North Durras – Depot Beach Circuit

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Sunday 30 April 2017

Bob and Joe admire the view of Depot Beach
Kay and Simeon
A rest at South Durras

Photos by Mary T

This walk was led by Carol and numbered 17 participants including one visitor. The convoy of 4 cars travelled up the Princes Highway then branched off on Mt Agony Road to North Durras. Excellent walking conditions, a perfect day around 21 degrees. Walked along the beach then took a marked track up a fairly stiff climb to a lookout overlooking the beach.

Retraced our steps then followed a number of interconnecting tracks  leading to a gentle descent to Depot Beach. Tame kangaroos on sight. At Depot Beach we took a forest walk through the ancient Littoral forest, in refreshing coolness. Lunch was had overlooking Depot Beach, after which we made a further climb before reaching the main road that led us back to our starting point at North Durras.

The walk took about 4 hours and covered a distance of just over 10 kms

John M 

Upper Endrick River (3 day pack walk)

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Wednesday 26 April to Friday 28 April 2017

Lunch at Red Johnny’s Cave
A rare fire trail

Photos by Brian M

The Endrick River is an eastern tributary of the Shoalhaven River.  Its upper catchment is bounded by the Nerriga/Nowra Road and Endrick Fire Trail and it’s within the 70,000 hectare Budawang Wilderness Area.

This is an area of solid rock plateau sandstone geology, broken only by cracking and sculpting of wind and water and mostly covered by a thick blanket of heath and woodland vegetation, periodically rejuvenated by high intensity wildfire.  Nevertheless, some large areas of solid rock persist, and it is these features which draw the tourist.

But because of the restricting nature of the dense understorey, very few will venture into the central area.  One of the few public records found of previous recreational visitation was for rock climbing by the Shoalhaven Bushwalking Club in the 1970’s.

Four Batemans Bay Bushwalkers – Simon, Bronwyn, Brian and Ian – spent three days, and walked 26 kilometres, in the area.  Because of wet weather on the first day, and an aversion to pushing through wet bush, we approached from the west by walking a circuitous 15 kilometres of the Endrick River Fire Trail from the Sassafras car park.  This allowed us to see the well known features along the way such as the upper Clyde Gorge, Red Johnnys Cave, the Vines rainforest and the pure and handsome Brown Barrel regrowth forest, an artefact of the once busy local sawmill, down the Vines Creek valley.

Breakfast, Endrick River Camp
At Battleship Rock

We left the firetrail at 451044 and bush bashed two kilometres up the banks of the Endrick River.  We found our planned campsite of two nights at 469457, fortuitously later proving to be the only comfortable campsite in the area (apart from the many solid rock platforms in the area!).

The next day we ventured upstream through the river gorge but were soon tired from pushing through thick undergrowth and scrambling over boulders.  Instead, we cut through the low clifflines to the south and explored the rock massif between the Galbraith Plateau and Battleship Rock.  There were some fine views, particularly from the Loaf at 477047, so named by us because of its resemblance to a loaf of bread.  It was perched on the lip of the gorge just across from the imposing Battleship Rock.

Bronwyn, Simon and Ian
Ian indicates a point of interest
Overhang beneath the ‘Conning Tower’

On the third day we cut eastward across the Endrick River headwaters.  This was a very tiring route, with very thick undergrowth in places, climbing and descending rock platforms.  Navigation needed to be of pinpoint accuracy to find the few narrow passes between the valleys and clifftops.

However, it also proved to be the most enjoyable day.  A forensic examination of the 1970 aerial photos had indicated there were some scenic payoffs along the way and the photos proved valuable in finding the few rocky passes between clifftops and valley crossings.

Brian at weathered rock
Brian at Endrick Valley lookout

Working our way to the clifftop north of Battleship Rock rewarded us with long high rock platforms with speedy walking.  It gave us wonderful views southward across the river gorge to Galbraith Plateau and we had a close up view of the appropriately named Battleship Rock.  Nearby, another lower rock of similar, but smaller shape, menaced the valley.  In keeping with the local marine monicking, we named it Submarine Rock.

