This post is going to become a running commentary of some of my favourite places in the Kuringgai National Park. I want other people to really connect with nature and start caring for her more.
Please keep in mind that there is an entry fee to national parks. I have an annual pass that I bought at a discounted rate when I renewed my car registration.
Often, I want to quietly enjoy nature all to myself. Sometimes I want to be there with my favourite people only. Some may say that is me being greedy. Honestly, I feel bad for the strangers that got a flash of my butt when I got changed at the freshwater swimming hole on the weekend. I’m not as coordinated in real life as I am in my mind.
With my daughters getting older there are many moments where I miss my sweet little toddlers who would follow me around everywhere smiling and asking me why. Instead of yelling “no”, “I’m tired”, “I’m hangry” and fighting with each other and dobbing on each other all the time.
If you haven’t already guessed, we are a few weeks into school holidays. When my kids have full buckets school holidays are the best. On the days when I’m trying to multitask I am guilty of giving into too much screen time. This always leads to me paying the price with bad behaviour.
Luckily, with the tweens behaviour also comes the tweens stamina. So on the days when the parents aren’t trying to multitask work and parenting we have been enjoying some amazing adventures in nature. With most of our adventures being nice and close to home, there’s no “are we there yet”.
January 2022 Lovett Bay
Our latest family adventure was to Lovett Bay which is on Pittwater in the Kuringgai Chase National Park. After a week of sailing on Pittwater we all needed to stretch our legs. So we went for what was described as an easy bush walk overlooking Pittwater.
I think the 3km return trip to the freshwater swimming hole was what was being referred to as easy. Because the 8km round trip we did had seven year old Olivia climbing up steps on her knees on the trek up to the watering hole.
We set off in the morning with lots of water and a first aid kit. I let Mark and the girls take care of snacks since they wanted to, and I assumed we would be back in time for lunch.
Again, I should have looked at the map better because we were not back in time for lunch. By the end of our walk three quarters of the family was tired, hot and hangry. Luckily they were still thanking me for a great adventure and asking if we could go to the freshwater pool every week. Which of course I said no to. Funnily enough I’m planning to go there with my bestie on Saturday. The unflattering photo I sent her of me sitting on the rocks whilst my family swam totally sold the location to her.
Fortunately there were moments when Lara stopped talking long enough for us to sneak up on a small lace monitor lizard. The kookaburras were happy to get involved in our chats. There were purple, yellow and white native bush flowers, and Olivia and I were lucky enough to spot two blue banded bees.
By that stage we were all hot and bothered and back out on the open path fire trail.
Next Stop Kuringgai Chase Duck Ponds
Kuringgai Chase duck ponds is our next Kuringgai desination. It is a much shorter walk, and more sheltered from the sun. Living and learning.
Sitting on the waters edge is a great spot for slow contemplation. Our family has been known to meditate, draw and paint there. The best thing about the duck ponds is that you can make the walk as easy or hard as you like. Walking along the waters edge is an enjoyable adventure with multiple paths to chose from.
The Basin
Landing at The Basin, also known as Coasters Retreat by boat means that you start your walk by hiking up a long, slow hill. It’s worth it though. Plus the tree cover makes it easier as you are protected from the sun, and can pretend that you are stopping to admire plants when you need to take a break.
Walking these tracks in winter truly is delightful. There is an abundance of colourful wild flowers and bird life. You also don’t need to be hyper alert for snakes like you do in summer. At some points during this walk you can see Pittwater, and then at other times you can spot the ocean. Its a great walk to reconnect with nature and realise how much beautiful bush land surrounds us.
To see what is growing in my backyard farm click the link.
Want to read about parenting, click the link.
For restaurant reviews click the link.
Tips and tricks for sustainable living.
For a shortcut home click here.