Simmos Beach Reserve

Post

Subscribe

Located on the Georges River and brimming with endless beauty, including native Australian bushland and gum woodland, number types of sandstone including coastal, forest and Hinterland Sandstone Gully forest, and numerous species of native flora and fauna. Simmos Beach Reserves undoubtedly makes a beautiful family-friendly day out.



is also home to an abundance of birdlife and wildlife including endangered species and endangered and vulnerable ecological community types and several walking trails.

Some of the threatened flora and fauna species and habitat include Persoonia nutans, Pterostylis Saxicola (Sydney Plains Greenhood Orchid), Hibbertia puberula, Grevillea parviflora subsp parviflora (Small-flower Grevillea), Acacia pubescens (Downy Wattle), Little lorikeet, and the Grey-headed flying fox.



In 1986, the Reserve was officially opened and named after Bob Simmonds, a past resident (lived in Macquarie Fields) who mined sand adjacent to the Georges River for many years.

Simmonds was a notorious sand miner in the 1950s. Although he was liked by many, his actions were illegal. He sold the sand he mined and used it to build in Sydney and digging for it became a local growth industry.



By the late 1960s, a push to stamp out these operations occurred, and Campbelltown Council undertook bushland regeneration. Eroded areas where stabilised, replantation of native vegetation occurred, and the Reserve featured a wildlife protection zone and bush tracks, boardwalks, barbecue areas and picnic grounds.



Today, is a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike.

Picturesque views can be admired from the timber-decked Lookout Platform which overlooks the Georges River and a stairwell which provides easy access to Simmos Beach.



Walking trails range from 500 metres to 3.9km passing through paved surfaces to hard, unsealed surfaces. There is also an unmarked walking trail, which snakes its way past Georges River through lush eucalypt bushland and native shrubs.

Some of the walking trails include:


The track explores all of Simmos Beach whilst taking in the tranquil waters of the Georges River. It also passes diverse sandstone vegetation, and if you are lucky koalas can be spotted.



* North River Trail (Blue Trail) is a 2.4km/1 hour easy, medium circuit track that features some steps and short inclines, making it a perfect walk for families.

The Trail follows pristine banks downstream along the Georges River, passing stunning sandstone cliffs and untouched vegetation. If you are lucky and very quiet platypus can be spotted.



* Watergum Walk (Orange Trail) is an 800 metre/ 30 min easy family-friendly circuit walk with some steps and short inclines.

This short stroll passes natural archways of Watergum leading up to stairs through changing native vegetation.



* South River Trail (Yellow Trail) is a 2.6km /1hr 10min medium circuit walk suited for experienced bushwalkers.

The Trail includes steps with steep inclines and heads upstream passing spectacular Grey Myrtles and Eucalyptus trees across the Georges River. If you are lucky Swamp Wallabies can be spotted.



* Quarry Walk (Purple Trail) is a 1.2km/ 30min family-friendly short walk which features a concrete path with a small elevation.

The Walk follows the concrete path snaking its way through lush untouched sandstone vegetation to the old Simmos Beach sandstone quarry site.



There is also an unmarked walk which passes the Georges River and snakes around lush native bushland.



Kayaking or canoeing is another activity to enjoy here. There is a kayak/canoe ramp at the Beach.

Facilities include a large playground for the little ones to enjoy and free barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, and an amenity block, making the Reserve an ideal spot to enjoy a scenic and tranquil lunch being surrounded by nature.



Be sure to add this natural gem to your weekend things to do & see list.



#animals_wildlife
#free
#macquarie_fields
#nature
#near_sydney
#new_south_wales
#picnic_spots
#walks
#west
%wnsydney