Batemans Bay Bushwalkers Inc.


Welcome to the 2nd Quarter of our 2008 Walking Year
Walk Reports and Photos

To read Walk Reports for the 2nd quarter of 2008, click on walk headings below, or simply scroll down the page.  

Benandarah, Thursday 10 July 2008
Bushtracks in the Hills above Batemans Bay Township, Saturday 5 July 2008
Cullendulla Ramble, Wednesday 2 July 2008
Mount Dromedary, Thursday 26 June 2008
Jindelara Creek and Kingiman Roads, Saturday 21 June 2008
Kioloa State Forest, Wednesday 18 June 2008
Clyde River Shore with a Hill or Two, Sunday 15 June 2008
Hapgood Road and Bridge Creek Road, Thursday 12 June 2008
Kelly's Creek and Mine, Wednesday 4 June 2008
North Durras: Forest and Eucalyptus Walk, Clifftop and Beach, Sunday 1 June 2008
Merry Beach, Pretty Beach and Snapper Point, Thursday 29 May 2008
Three Day Packwalk - Northern Budawangs, 28 - 30 May 2008
North Head and Northern Beaches, Saturday 24 May 2008
Pebbly Beach - Mt Durras - Pretty Beach Circuit, Wednesday 21 May 2008
Historic Milton Walk, Sunday 18 May 2008
Barlings Drive with a Surprise in the Forest, Thursday 15 May 2008
Coila Catchment Mark 1, Saturday 10 May 2008
Country and Cliffs - Guerilla Bay Area, Wednesday 7 May 2008
Denhams Beach Walk, Sunday 4 May 2008
Bingie Point to Coila Lake and Return, Thursday 1 May 2008
North Durras Ramble, Saturday 26 April 2008
Boundary Fire Trail - River Forest Road, Wednesday 23 April 2008
Long Gully Loop - Morton National Park, Sunday 20 April 2008
 

Benandarah
Thursday 10 July 2008

Has someone lost their contact lens? Has someone lost their contact lens?
Photo by Bob T
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Undaunted by the forecast of strong winds, seven Bushwalkers set off to see the new walk that Betty had found, close to town. After a brisk start, we came to a gully and turned into the creek bed. What a surprise, as a rocky creek turned into a magical fairyland of mosses and fungi, with tortured trees sheltering secretive creatures. Instead of the usual scrub, a heavy canopy of myrtle, which appeared to have avoided fires for many years, gave us a carpet of leaves on which to walk, and old logs were covered with mosses, dripping with diamonds of dew, sometimes sparkling in the few shafts of sunlight. It was easy to be enchanted, and to feel that we had entered a hidden world of rare treasures. The faint sound of wind in the trees barely registered in the cool stillness.

Reality came as we climbed out of the narrowing creek and traversed the slopes now dotted with the bright fruit of the many Blueberry Ash, to emerge on a windswept ridge, walking among trees which were buffeted by the gusts, but still protecting us from the full force of the wind, before descending along faint tracks through ever-changing forest to other gullies, emerging to be confronted by the familiar sound of fast traffic. It was a brief but welcome escape from the modern world, and refreshed my enjoyment in the magic of forests.
Bob T (winner of the BBBW Purple Prose Prize)  

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Bushtracks in the Hills above Batemans Bay Township
Saturday 5 July 2008

Walkers admire view from Round Hill Lookout Walkers admire view from Round Hill Lookout
Photo by Mike H
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The day started cool when an intrepid eight members set out from Batemans Bay Bridge to conquer Round Hill. Whilst not the largest band of adventurers, they made up for this with their enthusiasm.

The walk started from behind the cemetery and after risking life and limb, crossed over the Princes Highway to explore the Post Industrial area behind the end of Cranbrook Road. The ground was dry and in some places quite dusty, odd for a winter walk, showing how little rain we have had this winter. The walk took the form of a rollercoaster ride with short and sharp uphill sections and then short and sharp sections going downhill. It was amazing to think that this area was barely metres from a large industrial area, with the cycads standing out in the midst of the eucalypts, reminding us of our links with past millenniums.

