Hornsby Heights is one of several suburbs within the bushland shire of Hornsby with an abundance of trails to explore. Steep gorges and challenging terrain offer many a secluded spot just waiting to be explored.
Today I wanted to explore an area where an old abandoned Tin Humpy (tin shack) was known to be located. Unfortunately I don’t know the history of the ruins but assume that someone must have spent a bit of time here many years ago making it their temporary dwelling.
Leaving the bitumen between a couple of houses you come to a rusty gate that marks the start of the trail. Though not maintained as well for fire vehicles its still a clearly defined trail that descends into the valley joining up with another main trail. The decent to the main trail is a little steep in parts but as long as you’re watching your step its an easy walk. Plenty of flora and fauna typical to the area can be seen as you walk along the trail. If the time of year is right you can spot the many flowering native plants or take a little more time and you might find some of the local species in their native habitat.
From the main trail its a scamper down the spur through mostly open scrub. There isn’t really clear trail but you can make out where previous adventures have passed through. Take care down a few small cliff lines and you will soon be find whats left of a forgotten past.
The original structure is all but gone with most of the wooden supports either burnt or in ruins. You can picture what it must have looked like when it was first constructed and see why such a spot was chosen with its view overlooking deep into the gorge. There is a fair amount of material about and some decent size timbers and iron sheets, which would have taken some time to carry down the hill.
A fantastic view down the valley into Galston Gorge can be seen from what remains of the Tin Humpy. A great spot for a break before returning home, whilst you dwell on how the tin shack came to be.
