Bob and myself decided to visit Cattai National Park in Western Sydney. We were both interested in looking for Aboriginal sites and I was also keen to look for birds. The park is in tow sections – one to the west along the lower section of Cattai Creek and then along the Hawkesbury River, and an eastern section further up Cattai Creek which was formed from the old Mitchell Park. I had visited Mitchell Park many years earlier on a scout camping trip.
We visited the western section first. Driving down towards the river towards a picnic area and campground, we saw several large rock platforms adjacent to the road. We stopped and look for Aboriginal engravings.
We found quite a few sharpening grooves.
And there were lots of Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
More sharpening grooves.
Red-browed Finches
We also had a look at this old, but restored slab hut –
Some more sharpening grooves.
Olive-backed Oriole
We then arrived at the old Cattai homestead. Part of the building dates back to the 1820’s, and was for seven generation owned by the Arndell family. The land had been granted to Thomas Arndell who was assistant surgeon on the First Fleet.
Lower down at the picnic area is the wharf –
And a nearby wetland.
More Kanagroos –
Lewin’s Honeyeater
We then headed back up to near the park entrance to look at old silos and a dairy.
Grey Fantail
We then parked near a locked gate and walked down to the northern part of this section of the park. This takes you down to the old Hope Estate. More old farm buildings –
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
This part of the park contains some nice woodland, but there is an understory of Lantana.
After lunch, we headed to the eastern, Mitchell Park section. We drove to the end of the road, and then set off along some of the walks.
We did a figure 8 circuit along the Rainforest Track, then around the Banksia Track, and the Falls Trees Track and returned along the Flat Creek Track.
It is all pleasant and easy walking.
This was an interesting visit to this national Park. Despite it being school holidays, there were not many people around, and there is great camping and picnic spots.