Archives September 2025

The weather was perfect as 8 walkers set off at a good pace to walk the constantly undulating fire trail for the first five kilometres which has been lately resurfaced. We then joined the Great North Walk and stopped at a little waterfall to have morning tea before we crossed the historic Steele Military Bridge and climbed to Tunks Ridge campground and then descended Galston Gorge using the step irons. We walked under Galston road and crossed the creek on stepping stones. The next section of the trail was on bush track with beautiful views over the valley, scribbly gum trees, many different coloured bush plants and flowers. We climbed up and had lunch on some rocks overlooking the valley. The final 1.4 kilometres was all uphill, but we finished the walk before it became too warm and then went to the “Blue Gum” pub to rehydrate.

A group of 16 walkers strolled down to view the Sphinx scrupture before heading down the trail. At the bottom as we walked along the Warrimoo trail we were rewarded by a couple of red-tailed black cockatoos taking to flight and giving us an excellent view of their bright red tails. We had the delight of seeing four Goanna’s. Three of them on the ground blocking our path which then either moved to the undergrowth or climbed slowly up a tree. One was sunning itself by the picnic area at Bobbin head. Colour is coming back to the bush; we spotted a Plain Sun Orchid (Thelymitra Nysa) among the grasses. The trail was in good condition with only a few muddy spots. We stopped on the Warrimoo track to have morning tea with another short rest stop at Bobbin Head then travelled along the Mangrove Boardwalk with a detour to visit the rainforest section before continuing onto the Gibberagong track as it follows Cockle creek stopping in a sunny spot on route to have lunch before heading up Murrua track to Murrua road. This steep uphill challenged the 15 remaining walkers. We finished the day with coffee in a local café in North Turramurra.  

This turned out to be a “Goldilocks” walk which explained the turn out of 21 keen walkers. Goldilocks as in Not too far to drive; Not too far to walk; Not too hot; Not too cold; Not too wet! Bonuses were good chatting (talk about a noisy mob!), early finish and great after walks venue. Negatives were 2 snakes sighted, one red bellied black and one tiger/brown. Both big!!

From meeting point at Mangrove Mountain Store we condensed into 5 cars and made our way to trackhead. First up visit to Mt Olive for expansive views including iconic Mt Yengo, then on to Mt Olive fire trail as far as the turn off for Hominy Creek. At the creek crossing, turned downstream for a short distance to Emerald Pool and the rock platforms beyond where morning tea was enjoyed in the sunshine.

Next up continued on our circuit before taking a left hand turn on 248 Trail to more expansive rock platforms with views to Ironbark Creek. Early lunch here before retracing our steps to the main fire trail and returning to our start point with another rock platform with aboriginal engravings along the way.

Undid car pooling and then proceeded to Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club for refreshments. Thanks John and Di for delicious chips!! Good day had by all. Welcome to Melanie and Marilia. Hope you both enjoyed your day and we see you again soon. Thanks all, David and Val.