The Kentlyn Basin (or officially Keith Longhurst Reserve) is nestled in the outer skirts of Campbelltown and is an excellent spot to visit while staying at Long Point Conference Centre. This 76-hectare reserve has two trails going through the native bushland, the most common one finishing at a large swimmable, water hole connected to the Georges River.
The History of Kentlyn
Originally inhabited by the Tharawal people, Kentlyn’s first official settlement was in the 1890s by farmers. Initially known as Kent Farms, the area was characterised by its rural landscape. However, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, it became a refuge for families displaced by economic hardship, evolving into something like a shantytown. The area gained formal recognition as Kent Lyn in 1933, later becoming known as Kentlyn.
As urban development surged in Campbelltown during the 1970s, Kentlyn was designated a ‘scenic protection’ zone, preserving its expansive bushland and instituting a minimum lot size of five acres. This move elevated Kentlyn into an upscale residential area, attracting a new demographic: affluent residents.
In 1969, the suburb was split, with the eastern part retaining its rural character while the western area saw the development of urban estates like Ruse and Airds. In 2007, Kentlyn’s Basin Reserve was officially renamed to ‘Keith Longhurst Reserve’. This change honoured the memory of Keith Longhurst, a beloved Campbelltown council ranger and descendant of one of Kentlyn’s founding families.
Kentlyn Basin Trails
There are two main trails that you can go on in Keith Longhurst Reserve:
- The Basin Walking Track – 2km return
- The Old Ford Road Walking Track – 2.6km return.
The Basin Walking Track is quite challenging, with steep sections and areas of loose, rocky and unsealed surfaces. You’ll walk down a long, windy flight of stairs towards the end of the descent, and will have to walk back up those stairs on the way back. Although quite physically demanding, the view at the bottom is most certainly worth it! Check out the above image, courtesy of Campbelltown City Council.
The Basin Walking Track starts to the right side as you approach the roundabout at the end of Georges River Road. There should be signs along the way to guide you to the bottom.
The Old Ford Road Walking Track is a fire trail and is a less strenous walk. The departure point is very close to the Basin Walking Track, just a bit further to the left as you approach the roundabout at the end of Georges River Road.
The Kentlyn Basin Landscape and Wildlife
The Kentlyn Basin is situated along the Georges River, providing you with stunning views of the water and surrounding bushland. Along the Basin Track there are several spots where you can stop and admire the nature from a cliff edge – just be careful since there are no fences! You’ll be able to see trees, flowers and distant mountains or cliffs. When you get closer to the bottom, you’ll hear the sound of the river.
The Basin serves as a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including:
- native birds such as kookaburras
- reptiles such as lizards and snakes
- koalas
- possums
- gliders
- goannas
- fish.
As with any place, it’s important to respect the native animals and leave them alone where possible.
What to Do at the Kentlyn Basin
When visiting the Kentlyn Basin, you can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as picnicking, bushwalking, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. If you are swimming or fishing it’s best to have someone with you. The rocks can be slippery and when the water is low, the waterfall drop is high.
Many people love to go bike riding on the Old Ford Road Walking Track too. Just ensure your bike can handle some rough stones and rocks along the way.
Limited Facilities at the Kentlyn Basin
At the time of publishing this article, there are no toilets at or near the Kentlyn Basin.
There are also no tables or benches throughout the walk or at the end destination, but to compensate there are plenty of large, flat rocks that you can use as makeshift picnic tables.
No set viewing platforms are stationed throughout the Basin Walk Track. You’ll need to safely make your way towards a cliff edge to admire the view. As a rule of thumb, stay at least [your height] away from the edge at all times (e.g. if you’re 1.6m tall person, stay minimum 1.6m from the edge.
As there is no set carpark, you can park on the dirt strips around the roundabout. It’s unusual that all the spots will be filled, but if this is the case, just park bit further down the road.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that most people have poor or no reception on the walking tracks. Let your family or a friend know where you plan to go and how long you think you’ll take.
Despite The Basin not having any facilities, it’s still a fantastic, peaceful reserve that we hope you or your group find opporunity to explore and enjoy when you’re in the area. It’s around a 30 minute drive from Long Point Conference Centre.