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Maloneys Beach Murramarang NP Circuit

2 March 202016 February 2021 Web Editor

Saturday 29 February 2020

Group in front on the 100yr felled eucalypt

Jan and Bob

The Canoe Tree

Photos provided by Joan and Karen

On a beautiful morning we met at Maloneys Beach, eighteen members and one visitor. We struggled through the mob of kangaroos and headed up Pine Knob Road, soon to arrive at a huge fallen tree. It had been logged probably over a hundred years ago when logs were pulled out by horses, but had been left behind when found to be hollow. Soon we saw three Glossy Black Cockatoos eating Casuarina cones, a rare sight.

After posing for a photo we turned east along the ridge top with views back over Maloneys Beach and southwest towards Batemans Bay, a superb view. We continued east to another small headland where we had morning tea, sitting on logs labelled “BBBW only”. From there we had a view of a small bay where there are a few houses. It was always called “the judge’s land”, but after his death the fenced off land was resumed by the NPWS for Murramarang National Park.

We followed old fence posts to the “canoe tree”, its clear canoe shape cut into a huge tree, probably about 150 years ago. Returning west we had a view down on to a beach which should remain unnamed, devoid of buildings and people, backed by green (not black) forest. Once down on this beach we found invasive sea spurge so it was not as pristine as it looked.

Ainslie

Congo to Meringo Return

2 March 202016 February 2021 Web Editor

Wednesday 26 February 2020

Morning Tea at Meringo Point

On the Dreaming Track

Photos by Mary

14 Batemans Bay bushwalkers and a family of 4 visiting Alaskan musicians, who also hike as a hobby, gathered at the Congo starting point of a 7 kilometre circuit walk along a section of The Dreaming Track.

The day was predicted to be 33 degrees Celsius. Fortunately for hikers, cloud cover and a cool coastal breeze kept temperatures a little more moderate.

There seemed little signs of the recent rains except for two muddy puddles at the start of the walk and the lake at the mouth of Meringo Creek was still well back in bushlands.

A mob of about a dozen kangaroos were spotted lazing beneath trees about half way along the first leg of the walk but, they proved shy when, the visitors tried to get close with their cameras. Sadly this was the only wildlife that we encountered during our hike as an echidna had been seen on the recce.

There were though, many opportunities for pictures of the coastline and ocean as the group paused to rehydrate. The significance and history of The Dreaming Track was explained to our visitors during one of these breaks. The walk finished at lunch time and it proved to be a very pleasant way to spend a morning.

Denise

Durras Lake Paddle

26 February 202016 February 2021 Web Editor

Monday 24 February 2020

Bob explores

Burned forest on the northside of the Lake

Exploring a side creek

Punt Arm only slight singed

Photos provided by Karen and Rodney

The group launched at Durras Lake boat ramp (South Durras) early in the morning when the busy Lake was still calm and winds were almost absent. Nearly all the margins of the Lake have been fire affected and recent rains have seen the water level rise dramatically. However, the Lake is still closed to the Ocean.

Fortunately, the Lake is in the Marine Park and is therefore not closed. It was possible to skirt the northern burned shore and paddle quite far up the flooded creek at the back of North Durras where we could hear rangers with chain saws working to reopen the Discovery Trail on the northern shore.

The group crossed the Lake to see one of the few areas where the fire crossed the Lake to the West of Punt Arm. Burrawangs were sprouting in the fire zone; it was obvious the forest was beginning its recovery.

The final paddle back to the ramp included exploring the flooded wetlands near to Durras village, before an increasingly strenuous paddle into a rising headwind took the paddlers back to the ramp.

Rodney

South Durras Headlands Afternoon Walk

26 February 202016 February 2021 Web Editor

Sunday 23 February 2020

Leaders, Ainslie and Mike, sitting with Heather – members for 25+ years

Photo provided by Ainslie

As a change to the usual morning start this walk began for 13 members and four visitors in the afternoon on a perfect late summer day. Ainslie and Mike explained the route to be taken on the map and began by leading to the beach and along to the rock platform below Mill Point.

From this point on as we walked over the rocks, there was interesting information given by Mike as to the variation in patterns of rock formation caused as ancient ice bergs melted and stones and rocks fell from their base into the softer rock material on the floor of the sea bed.

At one location we were shown the formation of a horizontal ancient tree trunk now seen as fossilised wood embedded into the cliff face. This area of rock cliffs now form the most southern area of the Sydney sandstone basin.

The track took us around Wasp Head, through bush and along beaches to Dark Beach where at the southern end there were steps leading up to the track through Burrawangs, now recovered from drought conditions, and finally back to the cars. Several walkers remained to enjoy a cuppa and early picnic dinner – our grateful thanks to Ainslie and Mike for this beautiful and informative walk.

