Wednesday 17 July 2019
Photos by Tom
Today’s walk commenced at Pebbly Beach, where around 1900 Francis Guy started up his 3rd timber mill. Now in this popular National Park there is little to remind us of the lives of those hardworking timber getters and their families, many of whom lived in small cottages surrounding the Mill.
Apparently at the Mill there was a small tram track across the creek to help bring the logs to the mill. Once the logs were cut ready for loading, bullock teams took the logs back along that track to the northern end of the beach. Loading onto the awaiting ships was done by flying fox. The Mill closed in 1920. Stand still today and the silence may be broken by the call of a lyrebird.
Our walk took us north as we were heading for Snake Bay. The National Parks have constructed tracks in this area, which makes the walking easy, though there are quite a few “ups and downs” involving many steps, as you head north. We took a short side track out to Clear Point, and were delighted to catch sight of dolphins and the breaching of a whale. Before heading down into Snake Bay itself we took a little “detour” and walked a short distance along a very overgrown barely discernible old road, no doubt an old logging road. It seems to me that where ever you walk in the forest along the south coast you are likely to see a reminder that timber was a valuable resource to the early settlers.
Another great walk, another look back into the history of this area.
Mary