Corn Trail (Full)

Wednesday 19 April 2023

Photos courtesy of Ian, Rob, Peter, Donna and Karen McL.

Eight walkers adventured down the Corn Trail on a sunny day. This walk has not been done since 2017 so we were keen to see the effects of the bushfires and the trail clean-up done by NSW National Parks. Full credit to the Park Service as the trail is very traversable especially at the top end.

Many sections of the trail up on the plateau were only lightly burned but the heavy rains we have had in the last two years have produced incredible growth of wattle trees and eucalypt saplings. The wattles were in full bloom and humming with the sounds of honey bees.

The lower half of the trail, down in the valley close to the Buckenbowra River, is heavily overgrown with post fire vegetation growth and the trail is covered in weeds making hiking a slippery endeavour.

For those of you who have walked the Corn Trail before, you are aware that the usual car shuffle adds over two hours to the total walk time. Special thanks must go to Karen and Tony who drove the walkers to the start of the walk in the Monga, then met us at the end of the trail on No Mountain Name Road. Eight tired walkers were very relieved to be heading directly home and not back to the Monga to collect cars.

Rob

Ringlands Wagonga

Sunday 16 April 2023

 

Photos courtesy of Mary and Max

Eight members joined leader, Mary to walk around the tracks of Wagonga Inlet just south of Narooma.

We took a chance on the rain holding off and it obliged, at least until rather aptly, we were on the track down to a small gully hiding a pocket of rainforest. This gully is a short diversion off the main track but is not to be bypassed. There, there is a grove of fig trees; one of immense size and age. Amongst their branches several bird nest ferns.

Morning tea was enjoyed by the shoreline of the inlet. And lunch was eaten in Narooma where some enjoyed fish and chips from the local outlet.

All in all, a good morning’s walk.

Mary

 

Turlinjah Track

Thursday 13 April 2023

Photos courtesy of Bob, Karen G and Ed 

A group of 12 bushwalkers met on an overcast morning by the river at Moruya. The 7km Easy/Medium grade walk started after a short drive south to Western Boundary Road.

We were soon deep in an interesting mixed forest containing the occasional bright grove of Sydney Red Gums. The track crossed some small creeks as it undulated amongst the trees. Light rain did not dampen the mood, and as usual the bush lifted spirits with its beauty and varied scents.

Thanks to Ed and Karen for guiding us so well.

Bob

 

Long Beach to Judges Beach

Sunday 9 April 2023

Photos courtesy of Karen McL and Donna G

The Easter Sunday bushwalk started at Long Beach on a blustery day. The group of 15 walked north past Maloneys Beach, up the new metal staircase onto Acheron Ledge and then inland to follow a series of local tracks to Judges Beach.

After a break on the grassy verge behind Judges Beach out of the wind, the walk continued to the old farm stockyards, onto the indigenous canoe tree and then to Quiriga Beach. There we took the new sandstone steps back up to Acheron Ledge and then followed the newly cut Murramarang South Coast Track over to Maloneys Beach.

This is a 10km Easy/Medium Circuit takes in two well known beaches and two remote beaches, plus some indigenous and colonial history, right on the doorstep of Batemans Bay.

Karen McL

Mungerarie Circuit

Wednesday 5 April 2023

Photos courtesy of Amanda and Mary

The Mungerarie Circuit was substituted for another walk due to access issues and it was pleasing to see that 11 walkers, including a visitor, were interested in a hike that had not been done by the Club previously. The group was warned prior to the walk that there was no promise of stunning waterfalls, interesting granite formations or even unicorns, however what they would get was 12.5km of hills and bush tracks! Following the mention of ‘hills’ the grins immediately disappeared, however they reappeared when everyone was informed that there would be no leeches on the walk and little to no water involved in the creek crossing.

Mungerarie is an area within the Deua National Park, just to the west of Moruya. It is an area that is rarely visited by the Club, so it was a great opportunity to tackle some hills and grab some nice views of the mountain ranges to the west. Many of these views were previously obscured by trees prior to the fires. Everyone agreed what a beautiful sunny autumn day it was but towards the end of the walk and after many meters of ascent, the day did warm up and everyone was looking forward to the cars.

