Anstead Bushland Reserve

Anstead Bushland Reserve is a picturesque riverside reserve featuring walking/recreational tracks, lookouts and access to historic Sugars Quarry.

The reserve occupies a significant section of Brisbane River frontage, which was previously the site of Sugars Quarry (1883 -1995). Well maintained walking/recreational tracks lead through eucalypt forest to the old basalt quarry, which features lookouts over the river and historical information about the site.

Access to Anstead Bushland Reserve is via Hawkesbury Rd, where there is a car park, undercover picnic areas, barbecue facilities and toilets. The 3 kilometre circuit track begins and ends at the car park and there are plenty of informative signs along the path indicating local flora such as silver-leafed ironbarks, gum-topped box trees and lemon-scented gums.

Be sure to bring along the binoculars as well, because many interesting bird species reside here, including rose-crowned fruit doves, wonga pigeons, honey-eaters, owls, king parrots, wrens, kites and kingfishers.

Nice to know - Not far from the reserve's entrance on Hawkesbury Rd is The Reserve at Anstead, a charming country-style cafe for breakfast or lunch, with a fantastic kids play area.

Need to know - Car park and toilet facilities are located via Hawkesbury Rd.

By Lucy Hordern