Further east, from a clifftop point at 481049, we gazed upon the Endrick River’s confluence with Newhaven Creek and admired the rugged nature of the surrounding valleys and gullies.

We crossed the river upstream at 484050, not only because it was one of the few river crossings available, but also to see the small, but delightful, narrow rock ravine in which the river has dropped and cut through the solid rock.  After examining its large and peaceful waterhole at the exit we climbed the surrounding rock platforms and walked the inlet with its numerous potholes of various sizes. We also gazed further upstream where long waterholes curved through rocky troughs.

We had enough time to drop packs and bushbash our way a half kilometer to the south where the river drops a second time through the rock platforms.  It proved to be a cascade with a towering overhang but from our high vantage point we decided not to venture further.  Instead, we explored a natural arch and nearby, on a small cliff ledge, a large and healthy Diamond Python was curled up in the warming sunshine keeping a close eye on the intruders.

Diamond Python sun basking
Cave near Upper Endrick Falls
Ian by Endrick Falls

We headed to the firetrail, uneventful except for very heavy undergrowth between the few rock platforms that we stumbled upon and could saw into our intended route.  At times, the heath was 2-4 metres high and, too often, we had to backtrack a few metres to try again.  It was equal to the heaviest experienced in the Budawangs with a speed of less than a kilometer per hour.

Exhausted, mid afternoon, we suddenly popped onto the firetrail, exactly where we intended, and slogged home.

In summary, most walkers of the Budawangs Wilderness stick to the few tracks and routes available.  Few venture into the intervening chunks of broken rock and clifflines.  The Upper Endrick River area is one of those areas.  In three days we saw evidence of previous visitation of only a possible old rock cairn of decades age plus a small iron fragment near the fire trail, an artefact of previous use for military training centred on Bhundoo Hill.

The view of Battleship Rock and its surrounds from the clifftop was worth the trip.  The solid rock bed of the Endrick River upstream of its confluence with Newhaven Creek is worth further exploration, as is possibly the nearby Middle Creek.  From our sampling, the base of the clifflines have some, but not many, overhangs of interest.  Despite checking all overhangs and rock platforms encountered, we saw no evidence of previous Aboriginal occupation.

We saw very little evidence of fauna – a bit of wombat on the creek banks, few insects, no fish, no macropods, no raptors, not even an owl call at night – only honeyeaters on the plateau and of course, the python.  In contrast, the vegetation abounds in heath and understorey species.

A wild and interesting place, best visited after a bushfire.

Ian

Bartleys Creek to Beaches

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27 April 2017

Morning tea
Lunch spot on Dark Beach
Crossing Emily Miller Beac
Waiting to negotiate water on the track
Hopping rocks on the platform

Photos by Mary T

The Murramarang National Park, surrounding South Durras, offers bushwalkers a great variety of tracks and terrain. There are the well formed tracks maintained by the National Park Service, as well as many overgrown single tracks and old logging roads where moss covered bridge timbers rot amongst the rainforest. This was the area that 16 members, who set off from the Murramarang Boat Ramp, headed out to explore.

The 15km walk offered all of the above with a couple of good hills thrown in to test the calf muscles. Autumn is a special time in these forests for the variety of fungi on display, including the brightly coloured “coral fungi”. The fruiting bodies of these fungi could be regarded as the equivalent of the flowers within the higher order of plants.

The group headed down to the north end of Dark Beach for lunch. Here the weather warning about “high seas” was demonstrated clearly as rough waves pounded the beach. Later, as we walked north around the rock platform towards Wasp Head, these high seas showed what they could do even at low tide by blocking our path north. So with a bit of doubling back we chose an alternate route which took us down onto Mill Beach and the finish of our walk.

Mary M

Maloneys Beach – Murramarang National Park – Maloneys Beach

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Wednesday 19 April 2017

After lunch at Reef Point Beach
Quiriga Beach, east of Maloneys Beach

Photos by Joan B and Philip I

An absolutely perfect day for this beautiful walk.  There were 15 walkers including a couple not seen for a while and also including a visitor.

