For many years, Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve has been the outcast of Wollongong with a repertoire of ghostly events, creepy characters and a crime hotspot. For a long time, no one would consider a walk through Puckey’s as a nourishing way to soothe the soul – the smell and taste of salt touching your senses and the hum of the ocean and bird calls rejuvenating you from the outside in… If you haven’t already explored Puckey’s this might just change your mind; a walk that get’s you out in nature and with endemic species of flora and fauna in abundance, it’s definitely worth an explore in our eyes!
Brief History
What’s now known as Puckey’s, has long been a very important and significant Aboriginal site for the local Wadi Wadi, thought to have gone back tens of thousands of years. In more recent times in the late 1890’s, Courtney Puckey saw the commercial value in the land and used the site as a salt mill, later purchasing the land in 1905. Much of his works were experimental and were based on century old techniques to extract salt from the local waters. The basic concept was the use of a wind powered pump to use evaporation and heating to extract the salt, use of local tea trees were used in the method. Today remnants of his works still remain including basins, a jetty, a cement base from the evaporation tower, as well as relics from his home residence.
After Puckey’s salt works had all but finished, the area succumbed to a dark and disturbing reputation of crimes and deaths. Unconfirmed is the reported rumours of a ghost of a young teenage girl spotted around dusk and the cries of children who reportedly drowned in the surrounding Fairy Creek over the years, I’m happy for someone else to investigate those rumours and I’ll keep my exploring to daylight hours!
About the walk
This walk is beautiful in most weather conditions, but on a dark gloomy day it really packs a punch. There is something about Casuarina’s that get a little spooky, only adding to the history of the area and giving the walk a great atmosphere.
Yes!! It’s dog friendly!
There are no bikes allowed on this trail, however it is pram friendly and wheelchair friendly in a lot of areas. For the pooch mama and papas – yes, you can take your dog!! Just remember to keep them on the lead at all times and take advantage of the off leash areas on the beach which are clearly signposted for your information. There is quite a lot of grassy areas and vegetation so ensure your pooch as adequate tick protection too.
Bonus about this trail is it’s proximity to the CBD, you can basically walk to town from here. It is also a great spot for city workers to spend a lunch break, especially for those working at the Innovation Campus. There are basically two entrances to the area which consists of approximately a 1.5 kilometre set of trails, boardwalks and pathways located in North Wollongong, walking distance from North Beach. Choose to enter from North Wollongong or Fairy Meadow, whatever takes your fancy. The entry from North Wollongong is easily located near the bridge over Fairy Creek. Some recent upgrades ensures this is a lovely walk through elevated boardwalks allowing gorgeous views over the lagoon, Wollongong CBD and beach.
What you’ll find on the trails
There is lots of information signage along the way, so expect a history lesson as well as some important facts about the precious environment you are treading on. The walk starts around Fairy Creek on elevated boardwalks through a Swamp Oak (Casuarina) floodplain forest.
If you continue East you will begin to find signage and remnants of Seafield Homestead, a jetty and part of the salt works – a great little treasure hunt. There are various paths through this area allowing you to explore more popular trails or to go a little deeper into area and even some dropping onto the beach.
Whichever way you go is up to you, as long as you stay on the trails and don’t ‘bush bash’. This area has been extensively restored by local volunteers and council to rejuvenate the natural environment, extreme respect should be actioned at all times.
Final notes
If you went exploring on the smaller trails you have probably made it to the Northern end of the Estate near the Fairy Meadow surf club. A wander on the beach is a nice touch to extend your walk and then you can turn around and follow another trail back through Puckey’s Estate. We’d recommend following the creek back, depending on the time of year you can enjoy wonderful Wattle’s in full bloom too.
The creek has a plethora of wildlife, so take your time and see what birds you can spot – there are plenty of signs to assist with identification too. Enjoy the exploration of the small island also. There are some well signposted historical remnants in this area too.
Note: There are no bikes or horses allowed on the trail. However, dogs on leash are permitted.
Parking and Transport:
There is ample bus transport in the area which will get you very close to the walk, Fairy Meadow train station is also very close. Depending on how far you want to walk there are various parking options at both North Wollongong and Fairy Meadow.
Directions:
There is no set way to walk the trails and you can choose to enter from the Fairy Creek Bridge on Squires way or near the Fairy Meadow Surf Club on Elliot’s Road.
Trail Advice:
This is a cruisy walk that is suitable for most people. A change to the escarpment trails, enjoy different vegetation and wildlife and plenty of historical sites as well. You are near a lagoon, so insects are going to be in force, wear suitable attire and repellent.
Signage and Track Condition:
The trails are very well maintained and have ample signage. You are surrounded by roads and the beach, so no reason to fear getting lost, just keep walking and you will pop out at civilisation. The signage on the trail is very good with a wonderful account of the history and environmental significance of the area.
Data & Cellular Coverage:
There is full mobile coverage on this walk. Ensure you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. We always recommend walking with a friend.
Demographic:
This is considered a basic walk. Perfect for young families and those with less mobility, but ideal for most people. A great walk for those who want to give their dog an alternative to a beach or street walk. Motorised scooters and potentially wheelchairs could also work when the weather permits.
Fitness:
No fitness required for this walk. It is very popular for runners, so a great alternative if you are looking for a more ‘offroad’ trail to run on.
Hiking Grade: Grade 1
Easy terrain, no experience in bushwalking as navigation is easy and the trails are suitable for sneakers.
Distance and Time:
A 1.5km walk, taking approximately 1 hour at a steady pace, reading the signage and exploring.
Pollution/Rubbish Status: Grade 3
There is graffiti on the artefacts as well as rubbish around the lagoon.
Please ensure you take a garbage bag to collect rubbish, and don’t forget to take a photo of your collection and tag us in #bushwalkthegong #cleanupgongsbushland – let’s spread the word that littering in or around our bushland areas is NOT OK!
Prohibited:
Bikes, horses, fires and smoking – and alcohol. No camping. Dogs are ALLOWED.
References:
https://wollongongbotanicgarden.com.au/collections-and-conservation/puckeys-estate
