Brunkerville between rainforest and remembrance

Brunkerville can be explored through two very different themes: remembrance at the Brunkerville Uniting Church Memorial Garden and the natural setting of The Old Brush. There, rainforest, walking paths and routes of varying types shape the experience; picnic areas, ponds and opportunities to spot wildlife are also part of the grounds. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: a visit around the annual Anzac Day or time outdoors on trails of varying lengths and difficulty.

Anzac Day remembrance

Remembrance ceremonies are held each year on Anzac Day at the Brunkerville Uniting Church Memorial Garden; they begin at 3 pm. If you plan to include the ceremony in your trip, it is best to confirm the local arrangements before your visit. This gives this part of your stay a specific occasion with a set start time, while experiences at The Old Brush revolve around the grounds, trails and daytime activities.

Rainforest, ponds and wildlife at The Old Brush

The grounds of The Old Brush include 40 acres of rainforest. Features include leaf-covered walking paths, mown picnic areas, lily ponds and a creek, when it is flowing. The ponds are a distinct feature of the grounds; the creek’s flow is explicitly conditional. Wildlife can also shape your visit: with a little luck, you may spot numerous bird species, kangaroos and other animals.

Day visitors can use the grounds for yoga, meditation, art, writing and picnics. Check the current arrangements before visiting. If you want to combine exercise with quieter pursuits, there are a range of options here: walking paths and hikes sit alongside the suggested creative or contemplative activities. You can decide which ones will shape your stay based on your own interests.

Walking trails with a range of route profiles

The general trail guide ranges from easy to difficult; the stated walking times are between 15 minutes and two hours. This time range applies to the trails overall. Maps are available at the office; check ahead about current availability arrangements.

The Honeymoon Trail is 1 km each way and has some steep sections. It passes among large eucalyptus, turpentine and white mahogany trees, ferns and shady gullies. When planning, read the distance as the length in each direction.

Palm Gully is an easy 1.8 km loop with one steep section. Clifftop Lookout is a 4 km loop that is steep in places and has safety ropes. A direct comparison shows that Palm Gully is the shorter of the two loops and is rated easy, but also has a steep section. Steep spots and safety ropes are part of the trail description for the longer Clifftop Lookout.

If the natural setting and trails are the focus of your trip, you can consider Brunkerville specifically as a place to search for a holiday rental. If the remembrance ceremony is your main focus, include the Anzac Day date in your planning. This way, your choice of location reflects which of the experiences described are important to you.

Discover more destinations: Abernethy, Bellbird, Rothbury, Wollombi, Quorrobolong.

Go to the main travel overview: Cessnock City Council.