The Gawler Reservoir Track offers stunning views over Sunny Grove and the surrounding landscape.
The Gawler Reservoir Track, as the name suggests, begins near Gawler Grove, though public access now appears to be restricted due to a warning sign on the main access gate. An alternative entry is available from Dynamite Creek on Moores Valley Road. Here, a rough track follows the creek up to the Wainuiomata Scenic Reserve ridgeline, which connects with a further ridgeline track.
Approximately 50 metres along the ridge track, a subtle left fork marks either the beginning or end of Gawler Reservoir Track, depending on the direction of your walk. Starting this track from the ridge, the terrain remains fairly level to begin with, as you have already reached the highest elevation via Dynamite Creek and the ridge track. The dense tree cover initially obscures what are likely impressive views, but eventually, a gully opens up, revealing sights of Sunny Grove, Hine Road Recreation Area, the eastern side of Richard Prouse Park, and McKerrow Ridge in the distance. A second gully further along provides a similar panorama before the track descends towards the fenced Gawler Reservoir.
From the reservoir, you have the option to follow the private section of Gawler Grove, although this path eventually leads to a gate with a warning sign prohibiting entry. The issue is that you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of the gate, meaning you’ve unknowingly walked through a restricted area. Alternatively, a parallel track also connects to the public section of Gawler Grove, but it too requires you to pass through the same gate.
To stay fully within accessible areas, you can walk the Gawler Reservoir Track from Dynamite Creek until reaching the top of the reservoir, then return back to the ridge, and head back down Dynamite Creek or continue along the ridge and connect with a mountain bike track.
Since the best part of the track is the view over Sunny Grove and its surroundings, bypassing the reservoir doesn’t detract from the experience. Starting at Dynamite Creek also adds to the walk with an open path through regenerating bushland.
