Wednesday 24 June, 2026

Karen M. adding to the structure

Fungi even grow in the sand dunes

Terrestrial native orchid

Another native orchid

A group pic in front of many makeshift structures along the way

Martin and Bob deep in conversation

Forest fungi

Track through Broulee Bangalay sand forest

Photos courtesy of Karen M, Helen and Donna.  Walk report by Walk Leader Helen.

Clear sunny skies and an easy walk tempted 11 walkers out for the morning to walk beside the blue sea and to inspect and admire the rustic “sculptures” erected by the sand dunes on the way. Bengello beach is a great place to clear the head and just when your legs have had enough of the sand, the windsock from Moruya airport comes into view and you know you have a pleasant walk back along the track.

Bengello track is a great community resource for walking, cycling and jogging and takes you through beautiful Bangalay sand forest home to many special and some rare woodland animal, bird and plant species. On this walk we made a small detour to check out some terrestrial native orchids, hard to spot and easily trodden on but rather special.

Sunday 21 June, 2026

Some striking looking fungi

Robyn checking out the inlet

A nice stop along the way

Group pic at the giant fig

Ferns, figs and bushwalkers

Morning tea spot

Walking alongside the inlet

Photos courtesy of Bruce and Donna G.  Walk report by Walk Leader Karen G.

Nine walkers set off on an 8 kilometre easy/medium loop walk around Ringlands Bay and Point. Rain was forecast but fortunately held off until just before the walk was finished.

The group initially traversed a couple of kilometres of a road through green pastures and livestock. As we walked past one property, we were loudly greeted by two feisty Maremma dogs – just doing their job: guarding a flock of chickens. Then we went offroad down a good track before stopping for a morning tea break at a spot with views across the water to Narooma on the other side. Also, plenty of oyster beds could be seen as we walked along the bush track. One highlight was sighting a cluster of striking purple coloured fungi on the track.

We opted to make a short diversion to visit a small rainforest section, home to two magnificient fig trees, before returning to Ringlands Point for lunch. From there it was just a short walk back to our cars.

Thursday 18 June, 2026

Rugged clifftops

Descending the steps

Taking a break on the headland

Spot the bushwalkers – Pretty Point

What do you call a pair of Steve’s?

Flowering Hakea (Hakea laurina)

Stunning views

Photos courtesy of Brian and Steve D.  Walk report by Walk Leader Karen M.

Today was another outstanding day for Batemans Bay Bushwalkers walking the coast from McKenzies Beach to Garden Bay – just on 6km.

After a quick car shuffle our group of 15 headed up the hill from McKenzies Beach to take the track out to Pretty Point Lookout. The views south to Rosedale, Burrewarra Point and beyond are just lovely. Even lovelier were the whales cavorting off the tip of Jimmies Island. They kept pace with us to Malua Bay where we stopped for morning tea. Some of us brought our own supplies, and some headed into the coffee shop for a treat or two.

Then back over the next headland and out to another lookout at Malua Point with more views over the water to the Tollgate Islands, Durras Mountain and Pigeon House before we descended the stairs to the finish at Garden Bay.

This walk followed the southern section of the newly inaugurated Munjip Trail which showcases the splendours of the beaches and clifftops of Batemans Bay.

Saturday 13 June, 2026

Fearless leader Steve

Narooma Old Dam

Exiting Gulaga NP

Reading the instructions

Deb and Amanda dwarfed by the majestic trees

View from Gulaga to Najanuga

Water break at the saddle

Photos courtesy of Rob, Gay and Amanda.  Walk report by Walk Leader Steve D.

Seven walkers travelled to Tilba to walk up and over Gulaga Mountain (Mt Dromedary).

According to Aboriginal Dreaming stories, Gulaga was the mother of two sons: Baranguba (Montague Island) and the younger son, Najanuga (Little Dromedary). The story tells that Baranguba did not do as his mother instructed and therefore could not be reunited with her, remaining separated by the sea. Gulaga kept Najanuga closer to her when it was time for him to leave.

After a car shuffle, we set off on the climb up Gulaga. Distractions from the steady upward gradient included filtered views of Wallaga Lake, lush tree ferns, bellbirds (whose calls seem to keep smaller birds away), fungi, and several geological survey plaques along the route.

