Sitting around 160 metres above sea level, Munibung Hill connects the suburbs of Warners Bay, Speers Point, Boolaroo, and Macquarie Hills. Even Argenton and Glendale are also attached to this historic land. If this hill could talk it would tell many stories. From the Awabakal people and its significance during dream time to the early European settlers. As we walked along its trails it was almost an uncanny feeling being immersed in nature in ‘suburbia’. Lake Macquarie is rich in history, and Munibung Hill is yet another chapter to be explored.
Getting to Munibung Hill
There are multiple entry points where you can access Munibung Hill. Whilst entry through Lakelands may be a nice starting point, they all lead to a section in the track that is badly eroded. We decided on entry via Lucilla Ridge in Macquarie Hills for ease of parking.
Entry Points include:
- Lucilla Ridge, Macquarie Hills
- Blaxland Road or Macquarie Road, Macquarie Hills
- Grasmere Ave or Ambleside Cct Lakelands (Warners Bay)
- Hopkins Street or Quarry Road, Speers Point
- Sixth and Seventh Streets, Boolaroo
Who can climb Munibung?
You can take your fur babies for a lovely walk. They must be on leads of course. Due to some sections of the track being badly eroded and steep, this isn’t ideal for young kids. There is no access for prams or wheelchairs. There’s no designated car parking either. You’ll find entry points scattered amongst houses, so please be mindful of this and respect our neighbours.
We reviewed this walk starting at the Lucilla Ridge entry and straight along the ridge towards the lake. It took us just short of 2 hours. If you want to go to the top of the hill, it will take around 30 min.
Munibung Hill’s history
Walk in the footsteps of our traditional land owners the Awabakal people and respect their presence on this land. With its 360-degree vantage point, Munibung Hill was a valued place for the Dreamtime story. The story tells of when the serpent brought water into the lake over 6,000 years ago. The Awabakal people named it ‘Konakonaba’ and used it to source ochre.
Ochre is used in Australian Indigenous art.
“Ochres are primarily natural pigments and minerals found in the soil, or even in charcoal. These natural pigments (colours) were originally used to depict Dreamtime stories and maps.” – Japingka Aboriginal Art
European arrival
In 1828, Europeans moved in and the first coal mining began. Munibung Hill has a natural spring and traveller’s sourced fresh water here. Locals named this area ‘Pots & Pans’ because you’d often find pots, pans, and utensils near the spring. These were left here specifically for people to use as they passed through the area.
Walking trails and viewpoints
Give yourself a few hours to explore some of the walking trails, and gorgeous flora and fauna. You can see the full map of trails here provided by the Munibung Hill Conservation Society. Sections of this walk are steep and erosion can make it tricky to walk, however, our kids didn’t have any issues. Enjoy wide-open space at the top of the hill with views stretching across and around Lake Macquarie. You can stop here, or choose one of the many trails to explore.
Our adventure
We decided to walk towards the lake and at the end of our walk before coming back, we found a lovely seat perched amongst the trees. This walk wasn’t flat and easy. The ground is loose rocks in some sections and there are valleys and hills to challenge your endurance. However, amongst the landscape, you’ll love the adventure and the feeling of discovery. The stunning environment as it transitions from a shaded bush setting, with wattle and native flora to wide-open spaces, caves, and amazing views of Lake Macquarie. It’s an adventure worth experiencing.
Munibung Hill for families
For a walk that’s a bit more challenging, but well worth the amazing perspective and outlook over Lake Macquarie, Munibung Hill is a must-do. Even if your family ventures up to the top via Warners Bay or Macquarie Hills the view is worth the effort. Discover somewhere new this weekend.
Looking for more family walks? Check them out here: Family Walks
References:
Munibung Hill Conservation Society {Accessed 31/8/20}
Lake Mac Libraries – Munibung Hill {Accessed 31/8/20}
Japingka Aboriginal Art – Australian Aboriginal Ochre Painting {Accessed 3/9/20}
