Ashby Nature Discovery Trail Guide
The trail isn't long and if you stay on the paths it's hard to get lost. As a rule of thumb: If you are going uphill, then you are going the wrong way. If you do happen get lost, these are the coordinates of the Ashby Hall:
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Lat. -29.43684
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Long. 153.19314
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Take nothing but photos, leave only footprints behind...
Remember, this is Yaegl Country and a nature conservation area on Crown Land. Please protect our flora, fungi and fauna by not taking any pets into the reserve with you and staying on the trail. Wallabies, koalas, birds and reptiles roam and hide here and we value our wildlife. Respects other trail users by being quiet. If on a mountain bike, go slow and dismount as soon as you see anyone approach.
It's a jungle out there!
Dress appropriately: mozzies, snakes, spiders and leeches may be around. It's easy to stumble over the tree roots, vines and fallen sticks or walk into a low branch, so mind your step and keep looking up and down as you go. This is an "enter at your own risk" kind of place...
Ashby Nature Discovery Trail Map
What to expect?
1. "Feeling Edgy" loop
Suitable for those who don't want to, or can't, venture into the reserve much. It takes in the grassy area of the recreation reserve as well as a more shady botanical trail with a great variety of flora. While very accessible, it doesn't suit wheelchairs though.
2. Windows on the Wetlands loop
Read the botanical signs and scan the QR codes for more information (if you can get mobile reception). Peek through the little windows at the "bird hide" feature to see if you can spot a Pacific duck, kookaburra, whipbird, tawny frogmouth or baza.
3. Venture Beyond the Swamp" by turning right at the 'roundabout. Once you get to the end, take a seat on the bench overlooking the swamp. Either go back to the Windows on the Wetlands loop or cross the 'roundabout' to either get back to the Hall across the bridge or veer right to extend your walk to:
4. Explore the Great Southern Land. You have now left the Ashby Reserve and this route is less often travelled and not always kept clear, but you should be able to follow the narrow trail you get to a wider fire trail, which you can follow back to Lismore Street and the Ashby Hall Reserve.
Audio Guide
We have added an online audio tour to our nature trail. Not just to be able to give more information about our precious native flora and fauna, but also to enhance the nature discovery experience for those who rely mostly on touch.
While in the reserve, simply scan the QR code on each botanical plaque with your mobile phone (or tablet) camera or a QR code scanner app, then click on the link that appears under the botanical name and listen to the audio file or read the text. The audio guide is narrated by Linda Jenner, a former Ashby Heights resident who helped us secure the grants to establish this trail.
How did you go?
This audio trail is still in the start-up phase, so we would love to hear your feedback. Email us to let us know or head to our Facebook page and leave a review with a photo.