Gulaga retains good tree cover despite the occasional fallen tree. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has cleared those obstructing the track and added more gravel to sections of the northern descent track. Signs of the early gold mining era have almost disappeared, although we did locate one old track that may be worth exploring on a future walk.

We stopped for a break at the rest area near the granite tors, which are sacred in Aboriginal tradition.

From there, we followed the gravel track north to Narooma’s old water supply dam (circa 1935), sitting on a huge granite rock face and waterfall. In the warm sunshine, we enjoyed a well-earned lunch break and took the opportunity for a few photographs.

After that, all we had to do was waddle, waddle all the way down to the waiting car before completing the car shuffle in reverse and heading home.

A most enjoyable day in excellent company.

Thursday 4 June, 2026

Water birds

Bob T. waiting for his lunch buddies

Blackbutt plaque

Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) sponsored by BBBW

New member Terry showing how it’s done!

Morning tea stop at the amphitheater

Stepping out on the boardwalk

Lovely creek-side tracks

Photos courtesy of Donna.  Walk report by Walk Leader Karen M.

According to its brochure the Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens has 6 km of walking tracks and on a sunny Winter Thursday Bushwalkers walked 5.5km of them.

We followed the Deep Creek Track and Forest Track through the bush to the Deep Creek Dam viewing platform. Continuing on the Forest Track, we then joined the Hill Track, also through the bush, back to the Amphitheatre, where we took a break looking out over the pond.

From there we walked through the landscaped section of the Gardens on the Arboretum Track and stopped off at the Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularus) sponsored by the Club way back when the Gardens first formally opened in 2001.

We finished by walking the Aboriginal Heritage Walk loop back to the Picnic Area for lunch. Most of our walking was through bushland with the first of the wattle starting to bloom and the tracks running alongside the creeks are particularly picturesque.

Saturday 30 May, 2026

Heading off at the start

Looking out for whales

Helen R. tackling the rock platforms

A nice spotty

Rounding the point with a nice ‘lowering’ tide

Ladies getting to know visitor Beau

Photos courtesy of Lenore, Helen and Donna.  Walk report by Walk Leader Lenore.

Eighteen beach & bush walkers strode onto Rosedale beach on a perfect fresh Saturday morning to explore this superb coastline. The tide was high and the waves were lapping at the sharp rock platforms and rock pools. We passed Jimmies Island on our way around the point to Nun’s Beach (known as the “naughty nuns” by some). Jimmies Island (plural) is understood to be locally named from both our indigenous and settler origins.

The walk traced the beautiful small coves, beaches and headlands as we made our way towards Guerilla Bay. We walked along the cliff line with views back to Pigeon House Mountain and The Castle to the north, past the historic WW2 radar ruins and seal sighting platform at Burrewarra Point. In addition to the seal sightings, some made a successful whale sighting as we ventured around Burrewarra point with fine southern views of Gulaga and distant views of Barunguba. A morning tea break failed to deliver fresh muffins for all (as hoped), as we proceeded to navigate around Long Nose point with an accommodating lowering tide and settling swell. We passed Barlings Island, known as the place of origin of the Black Swan or Lady Berrima who became recognised as the queen of the area. Our last coastal experience took us along Barlings beach before venturing inland fringing past the recent Reflections housing development to appreciate the Bevian wetlands.

Following a lunch stop on the western edge of the wetlands, we proceeded up the trail to a knoll to take in the southern view to Broulee Island and Gulaga in the distance. Much of this close surrounding land has been zoned for residential development so it’s nice to appreciate the rolling hills and farmlands whilst it exists. A relaxed walk back through north Rosedale across Saltwater creek brought us back to our starting point. A beaut day out with all!

Wednesday 27 May, 2026

Elaine showing the way

Our visitors enjoying the morning out

Filtered views

Photos and walk report courtesy of Walk Leader Rob.

After 25mm of rain the previous day the sun emerged to give us perfect hiking weather for a short walk to Tuross Lake. There were five walkers,including two visitors who had driven past the “Lake Walk” sign many times but had never stopped, who enjoyed the walk down to Tuross Lake. I have led this local walk many times but it took a visitor to point out a kids cubby house high in a tree downslope from the walking track.

