Web Editor | BATEMANS BAY BUSHWALKERS INC.

Benandarah Forest

17 April 2022 Web Editor

Thursday 14 April 2022

Bush bashing

Lunch on the road (literally)

Exploring the old gold mine site

The well hidden disused plantation

Photos courtesy of Rodney

This walk was a reworked version of an old walk through the logged State Forest in Benandarah just west of the Princes Highway. The group met up in bright sunshine and, although the area had seen three dry days, evidence of the recent record rainfall was everywhere. Normally dry trail bike tracks were muddy and slippery, and creeks usually filled with quiet stagnant pools required significant jumps. But most of all, the low storey undergrowth in the off track sections was thick and luscious. As a consequence, although the walk was only 8.5 kms, the bush bashing and slippery hills made it seem longer and more strenuous.

After a start along Shannons Road, the group turned onto bike trails and soon after were bush bashing through shoulder height regrowth in order to cross between valleys. We visited what we believe is an old gold mine site, freshly discovered on a recce only two days previously and, with careful navigation, did manage to reach the old (and now disused) marijuana plantation in one of the valleys. It is an interesting area, seemingly not burned in the recent catastrophic fires, but certainly burnt, probably from back-burning in previous years.

All in all, a pleasant morning out in an area which offers many opportunities for further exploration.

Rodney

Narooma to Mystery Bay

1 April 2022 Web Editor

Saturday 26 March 2022

Glasshouse Rocks

Unique spotted gum

Gloving up for the rock climbs

Rock ‘hoppers’

Couldn’t get around rocks so up and over

And well and truly over

Headland with Montague Island in background

The crew

Wet feet

Photos courtesy of Tom

Four club walkers enjoyed a 13km hike from Narooma to Mystery Bay along the coast. The track taken followed the coastline exactly and being low tide meant we were able to skirt around the headlands and along the beaches.

Some of the headlands had wave-cut platforms that were easy to traverse but most involved ‘cliff climbing’ as the accompanying photos document. The toughest was at Bogola Head, which club walkers may know from our Nargal Lake walk. Our walk leader Barry had not done this headland before so each time we rounded one section of cliff we wondered if the ocean was going to force us to backtrack. But once on the grassy cliff top, we could admire the views of Montague Island and the nearby mansion surrounded by its fields.

We also had two creek crossings as both Corunna and Nangudga Lakes were open to the ocean.

The final section of the walk took us through the Mystery Bay campground, site of the old velodrome built in 1892. This bicycle track has been long abandoned but is still mown by the Park Service so you can walk its circular track.

This is definitely a very scenic but tough walk. While there was some steep climbs and wading needed, we made it through and felt proud of our efforts.

Rob

Square Head

29 March 202229 March 2022 Web Editor

Wednesday 23 March 2022

Leader Joan talking with Sim and Bob as the group ‘regroup’

Thought to be Ghost Fungus (that is florescent in the dark) – but no one came back at night to check!

Heading through the bush and checking for leeches

Photos courtesy of Mary

Thirteen members and 5 visitors joined Joan who led a walk along bush tracks on Square Head.

Rain threatened yet another of our walks but our leader decided to proceed with the morning’s activity.

We set out under overcast skies and moderate temperatures through pretty bush land encountering leeches and a few mosquitos along the way. Fungi on the side of the track were an interesting feature that had the cameras clicking away.

A number of kangaroos, a well-known group of local inhabitants, greeted us as we neared our cars. One very large male towered over the group and was given a wide berth.

Thank you Joan for a very pleasant morning.

Mary

Murramarang Experience

24 March 2022 Web Editor

Sunday 20 March 2022

Happy group by ‘the big tree’

Measuring ‘the big tree’

Shell layers visible in the eroded dune

Enjoying the sunshine at Richmond Beach

Rob with the discovery of the glass float

Eriochilus Orchid spied next to the track

The beautiful twisted spotted gums of the Murramarang

Leaving tracks on the way to Mrytle Beach

Rob giving a talk on the geological features at Dark Beach

Signs of work for the new Murramarang South Coast Track

Remains of indigenous shelters

Photos courtesy of Amanda, Karen, and Peter

Sixteen hikers enjoyed a 12km hike through the Murramarang National Park. After all the rain we have had, this day was all sunshine and a perfect hiking day. There were quite a few leeches down along the creek line but once we climbed up the hills they were gone.

