ACCESSIBLE BUSH WALK

Last year we were involved in a trial of the TrailRider through NSW National Parks and Wildlife. During this time we visited many of Sydney’s National Parks but the highlight of our experience was Muogamarra Nature Reserve. We did two relatively easy walks which were extremely rewarding with water views from several lookouts and stunning wildflowers along the way. In fact, Muogamarra is only open six weekends a year. We were keen to revisit the reserve this year and I am thrilled to report that there is now a TrailRider and a Hippocampe located at the park for visitors to use (pre-booking is required).

If you are yet to use a TrailRider, Muogamarra is a great place to start. The wildflowers and views of the Berowra area make it a rewarding walk and in our opinion it is an easy walk. There are two tracks suitable for the TrailRider, the Point Loop and the JD Tripper loop.

Along with the TrailRider there is a Hippocampe chair available for use at Muogamarra.  The Hippocampe only requires one person to push it unlike the TrailRider which requires two people to guide it.  BJ is too tall to sit comfortably in the HIppocampe but I can see the advantage of only needing one person to operate it.

 BJ loves the social aspect of doing the walks.  Everyone stops to say, “Hello” and many were intrigued by the TrailRider.  People were more than willing to lend a hand on the tougher parts though Hubby and I can manage quite well as a team.  It is handy for me to step out so I can take a photo or two.

Point loop is my favourite because of the stunning views if you venture out to the look out.  Getting to the lookout is the most challenging part of using the TrailRider on this walk due to the large rocks on the short walk to the point. We find with two people guiding the TrailRider it is relatively easy.

TIPS
If you can, get to Muogamarra Reserve early in the day because the car park can become full which results in a wait to enter.
CASH is required for entry (no credit cards are accepted). It was $25 for our family to enter.
It is easy to miss the entrance so keep an eye out for the sign alerting you to the entrance 500metres ahead. If you are coming from the Hornsby direction and you get to Pie in the Sky you have gone too far.

You need to book ahead to use the TrailRider and Hippocampe by phoning the Kalkari Discover Centre on (02) 94729300

Before using this equipment you are required to watch a video on it here.

 Muogamarra’s last open day this season is 20 September, so what are you waiting for?  Get to it people.  Go explore and enjoy.

 ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM FACILITIES

There is a disabled bathroom facility at Muogamarra with ramp access.

TrailRider and Hippocampe users are required to fill out documentation prior to use.  A bike helmet is essential for use of the TrailRider.  There is one at Muogamarra but you may find you are more comfortable with your own.

Head to NSW National Parks Service website for more information about access to all their parks. You may see a couple of familiar faces on the site!

Parks Victoria are also very proactive with providing access to all and they have produced a video on the use of the TrailRider.  A reminder again to please watch the video before going to a park to use it.  You can watch it here.

You can read more about our experiences with the TrailRider and BJ’s reaction to first using it here.  David Stratton was instrumental in bringing the TrailRider to Parks Victoria after experiencing it overseas and he has written a guest blog for us.

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