Forestry Corporation of NSW has worked with a local contractor to unveil a new all-natural playground at the popular Swan’s Crossing in Kerewong State Forest.
Swans Crossing is a camping and picnic site located just 15 minutes from Kendall and a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to come and experience the beauty of State forests.
Forestry Corporation’s Partnerships Leader, Sandra Madeley, said the new playground is just another great reason to visit the scenic state forest.
“There are so many things to do when visiting Kerewong State Forest, and the new playground is an excellent addition,” Ms Madeley said.
“It has different elements to challenge our little people, honing in on their balance and curiosity.
“The showpiece is the replica steam locomotive where the kids can sit in the driver’s seat and imagine a time when the original Climax B loco made its way through the surrounding hills, hauling logs from the forest to the river then into the sawmill at Laurieton.
“Visitors can also walk along the Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk with new interpretive signage, wander along the track following Upsalls Creek to the gentle Cascade Falls, go bike riding, birdwatching or just enjoy being amongst nature.”
The playground was constructed by local contractor Bill Lawrence, and is built purely from locally grown north coast hardwoods showcasing the beautiful hues and features of our unique Australian timbers.
“It was great to assist forestry with the Swans Crossing playground,” Mr Lawrence said.
“Our brief was to create a playground using all natural materials — I wanted to show some of the different ways timber can be used in playgrounds and also pay homage to the timber-getting history of the region.”
All of the logs were locally sourced from state forests and milled by Hayden’s Timbers at Rollands Plains.
“I believe we have some of the best looking and most durable timber growing locally,” Mr Lawrence said.
“It’s so good to be able to use this renewable resource for projects such as this.”
For more information about other forests, or more information about Forestry Corporation, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au
Swans Crossing is NSW site 381 in Camps10 or find it on the Camps Australia Wide App. There’s toilets, picnic tables, fireplaces, shade and water available – as well as space from tents to big rigs! Swans Crossing is pet friendly, too.
Popular with both the locals and visitors, this free camping ground is a NSW gem. At Swans Creek Crossing you will find a large open grassy area surrounded by native forest and hardwood plantations. This area is suitable for tents, caravans and campervans, however there is no power available. The nearby shallows of Upsalls Creek is a popular swimming hole and the camping ground itself is located in the Kerewong State Forest. Just a 20 minute drive from Kew (halfway between Taree and Kempsey) Swans Creek Crossing is a quiet and peaceful camping ground with sufficient facilities for a couple of nights stay. If you want to stretch your legs and explore, Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is a short drive away and there is also a number of walking trails at the camp site.
Where: 16 km NW of Kendall
Toilets: Yes
Camp Fires: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Showers: No
Water: Yes
Power: No
Mobile Reception: No
Big Rig Access: Yes
Getting There: Turn North 4 km West of Kendall, off Kendall-Lome Road onto Upsalls Creek Road for 12 km (10 km on a dirt road).