Starting at the Maloneys Beach barbecue site the group moved off along the back of local houses and then into the track at the Murramarang National Park sign which led to the locked gate at a track intersection.  Instead of going through the gate, the path then followed led straight ahead down to a severely eroded watercourse hole and through attractive bushland for some distance and finally arriving at the headland north from Reef Point and Acheron Ledge.  After admiring the wonderful views from this high vantage point we returned to a track which led down to the secluded beach and a perfect lunch location.  This beach has no name on the map but is the cove next north to Reef Point.
After lunch the group walked the beach and returned to the bush track upwards at Reef Point and along the clifftop back to the locked gate and a return to the carpark at the Maloneys  Beach barbecue.
This was indeed a perfect easy walk enjoyed by one and all.
Joan B

Ode to Mount Buffalo

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During our recent camp to the Victorian High Country, Ian was moved to pen his Ode to Mount Buffalo

The author contemplates the Mt Buffalo plateau from his lofty perch on The Monolith

Well, hello
Beautiful Mount Buffalo
It’s been some time since we last climbed
Your slopes and rocky topped plateau

Since last, we see your forests burnt
Oh, we hope some lessons learnt
We’d hoped you were protected better
Despite the many laws and letters

The furry Alpine Ash and Snow Gums
Are sprouting from white skeletons
But though the catastrophic fires have harmed
We can see you still have charms

So we are here to walk your sights
A bunch of walkers, primed for heights
All the way from Batemans Bay
Just for you, a week to stay

You’re made for us, for we’re not baulking
Short strolls, long treks, keep us walking
Under boulders, over bridges
Even up your endless ridges

We love your waterfalls and more
To gaze on granite walls and tors
To walk your skin of snowy grasses
And weave our way through lofty passes

When near the Chalet we did look
Upon the charms of Crystal Brook
The Oval, Gorge, and just for a shiver
We even peeked at an underground river

Through the Galleries’ tunnels and cracks
Pushing through, scraping our backs
Emerging again so pleased as punch
To Lake Catani for a well earned lunch

Now time to go, your weathers test us
But we managed without much fuss
Those humid days did make us sweat
And rainy days, they kept us wet

Ye Gods, the next forecast was snow
But in the end we have to go
We’ll come again we’re pleased to say
Goodbye Mount Buffalo, till another day

Ian B
March 2017

 

Pebbly Beach to Snake Bay

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Sunday 16 April 2017

Leader Karen M talks to the group at North Pebbly Beach
Rest break at Clear Point
Lunch on the rock platform at Snake Bay
Walkers in the spotted gum forest
‘If you go down in the woods today’ or rain forest with Ian you may see a…

Photos by Karen M, Karen C and Mary T

Twenty Nine Batemans Bay Bushwalkers chose to spend their Easter Sunday outdoors, enjoying the glories of a perfect Autumn day.  Easter celebrations mean different things to different people, but to bushwalkers there’s nothing better than surrounding themselves with the wonders of Nature.

Leaving Pebbly Beach the group trekked north along the coast through spotted gum forest, stopping to admire the small deserted North Pebbly Beach.  The track ascends over headlands with views along the coast and descends through creeks and cabbage palm gullies.  There is a fine viewpoint at Clear Point, a favourite stop for morning tea.

Then on to Snake Bay for lunch on the rocky steps watching the surf break over the headland.  Half of the group then explored a rainforest gully inland from the track before rejoining the rest of the group for the return journey.

Back at Pebbly Beach which is now a busy National Park tourist mecca with its accommodation facilities full for Easter, we tried to imagine how it used to look.  Most of the forest was cleared and there was a sawmill behind the beach.  Horse drawn trams took the logs across the dunes on wooden tram tracks to the loading facility on the northern rock platform.  There a flying fox was used to load timber onto the waiting steamers. The large pole that supported this flying fox is still on the rock platform.

