Sunday 25 March 2018

Lush valley at the foot of Gulaga.

Looking across the valley to the sea.

A long, slog to the top.

Philip, leader Rob and Erika pause on the way to the top.

One of a number of Geological survey plaques sighted on the way up Gulaga.

A welcome morning tea at the top of our ascent.

Panorama across the rocks at the waterfall.

Sharon and Betty enjoy a well earned lunch at the waterfall.

Photos by Helen and Mary 

With a forecast of rain at 2pm and overcast skies, 10 walkers travelled to Tilba Tilba to walk part of Gulaga mountain (Mt Dromedary).

Reading up on the dreaming stories as outlined on the information board, apparently Gulaga was the mother of two sons, Baranguba (Montague Island) and the younger son, Najanuka (Little Dromedary). The story goes that Baranguba didn’t do what his mother told him, can’t be reunited with her and is separated by the sea, so she kept Najauka closer to herself when it was time for him to leave.

After a car shuffle we set off on the long climb to Gulaga’s saddle, thankful that there was no hot sun and that there were plenty of distractions from the steep gradient with filtered views of Wallaga lake, lush tree ferns, bird song and fungi. Several Geological survey plaques were also noted on the route.

Gulaga appears to have good tree coverage now, though mining history records how one side of the mountain was de-forested in the search for gold from 1860’s onwards.

After a break, we viewed the magnificent granite tors that are sacred to Aboriginal tradition. It was an impressive detour to a very special place.

But wait! There’s more!

Next, picking up a 4WD track, Rob led us to Narooma’s water supply dam complete with a huge slab of granite rock face and waterfall where we had a well earned rest and lunch.

Bang on cue, the rain arrived during the last leg of the 11km walk but it was not enough to dampen our enthusiasm for an excellent day out.

Helen