As the walk progressed the layers of clothing were shed to cope with the increasing warmth of the day and nature of the strenuous parts of the trail. Morning smoko was a welcome treat after scaling one of the more demanding climbs along an old trail which touched a bit of history as an old, disused water pipe was exposed in places along with the rusted control valves.

We ventured further along the trail recrossing the Highway once more to forge onwards and upwards to our lunchtime destination at the top of Round Hill where the view, whilst a little hazy, was still breathtaking. The Bay was laid out in front of us with clear views right over to Long Beach and beyond. Also inward we were reminded of the scale of the wooded and hilly hinterland where the sea of trees was almost unbroken. Needless to say lunch was enjoyed viewing the various landmarks and enjoying a comfortable seat, a treat much revered by old bushwalkers who wax lyrical about the stumps and tree trunks in various parts of the landscape, forget the views, and enjoy the comfort.

The trip was now all downhill, well almost and we wended our way back towards the cars, as we skirted the back of Catalina even viewing Heather's house. The final 100 metres saw a sharp climb back up to the cars and then we were done. It was an interesting and certainly enjoyable walk. As are they all.
Mike H  

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Cullendulla Ramble
Wednesday 2 July 2008

Walkers meet at track intersection Walkers meet at track intersection
Photo by Karen M
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The start of the financial year proved to be fine and sunny (in contrast to the outlook from the Stock Exchange) for 12 walkers on Wednesday 2nd July. Walk leader, Karen C, led us on a scenic 15 km ramble in the Benandarah State Forest.

We wandered through stands of ironbark,spotted gum and blue gum. Native orchids were spotted opportunistically growing out of dead trees and we passed by gullies containing wattle in flower. There were a few hills to negotiate but these were easily overcome in a flow of happy chatter and good fellowship. Thanks to Karen for her excellent guidance as always.
Bob M  

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Mt Dromedary
Thursday 26 June 2008

Anna dwarfed by standing stones Outcrop of standing stones Mt Dromedary Summit
Anna dwarfed by the standing stones
Photo by Mike
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Walkers among the standing
stones
Photo by Mike
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Mount Dromedary Summit
Photo by Bob B
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BBBW decided to get energetic and climbed Mount Dromedary on Thursday 26 June 2008. Nineteen members and one visitor steadily climbed behind leaders Ainslie and Mike, uphill (all the way) from Tilba Tilba store, for approximately two and a half hours for the privilege of gazing across the expanses of local forest to Lake Wallaga and Bermagui.

On the way up we followed the old horse and cart trail made by early gold diggers who carted all their wood, mining requirements, and provisions. There was a settlement of about 400 people near the top of the mountain, and the children walked the length of the track every second day to attend school in the Tilba area.

Buoyed with the thought of these hardy children, we placed one foot in front of the other and carried our not so young bodies upwards, ever upwards, with the eventual result of reaching a very cool summit, and after having reached for the sky, returned to slightly lower sunnier climates for a welcome lunch at the local picnic spot. We were also privileged to have a look at a local aboriginal sacred site, which we understand is dedicated to the women of the local clan.

A faster downhill return with few stops found us back at Pams Store in Tilba Tilba having refreshments before heading home at sunset.
Joan  

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Jindelara Creek and Kingiman Roads
Saturday 21 June 2008

Jindelara Creek Jindelara Creek
Photo by Stan
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Walking the plank Walking the plank
Photo by Stan
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Turning left into Wheelbarrow Road, just short of Burrill Lake, our destination was the Croobyar State Forest. Start point for the 17km walk was at the base of the Telecommunications Tower, from where we headed west along Jindelara Creek Road. Our morning tea stop was on the banks of the Jindelara Creek, where the huge timbers of the old logging bridge took us back to a time when this forest rang with the sound the bullock teams dragging timber to the mills.

