Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge, Ryde, NSW
S 33° 48.855 E 151° 07.330
56H E 326197 N 6256853
Just down from the Field of Mars Cemetery is a Wildlife Refuge, and this aerial photomap shows where you are, and the four walking trails.
Waymark Code: WMTDD0
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 11/05/2016
Views: 3
The four walking tracks are: Sand Track, 1925 metres, Easy grade (in yellow); Doyle Loop, 1250 metres, Medium grade (in light blue); Kunzea Track, 1210 metres, Easy grade (in green); and the Warada Loop, 1850 metres, Easy grade (in red).
From the sign:
Sand Track
Distance: 1925 metres
Grade: Easy
Explore the middle of the Reserve. See areas of Turpentine Ironbark Marginal Forest on shale soil as well as Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland on sandstone soils. See magnificent Angophora trees and wildflowers most of the year. Walk along Cressy Road past the cemetery to complete the loop.
Doyle Loop
Distance: 1250 metres
Grade: Medium
Walk through the eastern end of the Reserve on the Doyle Loop past caves, gullies and interesting rock outcrops. The vegetation along most of the track is Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest with its Banksias, Angophoras and diverse shrub understorey.
Kunzea Track
Distance: 1210 metres
Grade: Easy
An enjoyable walk that begins beside Buffalo Creek on a boardwalk passing scenic sandstone outcrops, reedbeds, and magnificent Bluegums. The track then moves uphill through Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest before traversing a section of Sandstone Transition Forest near Pidding Road. You can return the way you came or continue on tracks and local streets next to Buffalo Creek to get to Ryde Park.
Warada Loop
Distance: 1850 metres
Grade: Easy
Enjoy a shady walk along the coolness of Strangers Creek surrounded by Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest. Strangers Creek has numerous water holes and rainforest species including the magnificent Treeferns, Coachwood and Lillypilly trees. Be sure to listen out for frogs.
Many years ago an aunty of mine lived just above the Kunzea Track, and only the Council Depot remains, that used to be next door.
For the visit made in April 2015, I parked around the corner in Higginbotham Road, but it was a Sunday.
Location Name: Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge
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Visit Instructions:
A photo of either you or your GPS at the site is welcomed but not required.