Category Last Walk Report

Ten walkers turned out for what felt like our first summer walk of the season, despite the calendar still insisting it was spring. With temperatures reaching around 33°C in the Royal National Park, the heat was a significant factor throughout the day

The route took us down into the Hacking River valley and through magnificent rainforest, where hundreds of Cabbage Tree Palms created a lush and almost tropical atmosphere, with a peaceful stop at the junction of the Hacking River and a small tributary creek providing one of the day’s prettiest spots.

The only unexpected encounters came in the form of two dirt-bike riders, who we met first on the walking track and later again on a fire trail. They were friendly enough, although the impact of motorcycles on some sections of track was quite noticeable. One of our walkers optimistically attempted to hitch a ride with them but was some-what politely refused!

One walker sensibly decided to finish after the first loop rather than tackle the hotter afternoon section which left 9 to face the (mostly sheltered) fire trail in the afternoon.

The side trip out to Cawley’s bridge provided an opportunity to inspect the fauna retrofit works connecting Heathcote and Royal National Parks across the M1. I was very glad to see two koalas on the bridge, albeit of the stuffed toy kind. I trust our various impersonations of native wildlife (see photos) fools the ecologists who have wildlife cameras up on the bridge.

The leaders had a surprise shortcut on the back to Helensburgh through a 500 m (approx) historic railway tunnel which chopped off an entire mountain from the walk back. Despite the somewhat mucky entrance, the cool conditions inside was very welcome and the brick ‘egg’ design was also very cool.

There were no injuries, no navigational dramas and no other incidents to report. The group completed the 16km walk in good spirits, having enjoyed a varied route featuring rainforest, river scenery, wildlife habitat restoration works and some local railway history.

The day concluded in the traditional fashion with well-earned refreshments at the Helensburgh Hotel. Beautiful scenery, good company and plenty of interesting features along the way combined to make this a worthwhile new walk for our club. Thanks to all for participating.

Spending the weekend away in Blackheath provided a large number of members the opportunity to not only complete some of the wonderful range of walks available in the area but also to socialise with club members. After a convivial meal at a local hotel on the Friday evening, a good night’s sleep in our delightful accommodation and breakfast the next morning, several walks of differing levels of difficulty set off (see individual walk reports below). The self-catered dinner was excellent and generous in proportion. We took the opportunity to thank our out-going social committee for their many years of hard work and finished the evening with the performance of a number of skits.

Sunday morning was a later start with BBQ bacon and eggs before people packed up and headed off in various directions, a few to walk, many to visit the rhododendron gardens etc before heading back to Sydney.

GLOW WORM TUNNEL

The drive from Blackheath to the start of the track took 1.5 hours and turned out to be the most hazardous part of the day. Trucks from the nearby sand mining area were travelling at a speed requiring evasive action by our driver on more than one occasion. However, once we got there, the walk was an easy 6km and the glow worm display impressive. The 6 walkers enjoyed the beautiful weather and lunch at the rock fall. Fortunately, the drive home was less eventful.

WALK TO LOOKOUT TOWARDS BALD HEAD

4 walkers decided to make an easier day of it, and so opted for the walk from Hat Hill Road out to the lookout across to Bald Head, about 7km return. In the event, the track around and over the hill sections was irregular enough to make it more of a moderate walk, so we took our time. The weather was very clear and fine, and a bit windy on the exposed bits. There are beautiful views all the way out, either side of the ridge. Quite a few wildflowers were out, with the attendant native bees, butterflies and so on. We had an early lunch at the lookout , and then backtracked to our start. It’s a nice quiet track, with only one other group encountered the whole day.

BLACKHEATH FIGURE 8 WALK

The morning walk saw 8 walkers make their way to Pope’s Glen, Horseshoe falls, Govett’s Leap, Barrow Lookout and the Braeside track. After a lunch enjoyed in the sun, 7 walkers continued on to Clifftop , Centennial Glen, Colliers Causeway and Porter’s Pass. Total distance: 15 km. Fabulous weather and views.