But! There was one little obstacle 100m from the cars – beehives. Many beehives had been set up on either side of the track and there were quite a few bees who were interested in our presence. It should be noted that the generous walk leader had opted to walk the circuit in an anti clockwise direction, therefore leaving the running of the bee gauntlet until the last 100m. After all, it is better to be stung at the end of the walk, rather than the beginning! Thankfully, everyone survived the beehive stretch and made it back to the cars unscathed.

All in all, it was a great day, lovely weather and a great bunch of walkers.

Donna G

Pretty Beach to Durras Mountain Circuit

Sunday 2 April 2023

Photos courtesy of Philip and Erika

Starting at Pretty Beach carpark we walked up the Durras Mountain Track to the top of Durras Mountain. The first section of the track was fairly steep and badly eroded, but towards the top the grade reduced, and the condition of the track improved considerably.

On reaching the summit we stopped for morning tea at one of the weatherworn tables near the old homestead water tank. After a short break we followed the much narrower, and winding track down the mountain. The vegetation on this side of the mountain was thick and lush and encroaching on the track in some places.

At the bottom of the mountain track, we met the Murramarang South Coast Walk at Clear Point. There we stopped for lunch on a nearby rock shelf, with a picturesque view of the coastline to the north and a rainy outlook eastward over the ocean.

Following lunch we scrambled over the rocky shoreline for a while, then made our way back onto the Murramarang Walk. The track weaved its way around headlands and inlets, along beaches, over rock platforms and boardwalks, to finally reach Pretty Beach. At the end of Pretty Beach, we ascended the newly constructed sandstone steps, to a welcoming party of kangaroos, and returned to our start point at the carpark.

Philip

The Ten Beaches Walk

Thursday 30 March 2023

Photos courtesy of Chris

This walk covers some very familiar territory for the club, so we weren’t expecting any difficulties as we climbed the giant staircase at Maloneys Beach and headed off to Quiriga and Judges Beaches on a bright, crisp morning. The walk is the the southern section of the new NPWS South Coast Trail, and we were walking it in reverse through to Murramarang Resort at South Durras.

However, we soon realised that a track looks very different in reverse and without detailed signposts we needed club maps, both electronic and paper, to find what we hoped was the NPWS’s new route from Judges to North Head Beach. After a cliff top cuppa near the viewing platform we headed on to Honeysuckle Beach where we again found ourselves hunting for the overgrown start of the next leg.

From there it was clear walking along well marked new track, complete with sandstone stepping stones across the gullies, and plenty of healthy burrawangs and open forest above Little Oaky Beach, heading for lunch at the newly constructed camp grounds at Oaky Beach. Following the widened track through the lemandra down to the beach we looped back up to the creek. In the past this has not always been easy to cross, but two new wooden bridges and a raised walkway made this short section easy!

Next was Richmond Beach where we were reminded how hard sand walking can be. New and well-marked cliff top track led us past more stands of burrawangs to Myrtle Beach, a long beach walk, and then stairs up to the Dark Beach link. New track here has scattered sandstone steps to ease the gentle climb and quite quickly we found ourselves at Emily Miller Beach where the beach walk we were expecting has been replaced and walkers are redirected behind the beach to eventually reach the car park at the top of Wasp Headland. This was another section where we took a path we knew as signage was not up.

The rock platform at Wobbegong Bay looked lovely in the afternoon sun as Rob gave us a quick geology lesson before we headed back to the car. We had stretched 17 kms into 20, but had a wonderful day of beaches and bush, cliff tops and headlands with the occasional family of wallabies, several smallish goannas and a lone sea eagle to add variety. Thank you Denise and Gavin for your company, and Rob for your last-minute leading of our outing.

Chris

 

Murramarang Pack Walk 26-29 March 2023 

After 3 years of planning and construction the NPWS declared the ‘Murramarang South Coast Walk’ ‘completed’, on 28 February 2023.  A 34 km walking trail through Murramarang NP from Pretty Beach to Maloneys Beach hugging the coastline of the Park.