Indeed during the walk we crossed many old bridges, each spanning small flowing creeks. These creeks, along with many deep large puddles on the track reflected the good recent rains. Rains that had nourished all the treeferns, mosses, tree orchids, magnificent Turpentine trees, and brought bluberry ash into flower. Len had promised us a “good” hill before lunch, and thus lunch, which was just below the summit of Mount Kingiman, was a welcome stop.

Our Walk Leader described the walk back to the cars as ”mostly down except for a small hill or two”, and before too long the group were nearing the Telecommunications Tower after great walk in a magnificent forest.
Mary M  

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Kioloa State Forest
Wednesday 18 June 2008

Susan, Sharon and Joe in the background Susan, Sharon and Joe in the background
Photo by Ann
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Len and Carol Len andCarol
Photo by Ann
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Quality forests, wildlife and great views - this walk had the lot. Thanks to Ian C. who was our leader, the Batemans Bay Bushwalking Club members had the pleasure of all these things. Along forestry roads and more obscure tracks, 19 members discovered more lovely areas of our region, which definitely makes it one of the best places for bush walking in NSW.

Turning off at Bucks Road from the Princes Highway and parking the vehicles down toward Mountain Road, the walkers proceeded up to Mountain Road, turning off onto a picturesque 4WD track which led to Durras Mountain; always a great place to visit. Along the way a large red bellied black snake was motionless enjoying the sun, likewise a diamond python up on Durras Mountain. Then as if on command whales were seen from a scenic lunch spot along Durras Mountaintrack.

Impressive big eucalypts especially spotted gums dominated parts of the walk and there was a wonderful concentration of cabbage palms alongside a creek. Lyrebirds called frequently from nearby and scratchings indicated a thriving population. Len thanked Ian, on behalf of everyone, at the end of the day, which left all of us somewhat tired but happy to have done a very rewarding walk.
Barry  

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Clyde River Shore with a Hill or Two,
Sunday 15 June 2008

Bev Pat Leader Ian and Marilla
Bev
Photo by Ann
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Pat
Photo by Ann
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Leader Ian and Marilla
Photo by Ann
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This is a walk that is close to the Bay, and it was a very varied one, with big hills, bush bashing and beside swamps which basically followed into the Clyde River. All 15 members of our group enjoyed a pretty walk on a lovely fine day and would like to thank Ian for sharing it with us.
Bev  

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Hapgood Road and Bridge Creek Road
Thursday 12 June 2008

Lunch Lunch
Photo by Bob B
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Sunbaking Snake Sunbaking Snake
Photo by Joan
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On Thursday 12th June the heavens dried up, the sun shone, the birds sang - including a huge flock of firetails that startled the walkers by rising up together as we passed. Lyrebirds called and a red bellied black snake basked in the sun. What more could 17 bushwalkers ask for? But there was more!

We walked across land originally farmed by the Hapgood and Gumley families back in the 1850s - more recently subdivided into four smaller holdings. From there on we walked the old highway, Hapgood Road and Bridge Creek road for 14 - 16 kms through unspoiled forest that was washed clean of any dust and looked a brilliant green. Sure some areas were wet underfoot but all in all a great walk!

Many thanks Bev for organising this break in the weather to allow us this time in the forest. And that's your blooming lot for this week, but weather permitting there will be two more walks each week for years to come! So if you are into walking in our pristine bushland come and join the party.
Hugh  

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Kelly's Creek and Mine
Wednesday 4 June 2008

Cancelled due to rain. To be rescheduled next quarter.
 