EVANS LOOKOUT, HORSE TRACK, BLUE GUM FOREST AND PERRY’S LOOKDOWN

Starting at Evans Lookout, 6 walkers were able to view where we hoped to get down to, steel their nerves, and set off down the recently re-opened Horse Track. The track has had many steps built, making it less treacherous than previously to navigate, but the elevation drop still makes it steep. Reaching the bottom of the valley, we made our way along a pleasant track beside the river until we reached Junction Rock where we had morning tea. After that, the track became much more undulating. We stopped at the base of the Perry’s Lookdown track for lunch, and diverted to explore the river nearby and the Blue Gum Forest. Perry’s Lookdown has not got any easier, but we all made it to the top where we were delighted to find our “uber”driver waiting to transport us back to base. A challenging but satisfying day.

PULIP ROCK TO GOVETT’S LEAP

It was a delight to find the track into Pulpit Rock open again after a lengthy closure. The viewing platforms have had new railings installed and the very lowest platform is no longer accessible. 4 walkers enjoyed the still magnificent views and took advantage of the gorgeous weather to walk on to Govett’s Leap. The wildflowers were abundant and various.

Another beautiful spring day except for some smoke haze from hazard reduction burns. Thought we were going to have the Fantastic Fifteen initially, but that dropped to the Fabulous Fourteen, and then to the Dynamic Dozen and eventually the Energetic Eleven by the time we set off.

From Mosman Bay UP and UP steps and paths to a ridge top and then down the other side to Sirius Park. On leaving there we saw signage telling us that the section of path just before the Zoo wharf was closed due to construction work and that a street diversion would be required. We pushed on to admire the harbour views from Little Sirius Point before back tracking to tackle some more UP to circumambulate the Zoo via streets instead of foreshore.

Soon took the track down past Athol Hall and back on to foreshore track to Bradley’s Head where morning tea was enjoyed.

Continued on to Chowder Bay where 2 of our number took an early departure leaving the Nifty Nine to enjoy the recently improved track past Obelisk Beach and fortifications, some back to 1801, before a top lunch spot on Middle Head.

Made our way back past the naval hospital and then onto track through great angophoras to the stairs down to Balmoral Beach. One of the group decided to miss Balmoral and return to Mosman from that point but the Edgy Eight were enticed by the mention of ice-creams (or coffee) at Balmoral. All enjoyed their refreshments before 2 buses back to our starting point.

Should have been about 12km, but track closure brought it to 13.5km. Many thanks to all for an enjoyable day. And for some of us, the satisfying achievement of a successful tick removal from the back of the head of one of our group

With the planned Mt. Murray Anderson walk – Duffeys Forest (Plan A) at risk of not going ahead due to a planned Hazard Reduction on Sunday, Plan B (West Head: Salvation, Wallaroo & Yeomans Tracks circuit) was put in place on Thursday just in case. After a recce on Friday to check the track head at the start of the planned (A) walk, both plans were then stifled late on Friday with a Total Fire Ban closing National Parks in Sydney.

OK, Plan C was now needed. Justin came to the rescue late Friday, suggesting Palm Beach to Avalon. With maps checked, track recording loaded and now a 3^rd set of sign-on sheets done, we had a plan. Messages sent out, thankfully 14 of the registered walkers were keen and available.

Meeting at Avalon, we caught the 199 bus to Palm Beach. Heading north the plan was to climb up to Barrenjoey lighthouse. Oops, another park closed meant that was a no-go. Off to the beach, then north along the beach to touch the rock, then we turned south for a bit more sand walking. The breeze meant it was not so hot thankfully.  The 10.5km or so along beaches, several roads, views of the ocean and a couple of hills and headlands to climb on the way, brought us to our finish at Avalon about 12:30pm. Lunch on the steps outside the surf club, then most headed off to the Avalon Bowlo for drinks.

Thanks to all for your company and good spirits.

Peter

A reflective perspective as we approach Avalon

Unfortunately the Cowan to Berowra walk reported here was a bit much for some of us, many of whom are recovering/recuperating/just not fit enough! But the day was too good to waste so we enjoyed an easier ramble on some of the tracks. First up to the well maintained and explained aboriginal engravings site off the Basin Track and then to the Bairne Track.

