Archives June 2026

This walk includes some of the best parts of the Great North Walk. We descended into deep creeks, walked beside healthy mangroves and salt marsh, spotted a huge variety of fungi and enjoyed lush glades of ferns. There were waterfalls, lookouts, rushing streams (more on that later), a dam and highways to pass over and under.

We (19 walkers) started with a car shuffle from Reserve Rd to Girrakool. Once walking, we descended steeply into Piles Creek until it met Mooney Mooney Creek. Along the way, we stopped at the suspension bridge over Piles Creek for morning tea. This was free of leeches, but that soon changed, with increasing numbers trying to hitch a ride. The walk along Mooney Mooney Creek passed through some beautiful bush

We stopped for lunch on some leech-free rocks at the point where we had to cross Mooney Mooney Creek.

There was no helpful suspension bridge in sight, and the creek was flowing quite fast. The track could be seen continuing on the other side, but how to get there? Peter scouted out several routes across, but finally it was decided that the best route involved crossing a short fast-flowing bit with the aid of the trusty yellow tape. Dave provided the main anchor, with Peter assisting walkers to get down the slippery first part into the water and get hold of the tape. Gradually most of the group crossed here, with a few deciding one of Peter’s other routes was viable. Once across with the tape, there were still some other tricky slippery bits to negotiate. Everyone worked together, until all were safely (and maybe slightly damply) across. This was a great team effort in true Up and Downer style and especially so, as for some walkers this was their first experience of crossing a creek in this way.

After the creek crossing, the track wound steadily upwards, past Lower Mooney Mooney Creek Dam. There were more spectacular ferns and interesting fungi until we walked out to the water tanks on Reserve Rd.

The car shuffle was undone, and drinks (and crisps) were enjoyed at the Mount Penang Gardens before heading home. Thanks to all walkers for an enjoyable day on the track with great teamwork and good company.

More Photos: Contributed by: Ray, Annmarie, Helen, Hazel and Peter:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kyJcPLe3LR3LcgoQ8

MAPS – click images below to open full maps

8 walkers headed out to Portals Lookout from Glenbrook, covering around 15 km in excellent winter conditions. It was a clear, mild day with great visibility, and the track delivered early with expansive views over the Glenbrook rail tunnels and surrounding valley. The lookout provided a good vantage point to reflect on the area’s railway heritage, including early tunnel works that allowed trains negotiate the steep eastern escarpment.

The walk continued with views out toward the Nepean River and plenty of open bush to enjoy along the way. Lunch was taken at Euroka Campground beside a shaded creek, which made for a relaxed and unhurried break. Birdlife added to the day, with blue wrens and rosellas spotted around the campsite and along the track.

The walk included tackling the Lapstone Monocline, a distinctive geological feature where rock layers have been steeply folded, shaping the local terrain and escarpment profile. It was a solid but manageable climb that was rewarded with some amazing views. The group wrapped up with smoothies and coffee at Glenbrook Park, rounding out a very enjoyable day that was appreciated by all. Many thanks Julie and Garry

Eleven walkers met at Abbotsford Wharf on a beautiful clear day. We walked to the old quarantine centre used up until the 1980s, then followed the shoreline around the east side of the bay where we saw a number of wading birds on the tidal flat.

The walk follows the shoreline for quite a way until we hit the golf course where we had morning tea at the entrance. No access is provided through the golf course so we had to cross the road (Path works). At this point, 9 walkers crossed back after the golf course and 2 (including one leader, Effie) proceeded on engaged in conversation.

Eventually all came back together and we headed along the west side of the bay through parks and street walking. We had a leisurely lunch at Cabarita Park and a very short ferry ride back to Abbotsford. Thanks to everyone who participated.

An expressions of interest email about the annual weekend away will be sent out shortly

Like last year, we will stay at Glenella in Blackheath

15 walkers took on the walk from Bundeena Road towards Wattamolla Beach. 

Starting off with a car shuffle,with clear, blue winter’s day – it was perfect conditions for a stretch of the Royal National Park’s most scenic coastline. The track wound straight out through open heath, with sandstone boardwalks keeping feet dry and wide views opening to the sea almost immediately. 

From the heath the track dropped down to Little Marley, where the group stopped for morning tea on the rocks overlooking the beach 

After morning tea the group pushed on towards Wattamolla beach, having a well earned lunch break before heading to Providence Point. With views towards Wollongong

The highlight of the day, though, was the whale show. A pod of humpbacks put on an extended display – cruising along the surface, blowing, and at one point breaching with a huge fin slap 

The walk wrapped up back at Wattamolla Beach Car Park, with 11km, 150m of ups and downs,  and a front-row whale show . The day was rounded out with a well-earned coffee catch-up at Audley Weir – a relaxed end to a brilliant day.