5 March 2017

Parking just behind Merry Beach, the sound of the pounding surf reached the 25 walkers well before they headed down to the beach itself.  Strong gusty wind had turned the ocean into a sea of white caps, and large dumping waves had disgorged seaweed and small dead jellyfish onto the sand.

Once on top of the headland, south of Merry Beach, the walkers felt the full force of the wind, as they stood watching the waves crashing and foaming over the rock shelf below.  After three days of heavy rain, the normally dry track over the headland and through the banksia was now quite waterlogged with frequent puddles.

After a short stop at the lookout along the way, we paused on a grassy knoll above Pretty Beach for morning tea. Then down to Pretty Beach itself to battle a strong head wind as we made our way south towards O’Hara Island. The gusty strong headwind whipped up any dry sand, so with heads bowed and backs bent, we made our towards the neck of sand that normally provided access to O’Hara Island .

But alas, here the waves, charging across the sand spit from both directions, formed a barrier to the rock shelf. We would not be exploring O’Hara Island rock shelf today. So it was about turn, and this time with a tailwind we soon found ourselves back at Pretty Beach Campground. Taking tracks that circumnavigated behind both the Pretty Beach and Merry Beach Camping Grounds, we were soon in sight of our cars. Though the strong wind never abated during the walk, I think it actually enhanced the walk providing a visual reminder of the power of wind and water.

Mary M

Saturday 11 March 2017

Len shows Bob and Mary the track to Diamond Creek

On our way down the first spur

Bob and Philip take a break

Morning tea

Photos Philip I, Bob T, Mary T

Early Saturday morning 8 walkers met to drive out to the aptly named Oulla/Burra Wilderness area west of Moruya to walk to and along Diamond Creek. We hoped to view 4 waterfalls. It is not often that the drive in the comfort of a vehicle is worthy of comment. However the last stretch on the Coondella Fire Trail is one such occasion. The track along and up and down the ridges is rough, steep and downright scary for someone whose normal driving experience is tarmac, some unsurfaced at times slippery, pot holed forest ‘highways’. Fortunately the club has drivers of excellent ability and experience so we were  in the safe hands of Len our leader and Mark who bravely took his brand new vehicle out for a baptism of fire.

On arriving at our starting point, a small car shuffle was organised. This was to assist us at the end of the day when a steep climb would have been necessary, not ideal Len said, his words proved to be prophetic.

We set off down the first spur in warm sunshine. The floor of the forest was strewn with dead, fallen branches, some large tree trunks and loose rocks everywhere all trip hazards for the unwary. Signs of a bush fire in the last year were apparent with blackened surfaces but also indications of the resilience of our native flora with new, bright green growth, still low lying but well on the way to rejuvenating the area. Our early start and long drive had us looking for a suitable spot on the first spur for a welcome morning tea.

Len leads the way

A view of distant hills

The relatively clear forest thickened as we descended towards the viewing area of Waterfall No 4.  As we bush bashed our way down to a narrow, rocky ledge the air was full of the pungent aromas from the surrounding shrubs. The view of the top section of the falls and distant hills and valleys was spectacular and worth the effort despite a few of us experiencing close encounters with the ground. Growth further down the hillside hid the bottom of the falls but did not dampen our delight or the photographer’s zeal.

Waterfall No 4

View from the rocky ledge overlooking Waterfall No 4

The creek narrows

Beautiful Diamond Creek

It was soon time to turn away from the cliff edge and make our way up and along the ridge on a further descent to the next scheduled sight, Diamond Creek. This is indeed a gem of a waterway. Not having seen this creek before I am not sure if it always has such a vigorous flow of water or if the volume was due to recent rains but it really was magnificent. The character of the creek is one of deep waterholes, in places so dark and deep we could not see the creek floor, interspersed with small cascades over large boulders, followed by longer tannin stained stretches of free flowing water. The one common feature was crystal clear, cool water, so clear and cool that later in the day Philip couldn’t resist temptation any longer and went for a dip. He declared it beautiful but refreshing!

Lunch pool

We’re ready for lunch at Waterfall No 3

Our intrepid leader Len crosses Diamond Creek above Waterfall No 3

We made our way along the creek sometimes on the bank until the vegetation became too thick to negotiate and then in the creek, rock hopping to and fro until we reached Waterfall No 3. This waterfall allowed the brave to get up close and personal as with careful steps and some ‘crab’ crawling we were able to make our way down the rocks to see the fall of the water and of course get those important photos to prove ‘we was there’.