Karen M

Bush and Bathe

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Thursday 13 April 2017

Walkers with leader Brian at Honeysuckle Bay
Oh what a view
Lunch, North Head Rockpool
Gary contemplates surf pounding into rockpool
Lunch perches at North Head Rockpool
Track meanders through fascinating twisted spotted gum forest
Emerging at Honeysuckle Beach

Photos by Donna, Karen M and Brian

This walk was led by Brian Mercer and numbered 15 participants including one visitor. The convoy of 4 cars travelled up the Durras Road then branched off on to the dirt road to North Head (road much degraded). From there we took a coastal track at about 9 am heading for Honeysuckle and Oaky Beaches.

Brian gave the group the interesting experience of “Forest Bathing”, (in Japanese “Shinrin Yoku”); for the first 10 minutes walking at a slow pace, observing nature  on right and left, in absolute silence. This took us to the magnificent lookout between North Head and Honeysuckle Beach.

The coastal track then re-joined the road between North Head and Durras which we took in the direction of North Head.  The walk  continued along the beach and rock platform from North Head  and arrived at the rock pool which had been designated for an optional swim; because of the high seas the swim was cancelled and the group stopped for lunch. An excellent walk in ideal conditions. The walk took about 3 hours and covered a distance of approx 9 km.

John M

 

Mogo Hill Night Walk

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Wednesday 12 April 2017

Greater Glider
By Toby Hudson – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39614412)

As a passenger in the car of Ian and Lyn as we headed for the 7.30pm rendezvous with other members at Mogo Hill, I can honestly say that the strong rain on the car windscreen as we drove through Batemans Bay caused murmurs of possible disappointment if the walk needed to be cancelled.   HOWEVER, on arriving at the rendezvous point at Mogo Hill in the darkness there was not a drop of rain to be seen and happy smiles of relief.  Very soon two cars arrived from the Mogo group and 10 happy night walkers with very good torches began the first ever unique night walk in the club’s history.
As we walked we were advised to shine our torches into the tall tree tops with hopeful sightings of creatures of the night, amongst the hopes were a possible wombat, possum, quoll and owl.  And we were not disappointed because after walking down into a gully and then on the upward track the group were rewarded with sighting of pairs of small red eyes high in the tree canopy – all up four greater gliders, some micro bats, a couple of large flying foxes and a fascinating group of luminous white fungi on a tree stump seen clearly when all torches were switched off.

The walk concluded back at the cars where everyone switched off torches and enjoyed supper in the quiet, peaceful stillness of a moonlit night under the stars.  Thank you to Ian for this most enjoyable night walk.
Joan B

Victorian High Country Camp

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20 to 28 March 2017

The Victorian High Country Camp has been a long anticipated event on our bushwalking program.  Leaders, Mark, Wendy, Brian and Christine reccied the area last year, and subsequently planned 7 days of high country hiking and extra curricular activities centred around the town of Bright, Victoria.  Fortunately our leaders were extremely flexible, as the weather forced a complete re-arrangement of the Walking Program.  Nevertheless, we still completed all of the planned walks, and a few more.  This is how it went.

Day 1 Tuesday:  Rain – Lay Day.  A good opportunity to go to the movies in Bright’s comfy little cinema, visit Gapstead Winery near Myrtleford, check out the nearby village of Yackandandah with its Museum and Historic Precinct, or walk the local tracks along the Ovens River, or the through the Wandiligong Diggings to learn more about the Chinese presence on the early goldfields.

Urban Bright
Bend in the Ovens River on Cherry Walk
Ovens River rocks

Photos by Donna and Erika/Philip

Our first social activity at the end of a wet day was an evening tasting of Billy Button wines named after the native alpine daisy and is the creation of winemaker Jo Marsh. We were able to sample 10 different wines, 5 red, 5 white.  Our host provided details of each wine as he told the story of Jo Marsh, the young wine maker who has done so much to promote the local wines.

The end product is produced from a variety of grapes grown in the Alpine Valleys wine region. Jo enables small growers to turn their grapes into award-wining wines. Those who wished purchased their favourites to enjoy at a later date.

