Thursday 31 August 2023
Photos courtesy Cathie, Donna and Max. Walk report courtesy Cathie. Walk Leader: Barry K.
A walk of just over 13 kms, considered ‘medium’, DE 24.
Barry K, our leader, had ordered a beautiful morning. Whales were jumping, dolphins were waving, and wallabies were offering to make coffee as we gathered for an early start. Some had chosen to camp there the night before, while other less intrepid types commuted in from their accommodation at Tathra. It was a convivial group of ten that set out.
The first stage was a brisk walk along beautiful Picnic Beach. We then cut into the bush for a steep climb up to a rocky lookout festooned with flowering rock orchids. From there we followed what is known as ‘Leonardo’s Way’ – a route marked by coloured tape or painted spots on rocks and trees. Who did this trail blazing remains a mystery, but we were very grateful, especially after those occasional moments when we briefly lost sight of the markers. The walking was rough underfoot with lots of fallen trees, sticks, rocks and other trip hazards to negotiate, justifying the degree of difficulty.
We followed the ridge line through mostly Casuarina (Allocasuarina for the botanically minded) woodland, then descended via a steep gorge to Aragunnu Beach. Some steps helped us climb back up to the shady Aragunnu Campground, complete with picnic tables for a well-earned lunch.
We pushed on to check out the beautiful Mimosa Rocks that give the national park its name. For our return trip, Barry forged an alternative ascent from Aragunnu Beach that replaced the steep gorge with a gentler (but longer) ascent. Donna wasn’t convinced it made things easier! The highlight of the return journey was the steep descent from the ridge back down to Picnic Beach.
All ten made it back in good spirits, despite a wire fence mugging Denise at one point. The whales were still jumping as we thanked Barry for his low key, informative and gentle mode of leadership that got us all (and the occasional tick) through the six hour walk.