Sherwood Homestead from Mountain Creek Rd (8.6km)

Summary

This hike ends at the remains of the Sherwood Homestead and gardens, first established by Henry and Eliza Philips in 1863. All that remains of the actual homestead is some stones from the fireplace, however a number of exotic trees show the layout of the site. In spring, many thousands of daffodils flourish, which likely date back to the time of the Phillips occupation. The garden was once delightful with flowers, cherry trees, apples, walnuts, raspberry bushes and more. On Ropers Hill, overlooking the site, the stump of a once massive oak tree still stands. This is the site where Henry, Eliza and their infant son, Henry now lie. A wooden fence surrounds the stump and a memorial plaque set in stone was put in place in November 2000.

Getting there

This hike ends at the remains of the Sherwood Homestead and gardens, first established by Henry and Eliza Philips in 1863. All that remains of the actual homestead is some stones from the fireplace, however a number of exotic trees show the layout of the site. In spring, many thousands of daffodils flourish, which likely date back to the time of the Phillips occupation. The garden was once delightful with flowers, cherry trees, apples, walnuts, raspberry bushes and more. On Ropers Hill, overlooking the site, the stump of a once massive oak tree still stands. This is the site where Henry, Eliza and their infant son, Henry now lie. A wooden fence surrounds the stump and a memorial plaque set in stone was put in place in November 2000.

About the region

Blue Range Recreation Area

Blue Range Hut Recreation area is located in the Uriarra Forest area on Blue Range Road, 2.6 kilometres from the intersection with Brindabella Road. Centred around the heritage-listed remains of a World War II Italian internment camp, the Blue Range camp is a very popular camping and events location. You can book individually for small groups, or hire the whole area for large gatherings. Blue Range Hut is also a great base for accessing some of the glorious alpine walking trails of northern Namadgi National Park. Bring your own drinking water and firewood. Bookings are essential, as you will not be able to get inside the locked gate unless you book prior. Phone 6207 2900 or book online at www.bookings.act.gov.au No bins are provided – please take your rubbish home with you. (This in addition to the ongoing Fox Baiting Program being carried out in the Blue Range/Lower Cotter catchment area.) Occasionally foxes and wild dogs will move baits away from the original bait site. Supervised dogs at the Blue Range campground should be safe as this is over 500 metres from the nearest bait site. Please ensure that dogs are secured at the campsite so that they cannot stray into baited areas unsupervised. For further information please call 13 22 81.

For more information, a location map and facilities please visit the ACT Government Information Portal.