The walks are not arduous, but why not linger a while as well, just sitting around relaxing and enjoying the magnificent natural environment of this unique coastal bush land, so close to town.

While sitting quietly, look for the eastern yellow robin and the rufous fantail or some of the many other local and migratory birds that make this forest their home.

While walking along, listen for the whip-bird and the cat-bird. Notice the changes in the vegetation, from the eucalyptus and brush box on the drier ridges to the many number of rainforest species as you move down the slopes to the wetter and more protected areas, finally reaching the melaleucas, figs and callistemons in the swampy parts. Be sure not to miss the pioneers’ well.

Where thickets of lantana and intruding camphor laurels have been removed, we’ve been helping the regeneration process with plantings of local varieties. The arboretum at the northern end of the tennis courts is a special case; it was planted with rainforest species from other parts of NSW and QLD – for educational purposes.

Enjoy the forest and the vistas that can be glimpsed along the way – and please leave only your footprints behind you.