The Long Trail Duffys Forest
THE LONG TRAIL DUFFYS FOREST
Distance 10 km Steps 16000
Time 2-3 hours Level of Difficulty Easy - Moderate
If it’s stunning natural vistas you’re after, they don’t get much better than the ones from Peach Trees Lookout at the end of the Long Trail. But you’re going to have to work for it. The trail is about ten kilometres long and though mostly flat, there are a few rocky hills to navigate.
There are a lot of trees along the trail but not a lot of shelter so this walk is probably best avoided on hot summer days.
The trail is popular with mountain bikers and horse riders so be sure watch out for both.
To start the walk, park your car at the end of Cullamine Road in Duffys Forest and follow the signs for the Perimeter Trail. The Long Trail snakes off the Perimeter Trail, another popular walking track in the area that winds around the back of Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills.
The trail
The path of the Long Trail is actually a well-defined access trail for fire-fighting vehicles. It can get a bit muddy after rain and you may find yourself navigating a few puddles.
Along the trail you’ll see some gorgeous sandstone rock formations and overhangs, scribbly gums and huge angophoras standing strong despite the gaping holes through their middles. There is an abundance of wildflowers especially in the spring and plenty of wildlife. Breaks in the trees at various points offer glimpses of Cowan and Smiths Creeks on either side and a taste of the views to come.
I’m told that there are a few Aboriginal rock carvings in the surrounding bushland but we didn’t know just where when we walked the trail and didn’t venture far from the track.
Peach Trees Lookout
The views really are magical when you reach the end of the trail and arrive at Peach Trees Lookout. Down below are the waters of Cowan Creek and the magnificent unspoilt beauty of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The lookout sits so high that you can see the ‘creek’ (more like a river) wind its way around almost past Smiths Creek and beyond Cottage Point
The flat rocks offer the perfect spot to picnic while you take in the view. And there’s even a post where you can tie up .your horse for a spell before heading back the way you came.