I thought I had seen all the sights in this area but our leader Geoff, a local in the Durras area, showed us some features that were new to me.

I learnt that the huge spotted gum on Beach Road has a circumference of over eight metres which means the tree predates Captain Cook’s voyage up the east coast of Australia and is close to 400 years old.

On the headland at Richmond Beach, we saw indigenous shelters made with tea-tree branches that Geoff informed us were recently made by elders educating the younger generations of their cultural heritage.

Further along the track he showed us spotted gums that had scars from the extraction of surface wood to make coolamon bowls.

At Richmond Beach, the recent heavy rainfall flowing down the creek to the sea eroded a sand dune revealing shell layers in a soil profile that may date back 5000 years.

There was also an old glass float used by fisherman, washed ashore there. Given that most floats these days are Styrofoam it left us wondering how long this object had been afloat at sea before reaching shore.

I am sure this area has lots of other features to show us so I will await Geoff’s next walk.

Rob

North Durras Highlights

21 March 2022 Web Editor

Thursday 17 March 2022

Moving around an obstacle on the Lovells Pass easement ‘track’

Karen and Denise crossing one of the rebuilt bridges in the Discovery Trail

Erika braves the leeches to pose by the large fallen tree on the Discovery Trail

A friendly hitchhiker

Not tying shoelaces – this was the clearing leeches station.

Morning tea on the shores of Lake Durras

Heading out from the Discovery Trail (leaving the leeches behind)

The group emerging onto North Durras Beach

Crossing the sands to the Burrawang Walking Track up to Point Upright

The ladies at Depot Beach Lookout

Photos courtesy of Karen G, Helen, and Peter

Today was meant to be the Mt. Bushwalker walk, but with the recent rains, the access road to the track was closed. Rather than cancel yet another walk, the North Durras Highlights walk was moved forward to fill in. This did mean the club would be having three walks in the Murramarang NP in quick succession, but there is always something to see in the Park and 11 walkers took up the opportunity.

Whilst we were pretty sure we would not get rain; it was going to be wet underfoot and indeed it was – a walk for walking boots, not runners.

The first part of the walk was almost Kokoda like – up to Lovells Pass on an old disused easement track; hardly (probably never) used for walking. It was overgrown and full of obstacles. We bashed through wet foliage and clambered over, and under, fallen trees to reach the top. But that was not the real concern. It was the leeches! Surprised and excited to have some passing traffic, they came out in force – grabbing onto us at every opportunity. None escaped their company; and as we emerged at the top at the side the road there was a mad rush to get those buggers off!

Once composed, we headed to Lake Road and down to the entrance of the Discovery Trail. The Discovery Trail had been closed for months, being badly burnt during the fires with the infrastructure of the viewing platforms all destroyed. National Parks recently reopened the trail with the track and bridges rebuilt, but there is still lot more to be done – and even more so now as the recent storms have layered the trail with fallen trees. Still, it was a pleasant walk through southern rainforest with nice views from the top. Of course, the combination of rainforest, recent rains and humidity had the leeches out again. No one dared stop too long to enjoy the views or even to take a photograph for fear of being attacked.

Morning tea was had on the shore of the inland side of Durras Lake, the water a muddy brown from the recent flooding, but still a good spot to rest. No leeches except those that had hitchhiked on our boots. From there we headed out past the caravan parks to pick up an old fisherman’s track to emerge onto North Durras Beach in bright sunshine. The ocean was an inviting blue – so inviting in fact one of our party took the opportunity to take a quick dip.

Then came the real test – the climb up to Point Upright. Remarkably the Burrawang Walking Track up the headland was in pretty good nick despite the rains, except for a great almighty gum that had fallen, completely blocking the beach end of the track, as if to say “thou shalt not pass” – but we did! Again, no dilly dallying there. Some poor animal had met its maker when that tree fell – and its stench filled the air.

Lunch was at Point Upright lookout, one of the best views in the area. There we met two other hikers who were enjoying the solitude of the spot. Oh well, they were very gracious when we invaded their space. At one point we thought they might even join us for the rest of the walk.

From Point Upright it was a short walk to Depot Beach village. The usual photo opportunity at the Depot Beach Lookout was taken, and then to the cars.

It certainly was an eventful trek, and although it was a distance of only 12kms, all of us believed it was definitely “a good 12 kms”.