Morning tea (a little late) at Longnose Point Lookout overlooking upper reaches of Pittwater then on to Soldiers Point for great views northwards for our lunch break.

Great wildflowers, a swamp wallaby, good company (the people, not the swamp wallaby!). Refreshments enjoyed at Terrey Hills Tavern. Well done all.

Our day began at Berowra Station, where a train delay gave us plenty of time to socialise and soak up the morning sunshine. After meeting our final walker at Cowan, we noticed a massive hiking group heading for the same track. To stay ahead of the crowd, we did a quick introduction circle and hit the trail at a brisk pace.

The conditions were perfect: dry tracks, stable footing, and a beautiful display of seasonal wildflowers lining the route. We paused for morning tea on a sunny ridge, taking in the spectacular valley views.

After a brief stop at Berowra Waters, we tackled the long, seemingly endless climb up the ridge. A well-deserved lunch break near the summit fueled us for the next stretch down the valley and back up to the stunning Naa Badu Lookout.

After conquering one final hill, we arrived back in Berowra with excellent timing, wrapping up a fantastic day with cold drinks at Club Berowra.

Walkers: Wendy LR, Justin, Jas, Karina, Gary and Julie.

A lovely sunny and warm winter’s day greeted 4 enthusiastic walkers in South Turramurra. We quickly set off, passing Auluba Oval and the Wetlands on Nancy Bird Avenue before joining the S.T.E.P. Track at Ulm Avenue. A quick visit to the STEP track lookout then continuing to the Lane Cove River, we turned to head NW along the Lane Cove Valley Walk / The Great North Walk. It was not long before we left that track to head West up the Devlins Creek Trail to Whale Rock.

Continuing, we soon diverted from the Day Rd exit to Cheltenham, turning North onto the Kurrajong Walking Track to Pennant Hills Park. Talk about traffic! So much sport happening and so many cars. It’s much quieter on a Friday.

After a loo break, we exited the sporting chaos back into the quiet bush, heading east in the gully below Baden Powell Scout Camp.

We soon found the turnoff to City View Lookout and headed out there for morning tea. The seat in the tree with a view, has been upgraded and was very comfy (leader privilege?)

We decided the new tall buildings to our SE were at Macquarie Park, with Chatswood to the left and a distant Harbour Bridge just poking up above the horizon in the centre of those.

Group and distant photos taken, we headed back for 60m to then take the shortcut eastward back down the hill to cross the Lane Cove River and join the Great North Walk once again. We were now heading SE towards South Turramurra. After a couple of creek crossings, we were soon passing the Devlins Creek turnoff & the Canoon Rd exit to find ourselves at Browns Waterhole. Thinking about lunch spots, we headed up the hill to turn right onto the minor track passing the pipeline. Back onto The Great North Walk, we now headed east, skirting the southern parts of South Turramurra. Lunch on the track in the sun and then after continuing for a short while, we exited onto Maxwell Street to eventually end up at Vertical Café for afternoon tea where Jenny joined us. Another short stroll through the bush found us finishing at the cars on Vernon St.

Many thanks to Wendy LR, Marilia & Fernando for a nice day out.

Peter T

Distance covered was 15.45km, a little more than the planned 14.5km.

After a week of glorious late winter weather it was somewhat disappointing that Saturday dawned grey and overcast (just as forecast!).

But 7 determined walkers gathered at the end of White Cross Rd Winmalee and optimistically set off. Shaw’s Ridge trail was quite busy with local runners/walkers/cyclists but forest very healthy and wildflowers starting to appear.

Once down to Blue Gum Swamp Creek, the beautiful eucalypts impressed all. Turning onto Bees Nest Hill Trail, the pace reduced as the slope increased! Turning right onto Springwood Ridge Trail we were soon at Grose Head South Lookout for morning tea with great views over the river valley below.

All opted to continue on to Grose Head South trig point. This is a short but challenging clamber in both directions. One walker decided part way was enough, others all persisted. There is a walkers’ log book in a plastic container there, but as it was totally saturated we couldn’t add a record of our visit!

