Second Ponds Creek walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

20 mins

865 m Circuit

11 m

Moderate track

This walk gives you the opportunity to stroll alongside a creek and explore an open eucalypt forest. An easy mostly flat walk starting at a wonderful playground and picnic area, this is a walk for everyone. As you walk you can learn more about the diverse history of the area on the information signs, sit and enjoy the bird life, or take a picnic on the side trip up the dam.

Rouse Hill main car park

The main car park is found at the end of the 750m long driveway off Worcester Rd, Rouse Hill. There is room to park about 60 cars in the shade of the tall trees[1]. There is no signposted mobility parking but each parking bay is marked and 2.7m wide.

Rouse Hill main Picnic area and playground

Nestled among the tall eucalypt forest at the southern end of the main car park in Rouse Hill Regional Park is a lovely playground, picnic area and toilet block. The well equiped children's playground has a timber maze[2], climbing equipment[3], slides[4], and other equpment[5][6][7]. The picnic facilities between the car park and the playground include two large sheltered tables

[Picnic Shelter]

and BBQ's

[Bbq]

. There are other seats and picnic tables around the area as well. About 20m west of the playground is a quieter elevated picnic shelter

[Picnic Shelter]

and BBQ

[Bbq]

. There is a toilet block

[Toilet Accessible]

[Toilet]

about 150m walk from the playground around the edge of the large clearing[8].

(0km) Rouse Hill main car park → Toilet Block

150 m

2 mins

-2m Very easy

From the main large car park in Rouse Hill Regional Park (beside the playground[9] and picnic area[10]

[Picnic Shelter]

[Bbq]

), this walk follows the asphalt path[11] gently downhill towards the large clearing keeping the playground and BBQ area on the right. After about 40m this walk comes to the edge of the grassy clearing and turns left at the 3-way intersection[12], to walk along the path for about 30m to pass a picnic platform[13]

[Picnic Table]

(on the left) and come to a sheltered seating area[14]

[Seat]

(on the right). This walk continues along the path passing another picnic platform[15]

[Picnic Table]

then after about 60m comes to the front of the toilet block[16]

[Toilet Accessible]

[Toilet]

(0km) Rouse Hill main car park → Maze Intersection

70 m

2 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the southern edge of the main Rouse Hill Regional Park car park, this walk follows the concrete footpath, keeping the sheltered picnic areas

[Picnic Shelter]

to the left for about 15m[17] to come to the 'Welcome to Rouse Hill Regional Park' sign[18]. From here this walk continues beside the playground, following the gravel track[19] for 15m come to a 4-way intersection marked with the large 'Rouse Hill Regional Park' sign[20].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the mostly flat dirt/gravel track[21], directly away from the car park and asphalt path to head behind the 'Rouse Hill Regional Park' sign[22]. The track gently bends left[23] and after 35m comes to a clear 3-way intersection, marked by a 'Take a stroll around' sign[24] (behind the timber maze).

(0km) Maze Intersection → Second Ponds northern int.

270 m

4 mins

-4m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the wide track keeping the playground and timber maze on the left[25]. After a few meters, this walk heads past the back entrance to the maze[26] then continues (away from the playground) for 30m to find a picnic platform

[Picnic Table]

(on the left). This walk continues for about 15m to the 'Every plant tells a story' sign[27] where the track then starts to meander for 100m through the forest to cross a concrete ford

[Trip Hazard]

, that floods during heavy or prolonged rain. This part of the track does become boggy after rain. About 30m after the ford this walk leads past a seat

[Seat]

then continues for another 70m to cross a small gulley then head gently uphill to a 3-way intersection[28][29], marked by an arrow post[30][31].