Peter

Mt Hotham/Dinner Plain Camp

9 March 202210 March 2022 Web Editor

Sunday 28 February 2022 – Saturday 5 March 2022

The Mount Hotham/ Dinner Plains Camp was held between Sunday 27 February and Saturday 6 March 2022. Nineteen members from the BBBW attended and enjoyed fine weather for the five full days of walking, where eleven walks were on offer.

The walks varied in difficulty from Hard / Medium to Medium / Easy, but each came with its challenges, whether that was the many uphills (and downhills) or just the snakes, of which there were many, apparently.

Those attending have praised the work of the organisers, Barry and Jill and assisted by Rob and special thanks must go to them; and of course, those that volunteered to lead the walks.

Many of the campers have submitted photographs and accounts from each day’s walking, which have been attempted to be captured in the Camp Report below. Thanks to those contributing photographs – Donna F, Amanda, Barry, Karen G, Helen, Ian and Rob and to those providing walk reports – Barry, Jill, Rachael, Rob, Karen, Helen, Lin, Ian, and Brian.

Planning at Dinner Plain Camp

Friendly Tiger Snakes were common sights

DAY 1 — Monday 28 February 2022

There were three walks on offer- Spargo Hut, Brabralung Trail and Silver Brumby Hut.

Spargo Hut

The medium/hard option was the 15 km walk to Spargo Hut via Mt Loch and Derrick Hut, taken on by eight walkers, led by Barry.

One of Barry’s first warnings was ‘beware of snakes’ which proved apt, as soon discovered by Rachael, when in a bit of a compromising situation – according to Lin’s walk report. And this was not the last tiger snake to be seen that day, with reports mentioning two other such sightings.

The walkers enjoyed low alpine plants, some in flower as they walked over Mt Loch to Derrick Hut with views back over the Razorback Track to Mt. Feathertop. After Derrick Hut they backtracked to find Barry’s track to Spargo Hut, which had apparently improved in the 10 years since Barry had last walked it. It was now a well-defined downhill trail – even whipper-snipped in places.

Spargo Hut was well worth ‘a look-see’ being an old rusty corrugated iron hut with great old artefacts still in place. The group lunched by Swindlers Creek, with some taking the opportunity for a swim. A welcome bridge was also a new addition, that Barry marvelled at. Things then hotted up with the sun now out, as the walkers took on the steep grade until Cobungra Ditch, and then up again to the Hotham Alpine Village, where a cool drink at ‘The General Store’ was welcomed by all.

Spargo Hut

Inside Spargo Hut

Lunch at Swindler’s Creek

Brabralung Trail

A slightly easier option had eight walkers, led by Jill, take on the Brabralung Trail from Mt Hotham to Dinner Plain – about 13 kms in all. The trail followed an ancient indigenous pathway which is now a well-maintained compacted gravel trail, being a shared walking, cycling, and running track. The trail meandered through snow gum woodland, wetland bogs and open snow grassy plains with wildflowers abundant, including the grass-leaf trigger plant. The group enjoyed great panoramic views of the high country along the way from Wire Plain, Whiskey Flat and JB Plain with the group taking a visit to the old JB Plain Hut.

Group – Brabralung Track walk

Ready to go

Through the snow gums

Silver Brumby Hut

Four walkers set off on a 6km trek to visit the Silver Brumby Hut, scene of the iconic 1993 movie, ‘The Silver Brumby’, starring Russell Crowe. The original hut built for the movie was burnt in a bushfire and was later rebuilt. The hut is located next to Swindlers Creek which provided a scenic backdrop for lunch.

Swindlers Creek

Gillian, Karen and Ed pretending they were part of the 1993 onsite film crew at Swindlers Creek

Silver Brumby Hut

DAY 2 – Tuesday 1 March 2022

There were two walks on offer -a 12 km medium walk to the Tabletop Mountain cliff face and back, and an easier option – but still 15 kms, following the trail to Carmichael Falls, Precipice Creek Plain, and the Montane Track to return.

Tabletop Mountain Track

Tabletop Mountain is a remnant small mesa of basalt capping near Dinner Plain. It is 1600 m asl.