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North Durras: Forest and Eucalyptus Walk, Clifftop and Beach
Sunday 1 June 2008

Dinosaurs jogger print?? Dinosaur's jogger print??
Photo by Kay
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Lunch at North Durras Lunch at North Durras
Photo by Kay
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Twas the first day of winter and 18 cheery folk set out to discover the Eucalyptus Trail, down a dirt road to the right just one kilometre north past the sign into North Durras. This loop walk of 1km is described in a brochure of short walks around Batemans Bay obtained from the Information Bureau. There are 11 species of eucalypts noted, each described with both its botanical and common name, plus the use to which its wood is put. The walk was most enjoyable, followed by our cuppa at the picnic table provided at the top carpark near beginning of the trail.

Next we drove to North Durras and walked through the village past the caravan park to the end road leading to the beach where Bob led us to a cave site where Mike could not resist fitting his head torch and leading a short crawling expedition into its depths, but sadly sand had blocked full entry where, in past years, I had also crawled in with my family to the large cavern.

We enjoyed our time on the beach and found a perfect spot at the northern end for lunch with time to ponder the peace of that untouched place and the patterns on the sandstone rocks in front of us. A short scramble further around the headland couldn't be resisted before we all headed back to cars up the steps half-way along the beach and headed home.
Joan  

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Merry Beach, Pretty Beach and Snapper Point
Thursday 29 May 2008

The View The View
Photo by Bob B
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Bob, Ainslie, Barry and Carol Bob, Ainslie, Barry and Carol
Photo by Joan
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Batemans Bay Bushwalkers had 21 members and two visitors joining our leaders, Jill and John, at the Bay carpark on a cool foggy cloudy smoky morning, to travel to Merry Beach for a very pleasant sunny morning walking along the beach areas to Pretty Beach and return.

The clear, clean green waters of the ocean contrasted with the sparkling dark green vegetation of the coastal scrub and great rock and beach sand formations to provide the walkers with a sight that would be hard to find better anywhere else.

The walkers returned to Bawley Point beach for a restful lunch and wander over the old ship building area where the ever present huge manta ray came along to visit us.
Bob B  

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Three Day Packwalk - Northern Budawangs,
28 - 30 May 2008

Cancelled due to rain. To be rescheduled next quarter.
 

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North Head and Northern Beaches,
Saturday 24 May 2008

The Moose Tree Leader Margaret and Ron Pittosporum revolutum
Twisty spotted gum known as the Moose Tree
Photo by Kay
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Leader Margaret with Ron
Photo by Ann
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Showy seed of the rough fruit pittosporum
Photo by Kay
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It was a cold and early start to a great walk, we had lovely views and a forest full of wonderful different trees. We were supposed to be back at North Head for lunch but we walked to Richmond Beach and up the hill to find a special tree shaped like a Moose's head and then back to the beach for lunch and a swim - no one took up the offer for a swim!

Thanks Margaret and Hugh.
Bev  

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Pebbly Beach - Mt Durras - Pretty Beach Circuit,
Wednesday 21 May 2008

20 Bob, Bob and Leader Peter Heading onto Pretty Beach Elizabeth, Carol and Leader Marilyn Karen, Bob, Bob, Denise and Carol
Bob, Bob and Leader Peter with Armchairs
Photo by Karen M
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Heading onto Pretty Beach
Photo by Karen M
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Elizabeth, Carol and Leader, Marilyn
Photo by Karen M
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Karen, Bob, Bob, Denise and Carol at lunch
Photo by Ann
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Wednesday the 23rd found 14 sturdy bushwalkers ready for a fairly lengthy walk starting from Pebbly Beach then up to the top of Mt Durras and then past several unnamed coves, Snake Bay, Pretty Beach and then back to Pebbly Beach. The day was a little overcast and cool, just what was needed for this walk.

The first leg of the walk was a warm up, about 150 stairs to the base of Mt Durras, and then it was a hard slog straight up to the top, some did it without stopping, others decided to take some time out and look at the fabulous views either across to the mountains on the right or the sea on the left, both spectacular. At the top we were rewarded with a morning tea stop.

