b'HUSTLE AND BUSTLEBUSHWALKSWORDS Ashleigh SynnottPHOTOS Destination NSWIf you think the pulsating excitement of the city doesnt offer a natural alternative for a good walk then you dont have to look much further than Parramattas own backyard.IF YOURE LOOKING FOR A HEALTHY WAY TOLoop. Forming the most western section ofWATER DRAGON WAYWINSTON HILLS, UNWIND and escape the frenetic pace of citythe greater Toongabbie Creek Walk, the trailQUARRY BRANCH CREEKliving in the cooler Autumn months, thesetakesyouthroughtheCumberlandRiverTraversingthroughaseriesofgorgeous stellar walks will put you in touch with natureFlatForest,wherethehugemajesticredremnantbushlandreserves,WaterDragon and allow for some pure inner reflection. river gums are home to a variety of nativeWayrunsbetweenMoxhamsRoad, SETTLERSWALKTOONGABBIETObirds,possumsandbees.ThiswalkisonNorthmead and Goodin Road, Winston Hills, NORTHMEAD the traditional land of the Darug Tooga tribealongtheeasternsideofQuarryBranch andpassesthroughtheThirdSettlementCreek.This2.3kilometre,onehourand This three kilometre walk takes just over twoof Australia which began as a military and40-minute return track is a consistent incline hoursreturn,beginningnearToongabbieconvict barracks built of mud and slab woodwhen walking south to north so a reasonable stationandcontinuingtoOakesRoadhuts. A great choice for a spot of history withlevel of fitness is required. Standout bushland WinstonHillswhereitjoinsthePemulwuyyour steps. features Smooth-barked Apple and Blackbutt 16AUTUMN2020'