Eleven walkers, led by Barry, set out from JB Plain Hut on a foot track through the grass, marked with orange triangle markers, to pick up the Tabletop Mountain Track Head. The trail then led across relatively flat open grassland before diving into snow gum. After a short 200 mtr drop to a saddle with a nearby creek, the track slowly climbed 200 mtrs up and onto the approximately 10-hectare flat top of the mountain. The grass sward was thick and, in places, shoulder high so it was found useful to stick to what appeared to be a foot track rather than try to bush bash (or as Ian’s report questioned, maybe ‘grass bash’?). The track ends at a broken low cliff line of basalt that surrounds the mountain, giving very good views, particularly to the east.

From there the walkers could see the whole area is a patchwork of past bushfires post 2003. Much of the fire was intense and, in some places, there being a total tree kill. The walkers enjoyed lunch at the cliff top before retracing their steps back to camp.

Tuesday’s group at Mt Tabletop

Barry on the cliff face

Carmichael Falls and the Precipice Plain / Montane Track

Six walkers led by Ed, took on an easier option from camp by following the walking trail from Dinner Plains to Carmichael Falls. Initially the walk traversed a wide track behind settlement houses, before commencing down a steep 700 m path that was made a bit slippery from overnight rain. It was early morning and the group enjoyed walking in avenues of attractive lichen covered gums, shrouded in the morning mist. At the end of the trail, they were greeted by a platform to view the falls, twin cascades over a basalt cliff, and the valley beyond.

After returning up the path to the beginning of their descent, the walkers set off on the Precipice Plain Walk to a terrific lookout point across the remote Dargo Valley. They perched on a small rocky outcrop to enjoy morning tea amid low growing alpine grasses and a section of dead alpine trees that have sadly not recovered from bushfire.

They then returned along the Montane Walking track, through tall alpine grasses, which included board walk sections, and were delighted when they spotted a table in cleared (mowed) grass. A perfect venue to enjoy lunch. After lunch, a Copper Head snake was spotted blocking their path on the boardwalk but was soon moved on. Then crossing onto private land – surrounded by National Park they followed a narrow, winding, undulating path – the prettiest section of the walk with lots of wildflowers and grasses and attractive stands of alpine trees, as they returned to camp.

Carmichael Falls Track

Helen on the Carmichael Falls track

Carmichael Falls

DAY 3 — Wednesday 2 March 2022

There were three walks on offer this day. A revisit to Mt Tabletop, a medium / hard walk up Mt Blue Rag, and a hard walk to Mt Feathertop and back.

Tabletop Mountain Track (revisited)

Today four walkers, who were not keen on taking on the harder walks offered that day ‘gaitered’ up to follow the track to Mount Tabletop cliff top, as the previous group had done the day before.

After direction from Rob as to where was the actual start of the walk, which was far from clear, they headed off to the cliff top – not to be disappointed!

With Ed on the GPS, it was a relatively straight forward walk out and back to Mt Tabletop. The group reached their destination, albeit with some slippery slopes and craggy rocks to traverse to get there, but with wet trousers, they enjoyed the great views on offer- celebrating (according to Helen’s report) with a chocolate treat.

The walkers reported that although fires in 2003 and 2020 had badly burnt some areas (including the view) some trees and shrubs were fighting back, but it was the grass that had definitely won the battle!

The walkers gave thanks to Martin for making the walk happen, Ed for being GPS master, and Karen for keeping the group together on this good 5 hour walk.

Heading out to Mt. Tabletop

Wednesday’s group at Mt. Tabletop

Spectacular views

Spectacular views-can see the bushfire damage

Mt Blue Rag

Four hikers set off to tackle the 16 km medium/ hard Mt Blue Rag track. This is a famous 4WD track that follows the crestline of the hills for 8 kms before plunging 1000 m downhill to the Wongungarra River. The group wisely decided on avoiding the last section. Still, they started this walk thinking it would be a ‘pleasant crestline stroll’ but soon realised there were some serious hills, which explains the 4WD interest. Donna survived a few kms of these before wisely electing to return to the car. Rob, Ian, and Lin doggedly proceeded on, with the intent to reach Trig 1718. There was bit of bravado between Ian and Rob as they headed off as in a race. But as the accompanying photos show the reality of the return journey involved very steep hills that almost did the three walkers in. Still, they did get some great views in all directions on the journey and can happily say they ticked that ‘bucket list’ entry off. Amusingly the group met seven serious 4WD vehicles who, whilst admiring their effort for walking up and back to the trig station, thought them mad, considering there was a perfectly good road to drive there!

Rob, Ian and Lin with still a way to go!

