Jersey Spring

Overview

A gentle riverside amble leads you to Jersey Spring, a small but character‑filled stop on Lady Carrington Drive. The draw isn’t a spectacle—it’s the quiet: tall gums, bird calls, and a slice of park history tucked beside the Hacking River.

Route and Distance

Start in the Audley precinct and follow Lady Carrington Drive south along the river. From Willow Tree Picnic Area it’s about 5 km return (roughly 1 hr 45 min at a relaxed pace). From Fig Tree Flat it’s about 6.8 km return with ~85 m total ascent, usually 1.5–2 hours. The track is a wide, mostly flat former carriage road—ideal for walkers, casual runners, and mellow bike rides.

What You’ll See

• Jersey Spring itself: two weathered sandstone troughs built in 1892 as a watering point for horses and travelers, with a sign explaining the site. The water is not safe to drink.
• Along the way: sandstone outcrops, river views, and Gibraltar Rock (a broad overhang with a picnic table) early in the walk from Audley.
• Wildlife: regular lyrebird sightings, plus waterbirds; walkers also report echidnas and the odd lace monitor or snake in warm months.

Landscape & Backstory

Lady Carrington Drive traces the Hacking River through a low valley carved in Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone, so expect sandy soils, coachwood pockets in gullies, and she‑oak along the river. Jersey Spring was named for the Earl of Jersey and has served as a rest spot on this historic corridor for well over a century.

Practicalities

• Facilities: Toilets, lawns, and café options are up in Audley (Visitor Centre, Willow Tree, Currawong Flat). There are no toilets between Audley and Jersey Spring, and no drinking water at the spring.
• Fees and access: Day‑use vehicle fee (about A$12) applies in the Audley area. No dogs.
• Track conditions: After rain, low sections can be boggy and leeches are common—treat footwear and carry salt or a leech card. Bikes share the path; keep left and listen for bells.

Best Time to Visit

Go early on weekends or visit midweek mornings for a quieter, birdier experience—dawn is prime for lyrebirds. The shaded corridor is pleasant most of the day, but warm, humid weather increases leech activity; after heavy rain, give the mud a day to settle.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re chasing big views, there are flashier spots. If you like gentle history‑tinged strolls, birdlife, and a peaceful picnic clearing a short walk from Audley, Jersey Spring is a satisfying, low‑effort add‑on.