Erika enjoying the view

Another crossing

Len leading the way for Anna

All too soon it was time to continue, we had another waterfall to see and the day was moving along. Due to time restraints we were unable to get to Waterfall No 2. Our next stop; after another scramble along the creek fighting vines and ferns and the by now familiar rocks and fallen branches, was waterfall No 1. Len decided he had viewed enough falling water for the day and opened his pack to hand over two long ropes to Mark. Why is Len giving Mark ropes I heard one group member ask? I vaguely remembered hearing something about ropes. Oh well ‘in for a penny in for a pound’ and off to Waterfall No 1. At the top of a steep slope Mark secured and let down the ropes that were to assist us on our descent to the viewing area of the waterfall. This time we were looking up at falling water which meant we had viewed falls from 3 different aspects, as a bird, a leaf or other floating object and finally a frog.

Waterfall No 1

Erika prepares to descend to Waterfall No 1

Anna on the rope

Scrub wren nest on track

Some of us decided we had had enough rope work and made the return ascent via a rock climb rather than haul ourselves up via the rope. We all reached the top without incident and returned to meet up with Len and proceed along the creek to the point where we would leave the beautiful Diamond Creek and end the walk.

Sightings of  local life were scant, one eel, a small fish, a frog, a deserted Scrub Wren nest, thankfully only about 3 leeches and Mark frightened a brown snake back down into its hole in the ground. Anna was the only member of the group to take an unplanned dip in the creek.

The last welcome sight was 3 pink ribbons marking our exit from the creek to where Len, with characteristic fore thought had left a car. An exhausted but very contented group thanked Len for a physically challenging day full of visual delights.

Mary T

Wednesday 8 March 2017

Betty at Billy’s Hut

Walkers at the hut

Billy’s Hut

Walkers pick their way down the slippery slope to the creek.

Crossing the creek

Photos Karen M, Helen, Mary T

In a previous walk report written four days ago; I described walking along beaches and over headlands during strong winds. Well, today’s walk was very different indeed. Not a breath of wind but instead the day started with misty rain.

So clad in the necessary rain gear the 20 walkers set off on the 11km walk to the ruins of Billy’s Hut, which is tucked away in the Currowan State Forest.

William (Billy) McCarthy, a young 26 yr old Irishman, built the hut in 1880. He used anthill mud as mortar to hold the rocks together, and collected water from the nearby creek. Known as a bit of a loner he would, on occasions, make his way to Nelligen to receive his mail from Ireland.  The historic hut is slowly being enveloped by the surrounding bush and vines, but its ruins are a reminder that 137 yrs ago a young man, after traveling all the way from Ireland, decided to make a home for himself deep in an Australian forest.

As the rain eased, and the hills increased, waterproof gear was soon stowed away. Creeks that had been dry during the reconnoitre a few months earlier, were now flowing full and crossing them required some careful rock hopping. The wet forest floor was ideal for the leeches who managed to “hitch a ride” on anyone standing still for too long. Though most of the walk was rain free, the high humidity and long hills certainly provided a good “work out”.  After reaching our cars it was time to head to Nelligen for lunch on the banks of the Clyde River.  Perhaps sitting close to the spot where “Billy” McCarthy sat, on his visits to Nelligen, all those years ago.

Mary M

Thursday 2nd March 2017

A keen group of walkers

Look! Glossy Black Cockatoos

Photos by Bob T

20 keen young bushwalkers, all under 90, with only one “pup” under 60, set out to walk some tracks in East Nelligen, led by the very experienced “Queen of the Bush”, Valerie.

Conversations soon ignited, with topics wide-ranging as usual, punctuated by observations of rare, unusual or feral plants.  Animals make themselves scarce, as the “many-footed mumble bug” creates a wave of chatter that warns them well in advance of us.

The elusive Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) made a cameo appearance in trees near the track, but characteristically kept moving, hiding & refusing to pose for a decent photo.  After teasing us for a while, both observers & observed tired of the game & all moved on.

With the many & varied conversations, and the bonus sighting of several Forest Red Gum, Valerie & the tracks led us back to the cars, and for some, a delicious lunch of “fushnchups” at Nelligen.   A better way to spend a day would be on a very short list.