The race to Trig 1718

Ian and Lin enjoying the spectacular views on the Mt Blue Rag walk

The reality of the homeward slog

Mt Feathertop

Five intrepid walkers set out from Diamantina Hut, fully clothed to address the 30 km/hr + winds on the open and exposed ridge lines that took them on one of the most spectacular walks in Australia.

Although initial conditions were uncomfortable, the group soon settled into a pattern that allowed them to enjoy the famous scenery that Razorback Ridge offered. The sidewards breeze of considerable strength kept them cool and the flies away, whilst spotty rain allowed them to make full use of their wet weather gear.
The group quickly moved from spur to spur with caution on the ridgelines. They were occasionally blown by the wind sweeping across the saddles and happy to take brief stops in the shelter of the trees. The spirit of the group lifted as they continued to get closer to the base of M. Feathertop.

Lunch was experienced at the Cross, which can boast one of the most beautiful gums on the track. A few visited the hut prior to the ascent. Whilst the 1.5 km ascent looked daunting, with the happy chat and full tummies, it was knocked off quickly. The group also could not believe their luck at the top at the 1922 m summit of Mt Feathertop. They had clear views that allowed them to see Mt Buffalo and all the surrounding hills, mountains, and the valley on a 360 rotation. They could even sit among the daisies out of the wind, to be present in the moment. They then began the descent and retraced their steps back over the ridgelines with the sun occasionally joining them and the wind dropping. They covered over 24 km, 870 mtr elevation and were a very tired and satisfied group at trek’s end.

Summit of Feathertop

Descending from the summit of Mt Feathertop

DAY 4 — 3 March 2022

There was only one walk on offer today – the Cobungra Ditch Track

Cobungra Ditch Track

Ten walkers from the camp went out for this 13 km trek – billed as ‘medium’ difficulty.

Starting beside the Great Alpine Road near Mt Hotham, the ten walkers descended via the Davenport Access through light mist, before turning onto the Cobungra Ditch Track.

For the next 10 kms, the group followed the course of an abandoned water race, a ruin from the gold mining era of the district. It once provided water for the hydraulic sluicing operations of the Cobungra Gold Mining Company.

It was flat and easy walking, soft and grassy underfoot and a welcome change for the many tired legs caused by some challenging walks in the previous three days. As the group ambled along behind leader Rodney, there was time to admire the views across to Hotham Heights and the surrounding hills and to marvel at the remarkable engineering feat that this water race represents.

Beginning in December 1883, 120 men toiled for eighteen months, mostly with pick and shovel, to complete the project. Today “The Ditch” remains as an important monument to the district’s pioneers.

Morning tea was taken on the track and later the group enjoyed lunch and relaxed at picturesque Murphy’s Creek. As usual, there was plenty of chat and photography as they moved onto the Brandy Creek Mine access road and took a last steep ascent to the cars.

Misty morning start

Taking a break

Cobungra Ditch

Lunch

Caution sign for what?

DAY 5 — Friday 4 March 2022

Two walks were on offer today both bearing the name “Dibbins Hut”- one was “long” – 15 kms and billed ‘hard’ and one was “short” – 10 kms and billed ‘medium’. The short one is also now called the Derrick Hut walk.

Dibbins Hut (long)

Only four of the campers were prepared to brave this 15 km walk that included a 1.5 km descent and ascent covering 1000 m.

The first few kilometres retraced previously walked ground. After a quick stop at Derrick Hut and meeting the first of the ultramarathon runners training that day, the team continued along a scenic ridge adorned by many beautiful gums. Martin was very surprised to meet a tiger snake – not because it was on the track, but because it was at shoulder height, as it chased the insects on top of the bushes. Thankfully, it moved on quickly.

The group then continued to begin the long descent down to the Cobungra River plains and the restored Dibbins Hut. Whilst the log hut heralded the chance for a few photos, it was the draw of a swim in the river that led to lunch being had, with an ice-cold restorative swim. It was here the walkers again met their ultramarathon runner, who had been up the other side and back and was on her way home. Who can really do that? She shared her photos of the brumbies but left with the walkers pondering changing their tactics and also attempting a run to the top of the hill – leading to much heavy breathing and a quick rethink. Then to their surprise two more runners emerged from the bushes, had a quick chat, and then trotted off to the ascent. Inspired by the feats of these newly made friends and after wetting their shirts, twice in 200 metres, the group attempted yet another jog along the plain.

