Leave your wallet at home these school holidays
With everyone trying to save a few dollars, we’ve found some free guided walks on the North Shore that won’t break the bank.
PRESCHOOLER BUSHWALK, CHATSWOOD
Where: Chatswood Scout Hall, 9 Kooba Avenue, Chatswood
When: 17 April, 10am to 11.30am
Details: Rowena Chong 9777 7873
Take your preschoolers on a bush scramble to meet Benny the bandicoot and find out what he’s been up to during the night – perhaps some digging!
Willoughby City Council has organised this short bushwalk which is perfect for little leg legs, which means that kids won’t be asking to be carried if they get tired.
After the bushwalk there will be morning tea, storytime and craft.
GO BATTY IN NORTHBRIDGE
Where: Meet at the end of The Outpost, off Kameruka Road, Northbridge
When: 18 April, 10am to 12.30pm
Details: Rowena Chong 9777 787
Did you know that 17 April is International Bat Day? Insect-eating bats and flying foxes (fruit bats) are endangered due to habitat loss, human activity and climate change.
Bring your kids on a batty bushland adventure on 18 April and learn the differences between the bat species found in the Sydney area.
This free guided walk will take you and your child along the creek line all the way to Middle Harbour, and you’ll enjoy some fun ‘batty’ games.
Wear enclosed shoes and bring a hat, drinks and snacks. Some sections of the track are steep and challenging and more suitable for five-year-olds and up.
BEAUTIFUL BERRY ISLAND
Where: Berry Island Reserve, Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft
When: 16 April, 10.30am to 12pm
Details: North Sydney Council website
North Sydney Council’s bushland team all for a guided walk around the Gadyan Track on Berry Island Reserve.
The Gadyan Track is a 750-metre easy-grade signposted walking track that loops around Berry Island. The walk places Aboriginal cultural heritage in both a traditional and contemporary context.
The Gadyan Track tells part of the stories and legends of the Cammeraygal. Gadyan is the Aboriginal name for the Sydney Cockle, a shellfish common on Berry Island.
Enclosed shoes and sun protection are essential, as is a bottle of water. Berry Island Reserve is about a 15-minute walk from Wollstonecraft train station. Limited street parking is available on Shirley Road.
GO MAD FOR MOSMAN!
What: Discover Mosman on walks
Where: Mosman, Georges Heights, Sydney Harbour National Park
Details: Mosman Council website
There are a lot of beautiful foreshore and bushland walks in Mosman and you can download the MyMosman app for access to interactive maps and information on walks, reserves, beaches and sporting facilities.
Walks can be enjoyed individually or you can link up the first seven walks for a complete loop of Mosman. The four remaining walks branch off this main loop.
There’s lots to see along the way, including Aboriginal sites, coastal features, heritage and local wildlife. Walks range from easy to difficult.
INDIGENOUS COAL LOADER TOUR
Where: The Coal Loader, 2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
When: 13 April, 10.30am to 12pm
Details: North Sydney Council website
This tour in Waverton is for kids aged over 16 years. Join the Aboriginal heritage office’s education officer, Karen Smith, on 13 April to explore the Coal Loader’s rich history.
Karen is from the Buruberongal clan of the Hawkesbury (Derrubin) area. She will share her knowledge and experience of the local area, along with Aboriginal history and culture, as she leads this guided walk on 13 April.
The site is fully accessible and suitable for all. Booking is essential as there is a capacity limit.
Participants must register with their names and contact details, bring a reusable water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes.
Tour may move indoors if it’s wet.