(0km) Second Ponds northern int. → Second Ponds Picnic shelters

190 m

3 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Extension track' arrow[32] gently uphill along the gravel track for about 60m towards the clearing, where the track bends right to reach an intersection marked with a 'Weathering and Droughts' sign[33] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide gravel track gently uphill initially keeping large clearing on the left. After about 70m this walk leads alongside a dam[34] (on the right) and comes to a sheltered picnic table

[Picnic Shelter]

(on the edge of the dam). The walk continues along the wide gravel track for another 50m to find two more similar picnic shelters

[Picnic Shelter]

(on the right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Second Ponds Picnic shelters

Nestled in a quiet area beside the pond on the eastern edge of Rouse Hill Regional Park is a series lovely sheltered picnic tables

[Picnic Shelter]

. The unfenced pond is about 60m across and provides a pleasant backdrop[35] and a waterhole for local wildlife. There are also views the other direction across the grassy hills and the old farmland[36]. A pleasant spot to sit and rest or stay to enjoy your picnic.

(0km) Second Ponds northern int. → Maze Intersection

460 m

8 mins

-5m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Second Ponds Creek Loop' arrow[37] (in the opposite direction to the 'Extension track' arrow) gently downhill where the track soon bends right. The track leads for about 40m to pass an informal track[38] (on the left that leads towards the creek) then come to a 'Flooded with history' information sign[39] (on the left). The track continues to gently meander alongside the creek for another 80m to cross a concrete ford

[Trip Hazard]

. This ford and track floods after heavy or prolonged rain and this area may also become boggy. The walk continues along the clear track for another 50m to come to a 'Birds & black snakes' information sign[40] and a seat

[Seat]

(on the left). From here this walk meanders gently uphill through the forest for about 120m to the 'Rich Aboriginal area' sign[41] (on the left). This walk continues to meanders gently uphill through the forest[42] for another 160m to come to a 3-way intersection[43] (beside the timber maze), marked by a 'Take a stroll around' sign[44] (on the right).

(1km) Maze Intersection → Rouse Hill main car park

70 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the dirt/gravel track[45], directly away from the face of the 'Take a stroll around' sign[46] gently uphill towards the playground and picnic area. The track bends right and after 35m this walk comes to a 3-way intersection, marked with a large 'Rouse Hill Regional Park[47] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the face of 'Rouse Hill Regional Park' sign[48] along the gravel track, keeping the playground on the right. After about 15m this walk comes to a 'Welcome to Rouse Hill Regional Park' sign[49]. From here this walk follows the concrete path for 15m, past the sheltered picnic area

[Picnic Shelter]

to come to the main Rouse Hill Regional Park car park[50].

Maps for the Second Ponds Creek walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Riverstone	1:25 000 Map Series	90301S RIVERSTONE	NSW-90301S
Penrith	1:100 000 Map Series	9030 PENRITH	9030

Cross sectional view of the Second Ponds Creek walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Second Ponds Creek walk

Altitude analysis for Second Ponds Creek walk

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: This walk is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes <1:12, two 4m section less than 2:12.

Surface: This walk follows a dirt/gravel track that is generally 1.8m wide, narrowing to 90cm in a few sections. The track does become boggy after rain.

Toilets: There are 2 toilets on this walk. They are 0m apart.

Seats: There are 11 seats (including picnic tables) on this walk. They are on average 50m apart, with a maximum gap of 140m.

Access hazards: There are 2 access hazards on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Picnic Table (0m)

A seating and picnic platform. The platform is 32cm high and 1.7x1.7m in size. About 3m over grass from the path.

2 Seat (0m)

A series of four timber bench seats sheltered under a roof. The seats are 39cm high, 36cm deep and 1.8m wide (two are 2.4m wide) with no arm or backrest. The concrete slab is 3.5x4m and is about 6m over grass from the path.

3 Picnic Table (0m)

A seating and picnic platform. The platform is 32cm high and 1.7x1.7m in size. About 4m over grass from the path.

4 Toilet Accessible (0m)

Shared male/female accessible toilet. Entrance is 85cm wide, hand basin 78cm high, toilet seat 48cm high with a 82cm high handrail, in a 2.7x2.8m room. Turn lock at 1.05m, light door.

5 Toilet (0m)

Seperate male/female toilet block. Access via 5 15cm steps. Entrance is 80cm wide, hand basin 90cm high, toilet seat 40cm high with no handrail, cubical door is 63cm wide. Male urinal is 65cm high.

6 Bbq (0m)

Two BBQs on a large concrete slab. BBQ is 91cm high, 1.67m wide and 88cm deep. The hot plates are 44/44cm.