We then descended down the mountain and onto the beach. We then followed the coastline around to a sheltered area where we had our lunch, the surf being our companion. After lunch we continued on around the rocks for a little while longer then back inland finishing the loop back to the car park.

The walk had taken us through many different land and sea scapes and was well worth the effort, and tiredness and stiffness we all felt. Thanks Peter and Marilyn.
Denise  

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Historic Milton Walk
Sunday 18 May 2008

Leader Margaret with group Leader Margaret with Group
Photo by Bob B
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Historic Milton Cemetery Historic Milton Cemetery
Photo by Bob B
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The social event for this quarter was a walk around Milton , looking at buildings of the past and how the past history is carried through to today. 33 Bushwalkers attended and spent a couple of hours exploring the history of this town. My thanks to the Unsworth family who allowed us to visit the Wesleyan cemetery. Our walk ended with afternoon tea at Brill on the Green, the only building in town with a section that has National Trust Classification. A fitting end to our historic tour of Milton.
Margaret W  

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Barlings Drive with a Surprise in the Forest
Thursday 15 May 2008

Leader Jamie with horses Leader Jamie with horses
Photo by Karen M
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Photographing ghost fungus Photographing the beautiful and intriguing ghost fungus
Photo by Karen M
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There are few days as perfect as a typical South Coast day in Autumn, such as 22 bushwalkers enjoyed on Thursday 15 May. A stiff climb up Barlings Drive warmed us up, then we went into the Mogo forest for a pleasant circuit which took us over hills and through gullies, till our leader Jamie introduced us to his horses.

There was much conjecture over what Jamie’s surprise in the forest could be, and most of us had our theories proven wrong when we finally came to it. We returned along the escarpment overlooking Guerilla Bay, to finish by cruising back down the hill. A very pleasant walk with good company on a beautiful day. Life’s good some days.
Bob T  

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Coila Catchment Mark 1,
Saturday 10 May 2008

20 Bushwalkers in search of Coila Creek Charles and Leader Bob in Coila Creek Spotted Gum above the creek Bob and Len with orange fungus
20 Bushwalkers in search of Coila Creek
Photo by Karen M
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Charles and Bob in Coila Creek
Photo by Karen M
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Spotted Gum hangs on precariously above creek
Photo by Kay
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Bob and Len inspect orange fungus
Photo by Kay
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The object of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers' walk on Saturday 10 May was to explore the upper reaches of Coila Creek, west of Turlinjah. Walk leader Bob T had spent considerable time exploring the area and putting together an 11 kilometre circuit which started near Western Boundary Road and followed old forest roads and motorcycle tracks through the Moruya State Forest to Coila Creek.

The creek bed was mostly dry with just a few deep pools of dark tannin-stained water, although after a decent fall of rain it would become a series of small waterfalls and cascades. Massive spotted gums, grey myrtle and river peppermints formed a verdant corridor, and the damp conditions even supported a few cabbage leaf palms. We followed the creek for a kilometre, enjoying the unusual rock formations, patches of bright orange fungi, moss-covered tree trunks, and small native orchids which clung to tree branches and rocks.

Eventually Bob led us to an old logging road which climbed up out of the gully to our lunch spot. After lunch we followed a couple of motorcycle tracks through two more dry creek gullies back to our starting point. Finding new walks takes quite a bit of time in the planning and exploring, and we congratulated Bob on finding a nook of our shire where we had not walked before.
Bob M  

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Country and Cliffs - Guerilla Bay Area,
Wednesday 7 May 2008

Charles, Julie, Nancy and Dennis Margaret and Jock Olive and Len
Charles, Julie, Nancy and Dennis
Photo by Ann
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Margaret and Jock (in mid bite)
Photo by Ann
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Olive and Len
Photo by Ann
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On a perfect morning on 7 May, 23 bushwalkers met for the walk in the Guerrilla Bay environs. We started down Bevian Road where the ponds were full and healthy and the waterbirds looked very contented reflected on the surface. A brief stop was made for morning tea at beautiful Barlings Beach before we started up to the headland leading to Franke’s beach. Looking south we could see Gulaga (Mount Dromedary) and looking north we could see Pigeonhouse and the Castle mountains.

