extraordinary amount given its relatively small size and proximity to the city. The spring wildflower displays will dazzle visitors with their bright colours. Get up close and see beautiful displays of native orchids, bright pink eriostemons, pink boronias and towering Gymea lilies. With such beautiful surroundings, it’s no wonder so many native animals make their home at Muogamarra. 14 species of native mammals, including the swamp wallaby, brush tail possum and echidna reside here. Also, 16 reptile species and 140 native birds have been recorded in the area. Spend a day exploring while listening to the laughing calls of the kookaburra and see if you can spot some wildlife on the trail ahead.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.
Plants
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Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
The beautiful waratah is not only the NSW floral emblem, it's also one of the best-known Australian native plants. This iconic Australian bush flower can be found on sandstone ridges around Sydney, in nearby mountain ranges and on the NSW South Coast. The waratah has a vibrant crimson flowerhead, measuring up to 15cm across, and blossoms in spring.
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Scribbly gum (Eucalyptus haemastoma)
Easily identifiable Australian native plants, scribbly gum trees are found throughout NSW coastal plains and hills in the Sydney region. The most distinctive features of this eucalypt are the ‘scribbles’ made by moth larva as it tunnels between the layers of bark.
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Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)
Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.
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Grey mangrove (Avicennia marina)
Grey mangrove is the most common and widespread mangrove found within intertidal zones across Australia, and throughout the world. Growing to a height of 3-10m, they thrive best in estuaries with a mix of fresh and salt water. They excrete excess salt through their long thick leaves, and absorb oxygen through their aerial root system.