Joan

Nargal Lake and Fullers Beach

22 February 202016 February 2021 Web Editor

Thursday 20 February 2020

Morning tea at Bogola Head overlooking Montague Island

North of Bogola Head

Rodney and Rob down the track

Lunch on the Beach

Karen with visitors, Malcolm and Beverley, closely followed by Amanda and Gay

Walking past reedy banks of Nargal Lake

Red Belly black snake making a quick getaway

Walking up Honeysuckle Road to the cars

Photos provided by Philip, Bob and Tom

The First Walk of the New Year! Fourteen Club Members headed south to one of the most attractive stretches of the Southern NSW coast, just south of Narooma. After the bushfires, everyone was pleased to get into a coastal bush area where the fires had not impacted and where bushwalkers could get entry. The group was rewarded with a beautifully sunny day, the skies were clear and the local vegetation looked fresh after all the recent local rain. The walk, which was relatively easy and about 11 kms long, took in open coastal forest, some beach walking beside heavy surf, a bit of dune scrambling, some rocky promontories with splendid views up and down the coast and across to Montague Island, as well as lakeside walking around Nargal Lake. On the beach there were Pied Oystercatchers, and the occasional Sea Eagle flew overhead. Kangaroos and wallabies were surprised behind the dunes. Only one rather small red-bellied blacksnake was spotted beside the Lake. All in all, a superb return to our local bushland.

Rodney

Tuross Coastal Walk and BBQ Lunch

12 February 202012 February 2020 Web Editor

The final BBBW walk of the year was on Thursday 28 November at Tuross Head. Walkers started their 5.5 km stroll at Nelson Parade Boardwalk overlooking Tuross Lake where the view never ceases to delight.

Nelson Parade Boardwalk overlooking Tuross Lake

Morning tea at Tuross Memorial Gardens

Photos supplied by Bob

The Tuross shared path wends its way to the mouth of the lake at One Tree Point, and walkers descended to the sand to follow the coves to the Memorial Gardens. The tide was receding and had left lines of black and burned leaves and ash from the Currowan bushfire burning to the north. The Memorial Gardens is a good place to take a break in the shade of the Norfolk Island pines before continuing to Coila Bar Beach, Coila Lake and eventually Kyla Park which was the end of the excursion.

Members enjoyed lunch at the shaded bbq picnic area by the lake before saying goodbye for the year.

Karen

Wilsons Promontory Camp, Victoria

7 February 20207 February 2020 Web Editor

Arrive Wednesday 13 November : Depart Wednesday 20 November 2019
Led by Mark, Wendy, Brian and Christine

Words by Karen. Photos by Erika, Philip, Donna, Brian, Helen, Bob, Karen, Barry

34 Bushwalkers gathered at Tidal River Camp, occupying tents, campers, caravans, cabins, a lodge and luxury villas. After months of worrying dry weather at home, we were greeted with rain, wind and cold conditions on our arrival at The Prom. First up was a guided walk by National Park Rangers. Although it was pouring with rain, they decided to toughen us up and conduct their introduction outside in the weather. A good opportunity to dig out mothballed wet weather gear, and woolly hats and gloves.

Tidal River footbridge in the pouring rain

With our 2 masochistic Rangers

Tidal River Camp from Tidal Overlook

Day 1 : Thursday 14 November

Walks : Two Bays Walk – Squeaky Beach and Picnic Bay – approx. 10 km. 2 groups led by Mark & Brian

Starting at the Tidal River footbridge we followed the track left towards Squeaky Beach which climbs to the top of the ridge separating Norman and Leonard Bays. A short detour to Pillar Lookout offers views of Tidal River, Norman Beach and the distant offshore Skull Rock. Descend via several slabs of granite to the southern end of Squeaky Beach. The sound comes from the evenly sized quartz grains which rub against each other like marbles. We were underwhelmed.

Cross the beach and climb over Leonard Point to visit another sandy cove in Picnic Bay. Return the same way.

Christine led a shorter walk to Squeaky Beach as above, and returned via Squeaky Beach Road and Tidal River Road – less hills!!

Betty gets ready for a wet start

Tidal Overlook track towards Pillar Point

Checking out the view

Descending to Squeaky Beach

Matching pack covers

Squeaky Beach

More Squeaky Beach

Losing track of which beach is which

Stepping out on the return journey

Day 2 : Friday 15 November

Walks : Lilly Pilly Circuit + Mt Bishop + Mt Oberon, led by Donna; Little Oberon Bay, led by Jan; Oberon Bay Circuit Walk, led by Barry

Donna’s group walked from Tidal River on the 1 km Link Track in the rain to the Lilly Pilly Circuit, a 5.5 km circuit walk which goes through heathland, eucalypt forest and stands of warm temperature rainforest.

Map of trails

Lilly Pilly start

Pink Lilly Pillys

On the return loop a side track goes up the hill to the top of Mt Bishop. Some walkers elected to go up with Donna, the remainder decided to leave it for a sunnier day when the views might be clearer.