Bob T

Monday 27 February 2017

Kayakers gather before setting out from Snake Flat

Karen & Ian exploring a backwater of the Tuross River

Photos by Bob M and Ian

Monday’s paddle was a convivial affair, as 7 kayaks launched from Snake Flat on the Tuross River and headed south towards the Tuross Lake system. This was the first time most of us had paddled this lower section of the river, and we explored a few backwaters along the way. In one we saw several Azure Kingfishers flitting along the banks at close quarters. Once we reached the Fourways in Tuross Lake, we turned towards Deuaumba Island and then west into Bowns Creek. This leads into Trunketabella Lake where there was some excitement when we had to squeeze ourselves under the low wooden bridge on Coopers Island Road Causeway.

Karen M

Saturday 25 February 2017

Walking towards Bingie

Gillian and Barbara enjoying the view at Bingie Point

Settling in for a break at Bingie Point

Picnic on the sand at Mullimburra Point

Photos by Karen Mc and Mary T

Leader Karen C led an afternoon walk from Mullimburra Point to Bingie Point and back, a distance of about 6 kms. 23 walkers started out in overcast, blustery conditions with the threat of rain a forecasted possibility later in the afternoon. The track is a mixture of beach, rocks, the Dreaming Track and bush with views of the ocean and a couple of dolphins and distant mountains. A perfect coastal walk.

A picnic supper watching the sun set was in the plan at the end, weather permitting, on the beach at Mullimburra Point. Karen led a similar walk last year with the promise of a sunset picnic, but alas, rain prevented both the picnic and the promised sunset. Last Saturday Karen kept two thirds of her promise with a delightful walk and the picnic supper but the clouds remained in place to screen the sunset. I have it on good authority that our leader will try for 3 out of 3 next year!

Thank you Karen for a lovely afternoon.

Mary T

Wednesday 22 February 2017

The first encounter with granite underfoot

A spectacular granite slab towering above walkers

Morning tea

The tram line

A peaceful backwater of the Moruya River

Photos Helen, Joan an Mary T

Inspired by an article and photo in the local Narooma and Moruya papers last year, Bob took us on a walk of discovery to see one of Moruya’s “best kept secrets”, Louttit’s pioneering granite quarry on the south side of Moruya river.

Despite the hot day, a keen bunch of bushwalkers enjoyed a shady walk from Preddys wharf, meandered by the waterfront, over private property (with permission) and around the granite outcrops before returning to Louttit’s granite quarry, which from our angle of approach was quite dramatic, revealing the sheer granite rock face.

On the way we came across a couple of Orb weaving spiders on their webs and received a warm welcome from the local mosquito population.

At the quarry, Bob T provided us with a brief history of the area written by Norman Moore, a local historian.

Moruya was the first port from which gold was shipped in Australia, but it also once had at least seven different granite quarries during the mid 1800s.

Well, we all know of the quarry on the north side of the river and granite from this area was used to create many fine blocks for buildings, including the cladding for the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

However, Louttit’s quarry produced “long grained” granite suitable for column work and so from when it was opened in 1858 by Joseph and John Louttit, supplied among other things, 24 columns for St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, the bases for statues of Captain Cook and Queen Victoria in Sydney, stone for Sydney’s Custom House, Canberra’s foundation stone, and, in Moruya, the Bank of New South Wales.

In order to make these structures, a large lathe was required to cut the stones (often weighing in excess of 12 tons) and this is housed next to the Moruya Historical Society building in Campbell Street.

As mentioned, the granite rock face was impressive, but so too was the raised tramway built in order to transport the stone to the boats for shipping elsewhere. We also heard of the use of shark oil for rheumatism and of the accidents that occurred during quarrying in this era.

Thanks Bob T for a very interesting, historical walk.

Helen

Sunday 19 February 2017

Group at Bingie Point at the start of the walk

Photo by Karen M

Over 30 walkers and paddlers met at Bingie on Sunday for a 6 km walk followed by a paddle on Coila Lake.

Rob led the large group from Bingie Point south along the Dreaming Track which weaves its way across headlands overlooking the ocean, down to rocky coves and beaches, and behind the dunes through shady forest, to eventually emerge at Coila Lake near Tuross.

After the walk, there were a variety of kayaks for members to take out on the lake and further enjoy the mild sunny weather and calm shallow water.  Rob then lit the barbecue back at his place where everyone enjoyed a noisy, social lunch on his verandah.

Thanks to Rob for showing us around his part of the Eurobodalla and hosting such an enjoyable day out.

