Walka Me Inspired 4+

Listen, look and experience something new as you explore Walka Water Works. Discover places for quiet contemplation, opportunities to draw, photograph, write & listen.

Walka is spiritual country of the Wonnarua people, pristine and abundant, where resting and meeting places would have looked across the original Walka lagoon. The landscape changed in the 19th and 20th century with the construction of the Walka Water Works, leading to a health revolution across the Hunter Valley.

The app is layered with a series of lakeside creative activities in photography, writing and drawing. Compliment these activities with sublime musical accompaniment by the Bowerbird Collective, composed using nature recordings made on site.

For those delving into the history of the site, visit the historic photo gallery, reminding visitors of the intensive operation of the site’s water pumping operations.

To begin your journey from the Pumphouse, walk along the sandstone edged walkway lining the reservoir. The first of eight music tracks begin here.

Remember, Walka is a wildlife reserve and to be comfortable in your visit, it is important to be well prepared with ample water, sun protection and good walking shoes.

A suite of creative and learning activities have been developed for the Walka Me Inspired App, available on iOS devices. The app includes photography, writing, and drawing exercises for beautiful locations along the Walka Lake Trail.

The Bowerbird Collective - violinist Simone Slattery and cellist Anthony Albrecht have been brought onboard to create six music compositions which reflect the natural surrounds and wildlife unique to Walka. The aim of these experiences are to connect listeners with the landscape while simultaneously creating a sense of wellbeing and calm. The Collective combine new and old musical compositions with nature recordings from Andrew Skeoch to create a unique and inspiring soundscape.

In addition, the app contains a map based photo gallery of historic photographs and an educational quiz containing questions relevant to school groups learning about the site.