Mist clears for a quick view from Mt Bishop summit

Martin and Sharon right at the very top of Mt Bishop

The weather after lunch cleared sufficiently for most of the group to walk up Mt Oberon – 6.8 km return. After driving to the Telegraph Saddle carpark the metalled summit track gradually winds uphill to the telecommunications towers. Then a series of rock steps lead to the summit. Our group had the top to ourselves, although a strong wind kept us carefully clinging to the rocks.

Metalled road to the telecomm towers

Climbing through the granite boulders

Summit of Mt Oberon

View of offshore islands to south

Descending

Jan’s group walked from the Visitor Centre at Tidal River to the southern end of Norman Beach, across Norman Point to Little Oberon Bay – 8.2 km return.

Little Oberon Bay in the mist

Barry’s group got a lift up to Telegraph Saddle Carpark and followed the Telegraph Track to Telegraph Junction and the turnoff to the east and the coast at Oberon Bay. The walk then follows the coast north back to Tidal River, via Little Oberon Bay and Norman Bay – 17 km.

Baby swamp wallaby on Telegraph Track

Barry’s hardy companions – Jill, Mark and Brian

Wilsons Prom – white sands and aqua water – even on an overcast day

Descending through flowering kunzea

Day 3 : Saturday 16 November

Walks : Vereker Outlook and Millers Landing – 10 km return. 2 groups led by Brian and Karen. Lilly Pilly Circuit (7.8 km) + Tidal Overlook Circuit (extra 2 km) led by Betty & Bob

Vereker Outlook is in the northern section of the Park, and the vegetation and coastline are quite different to what we had already seen. The one constant is however, the tumble of granite boulders everywhere. The walk starts at Five Mile carpark and climbs to Darby Saddle for views. Return to the management track and take the Millers Landing Nature Walk to arrive at the southermost stand of mangroves in the world. This section of the Corner Inlet is like a big tidal lake and where both groups paused for lunch and a wander around the waterline.

Brian’s group

Lunch at Millers Landing

The southernmost stand of mangroves in the world

Sharon photographs pigface at Corner Inlet

Betty’s group walked from Tidal River to the Lilly Pilly Circuit which climbs across the southern face of Mt Bishop through stringybark forest before descending to the lush rainforest of Lilly Pilly Gully and returning to the carpark via Lilly Pilly Nature Walk. While walking back to camp on the Link Track, Bob and a few other walkers split off and climbed to the Tidal Overlook and returned to camp via Pillar Point.

Photo of Lilly Pilly walk burnt out in 2009

Bob walking the same section of track in 2019

Day 4: Sunday 17 November

Walks: Light House Overnight Walk led by Barry; Lay Day for everyone else

Barry, Martin, Helen, Sharon, Glenn and Donna left Telegraph Saddle in good weather to tackle the 21 km/6 hour walk to the historic lighthouse completed in 1859. It is built from granite quarried nearby and is 19 metres high. Walkers’ accommodation is in the adjacent lighthouse cottages – no tents required! The return journey along the coast via Little Waterloo Bay, Oberon Bay and Little Oberon Bay is a 27 km/9 hour walk.

At the start – only 48 km to go!

Pretty fern track

Ubiquitous granite boulders

The destination

Windy lighthouse tour

They don’t make lighthouses like that any more

Little Waterloo Bay

Day 5: Monday 18 November

Walks: Darby River, Tongue Point, Darby Saddle – 2 groups led by Mark (12 km) and Brian (9.5 km). Prom Wildlife Walk and Whisky Bay, led by Jan

Brian’s group started at Darby River and climbed through windswept coastal vegetation to get views of Darby Swamp and the Vereker Range. A side track at 2.4 km climbs down to Fairy Cove, and at 2.7 km the side track leads to the coastal headland of Tongue Point. Back on the main track, a steep climb leads to Lookout Rocks and eventually to Darby Saddle. This was a car shuffle.

Mark’s group started at the Saddle, walked to Fairy Cove, Tongue Point and returned back to the Saddle.

Darby River, Swamp and the Vereker Range

Boardwalk on Tongue Point

Inaccessible granite island at end of Tongue Point

Bob at Lookout Rocks overlooking the Point

Jan’s group drove to the 2.3 km Prom Wildlife Walk which crosses open grasslands to view native wildlife. On the way back they dropped into Whisky Bay carpark and took the short walk to the beach. Founder members of BBBW, Meriel and Grant went on the Club’s first camp to Wilsons Prom in 1986 – one year after BBBW was formed in 1985 – and then, were part of the group who did the overnight walk to the Lighthouse. 33 years later they were back, enjoying a slightly less challenging itinerary. This is the 5th time BBBW has camped at the Prom.

