Heathcote National Park, National park in southern Sydney, Australia
Heathcote National Park is a protected area in southern Sydney covering 2,679 hectares of dry bush forest, low heath, and sandstone ridges. The landscape is shaped by several creeks that cut through the terrain, creating valleys and natural passages through the park.
Local bushwalking clubs began maintaining paths and establishing campsites in the 1930s, creating the foundation for organized access to the land. These early efforts formed the basis for what would eventually become the protected park.
The land was home to the Dharawal people for thousands of years, with their carvings and charcoal marks still visible on trees along walking trails today. These marks show how the original inhabitants knew and used the forest.
The park has several marked walking trails of varying difficulty, from short walks to longer routes through the bush. It is wise to bring water and sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven and shade can be limited on sunny days.
During the Great Depression, people built simple huts near Myuna Creek, and some of these structures remain visible today as ruins. These remnants tell the story of a time when people sought shelter in this remote area.
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