Day 2 Wednesday:  The Big Walk, led by Ian.  11.3 km one way, Hard.  The longest walk on Mt Buffalo, this track climbs the plateau from the park entrance to the Gorge Day Visitors Area and needs a long car shuffle up the mountain and back again which takes well over an hour.  Weather was misty and humid.

Philip, Ian, Rob, Wendy and Rodney on the track
View from Big Walk track
Moving across the granite
Low clouds over the valley
Rodney, Ian, Erika, Rob and Wendy
Great views!

Photos by Erika, Philip and Brian 

Long Plain, Macs Track, Rocky Creek Circuit with Diversion to Mt Dunn led by Brian.  14 km, Medium.  A good introduction to Mt Buffalo scenery, with alpine meadows, rushing streams, piles of granite boulders, forests of snow gums and even a few wildflowers.  Several walkers took advantage of the morning tea stop at the base of Mt Dunn to make the ascent to the summit for 360 degree views over the plateau.

Long Plain group
Track alongside of Long Plain
Morning tea at the base of Mt Dunn Stan, Mary M, Bob M, Betty, Chris
Long Plain lunch meadow
Karen on the ladders of Mt Dunn
The Sisters

Photos by Karen M, Brian and Mary T

 

After the walk, 5 walkers stopped at the Rollasons Falls Track and walked the steep 4 km into the upper and lower falls.  Brian and Martin cooled down with a dip in the beautiful deep pool at the lower falls.

Helen at Upper Rollasons Falls
Brian and Martin cooling off under Rollasons Falls

Photos by Donna and Brian

Eurobin Falls Track led by Len. 1.5 km, Easy.  This track climbs past the lower Ladies Bath Falls and onto Lower Eurobin Falls.  A steeper track continues up to the base of the Upper Falls.

Ladies Bath Falls
Eurobin Falls

Photos by Kay

Gorge Heritage Walk led by Len.  2.5 km, Easy.  This loop walk starts in the Gorge Day Visitor Area opposite the Chalet.  Interpretive signs describe the area’s history and beauty through the eyes of local pioneer, Guide Alice.

Historic Mount Buffalo Chalet
Brookes Bridge
Carolyn on Gorge Heritage Walk
Gill, John and Heather

Photos by Kay and Lesley

With time and energy to spare 3 walkers accompanied Len from the Gorge Heritage Area to the striking granite boulders known as The Monolith

The Monolith
At the Monolith, Jill, Dennis, Anna, John, Nancy and Martin sat up on high

Photos by Len and Brian

Day 3 Thursday:  Back Wall Track led by Rob.  12 km, Medium.  This track starts near the Cresta Valley and crosses several lovely little alpine meadows with great views of the Horn immediately ahead.  It then ascends a rocky saddle with misty views of the valleys below, before turning into thick snowgum and acacia scrub.  This is when the rain started.  Walkers continued to the Back Wall, but didn’t linger because of cold winds and steady rain.  It was a quick hike back to the cars, along the track which had turned into a stream of running water.  No time for lunch until they reached the cars again.

Endurance of the ‘long distance’ walkers
Is leader Rob pondering the weather and the wisdom of setting out?
Decision made, Rob leads the way
First viewpoint
Nothing seems to dampen Martin’s spirits
Back Wall Track
At the Wall Ian unconcerned by the precipice

Photos by Brian, Erika, Helen, Karen M and Mary T  

 South Buffalo Track led by Jill.  8 km, Medium.  From Cresta Valley this track initially climbs a ridge then meanders through Snow Gum glades and small snow plains, terminating at the South Buffalo view point.  Once again rain interrupted the walk after morning tea and everyone made a quick dash for the cards before thinking about lunch.

At the trailhead

Photo by Bob M

Easy Walkers led by Ainslie & Mike attempted the Dicksons Falls Track (4 km Easy), but cancelled it due to rain.

History Talk and Stargazing.

One afternoon, Ian Stapleton, local author, historian and founder of Mittagundi provided a captivating talk for campers. Ian spoke passionately about Mittagundi, which was built to offer troubled young people a place to get away from the complexities of a fast paced modern life, and take them to a place where they can live simply, work hard, enjoy good solid company and discover the mountains. He also provided campers with an inimitable insight into the lives and circumstances of some of the special women and men who have called the Victorian high country home over the past 150 years.