7 Picnic Shelter (5m)

Two seperate and large sheltered timber picnic tables and bench seat. The tables are 77cm high, 1.6m deep and 3.6m wide. The seats vary but about 36cm high, 48cm deep and 1.6m wide (no backrest). There are several gaps to get own chair under table on concrete slab.

8 Bbq (19m)

A BBQ in elevated shelter. BBQ is 96cm high (with table beside) and has one hotplate 44/44cm.

9 Picnic Shelter (19m)

An elevated picnic platform and shelter. The table is 79cm high, 1.2m deep and 2.3m wide. The seats are 51cm high, 27cm deep and 2m wide. There is also a BBQ beside. Ramp is 1.4:12 steep, 1.15m wide.

10 Picnic Table (134m)

A seating and picnic platform. The platform is 33cm high and 1.8x1.8m in size. About 2m over grass from the track.

11 Trip Hazard (253m)

Concrete creek ford. The ford is 2.3m wide 3.3m long and has a gradient in and out of 2:12.

12 Seat (278m)

A timber slat bench seat, 44cm high, 40cm deep and 2m wide with a 46cm high backrest and no arm rests.

13 Picnic Shelter (338m)

A sheltered timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 74cm high, 76cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide. On a 3.9x4m concrete slab, with 30cm step at back.

14 Picnic Shelter (357m)

A sheltered timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 74cm high, 76cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide. On a 3.9x4m concrete slab.

15 Picnic Shelter (357m)

A sheltered timber slat picnic table and bench seat. The table is 74cm high, 76cm deep and 2.1m wide. The seats are 45cm high, 29cm deep and 2.1m wide. On a 3.9x4m concrete slab, with a 16cm step on side.

16 Trip Hazard (456m)

Concrete creek ford. The ford is 2.4m wide 2.9m long and has a gradient in and out of 2:12.

17 Seat (501m)

A timber slat bench seat, 47cm high, 40cm deep and 2m wide with a 46cm high backrest and no arm rests.

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	865 m
		Time	20 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 800m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 65m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 800m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 65m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 730m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 140m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 870m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 460m of this walk is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 410m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 870m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Second Ponds Creek walk walk.

Rouse Hill Path circuit

1.5 km Circuit, 45 mins

Whether on foot or wheels this is a pleasant stroll around the asphalt bike track and footpath through Rouse Hill Regional Park. A great adventure for kids or for adults wanting to ramble through eucalypt forest, parkland and old farm. Starting from the great playground and picnic area you will foll

Total climbing: 31m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Second Ponds Creek walk walk.

Rouse Hill Estate walk

1.8 km Return, 45 mins

This walk is a great way to step back in time and explore the old Rouse Hill Estate. There are optional side trips that take you to some well-equipped picnic areas if you have the extra time. The walk mostly follows wide grassy trails and gives you good views of the whole estate. There are a series

Total climbing: 21m

Easy track

Clarinda St dog walking trail

499 m One way, 15 mins

This short walk links Clarinda St and Simon Pl in Hornsby Heights. The walk follows a management trail and is one of three dog friendly walks in Berowra Valley Regional Park. Starting at the wetlands at the end of Clarinda St you follow the Great North Walk alternate route until the turn off to th

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

Galston Gorge to Berowra Station

12.9 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

The Second Ponds Creek walk walk starts and ends at the Rouse Hill main car park (gps: -33.680471, 150.91068)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

A detailed forecast for this walk isn't available yet.

Current Alerts

Live alerts aren't available for this walk. Check the NPWS website for closures and the RFS for current fire danger.

Park Information

Rouse Hill Regional Park

Rouse Hill Regional Park is in Sydney's hills district and is a great place for the whole family - you can even bring your dog. The kids will love the adventure playground and space to run around. There are walks to explore in open grassland or winding among a lovely forest. You explore the area by on foot, bike, scooter or wheelchair. The park is locked at night and open 8am to 8pm during daylight savings (8am to 5pm at other times). There are picnic areas, seats and toilets in different parts of the park. The traditional custodians of this land are the Deerubbin People, the area was farmed by the Rouse family and now manged by NSW National Parks and Wildlife service.

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