After a scramble through the undergrowth we arrived at the Lighthouse and sat on the cliffs gazing at the view while having lunch. Another short wander through the bushland brought a very contented group back to the cars. What a great way to spend a beautiful day. Thanks to the leaders, Trish and Paul.
Barbara  

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Denhams Beach Walk
Sunday 4 May 2008

Donna, Kay and Gai Donna, Kay and Gai
Photo by Ann
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Jan and Bob Jan and Bob
Photo by Ann
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On a beautiful sunny morning on the 4th May, 37 bushwalkers met at the home of leaders, Lyn and Barry of Denhams Beach. Before we set off for the day we were delighted to see the lovely view of the ocean from their back yard. The enchanting gardens which surrounded the area gave us another treat as we wandered around looking out to sea and through little pathways that led to another interesting nook within the garden.

When we were all ready to go we took off on our walk following along a cliff top walking trail overlooking Denhams Beach and down the steps to Surf Beach. We continued along the sand until we reached Wimbie Beach. At this point some of the walkers decided to tackle the steeper walk up the hill to the cliff tops again overlooking Wimbie Beach and the others walked on a trail below.

We all met up again at the bottom of the cliff top and returned back to Lyn and Barry’s home where they treated us to a wonderful morning tea of coffee, tea and a variety of cakes. It was a very social day today enjoyed by all. The leaders were thanked for their hospitality and lovely 3 beach walk on what turned out to be a glorious warm sunny autumn day.
Carol  

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Bingie Point to Coila Lake and Return,
Thursday 1 May 2008

Marg and Debbie at Coila Lake Walking beside Coila Lake Tony, Lola, Margaret, Christine and Don Returning to Bingie Point
Marg and Debbie at Coila Lake
Photo by Ann
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Walkers beside Coila Lake
Photo by Karen M
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Tony, Lola, Margaret, Christine and Don
Photo by Karen M
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Returning to Bingie Point
Photo by Karen M
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Participants: 22, including 7 new members and 1 visitor. Measured length of walk (by leader GPS): 10.6 km. Weather conditions: Cool, sunny at noon, clouded over in the afternoon. Ideal walking conditions.

A well researched and well planned walk. We left Bingie Point through low scrub, descended to the beach by a granite outcrop and headed south towards Tuross. Sand soft underfoot but manageable close to the water's edge. This segment of the walk was planned to take place at the turn of the tide for optimum walking conditions. Morning tea was had along the beach. Before getting to Tuross, we headed inland and came to the shores of Lake Coila. Easy walking, slightly boggy in parts, along the edge of the lake. Several herons were sighted. The track turned north skirting the shores of the lake.

Lunch was had by the shade of casuarina trees. Shortly after lunch we entered a forest of swamp mahogany trees, including some interesting older specimens. On the botanical front, Karen C. pointed out a dwarf species of ground cover grass by name Mimulus repens - it featured tiny but very beautiful pink and mauve flowers.

The forest changed to open grassland with clumps of forest red gums, saw a magnificent prostrate specimen, probably 70-100 years old. The track we took leads to the Tuross Sewerage treatment plant, it traverses very fine unspoiled bush. The walk leader came across a sleeping black snake - after mutual salutations, the snake graciously gave way and allowed us to pass.