The Batemans Bay Bush Walkers know Murramarang well. They have tramped through it for 38 years. National Parks was interested to have their feedback. So even before bookings could be taken for the advertised National Parks’ 3-day “Murramarang South Coast Walk Experience”, a group of us set out to experience the “Experience” for ourselves. A 3-day pack walk following the new trail, camping at the designated NP campgrounds making up the advertised “Experience” – Pretty Beach, Depot Beach and Oaky Beach. The later, not yet open for bookings but National Parks gave permission for us to “test it out”.

So, on 26 March seven of us met at Pretty Beach Campground to camp overnight before setting off on this 3-day hike.

The week before had seen heavy rain and rain was still forecast. This, and the fact some of us were just that much older since last carrying a full backpack, meant there was some trepidation about what the next 3 days might bring. Indeed, this first night’s discussion seemed very preoccupied with the weight of each other’s packs. For those interested the weights ranged from 12.5kg to 18kg; the medium 15kg.

The First Day – Pretty Beach to Depot Beach – 11.65kms*

It did rain that first night – 4:30am to 8am. But we were in good spirits as we huddled under the shelter for our first camp breakfast. The clouds cleared at 8:30am and off we set, waved away by friendly kangaroos.

The first sign of the new trail was not seen until we were 800mtrs along the rock platform – a board walk heading up the headland. No trail signs were yet in place. But we had the National Parks’ Murramarang South Coast Walk App and map downloaded to our phones to follow the trail. The views from the headland were immediately spectacular.

The trail followed the headland with odd diversions down to coves and beaches before leading us to Pebbly Beach. The overnight rain brought humidity. The sweat poured from us. Our plan was always to go at an easy pace, and the humidity reinforced this as a sensible plan!

As we hit Pebbly Beach the trail took us to the front of the Park’s cabins to the beach. But before the beach, the creek, usually dry, but thanks to the rains, was full and flowing,  with no bridge to cross! It was ‘boots off’ and wade, or cross on an improvised bridge of three logs placed over the creek by earlier trekkers, who obviously lacked engineering skills! The group was equally divided about which choice to make. Some of us chose the logs – a not too gracious crossing!

Perhaps a first point of feedback for the NPWS – ‘think about putting in a bridge here’.

After lunching on the beach, it was an easy 2km stroll along the rock platform to Depot Beach (or so we thought). We soon realised why Pebbly Beach is so named as we hit the pebbles. They make walking on dry sand a dream by comparison. But the ‘singing’ of the pebbles as the waves washed over them was a pleasant distraction. Sue found it mesmerising:

My favourite? Pebbly Beach where the stones sing as the tide ebbs and flows. Their music and movement, apparently due to their hard mineral content which helps conduct sound, is just mesmerising”.

However, the afternoon ‘stroll’ into Depot Beach was more ‘hard’ than ‘mesmerising’ for me. My lack of enthusiasm for this section was not helped by my spectacular slip on the rocks, as we rounded Tranquility Bay, 500mtrs south of Pebbly Beach.

The tide was now high and finding a ‘dry’ rock platform on which to walk was challenging. In the narrowest part we had to cross between two rock ledges over waves. I jumped down and then up to the adjacent ledge, feeling chuffed that I timed the jump perfectly between the crashing waves. The ledge though, was covered with slippery wet algae. In a split second of realisation that this was not the best manoeuver, my feet went from under me. I crashed onto the platform, as the next wave washed over me! An alternative strategy was clearly needed!

Sharon, now with boots off waded in and directed that packs should be off. A conga line was formed. Packs were moved forward as the remainder of the group scrambled further up and along the rock ledge avoiding the slippery bits. Mary (perhaps overly generously to me) described the incident thus:

“…It was slow going on the pebbles and then we encountered our first real hurdle. A rock platform that narrowed over large, black, slippery rocks with an incoming tide that, had we been any later, may well have cut off our passage through.

Never daunted by a challenge our fearless track leader Peter proceeded but after slipping over on the rocks and somehow not ending up in the sea, his followers became much more cautious.

Sharon saved the day by standing in the water at the narrowest spot passing our heavy backpacks to those who had scrambled on their bottoms up to higher rocks…”

Maybe a second point of feedback for the NWPS – “A chain fixed to the cliff here might be useful (but better still) a direction for walkers to use an alternative route on high tides!”