A quick evaluation, though, highlighted the unenviable fitness of these marathon runners, and the walkers were happy now to just methodically climb out of the valley. Their new found friends had lightened the mood and the absurdity of their endeavours added to euphoria in the group, and made for a happy and laughter filled return journey back to the car-park for the last day of the camp. Thanks again Barry for an amazing walk filled with joy.

Cooling off swim in the Cobungra River near Dibbins Hut

Views just before the 300m descent to Dibbins Hut

Majestic old Snow Gum

Looking out across to Mt Feathertop

Kings of the Castle

Dibbins Hut (short) AKA the Derrick Hut walk

Nine keen medium walkers joined the four (die) hard walkers to check out Derrick Hut and surrounds on a beautiful sunny day. The ‘hard’ walkers soon showed what they were made of and set off ahead as their goal was a good bit further and steeper beyond the medium walkers’ planned destination. The medium walkers made their way on a fire trail, then on paths past ski tows and way markers for cross country skiers, and past stands of wind stunted snow gums interspersed with wildflowers.

The modern Derrick Hut, complete with a loo-with-a-view made for a great rest spot. The hut is named after Charles Derrick a well-known local who unfortunately died after getting caught out in a snowstorm.

The group continued towards the steep valley where the others had gone ahead to see Dibbins Hut but this trek for the medium walkers was curtailed when leader Rob received a phone call from Barry (leading the hard walkers) to advise they had a close encounter with a large tiger snake.

Preferring to avoid any trouble the group turned back to Derrick Hut early. As consolation, Rob suggested a detour to Mount Loch which four of the group took up. It was a lovely hill with excellent views, a survey marker, diverse flora, and a far too friendly wolf spider. As usual the Razorback and Mt Buffalo range dominated the horizons. Returning to the cars the group had clocked up 15 kms on this 10 km walk.

Rob on Mt Loch with Feathertop in the distance

Group at Derrick Hut.

Derrick Hut

END

Mt. Hotham / Dinner Plain Camp – a brief update

4 March 20224 March 2022 Web Editor

Friday 4 March 2022

While we have had to dodge massive downfalls of rain over the last week with two of our scheduled walks being ‘adjourned’, I am pleased to report our walkers at the Mt Hotham / Dinner Plain Camp, seemed to have missed most of the rain. They have been out walking all days this week – a few are already sending in photos and reports – and they are not even back yet!

From all accounts the camp is going well, and everyone is enjoying themselves although tired after 10-20 km hikes in hilly country each day. The walks have ranged from ‘somewhat easy’ to ‘not so easy’. The groups have been out exploring the Alpine country on tracks with such great names as ‘Silver Brumby Hut’, ‘Tabletop Mountain’, ‘Cobungra Ditch’, ‘Mt Blue Rag’, and ‘Carmichael Falls & Precipice Plain’.

So, to ‘whet’ your appetite for when the rest of us can get out there walking, when it is not ‘wet’, here is a small selection of photographs on the happenings so far around Dinner Plain.

A full report on the Mt Hotham / Dinner Plain Camp, of course, will be posted upon the walkers’ return next week. In the meantime, enjoy.

Peter

Planning at Dinner Plain Camp

Brabralung Track

Cobungra Ditch Walk

Carmichael Falls and Precipice Plain

Mt. Blue Rag Track

Silver Brumby Hut Walk

Tabletop Mountain Walk

Photos courtesy of Karen G and Donna F

Narrawallee Nature Reserve

28 February 20222 March 2022 Web Editor

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Avoiding the ‘small’ puddles

Taking off the wet weather gear

Cicada shells

Being sure-footed

Narrawallee Inlet

Fungi near the lunch spot

A wild and beautiful spot

Rockhopping on Buckleys Beach

Rare native Hibiscus

Photos courtesy of Philip, Erika, Amanda and Karen

Narrawallee Creek Nature Reserve is an hour’s drive north of Batemans Bay, but it’s worth it to walk through some different vegetation, geology and history. The day threatened rain, but not to be deterred, and dressed in every piece of wet weather gear imaginable, 5 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers took the Mangrove Track towards Narrawallee Creek. The rain didn’t eventuate, so 2 km in, we stopped to take our rain gear off again. The Mangrove Track is low lying and was quite boggy. This whole area was very badly burned in the fires, and is taking some time to recover. Pre fires, this track was fringed by head high Tassel Cord Rush (Baloskion tetraphyllum) – now just starting to push through again.

