a track with a difference

Maybe it's a universal announcement, and you might hear it too if you travel the rail system, that "the next train to arrive on Platform ...is going to .....

Don't bother waiting for the train here at Belmont though.  What had once been a coal and passenger line, is now a wonderfully innovative and useful track for cyclists and walkers alike.  This was my first visit to see the track, a 45 klms drive from home.

Belmont station is at one end of this 15 klm. track, a collaborative eight-year project between both Lake Macquarie, and Newcastle city councils.  Who wouldn't want to ride their bike along here?

Snipped from the Fernleigh Track brochure (because I couldn't have said it any better)

Such a welcome addition this must've been for local residents, to have such a fantastic recreational asset

so much green happening which is such a welcome addition if walking on a hot day to find sheltered spots along the way

Melaleucas (paperbarks) in their perfect swampy environment

Morning Glory, considered a weed because of its invasive, smothering nature.  Shame about that side of it because it does look good I think.

 looking over the open mesh fencing here from a timbered boardwalk section over Belmont Wetland State Park

what little Pacific Black Duck wouldn't want to live here?

Hello Purple Swamp Hen!  It has to be the closest I've ever gotten to one of these waterbirds.  Relaxed and obviously used to the passing parade; lucky for me.

During the relatively short walk on this day (must go back to do another section, another day), it was imperative to keep to the left and not to stray to the opposite side of the pathway without checking to see if a cyclist was nearing first.  

even the fencing has been modified to allow for the spreading girth  - just like adjusting your  belt another notch :) 

Enjoy the ride!

Lake Macquarie Council Fernleigh Track 2-page brochure is available here