Following Ian’s talk, that evening, two volunteers from the Bright Astronomy Club Inc. (http://brightastronomy.webs.com/) provided a special stargazing opportunity. The volunteers spoke informatively about our solar system and beyond, and using Astronomy Club telescopes, campers were able to have a unique viewing of the Milky Way, black holes, planets and distant galaxies and nebulae.

Day 4 Friday:  Lake/Viewpoint/Underground River Circuit led by Mary T.  6 km, Medium.  

Starting at Lake Catani, the track passes through tumbles of huge granite boulders to a Viewpoint high above the Buckland Valley.  It then continues over the underground river to 2 more viewpoints before passing through the Gorge Day Visitors Area (yet more stunning viewpoints) and back to Lake Catani.

The Platypus power station at Lake Catani
Lin, Phiiip, Mary M, Erika and Stan with the magnificent backdrop of the Buckland Valley
Mike, Rob and Mark at the View Point
Rob on the edge
Looking out from the Haunted Gorge lookout

Photos by Erika and Mary T

Lake Catani – Gorge Track led by Len  4 km Easy followed by the 3 km Easy Lake Circuit after lunch.

Lush green by the lake
Val, Nancy, Dennis, Anna, Len, Jill and Martin at Lake Catani
The lake at peace
Walkers enjoying lunch by Lake Catani

Photos by Erika and Brian

After lunch the medium walkers ascended the 1.7 km Chalwell Galleries Track in 2 groups.  This track passes through galleries which are a jumble of large granite rocks forming impressive, but narrow passages.

 

Awaiting our turn to enter the Gallery Shute
Martin on the ladder
Ladders leading down into the shute
Oh my!!!
Emerging from the shute
Heather, Anna and Martin on the outer edge

Photos by Karen M, Erika, Helen and Mary T

Visit to Mt Buffalo Olive Farm for a tasting of local olive oils, olives and other farm produce.  This is a working olive grove, developed and owned by Colin and Elisa Bertuch. Elisa and Colin welcomed us to the wrap around verandah overlooking the magnificent Alpine view where we tasted olives and virgin oil.

Colin told us the history of olives, development of their growing in the area and the processes Mt Buffalo Olives uses on farm to produce the final product. As well as award winning Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, they produce and market a range of pantry items from wonderful local produce.

Day 5 Saturday:  Rain – Lay Day.  More movies and cafes, and a chance to welcome the winner of the gruelling 75km Mt Buffalo Ultra Skymarathon.  More Ovens River walks, or perhaps a drive to the little hydro town of Mt Beauty at the foot of Mt Bogong for some exploring along the banks of the Kiewa River.  Or tackling a few more walks on Mt Buffalo as the weather cleared.

Ovens River Canyon Walk

Photos by Erika/Philip

Day 6 Sunday:  Razorback – Mt Feathertop – Bungalow Spur led by Brian.  23 km Hard.  12 walkers left Bright at 7.30am to drive to Diamantina Hut near the summit of Mt Hotham.  The car shuffle was possible because their 3 cars would be driven to end of the walk at Bungalow Spur trailhead in Harrietville by 3 walkers on the 12km Razorback Experience Walk.  The Razorback is an undulating rough track with amazing views over the surrounding alpine areas.   The final ascent to Mt Feathertop – the 2nd highest peak in Victoria – is a steep 1.5 km pinch for 360 degree views of the high country.  We had a glorious sunny day and could see forever.  Lunch was at Federation Hut, and then it was a long winding descent down the Bungalow Spur along a narrow rocky track to Harrietville and the waiting cars.

