Exactly five years ago, as the early months of the Covid pandemic sent the nation into lockdown, the majority of us struggled with a strange new life of isolation, disconnection and uncertainty.

Not so for a nature-loving Southern Highlands couple, then in their mid-70s, who viewed this 'new normal' as a chance to launch themselves into a big new project.

Keen trekkers, Neville and Jill Fredericks were aware of a bushwalk, created in the Morton National Park in the 1930s, but which over the decades had disappeared; swallowed up by the bush and overtaken by time.

Built by the unemployed

"It was created in 1938 by work gangs," Neville said. "It was amongst the last labour programs for the unemployed after the Great Depression. They must have camped out here while carrying out the work."

Armed with picks, those teams of workers created a wonderful scenic walk along the top of a section of the escarpment, cutting a narrow path through the dense bushland and chiseling hundreds of steps into the solid sandstone rock. 

Neville and Jill became aware of the heritage walk's existence during the 1990s but it wasn't until the pandemic hit in 2020 that they decided to try to uncover it. And uncover it they did - literally.

"It's amazing how quickly nature reclaims everything," Neville said as they mapped out a plan to systematically cut back the bush to expose the original path.

Getting to work

While most of us found ourselves isolated, frustrated and alone during lockdown, Neville and Jill got to work. This was part of their regular pandemic exercise regime.

After locating the start of the trail near Manning Lookout they spent about five hours a day, using saws, machetes, shovels and sharpened hoes to clear the trail.

One of the biggest challenges was locating and clearing the tonnes of soil and silt which had buried the old steps carved into the landscape nearly 90 years ago.  After countless hours digging and unearthing those steeper sections of the trail, Neville and Jill decided to call the previously unnamed walk the 'Lost Steps Track'. 

Every day they made steady progress recreating the track one metre at a time, and, in the process, discovering lookouts and waterfalls long forgotten.

"We tried to work sensitively, leaving no obvious wounds, simply revealing what had been created before," Neville said.

Enthused by the progress they'd made, the couple decided to continue and complete the project long after the lockdowns ended. They were assisted by others, friends and strangers coming out of isolation, who pitched in to help.

A labour of love

According to Jill, this was a true labour of love.

"I think it was meant to be, and it was such a privilege to do it," Jill said. "We were given a gift actually; it was just a fun thing to do."

Jill encouraged more people to enjoy the benefits of experiencing the natural environment.

"One of the greatest gifts we can receive is to spend time in nature," Jill said. "It clears the mind and restores the soul. The Japanese call it 'Shinrinyoku' or forest bathing, prescribed for restoring mental and physical health.

Support our national parks

"We are blessed in Australia to have such a wonderful collection of national parks. The more we can support our national parks and spend time in them, the greater the gift we all receive."

Regular readers of The Illawarra Flame will recognise Neville Fredericks as the former Mayor of Kiama and the driving force behind a campaign to create an epic walk along the top of the Illawarra Escarpment linking the Royal National Park in the north with Cambewarra Mountain to the south.

"While the Lost Steps Track wouldn't be part of the great escarpment walk this trail gives you a perfect feel for what the experience would be like with breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls and unspoiled nature every step of the way," Neville said.

Neville rates the 2km each-way walk as easy to moderate (grade 2-3), and hikers should allow about one hour each way to complete the trek.

To find the start of the walk, turn into Manning Lookout Road at Barrengarry, off the Nowra Road to Kangaroo Valley.