The weather gods smiled on us. The predicted rain did not eventuate and we had a perfect clear sunny day leading to extensive views of sparkling blue waters.
Seven of us met at Putty Beach. We had plenty of cars for a car shuffle to start the walk from Beachview Esplanade in McMasters Beach.
An early morning tea at Little Beach, then lunch at Maitland Bay. Finishing the walk at 1pm just as the clouds darkened and the rain began.
Walking uphill after Little Beach
Little BeachMaitland BayPutty Beach with ominous sky
Welcome to our newest member Helen Astell. We hope you have many fund adventure with us.
Seven walkers enjoyed a beautiful early autumn day wandering out to the natural rock formation known as the Ruined Castle. An early Lyrebird display was a treat going down the Golden Stairs in the morning and was followed up on the way back up the stairs by many red-tailed black cockatoos. Fabulous.
There’s been some landslips along the track since our last visit and NPWS are busy with new track work. The track was pretty busy with many overnighters going out the Mount Solitary, and we met some interesting characters along the way! The views from the top of the castle were sensational – clear, distance, no-wind – Perfect.
We made good time and finished by 2.30pm and ended up at the Grand View Hotel (or Hotel Grand View) depending on what sign you read, for a welcome drink before heading home. Thanks all of a lovely walk through the wilderness on a lovely autumn day.
Seven walkers, including visitors Alice and Joe, met at Kurnell near the entry to Kamay National Park. The weather was beautifully fine and calm with temperatures suited to walking.
We did a turn around the historic Cook’s landing site, which is being extensively refurbished, and then over to the Cape Solander track for a walk through the angophora, palms and banksias.
Arriving at Cape Solander we turned south and followed the track down to Cape Baily Lighthouse, with morning tea at one of the clifftop rock platforms on the way. We took in the view back to the city and south down the coast from the lighthouse, and then headed back to Cape Solander.
We took a quick look at the whale watch information station and then went back along the Yena firetrail and Cape Solander track to the historic site for a bit of lunch. The walk finished with us going back along the foreshore to the starting point, where five of us headed to drinks at the 1770 café.
After the high temperatures and humidity of the week, the overcast day and cooler temperatures were welcomed by the 11 walkers who set out to discover this new walk for the club in the Royal National Park.
After meeting at the end of the Forest Path on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive and car shuffling to the Fig Tree Flat picnic area, we learned that Lady Carrington Drive was built in the 1860’s, and then set off along the road. The road is broad and flat, though stoney underfoot. We soon encountered Gibraltar Rock, a sandstone formation which overhands a section of original cobblestone road surface, and later came to Jersey Springs where 2 water troughs were installed to water horses on the drive. The troughs are still filled by the same springs as when they were built.
Gibraltar Rock
Jersey Springs water trough
Without an obvious place for morning tea, we stopped on the road and managed to avoid being skittled by bike riders.
Along the next section of road, a pair of lyrebirds were observed just above us on the sandstone cliffs. Continuing on, we turned on to the track to Palona Cave, a 1 klm undulating bush track to reach the limestone cave and Palona Brook Falls just beyond. After spending a little time exploring the cave and admiring the falls, we returned to the main road and back-tracked a little to the Palona Brook Picnic area for lunch. There was a magnificent Turpentine tree nearby.
Lady Carrington Drive
Palona Cave stalactite
After lunch we continued along Lady Carrington Drive . Upon reaching the intersection with The Forest Path, we turned right and followed the track unto a wonderland dominated by Cabbage Leaf Palms and ferns. The track follows a long curve in the river, but is mostly high above the water. Arriving back at the cars, we undid the car shuffle and repaired to the Audley Dance Hall for refreshments.
A few leeches were encountered, but otherwise all finished the day in good shape. It was a thoroughly worthwhile day.
