During the winter and spring seasons, my family enjoys bonding over a mountain hike. It's the perfect time to witness the beauty of wild animals and plants.
The Horsnell Gully Conservation Park boasts a rich historical background. It was named after John Horsnell, who served as a governor's coach. The area is dotted with ruins that mark the remnants of the Horsnell family property.
The place has designated parking spots, tables for picnics, and even a shoe-cleaning station. This was my initial encounter with a shoe cleaner, specifically a Pythopthora cleaning station designed to prevent the spread of Pythopthra cinnamomi, a fungus that causes root rot. It was recommended to use it to clean your shoes after your hike.
There are more narrow and rocky trails.
We visited Horsnell Gully Conservation Park for the first time yesterday. We hiked through the slippery, muddy, and rocky trail despite the rain and fog. It was challenging, but we snapped some stunning photos of the plants along the way.
Several birds were flying and singing, but this noisy cockatoo called out to us caught our attention.
I was hoping to spot a koala bear in the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park because of the abundance of eucalyptus trees, but despite my best efforts, I didn't catch a glimpse of one. There may be other animals lurking in the area, though.
There are two starting points trail via Horsnell Gully and Coach Road. I recommend taking the route counterclockwise when you get to the loop trail. We went clockwise, and it was difficult to descend the waterfall area as it was very rocky, slippery and muddy. It's not the best time to visit during rainy days.
When hiking, it's important to be prepared for possible accidents. Research the trail beforehand, wear appropriate gear such as hiking boots and pants, and bring a first aid kit. I slipped twice and got scratches on my face while on this difficult trail, but luckily, my mother had a first aid kit with her. Despite the challenges, we continue to embark on adventures and admire the beauty of nature.