There are a number of ways to enjoy getting out into nature. One way is on a bike. It is a wonderful way to cover more distance than on foot but still be travelling slow enough to hear and see nature around you. In the ACT, one of the nicest walks in Namdgi National Park is the Settlers Track, which goes through some lovely scenery, while linking up three basic huts the early European settlers in the region built. While it is a walking track parts of it follow fire trails, trails that provide access to the huts. The huts are rudimentary but are open to the public and provide a convenient place to take a break.
The remnants of Boboyan Homestead
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF40mm f2.8 STM [ISO 200, 40mm, f/18 and 1/80 SEC])
The best way to star this loop was to park at Brayshawa Homestead, more about that later, on Boboyan Road and then cycle north, back along Boboyan Road, before turning onto Old Boboyan Road. The first hut encountered was Boboyan Homestead, which was marked by its chimney. It was beside Old Boboyan Road, with a sign simply reading Boboyan Homestead. The trail around this point was a wonderfully smooth gravel ride and, epitomised the joy of gravel cycling. Out in nature, riding a smooth gravel road, which stretched out in front of the rider. It started the ride off so well, creating pure exhilaration.
Waterhole Hut
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF40mm f2.8 STM [ISO 200, 40mm, f/18 and 1/80 SEC])
Following the route in a counter-clockwise direction, the next structure encountered was the very simple Waterhole Hut. Stockmen built Waterhole Hut in 1939 as a temporary, work shelter for those tending sheep and cattle. Just back over the hill, to the right of the photograph was an old wooden stockyard that pre-dated this hut. The hut was always supposed to be basic because it was intended for the workers to sleep in while they were out looking after the stock. It was not a dwelling to house a family on a permanent basis. A stop here was rewarded with a nice view across Grassy Creek to the higher ground on the other side. There was a water tank beside the hut but the water would need to be treated before being used for human consumption.
Westermans Homestead
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF40mm f2.8 STM [ISO 250, 40mm, f/18 and 1/80 SEC])
Only about ten minutes further on was probably the most substantial holding on the loop, Westerns Homestead. European settlers occupied this area in 1882 when Thomas Westerman and his wife Mary (nee Perry) built a mud brick home, then a larger wooden structure, which is now demolished. Thomas and Mary’s youngest daughter Selena built this home with her husband. Bruce Jeffery built what is now called Westermans Homestead in 1916. It has since been restored to the condition seen in the photograph above. To the back left of the photograph were two graves of Thomas and Mary’s children. There were also exotic trees around the area reflecting their attempts to plant the garden with familiar vegetation. This homestead was a wonderful place to stop because it was well past halfway through the ride. There was a water tank at the homestead but the water has to be treated before humans drink it. Resting here was a wonderful experience with a nice wooden bench on the front wooden verandah. Riders can take their shoes and socks off to let their feet breath while enjoying a view across Grassy Creek that was more open that at Waterhole Hut.
The ride to the hut went through the surrounding, relatively open bush. There was a bit of shade along the way to keep the sun off. The final stretch to the hut curved down a slight descent where it was easy to gather some speed ahead of crossing some rocky sections at pace. Before ascending a slight rise to the homestead. It was exhilarating to fly along the gravel road in solitude, under wonderful blue skies with a open field leading to the homestead.
Looking south from the southern boundary of the ACT into NSW
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF40mm f2.8 STM [ISO 250, 40mm, f/18 and 1/80 SEC])
After the Westerns Homestead there was a short, easy ride along the Grassy Creek Fire Trail that lead to the southern boundary of the ACT. The view south looked over open terrain to mountains in the distance. The route then headed east, along the Grassy Creek Fire Trail until it rejoined Boboyan Road. By following Boboyan Road north, there was just one last hill before a gentle coast down the dirt road back to the carpark,
Brayshaws Homestead
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF40mm f2.8 STM [ISO 160, 40mm, f/18 and 1/80 SEC])
Returning to the carpark meant that the ride was over but it was also a convenient time to visit Brayshaws Homestead. The old homestead was about 100 metres from the carpark.The structure was nicely restored and open to the public. The Brayshaw family built the homestead in 1903 to help one of their members with grazing cattle. The homestead was still in use as such into the 1960s before shearers were allowed to use it for accommodation. The 1980s saw its first restoration, taking it back to just its core wooden structure that is visible today.
It was a lovely ride, on a day where the weather was glorious. The scenery was beautiful and there was plenty of wildlife around. The ride was restorative, with just the right balance of challenge and enjoyment. It was well within the capabilities of most riders and would allow people with bikes to visit the historic huts, while also getting out into nature. Riding along some of those gravel roads, surrounded by nature has been a nice memory to drift off to sleep with over several nights.