Engadine to Loftus via Audley and Temptation Creek

Sat 26th July 2025
11 keen walkers met at Loftus station for the 8.52 am train to Engadine, where the walk was to start. The forecast rain looked as if it was all past, and this proved to be the case. We had not one more drop the entire day. By morning tea the clouds were clearing, and we ate lunch in the sun, out of the wind. The creeks on the way to morning tea were only slightly up and the more major creek also presented no problem.

The group stuck closely together as we navigated through criss-crossing bike tracks and then gradually down to morning tea at Kangaroo Creek. The crossing of the side creek was achieved with everyone helping each other as well as a spot of bush bashing through creek-side vegetation. It was then up several flights of steel stairs before we wound around to the start of the loop up to the views of Robertson Knoll. This was a side trip off the track which led straight to Audley. There was a bit of grumbling about the decision not to go straight to Audley, but all agreed that the views were worth it.

After Robertson Knoll we walked straight through Audley, resisting the temptation to visit the restaurant or cafe, across the weir and up the Honeymoon Track. This was another lot of stairs, but this time mostly stone. It was decided to have lunch at the top on the sunny steps of the amphitheatre attached to the NPWS education centre. It was here that we decided to vary the walk slightly by going out to a lookout over Audley and leaving out the Temptation Creek section.

After the lookout, we followed the fire trail and then walking track, first along the old National Park rail line and then through the bush. This brought us out the crossing of a major road. We crossed safely by waiting for the lights in various places to create gaps in the traffic. After we returned to Loftus station, we went to Club on East in Sutherland for long and very interesting drinks. We learned about Janus, the Rubicon and the origin of cis and trans, as well as butt implants (a set of these had gone past us on the way up the Honeymoon Track).

Thanks to all for a very enjoyable day with good company and, as usual, all helping each other to ensure a great day.