The Mangrove Track emerges on Buckleys Beach at the creek entrance, which is a beautiful calm, clear swimming spot. There was once a wooden bridge spanning this inlet to transport silica from the nearby mine to Narrawallee Beach. The walk then heads north along the beach, which is liberally sprinkled with tiny shells, to the fascinating rocky outcrop at Buckleys Point. Here our in-house geologist pointed out fossilised worm holes and tunnels in the sandstone underfoot.

Turning inland we followed the route of an old tramway built to transport silica from the quarry to the bridge. This joined the Silica Ridge Trail which passes through the old quarry. The silica mined here from 1926 was originally used to line the blast furnaces at Port Kembla steelworks, and then used as roadbase. There’s a cutting where you can see the volcanic basalt overlying the silica band, and there’s still plenty of silica lying along the track.

From there it was a short walk back to the start. On the way we found a rare native hibiscus flower called Hibiscus richardsonii. This plant was rarely, if ever seen on the south coast, but after the bushfires it popped up sparsely and randomly in well burned soils. Thanks to Erika and Philip for braving the elements and leading us on such an interesting 13 km walk.

Karen

Durras Beach – Depot Beach Circuit

22 February 2022 Web Editor

Sunday 20 February 2022

Caves on North Durras Beach

Durras Lake entrance – now almost closed

The climb up to Point Upright

The view from Point Upright – you could look at it all day

The cliffs at Point Upright

Rod, Bob, Sharon, Pat and Simeon at the Village Lookout Depot Beach

Photos courtesy of Donna and Karen

The group that met at North Durras was looking forward to regular bushwalking after a long period of Covid-induced program disruptions. And they were welcomed by a beautiful sunny day which showed off the colours of the local coastline at its best. Indeed the day was so brilliant that the number of surfers and other visitors to these secluded beaches was even greater than over the Christmas period.

A trek along the North Durras Beach, sometimes on the sand, sometimes in the forest, was followed by a steep climb to the lookout on Point Upright. The fire affected path was in good condition and the lookout had been refurbished. The ocean was deep blue, dotted with yachts, and the view to north and south was uninterrupted, other than by a faint haze in the distance. Then it was down to Depot Beach for a walk in the rainforest followed by lunch on the beach. The rainforest walk had clearly recovered from the fires of 2019 although some maintenance on the path was still required. The power line easement allowed for a hot hilly inland walk back to North Durras where the surfies and families were packing up after a long day in the sun. The surfboards being carried up from the beach were more of a hazard than rocks and roots on the pathway!

All in all, it was an excellent day out and a splendid reminder of what a beautiful area we live and walk in.

Rodney

Pebbly Beach Coastal Track

21 February 202222 February 2022 Web Editor

Thursday 17 February 2022

Bob and Denise at the start of Snake Bay Track

Passing the first of new infrastructure for the South Coast Track

Exploring where the new track will go

A somewhat large tree to go under

Karen at Little Pebbly Beach

Leaving Little Pebby Beach

Morning Tea at the unnamed cove

Saunders case moth larvae out for a mid day stroll

Heading off from Clear Point

Photos courtesy of Donna, Karen and Peter

Batemans Bay Bushwalkers’ first walk for 2022 was on Thursday 17 February at Pebbly Beach. With the weather difficult to predict in February, a 7 km Easy/Medium track along the coast was chosen to take advantage of any sea breeze.

17 walkers turned up to walk the old track from Pebbly Beach north through Murramarang National Park along the coast. This area was burned in the fires, and much of the track infrastructure – wooden steps and wooden bridges have either burned completely away or been severely damaged. There are also several large trees down over the track which made it an interesting obstacle course.

There are 3 short side trips along the way – the first was Little Pebbly Beach, a small cove covered in pebbles. The next is a larger cove (unnamed) at which we stopped for a break and to explore the creek. We turned around here and retraced our steps back to the third side trip to Clear Point, which has views north to Pretty Beach and Snapper Point, and south to Point Upright and Grasshopper Island.

This particular track will form part of the new Murramarang South Coast Track, running from Bawley Point to Maloneys Beach. It has already been surveyed and marked by the track construction contractors, so we should see it cleared and repaired in the not-too-distant future.

The walk ended back at Pebbly Beach for lunch in one of the big picnic shelters.

Karen McL.