At Depot Beach we made camp for our second night. Sharon, whose dry home was not far from here, considered, that with the further forecast of rain that night, ‘discretion might be the better part of valour’. Her tent had failed the waterproof test the night before! She took a lift home. But said she would be back the next morning to assist us to cross Durras Lake, which was open to the sea – our next obstacle.

After a quick swim at Depot Beach and a hot shower, courtesy of the upgraded facilities at the campground, we made our dinners. And by 8pm we were all in our tents! The day had worn us out.

The Second Day – Depot Beach to Oaky Beach – 19.96 kms

Next morning (and it did not rain overnight) cheery faces met for our second camp breakfast.

Sharon, true to her word turned up and made an offer ‘too good to refuse’ to drive our packs over to the Murramarang Resort. We could wade across Durras Lake without packs. For ‘purists’ this might have been sacrilege but as the average age of our group was 68 it was hard to find a ‘purist’ amongst us. The offer was accepted. Thankfully so. National Parks advertised this leg of the ‘Experience’ – Depot Beach to Oaky Beach’ at 16kms, yet it turned out to be closer to 20kms.

A third point of feedback for the NWPS – “can you check your distances”.

Without packs we took the opportunity to visit Depot Beach Lookout and made the 300mtr diversion to Point Upright Lookout, with its uninterrupted views over Durras Lake inlet to South Durras and beyond. Today the sun was shining, and it was a photographer’s delight.

We crossed the open lake with little difficulty (a boots-off wade only). We then strolled barefoot along the beach to South Durras.

We discussed (and I might say with little objection) stopping at the Murramarang Resort for coffee and refreshments. As I said, there were no purists amongst us! We collected our packs and after partaking in a very civilized morning tea next to the Resort pool, we headed off to our third camp, Oaky Beach, 10 kms away.

Most members of the club are familiar with this stretch of coast from Wasp Head to Oaky Beach. The ‘new’ trail follows the old trails down to Emily Miller Beach, past Dark Beach and onto Myrtle Beach (the nude bathing beach). Even at mid-week there were still a few ‘taking in the sunshine’ at Myrtle. We politely passed by, before resting in our own secluded spot, to take lunch.

From Myrtle, the new trail meanders along the cliff line. It weaves in and out of the magnificent Spotted Gums and the Burrawangs, with many vistas out to sea. There were plenty of photo opportunities, but we did not dilly dally. We had arranged to meet Rob on Oaky Beach at 4pm as he was bringing in our water for the night and next day.

Oaky Beach Campground has been rebuilt and is unrecognisable from the old, dilapidated bush campsite that used to be there (and had been closed for many years). When this new campground is open to the public, it will cater for both 4WD camping and walk-in campers.

Away from the car camping area are five tent platforms for the walk-ins. These will be prioritised for those walkers booked on the 3-day “Experience”. We were privileged to be allowed to use the campground before it was open to the public, so tonight it was all ours. And we certainly spread out.

None of us had set up a tent on a wooden platform before. You cannot use pegs! With ingenuity, string, and a few sticks, four tents went up on the platforms. Mary and Donna took the traditional approach, pitching their tents on the ground in the car camping area. They had the advantage of being much closer to the toilet.

National Parks kindly built a shelter in the walk-in area. We took this over and there was much jocularity as we communally cooked dinner that evening. We were very pleased with ourselves. We had trekked 20-21 kms today (Donna’s Garmin had it at 19.96km and mine at 21.2km), when we were only expecting 16. Some enjoyed a refreshing ocean swim, and we had plenty of water to spare for washing afterwards.

Special thanks must go to Rob. He volunteered to drive in the water. He arrived before we did and carried in four 10ltr casks of water into the campground. This was a herculean effort, as he had to park 500mtrs away up the hill. He looked as tired as we were! Yet he still helped pitch tents, before making his departure.

The Third Day – Oaky Beach to Maloneys Beach – 8.18kms

Everyone was up early. We busied ourselves around our spread-out tents as we breakfasted and prepared for the walk out.

The day was overcast and again humid. Rain was forecast for 12 noon, but we only had 8km to walk. We were confident we would be finished before the rains came.

