For 28 years the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan has partnered with the Campbelltown City Council to host and support the not-for-profit annual community event, Campbelltown City Challenge Walk.
The annual event encourages Macarthur residents to tackle either a 6 km or 11 km track around the Garden and walk towards a healthier lifestyle.
This year’s event saw over 1,520 walkers including our very own Curator Manager, John Siemon, who won first place in his age category.
"This event is a calendar highlight, where cars are replaced by thousands of walkers who truly appreciate the beauty of Australia’s largest botanic Garden” said John.
A picturesque walk
If you’re thinking about doing the walk next year here is a quick download of what you will see along the walking route.
The walk is adjacent to the Garden’s showcase horticulture display, the Connections Garden, and loops around the main central road, Yandelora Circuit, before travelling across the dam wall and around the southern loop of the Garden, Caley Drive.
Between the puffs and pants, walkers make the climb up to ‘the Gap’. Those who take the time to enjoy the scenery are greeted with picturesque views to the east, towards Dharawal National Park and Menangle to the south looking over the heritage homestead, Glenlee.
Iconic gardens
The walk then continues to travel around Caley Drive passing by our themed picnic areas and gardens including the Big Idea Garden, Wattle Garden and Banksia Garden where you can see thousands of Australian native plants.
Just beyond the Banksia Garden the walkers are greeted by our iconic blue tree before encountering Mount Annan’s very own version heartbreak hill.
Community spirit
Walkers then return past the Connections Garden and a right hand turn up the home straight to the finish line at Lakeside, for those undertaking the 6 km walk, or another lap for the 11 km walkers.
This is just one of the fantastic community events the Garden hosts throughout the year to provide an opportunity for locals in Campbelltown and surrounding regions.
Well done to John and all of the 2019 participants. We hope to see you all again in the Garden next year!