Rodney, Erika, Rob, Karen, Martin, Mary’s back, Lin, Phillip, Brian and Ian. (Donna and Helen taking pics)
Walk guide
Group at junction with the Bon Accord track
Summit track
Descending from summit
Lunch at Federation Hut
Resting on Bungalow Spur descent
Walker takes a tumble on the Bungalow Spur
The end at Harrietville

Photos by Brian, Helen, Ian, Erika  

Razorback Experience led by Dennis.  12 km, Medium.  9 walkers made the scenic drive up to Diamantina Hut to walk 6 km along the Razorback Track, taking in the extensive views, before returning the same way.

Dennis and Nancy park at Diamantina Hut
Signing on at the start
Walkers on the Razorback track

Photos by Chris, James

 Mt Hotham Summit Track led by Kay.  2.5 km, Easy.  Beginning from the Trainer chairlift in Mt Hotham Village, this walk ascends to the peak of Mt Hotham, past the Telstra Tower to the Fire Tower for an inspiring 360 degree view including Mt Buffalo, Mt Feathertop and Mt Buller. The return is via the same route.  Followed by a coffee break in one of the Village cafes.

Bev, Marion and Len leaving Hotham Village
At the top

Photos by Kay

Day 7 Monday:  Corral/Castle Track and the Cathedral/Hump Track.  2 Medium Groups led by Karen & Donna.  The 3.5 km Corral/Castle Track ascends a rocky staircase to Le Soeuf Peak, Mahomets Tomb and the secluded Corral alpine meadow.  A short side track leads to a balancing boulder called The Sentinel, and the Castle beyond.

Donna, Bob, Karen, Val and Jill in the labyrinth
Brian and his ladies in waiting at the Sentinel
Heading towards the Castle
The Sentinel where Ian attempts the impossible
Chris at Mahomet’s Tomb

Photos by Karen M and Brian

The 3.5 km Cathedral/Hump track ascends yet another rocky staircase to the spectacular Cathedral rock outcrop, and on to The Hump for fine views of Cresta Valley and The Horn.

Near the Cathedral
Chris at the Hump
Ian making out like a mountain goat

Photos by Brian , Erika and MaryT

And because the weather was fine and clear, many walkers chose to also climb The Horn, which is the highest peak on Mt Buffalo, and not to be missed.  Several also dropped in to ascend The Monolith.

Top of the Horn (on a misty day)
Top of the Horn (on a fine day)
View from the top to road and valley

Photos by Kay and Mary T

Dicksons Falls Track led by Ainslie & Mike.  4 km, Easy.  This walk passes through subalpine plant communities to a small waterfall with views of surrounding peaks.

John at pond on Dicksons Falls Walk
Misty morning, Mount Buffalo
Dicksons Falls trail

Photos by Kay

 

Thank you to Mark, Wendy, Brian and Christine for planning and leading such an enjoyable camp to what is literally Bushwalking Heaven in the Victorian High Country.  And thank you to our talented photographers for recording some great memories.

Words by Karen M, Mary T and Mark

 

Don Moir and Beyond

Web Editor

8 April 2017

Morning tea on Don Moir
Telegraphic Post
Dam and pump
In the Spotted Gum forest
Look out, leaning tree
Philip, Erika, Charles, Heather, Donna and Karen at lunch on Kioloa Beach
One giant leap for mankind (Mike) Steady as she goes (Ainslie) Karen watches on

Photos by Donna F, Erika and Mary T

The Saturday walk this week was a revised version of Don Moir Hill. Due to wet conditions the previous week, the start was from the north end of Kioloa Beach .

19 walkers set out with leader Mary T through the ANU Research Station facility to meet up with the track to Don Moir Hill. The main feature, other than views across the forest and rocks to the sea is an old Telegraphic Post from WWII. The stonewalls remain with a couple of posts. Morning tea was enjoyed from the elevated spot before the descent to continue our walk through pretty winding bike paths to the back of the village and onto the beach. Lunch was on the rocky outcrops or the sand. Fortunately the sun was slightly covered by high clouds and a light breeze blew to maintain a pleasant temperature.

The final stretch of our walk was via a ‘hop and jump’ across the water inlet and along the beach to the cars.

Thank you once again to the ANU for permitting our passage through their property. A walk to definitely keep on our calendar for the future.

Mary T