The new trail followed the coast along the headland to Honeysuckle Beach and then on to North Head Campground. Even at midweek this was busy. From there it was across the beach and up the headland to the new trail that skirts around the private cottages at Judges (Yellow Rock) Beach.

A picnic table and toilet block have been built past the cottages for use by the passing walkers. The picnic table is not undercover; and 1½ hours before forecast we copped the rain. Our only choice for shelter (short of trespassing onto the cottages’ verandahs) was the toilet block. We huddled in its hallway as we pulled out our wet weather gear, to walk the last 3kms in the rain!

Perhaps the fourth point of feedback for NPWS is “build a shelter over that picnic table”.

From there it was a familiar trek for most of us to Maloneys Beach. We reached the newly constructed staircase down to Maloneys at 11:30am. In a last direction as one of the leaders, I requested everyone stop on the staircase for one last photo. It was pouring rain, but everyone was still smiling.

We sheltered at Maloneys Beach waiting for our lifts home. They arrived exactly on time, at 12 noon, like a fleet of Ubers. We had made it!

Our final feedback on the “Walk” – “Great”.  The trail is well built, and easy to walk and follow. It  showcases the best of the Murramarang and its amazing coastline,  without scaring the landscape. Perhaps Donna’s words sum it up best:

National Parks has done a great job with striking a balance between not making the trail too manufactured, yet retaining a natural feel as well as maximising opportunities to observe the breathtakingly beautiful rugged coastline.

The South Coast Murramarang Pack Walk was included on the club’s walks’ program to give an easier option for members for a multi-day walk, to the more traditional, exploratory wilderness walks we have on offer.

This was an experiment, but it seems to have worked. Certainly, the camaraderie that we see on our camps was there. Even with the obstacles we faced along the way – rusty bodies, aged equipment, rain, humidity, and those ‘extra’ kilometres, all remained positive and cheerful.

It also was the type of walk that could allow us to call on support from other members of the club. People like Rob, and as it turned out, Sharon, who supported us mid-walk; and Jim, Karen C and Tony for the lifts out and back.

And for me, it was great (and I was very lucky) to have Mary and Glenn as my co-leaders (and co-conspirators) in this endeavour. Without them this walk would not have happened. Mary’s planning and organisation and Glenn’s energy (out on every recce for the route), meant we were assured of success.

Of course, thanks also must go to our other fellow walkers – Max, Donna, Sue, and Sharon – perfect company.

‘Till the next one.

Peter

Photos courtesy of Sue, Donna, Mary, Glenn and Peter

* Donna’s Garmin readings

 

 

 

 

Wandera

Wednesday 22 March 2023

Photos courtesy of Donna F and Mary

Wandera Forest Tracks attracted 5 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers on what started out an overcast day with a suggestion of showers. No showers, and the sun came through as we climbed up the last hill to the top.

The track, like so many of our walks is becoming populated by ‘after the fires’ vegetation. Still walkable but in a couple of more years it will be a bit of a challenge.

The ‘road’ through Snake Gully is overgrown, fortunately we had had no rain since Sunday night, so walkers did not get too wet as we bashed through the new growth.

There was even a couple of edible snakes to be enjoyed as we descended into the Gully.

Mary

Cullendulla Surfside Circuit

Thursday 19 March 2023

Photo courtesy of Carol

With the forecast for a rather warm day it was a delight for leader Joan to welcome those who came to enjoy this remarkable local easy walk.

There were eight members eager to begin but before walking there was a piece of history for all to read in the foreshore circle at the meeting place car park north of the bridge.

There is a sign in the circle of rocks hewn from the once large Hanging Rock which in the past was a meeting place for local Aborigines.

The walk then led the group along Surfside Beach to the beginning of the Cullendulla Creek boardwalk which leads through mangrove forests and the fascination of watching very small Red Claw Crabs scrambling over the shallow low tide sand.

The boardwalk is now in good repair with recent new hand railing for the total length of 1km. When back on to the beach there were sightings of Black Swans and several black and white Pied Oyster Catcher birds.

With a perfect sea breeze for the pleasure of morning tea, all walkers then arrived back to their cars after a most enjoyable morning.

Joan