Silky Oak Picnic Area

Silky Oak Picnic Area is situated between Hoop Pine Picnic Area and Simpsons Falls Picnic Area and is a massive open area of gently sloping grass, just perfect for laying down the picnic rug for a lazy day out in nature.

Aptly named because of the stand of Silky Oaks (Grevillea robusta) that run along the roadway, this picnic area does sport a cluster of covered picnic tables under one shelter up towards the forest edge, but there are currently no functioning BBQs so you will need to be mindful of this when planning picnic food for the hamper.

It’s just to the side of the Silky Oak Picnic Area carpark that you’ll find an entrance to the Powerful Owl Trail, a 2,800m climb the will lead you up to the rear of the Channel 9 Studios atop the mountain. Quite steep to begin with, this gravelly path is a favourite amongst bushwalkers, and will definitely get the heart pumping.

Nice to know – Access to the car park is 24/7 so you’re not restricted to finishing a bush walk by a certain time. There is a water bubbler on the path, near the car park so you can fill up water bottles or rehydrate on the spot.

Need to know – There are no toilet facilities at this picnic spot, with the closest on either side at neighbouring Hoop Pine Picnic Area and Simpson Falls Picnic Area, just a short walk in either direction. along what is known as the Discovery Trail which runs from Simpson Falls all the way to JC Slaughter Falls.

By Danella Perrins