The walk time was chosen to ensure we had a low tide to walk across the mangrove mud flats to the lake and although is was a bit wet underfoot from all the rain this group was undaunted and was rewarded by great views of the Tuross Lake and nearby mountains. We were joined by Bob Thurbon for a fish and chips lunch at the Tuross Boat Shed. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

Sunday 24 May, 2026

Who’s got the most colourful gloves?

Steve D. and Rob in the ravines

Priya leading the way through the banksia

Climbing out from the ravines

In the rainforest under the cliffline

Gay descending down to the rainforest

Steve D. enjoying the rainforest

Steve H. at Egg and Onion for lunch

Photos courtesy of Steve H, Steve D, Helen and Gay.  Walk report by Walk Leader Donna.

Twelve hikers visited Little Forest Plateau to check out some new spots along the Tianjara Firetrail. We headed north to our first stop, and morning tea spot, at ‘The Ravines’ where we enjoyed the views out to the east. We also descended into the main ravine for some good photo opportunities.

Following morning tea we continued further north and commenced a short bush bash to the eastern cliffline where we descended down some rocks and into a beautiful rainforest. This rainforest was sheltered by dramatic rock walls and contained all types of vegetation from stunning tree ferns to moss covered rocks and fungi of all shapes and sizes. Whilst there was some debris that had to be negotiated at times, we were able to make our way under the cliffline and back up onto the plateau to continue to the next rainforest.

The next rainforest was just as pretty however the serenity was soon shattered by the screeching and screaming of Priya. Convinced that she was about to be abducted by aliens, the walk leader immediately checked on her welfare, only to discover that Priya had observed a leech on the ground!

Once we checked out this rainforest we made our way back to the firetrail and on towards Egg and Onion Lookout. The initial off track section to this western cliffline is now significantly overgrown with banksia however it was still manageable. We enjoyed our lunch with come sensational views before returning back to the cars for the drive home.

It was a great day of walking and thanks to all of those who attended.

Thursday 21 May, 2026

Leader Jenny in the ruins of the tracking station with some of her crew

Margaret was smitten with this little cow

Heading through ANU coastal campus

Last stretch along the beach back to the cars

Walk Leader Jenny showing the way

Having a pause in the forest

Gay amongst the ruins

Photos courtesy of Jenny, Seteve and Gay.  Walk report by Walk Leader Jenny.

Sixteen bushwalkers enjoyed a lovely walk and with ANU’s permission, we passed through the Coastal Campus and up the forest road.  The hike up Don Moir Hill was a slow climb, pushing through sapling regrowth.  The solid rock remains of the WW11 Telegraph Station and morning tea, were a welcome break before heading down the same route.

Continuing along the road and onto the start of the bush track, a very large black snake was spotted stopping everyone including Steve in their tracks. Again, we pushed through regrowth on old bike tracks to make our way towards better four wheel drive roads and lovely tall gum trees.

An easy gentle downhill walk to Kioloa Village and the beach, a quick swim and pleasant sunny lunch break before we continued the last kilometer along Kioloa Beach, bringing us back to the cars.

A very enjoyable walk.

Saturday 16 May, 2026

Bruce leading the way

Priya providing some perspective in front of the “big” spotted gum

Unusual tree formations in this forest

Karole, Lenore, Rosalie and Russell

Gavin finding something interesting on the spotted gum

Heather inspecting a spotted gum

Rainbow Lorikeet

Photos courtesy of Steve D, Bruce and Donna.  Walk report by Walk Leader Bruce.

Sixteen walkers set off from the South Durras Community Hall on a great walk that showcases all Murramarang NP has to offer; spotted gum forests, large trees, beautiful beaches and spectacular views from headlands accessed from the South Coast Track.

We started with a short walk through the village streets and then into the spotted gum forest; firstly along the ridgelines and then down into low lying areas, where we only found a couple of leeches. A short stop to look in awe at the “big” spotted gum and then down to Richmond Beach for morning tea. The tide was too high for the rock platform so we took the South Coast Track up over the headland, via some great coastal views, and then down and along Myrtle Beach. The water was so inviting a subset of walkers decided to go for a swim – apparently it was ‘fine once you’re in.”

The non-swimming members of the group headed onto Dark Beach where we had lunch and heard a (very brief) description of the famous geological unconformity, while waiting for the swimmers to catch up. After lunch we headed up off the beach and some more coastal views and then down along Emily Miller Beach and back to the cars.