Betty, Gill, Karen, Meriel and Grant at Whisky Bay

Meriel and Grant

Day 6: Tuesday 19 November

Walks: Tidal River to Sealers Cove Return led by Barry – 20 km

Barry, Jill, Brian, Christine, Rodney, Erika and Philip set out in sunshine from Mt Oberon Carpark and ascended the gentle climb of about 3 km to Windy Saddle, where you can see views of both the west and east coasts of the Prom. From here, the track descends for about 4 km through rainforest and ferny glades, crossing a couple of streams, until it reaches a flat area of swampland that stretches for another 2 km or so to the beach at Sealers Cove.

In the 1970’s this last part of the track was a knee deep bog and the crossing at Sealers Creek to get to the beach was on a log bridge with a wire to hold on to for support. Now, a boardwalk has been built and a proper bridge constructed to get to the beach.

Group at Windy Saddle

Creek crossing

Treefern forest

Hillside track

Boardwalk through the bog

The rest of the group organised themselves into groups to do walks they had missed earlier in the week, either due to misty weather or scheduling options. Others took the Pennicott Tours boat trip out to Skull Rock and the Lighthouse.

It was a busy week, with so much to do in between dodging showers. Thanks to Mark, Wendy, Brian and Christine for organising this Camp. Driving north towards home and into the parched farmlands and forests of northeast Victoria and southeast NSW, we were finally able to appreciate how fortunate we were to experience the Prom in all its wild and wet glory. Of course shortly afterwards, those parched farmlands and forests went up in flames, and that wonderful cool, green week at Wilsons Promontory is now but a distant memory.

Chinamans Point – Clyde River

23 November 201917 February 2020 Web Editor

Wednesday 20 November 2019

Phil and the Clyde river

Pat showing us how to pose for photos

Phil, Gay and James walking along the edge of the mud

Mary and Gay with a potential new member?

Photos by Tom and Gay

Eleven Batemans Bay Bushwalkers who participated in my Clyde River walk last week were very lucky to score mild weather, especially given the week’s awful weather plus bushfires around the State.

The bush was very dry, however the Clyde River provided beautiful serene views along the river as we walked along the shoreline.

The steep hill section at the end of the walk gave everyone that extra bit of exercise for the day! Overall a rather pleasant walk.

Pat

Mitchells Turquoise Ridge

18 November 201917 February 2020 Web Editor

Sunday 17 November 2019

Lucy, Dave, Gay, MaryAnn, Toby, Rob and Robert at the abandoned turquoise mine

Birds nest over the track

Visitors Toby, Lucy, Robert and MaryAnn at morning tea

Rob explaining the geology around the gold cutting

Walkers surprised by the size of the gold cutting

MaryAnn and Tony in the corridor of trees

Walking the shady flat section back to the cars

Photos by Tony

Threatening rain did not deter 3 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers and 5 Visitors from venturing out to complete the Mitchells Turquoise Ridge walk on Sunday. It is unusual to have more visitors than members on a walk, and one could be forgiven for thinking that it was the rain that deterred members? However, it’s probably more likely that a lot of members are presently on a club camp at Wilsons Promontory in Victoria!

This walk is a forest walk on tracks off Mitchells Ridge Road taking in an old abandoned turquoise mine and gold diggings. The earlier morning rain had washed the dust from the trees and ferns, the smell of eucalyptus permeated the forest and the air was fresh and clean.

The turquoise mine is pretty much destroyed but some structure could still be seen plus parts of an old shaft. The gold digging was much more impressive and surprised the walkers by its size of about 10 metres long and 4 to 5 metres deep.

After crossing a few hills and bush bashing to find tracks covered over by logging, the final three kilometres of the walk, followed Lawlers Creek to the back of the timber mill at Dalmeny. The visitors thought this flat section was very pretty and shady and a pleasant way to finish the 10km walk, commenting that they are keen to join the Club on future walks.

Gay

Bawley Point to Meroo Lake

10 November 201917 February 2020 Web Editor

Saturday 9 November 2019

Bushwalkers enjoying the walk

Moira and Anne

Val and Mike with views over the beach

Morning tea at the Lake

Photos by Joan, Carol & Ainslie

The perfect day of sunshine and mild temperature tempted 20 bushwalkers to explore the 7 km easy grade walk from the Bawley Point picnic area through bushland down to North Beach, which impressed the walkers with its untouched and peaceful scenery. Nuggan Head was the next point of interest with extensive views to Pigeon House Mountain and up and down the coastline.

The track then led a little way into bushland as it took the group to view the large Meroo Lake where morning tea was completed with a sighting of black swans in the distance.

This was the turn around point for the return track through Meroo National Park bushland featuring many varieties of native plants behind the beaches. Arriving back at the picnic area, lunch was then enjoyed and thanks went to walk leaders Jill and John for this most pleasant and relaxing walk.

Joan