Discover Baulkham Hills

Discover Baulkham Hills via its walking trails, opportunities for wildlife spotting and preserved school buildings. The Heritage Trail passes through six named reserves, bringing the area's history to life along the way through interpretive signs. The trails also differ considerably: from the easy, paved and stroller- and child-friendly Heritage Trail Walk to the moderately challenging Stevenson's Creek Walk, with steep sections and creek crossings. This lets you make local history, an easier walk or a more demanding bush track different focuses of your trip.

Trails steeped in local history

The Heritage Trail in Baulkham Hills passes through Alfred Henry Whaling Reserve, Torry Burn Reserve, Sophia Doyle Reserve, William Joyce Reserve, Crestwood Reserve and MacKillop Drive Reserve. Signs along the trail explain the area's history. This gives the place names a historical context: the information accompanies you along the route and offers a glimpse of Baulkham Hills beyond the trail itself. If you enjoy learning about local history while you are out and about, this trail is a clear starting point.

Two walks with different trail profiles

The Heritage Trail Walk is an easy walk on paved paths and is specifically stroller- and child-friendly. This makes it an option for outings with children or a stroller. The Stevenson's Creek Walk has a different profile: it is moderately challenging and follows unpaved bush tracks, with steep sections and creek crossings over stepping stones. Check trail conditions before both walks. The difference lies not only in difficulty, but also in the terrain and the sections you can expect along the way.

Bushland and opportunities for wildlife spotting

The Heritage Trail Walk passes through valleys with tall Blackbutts at the headwaters of Toongabbie Creek and through the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest. This vegetation community is classified as endangered. So, as well as offering a particular trail profile, the walk has a clear nature theme: valleys, tall trees and an endangered vegetation community shape this part of the landscape.

With a bit of luck, you may spot Powerful Owls, Grey-headed Flying Foxes, Eastern Bentwings and Eastern Water Dragons in Bidjigal Reserve. If you are interested in wildlife spotting, you can look out for these species there; sightings are a matter of luck. This brings together different nature interests: the woodland and valley sections of the Heritage Trail Walk and the chance to discover wildlife in Bidjigal Reserve.

Preserved school buildings and local history

The preserved original school buildings on the Balcombe Heights Estate include dormitory buildings, classrooms, a gymnasium, staff houses and an administration building in the Georgian Revival style. The range of building types gives a clear picture of the former school site: dormitories and classrooms stand alongside the gymnasium, staff houses and administration building. This preserved group of buildings is a subject in its own right for anyone interested in culture. St Michael's Church is a church at 520 Windsor Road in Baulkham Hills.

Choose a holiday rental to suit your travel style

Your preferred style of travel can be a useful starting point when choosing a holiday rental in Baulkham Hills. If you would rather explore local history and architecture, the Heritage Trail and the preserved school buildings offer different points of interest. For an active day, the two walks differ in their terrain and difficulty; wildlife spotting offers another focus.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Springvale, Marrickville, Peak Hill, Wellington, Molong, Wee Waa, Mogriguy, North Albury.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.