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.