Now to return to the lookout point and the challenging clamber delivered a nasty dive for one of us but thankfully no major drama, just lots of antiseptic and large bandaids!

Not the best lunch location, but as we’d lost some time and it was now an intermittent drizzle, we paused for lunch at the intersection of Springwood Ridge Trail and Bees Nest Hill Trail then carefully made our way down Bees Nest Hill and turned right onto Blue Gum Swamp Trail. This section of the walk is beautiful forest and there were many many birds.

Back at cars at 2.15pm and group decided to grace the Lapstone Inn with our presence. Group remarked it was an interesting combination: 3 women, 4 men. And drink selections were 6 coffees to 1 Guinness (for the injured party)! Spot beside the fire was very pleasant. Thanks to all for stepping up to the challenges that the day presented. Val and David

Even as a bushwalking club, it’s nice to occasionally take a break from the bush and head to the coast for a refreshing change. We couldn’t have asked for a better day, with perfect, warm weather providing ideal conditions for our coastal adventure.

We began the walk on the beach near North Narrabeen SLSC, where we were fortunate to find a stretch of firm sand near the outgoing tide. We followed the beach for approximately 3.8 km until reaching Collaroy. There were major works happening here including reconstructing 70 metres of damaged seawall, upgrading stormwater drainage and rebuilding beach access stairs.

We then joined the Dee Why to Curl Curl coastal walk. The weathered and rocky track slowed our progress a little over approximately 1.5 km, but the section offered some marvellous coastal lookouts along the way.

A previously undiscovered exit, at least by the leader, took us out to the aptly named ‘Don’t Jump Rock’, where we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the views. In bushwalking, this is known as either excellent route-finding or getting lucky. It certainly appeared to live up to its rather dramatic name!

From Collaroy, we made our way up to Long Reef Headland for morning tea, enjoying sweeping views both up and down the coastline. There were plenty of fishermen out on the water, as well as several anglers making use of the rocks below the headland.

After morning tea, we continued past the stunning Long Reef Golf Course and down onto Long Reef Beach. Here we received an unexpected surprise – Dee Why Lagoon was open!

Fortunately, the tide was going out, so we took advantage of the opportunity to remove our shoes and socks and wade across.

Naturally, once we had gone that far, someone decided walking barefoot was now a perfectly legitimate hiking technique so we continued barefoot along Dee Why Beach until reaching the Dee Why Concourse, where footwear was put firmly back on.

At North Curl Curl 2 walkers took their pre-arranged exit, demonstrating the highly advanced bushwalking skill of knowing when to leave before the leader finds another obstacle, while the remainder of the group continued along the full length of Curl Curl Beach. We then followed the boardwalk around the Freshwater/Harbord Headland before enjoying more sand walking along Freshwater Beach.

The final challenge was a steep climb over Queenscliff, followed by the descent to the Manly Concourse and The Corso, marking the end of our 15.5 km coastal walk. The leader had promised there wouldn’t be much sand walking. In hindsight, this may have been an overly optimistic assessment of the route, as the group did spend a considerable portion of the day becoming very familiar with the beach.

By Manly, the group had well and truly earned a gelato. Unfortunately, half of Sydney appeared to have had exactly the same idea, so we decided to head straight to the bus for the journey back to our cars. Half way into our journey the bus driver gave a standing oration of the reasons behind industrial action being taken by the RTBU in the Northern Beaches and lower North Shore. The union argues that the privatisation of public transport networks has forced drivers to “do more with less” to protect corporate profits at the expense of employee welfare. He did seem very frustrated and we gave him a hearty applause.

The day was then rounded off with drinks and a relaxing catch-up at the Narrabeen Sands Hotel – the traditional and scientifically proven treatment for 15+ km of walking.

Overall, it was an enjoyable and varied coastal walk, combining beaches, headlands, rocky tracks, lookouts and a few unexpected adventures along the way. The excellent weather and good company made it a particularly enjoyable day out.

Walkers: Wendy LR, Loic, Jas, Pauline, Pragati, Fernando, Effie, Chris, Iren, David and Val. Distance: 15.5 km. Walking time: 4 hours 40 minutes. Total time: 5 hours 30 minutes.