Jimmy Lee Creek

Jimmy Lee Creek Walkway officially starts on Washbourn Dr, opposite Washbourn Gardens in Richmond, though the more interesting part of it begins on Hill St. The northern end is just south of the Hill St-Queen St intersection (you’ll see the track heading into the native bush that comes right to the road edge). The southern end is just north of the Hill St-Hart Rd intersection (look for the sign reading ‘Dellside Reserve’).

Starting at the northern end from Hill St, the track follows the creek through native bush of Jimmy Lee Creek Reserve, which includes mahoe, putaputaweta and titoki. Native Bird Recovery Richmond has been undertaking pest control in the reserve for more than a decade, which has resulted in increasing numbers of many native bird species (you will see the information panel at the track start). There is a bird feeding station and viewing platform close to the track start. After 500 m you will reach a kissing gate, after which an alternative loop can be taken on the right. The alternative route climbs higher up the gully side and is a better option when the creek is running high or when the lower gully is wet and muddy. After this point there are several crossings of the usually-small creek.

The track reaches an intersection with Cypress Rd (a forestry road that connects to Lodestone Gully) where the alternative loop connects back to the main track. Go up the steps and continue past a small historic dam (which used to supply water to a local farm) and climb to Grassy Saddle. Here, Henry Rd continues uphill through Kingsland Forest Park to Fowler Rd and Richmond Fire Lookout.

From Grassy Saddle the track zig-zags down into Will’s Gully through native tree plantings, and then goes down Fossil Steps and crosses Hart Creek. The track climbs up the side of the gully above the creek and heads straight down to Hill St.

Turn right on Hill St to return to where you started.