3rd September – 6th September
The Tathra-Merimbula Mini Camp was a two day Camp split into two groups. One group, consisting of medium walkers, tackled the iconic Wharf To Wharf Walk. This 33 km walk was led by Glenn. The second group, consisting of easy walkers, attended a number of walks over the two days in the surrounding areas. These walks were led by Mary T, assisted by James.
Medium Grade – Wharf To Wharf Walk. Photos courtesy of various participants. Walk Report by Walk Leader Glenn.
Day 1 – Tathra Wharf to Hobart Beach Campground
Twenty two members decided to undertake the two day Wharf to Wharf coastal track, walking from Tathra Wharf to Merimbula Wharf. This walk was a Pambula-Merimbula and Tathra Lions Club project. As is the case with new coastal walks this walk combined existing trails.
Most of the walkers had time to check out the historical wharf (the only wharf and building combination on the Australian eastern seaboard) whilst the cars were driven out to Hobart Beach for our return at the end of the day.
The walk started on the paved Headland Walk where we were immediately rewarded with fabulous scenery and some whale spotting. It didn’t take long before we were making our way along a narrow track through Melaleuca trees and down steep stairs to Kianinny Bay boat ramp. There we were greeted by pelicans and a group of Tai Chi participants. It was here that we joined the Kangarutha Track that takes walkers through thickets of Melaleuca trees, up and down steep gullies with many stairs, rocky sections and past bays and eventually on to Wallagoot Gap. National Parks were working on the track replacing and adding stone steps, this will eliminate some of the scree.
By the time we stopped for morning tea at a beautiful rock scrambling, rock hopping bay, we were ready for a rest. Along the way we had a bit of a search for the track in a washed-out bay and later we stopped for lunch and continued past Wallagoot Gap. Following this the track heads on to Wallagoot Beach and Hobart Beach. All were very happy to walk off the beach through the bush to the car park at the end of a fabulous day. The scenery along the way was amazing.
Day 2 – Hobart Beach Campground to Merimbula Wharf
After spending the previous day walking up and down steep rocky gullies I thought heading down the beach in the sunshine with a slight breeze was lovely. I’m not sure everyone else did! It wasn’t long until we stopped at the headland overlooking Bournda Island for morning tea. It was a magical spot enjoyed by all. We then walked along Tura Beach to Dolphin Cove lookout where we followed a track past tea trees up to Tura headland. The side trip out to the headland was fabulous with stunning views, interesting rock formations, beautiful trees and whale watching.
We followed the beach along dunes and sandy tracks. There was even an opportunity for another swim for a couple of members. Following the quick dip we made our way past Back Lake to Short Point where we had a short rest. We checked out the headland before walking the streets of Merimbula and making our way to our destination, Merimbula Wharf. Wow, how glad we were that the effort was made to walk all the way to Merimbula Wharf!
I think we all agreed, it doesn’t get much better than this. Thanks to all who participated.
Easy Grade – Tathra – Merimbula areas. Photos courtesy of various participants. Walk Report by Walk Leader Mary T.
Day 1.
Twelve club members took a 6 km walk through the Bournda National Park, South of Tathra in brilliant sunshine. Starting at the Hobart Beach car park, the track passed through forest tracks bedecked with the debris of fallen branches, leaf litter and in a couple of places, quite large fallen trunks. The recent high winds had had a devastating effect on the area and we were very grateful for the maintenance and clearing that the National Park rangers had carried out in the last few weeks.
Old gnarled tea trees lined the track which wound past Bondi Lake. Although relatively near, there was no view to the long Bournda Beach and ocean until our return point just before Bournda Lagoon where a flight of steps led us to the sand dunes, the beach and a view of Bournda Island. We sat on the steps and not only enjoyed our tea or coffee but also exclaimed with delight when someone spotted two dolphins surfing the waves close to the beach. They made their way along the beach obviously having great fun. A short walk along the beach took us back to the track on which we returned with a loop for a little variety back to the cars.
The second walk of the day left from the Tathra Memorial Gardens situated above the wharf. After a picnic lunch at the Memorial Gardens, we set out at the Pig and Whistle Lookout to walk southwards along the 4km round trip on the headland track.
Most of the track rewards walkers with spectacular views to the ocean and rock formations below as well as up and down the coast.
At the 2km point the group split up, some walkers opted to return to the cars via the streets while four others volunteered to walk with the leader back along the coast in search of the back plate of the leaders GPS device which had mysteriously gone missing. Unfortunately, the back piece of plastic eluded us, more on this later.
As we reached the cars, we heard a voice say ‘whales’, we made our way to the lookout where four whales were swimming by in the bay close to the rocks. Once again we were treated to a display of acrobatics by mammals of the sea. What a wonderful way to conclude the first day of walking.
However, the day was not over. We had dinner at the Tathra Pub to look forward to. The other club members joined us for dinner after having walked half of the Wharf To Wharf track.
Day 2.
Another day with the promise of more sunshine. We drove to Merimbula to walk the 4km round trip on the boardwalk.
The recent high winds had damaged this iconic feature for visitors. However, maintenance had been carried out with the installation of drainage and new wooden slats, making the walkway safe. This enabled us to enjoy the boardwalk passing through mangroves with views of the inlet and its many oyster beds as well as a view across the water to the airport. Morning tea was taken in the park before returning the same way back to the cars.
A drive to Pambula for lunch and then onto the Pamboola Wetlands and bird sanctuary for the afternoon. Apart from grassy tracks through the area, this is the site of the Pambula Racecourse which closed in 1977. The commentators stand, finishing post and length signs are still in place.
The track now has a great surface for walking as it is covered with a plastic paving mesh. Kangaroos lounge happily around the water features where birds can swim, feed and relax in a fairly secure environment. Mary M and Susan entered into the fun of the occasion by racing each other as they neared the signs at the finish. I, as the Race Steward, declared Mary M the winner by an arm and a shoulder.
I suggested taking a path which led to some more ponds where I had previously seen some interesting larger birds, but was outnumbered on a show of hands, I think one to ten, for a visit to the chocolate factory where there also happened to be an ice cream stand. No contest really!
The day ended on a high note for me. On her return to the cabins, Heather, who had been in the Wharf To Wharf group, arrived bearing a gift. Steve’s eagle eyes had spotted the back cover of my GPS devise lying on the path leading to Hobart beach where I had been the previous morning. Well done Steve and thank you!