Karen M

Thursday 16 February 2017

Morning tea by the lake

A tranquil Meroo Lake Backwater

Walkers striding out through the forest

Photos by Philip 

Twenty two walkers set out on a warm sunny Thursday morning. An early start enabled the group to finish well before the mid-day heat set in. Starting close to the Pacific Highway, the walkers headed east through scattered forest towards the Lake, where a morning break was planned. Despite the size and sociability of the group, we were surprised to find that the wildlife was not frightened off by our presence. Early in the walk, a two metre long goanna posed artistically on a tree trunk, just above the heads of the tallest members of the group. And the break by the sandy lake shore was interrupted by a small Black Snake, clearly uninterested in our noisy presence but seeking some shelter from the heating sun. Similarly the cries of Glossy Black Cockatoos, eventually spotted and identified with their red tail flashes, kept the group company on the return to the cars through thicker shadier forest. All in all, we had experienced a very pleasant morning nine kilometre stroll, ideal for this time of the year.

Rodney

Sunday 12 February 2017

Preparing to launch into the undergrowth

Pushing through the Brown Barrel forest

Walkers gathered around the hollow Brown Barrel

Entering the first rainforest area

Walking through first rainforest area

Leader Ian looking for the lyrebird

Canopy with mist

In the second rainforest area

In front of a large Pinkwood

Still in the second rainforest area

In the third rainforest area

Liz and Ros dirty but not beaten at the end of a great day in the Monga

Photos by Amanda, Lin and Philip

The heavily forested headwaters of the Mongarlowe River lie on the southern tableland just over the escarpment south of the Clyde Mountain.  The area was State Forest with a history of 150 years of timber cutting.  In the year 2000 it was dedicated as National Park.  The impressive regrowth forest of tall trees, dominated by Eucalyptus fastigata (Brown Barrel, Cut tail), with its dense tree fern understorey in the moist gullies is very attractive for car based tourism.

One of the particular attractions of Monga, although small in area, is the cool temperate rainforest dominated almost entirely of Eucryphia moorei (Pinkwood).  Most visitors see a small sample of it in the oft visited Penance Grove gully boardwalk but the most significant areas of up to 20 hectares, and once protected by Flora Reserve, require some special effort.

On this occasion 11 walkers, including two guests, visited the three most significant areas of cool temperate rainforest in southeast NSW.

The area is trackless and although the rainforests are near to existing roads they are surrounded by a thick eucalypt understorey of fern, litter and lawyer vine.  Walking progress is slow and good navigation to find the shortest and least restrictive access is essential.

The most significant obstacles were near the edges of the rainforest where old eucalypts fall downhill and remain un-rotted for decades.  Some were so large in length and diameter they required climbing skills to get over.  In the wet conditions of the day we soon had muddy bums as we slid over wet logs and stumbled into the gullies.

Bursting into the rainforest brings a breathtaking contrast.  The dense tree canopy means the understorey disappears with only patches of low fern at ground level.  Despite the gloom, one has a park like view for great distance.

As we began to explore this parkland we found we could stroll about relatively unhindered.  The ground was spongey from the many years of litter decay and matted fine roots.  Moss and lichen adorned tree trunks and rotted logs.  The impression was one of a fairy wonderland of elves and goblins, very different to the more open surrounding eucalypt forest.

The weather was misty, turning to light showers in the afternoon and everything became damp.  Leeches were common.

The trees within the rainforest were almost exclusively Pinkwood, most with large and obviously old stumps from which coppiced stems sprouted.  Some have grown up to dominate the canopy with fine bright green pinnate leaves – a Pinkwood signature.  Some had lianas hanging from them.  Their only companions were Dicksonia Antarctica, the Soft Tree Fern, and many of these were of significant size.

But, in one area a few giant old Brown Barrels remain, veterans of centuries ago when eucalypts dominated the site.  And they were monsters, huge, metres in diameter.  They don’t come any bigger and they were full of character with all the battle scars expected of very old decaying eucalypts.  We paused beside them, even explored inside one, and took many photos.

We strolled around a couple of downed Pinkwood trees which appeared to have crashed to the ground within the last 24 hours.  And we were witness to the roaring sound of a eucalypt giant on the next ridge falling and breaking apart as it hit the ground with a mighty thump.  It was a sombre reminder of the dynamics of these forests – constantly changing in detail, if not in character.

Of the six hours walking, at least four were spent under the rainforest canopy, testament to the amount of time we had to enjoy the star attraction – fully developed Pinkwood rainforest over a relatively large area.  A very enjoyable place indeed!

Ian