Peter Ogden, KOOLEWONG SUNSET (LANDSCAPE 2026)

Sometimes it only takes a simple shift in perspective to see something familiar in a new light. The Koolewong Track is the shortest walk in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park…less than 2km return. It is also one of the most beautiful – a ‘greatest hits’ of Australian flora and fauna, and we have walked it countless times. On this stroll, I sat and watched an echidna slowly cross the track; black cockatoos soared overhead; and a wallaby crashed loudly through the undergrowth. At the end of the trail is a viewing platform with stunning views across to Lion Island and, beyond the fence, untold treasures. This time, temptation got the better of me, and I ventured beyond said fence…to find layered rock shelves that led down to shelters, soaring red gums, a stunning sunset and no footprints except my own.

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