An excellent job by the leader, who had planned appropriate short cuts behind the dunes on the way back, and had tagged several plants to show the way.
John M  

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North Durras Ramble
Saturday 26 April 2008

Jock enjoying himself far too much Walk Leader Jock enjoying himself far too much
Photo by Ann
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Jocks Fan Club Why are there always so many women on Jock's walks?
Photo by Ann
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On the 26th April, 16 members of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers set off on an easy stroll in the North Durras area following along Parkview, Mt Agony and Branding Axe Roads, and on the original North Durras Road to Depot Beach. It was a beautiful sunny day and occasionally as we looked upwards into the trees we saw orchids perched high. As we continued on a lyrebird hurried across our path to quickly get out of our way. Along the way as we neared Depot Beach sea views were seen through the trees as we headed down to the beach to have lunch.

As we sat looking out to sea we were lucky to spot dolphins swimming not far from shore. A grey heron with its slow peculiar walk kept us company as we enjoyed our lunch and the sunshine. After lunch it was time to go home and all the members thanked our leaders Jock and Margaret for leading us on what was a very pleasant relaxing day.
Carol  

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Boundary Fire Trail - River Forest Road
Wednesday 23 April 2008

Karen on the Boundary Fire Trail Karen on the Boundary Fire Trail
Photo by Ann
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Margaret, Len, Lynne and Bob Margaret, Len, Lynne and Bob
Photo by Ann
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Wednesday was a cool overcast day with forecast of isolated showers. Seven Batemans Bay Bushwalkers set out for a walk in the Monga National Park. Four wheel drive vehicles were required to get into the area where we planned to walk. The first excitement of the day was the 16 km drive into the National Park from the King’s Highway. The track was muddy with tall trees shading the road and tree ferns reaching out over the track. With only a little “skidding” in the mud we arrived at our walking track.

Our walk was to take us in a loop around this gully. We set off on a track lined with tree ferns. It was very picturesque, just like a postcard. Unfortunately as we reached the top of the first hill we were unable to take in the view because of the misty conditions. As we continued the vegetation changed. We were gaining a bit of altitude (that means the hills were bigger) and we were surrounded by Xanthorrhoea (grass trees), some taller than us. These must have been quite old as they are slow growing. The bigger plants had large trunks hidden under their skirt of narrow pendulous leaves. A very impressive sight. The bushland was brightened by patches of the brilliant red flowers of Epacris impressa (common heath). We had our lunch on the highest point of this track then descended down in the gully to cross the river.

The last part of this loop took us back to the car. Again the vegetation was so different. The track followed beside the river and was lined with Plumwoods, some were late flowering so this helped us to identify them. There we also beautiful areas under the trees with tree ferns and moss, so difficult to photograph because of the light, but awesome.

The return trip in the car was quite an event. The track had not dried out and although we took it easy, we skidded and “drifted” into the bank of treefern fronds on the side of the road. But thanks to our very capable drivers there were no accidents. This is a very scenic area to visit and well worth the effort to explore. Many thanks to our leader Len.
Margaret W  

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Long Gully Loop - Morton National Park
Sunday 20 April 2008

Kay tackles a big obstacle Crossing the creek Overgrown Track De-leeching
Kay tackles a big obstacle
Photo by Bob
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One of the 5 creek crossings
Photo by Kay
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Overgrown Track
Photo by Kay
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De-leeching
Photo by Kay
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A recent trip to the Morton National Park saw 9 members of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers spend a day in the great outdoors with the most wonderful scenery. We left Batemans Bay via the Kings Highway and the Western Distributor. After a drive of about 75 minutes we took to the Long Gully track on foot. This track was a bit hilly but we noticed the banksias were in flower and a lyrebird ran across the road in front of us.

After a short rest for morning tea, we turned into a disused four wheel drive track that eventually led down to the Belowra Creek . On the way down we could see through the trees, the landmarks known as Pigeon House Mountain, although its peak was lost in the low lying cloud, and the Castle, that seemed so close it reared up in front of us.

We stopped for lunch under the large Casuarina trees. The creek was running beside us and the birds sounds in the background providing a superb tranquil scene. Ah! Time to move on. The next stage was along a barely visible track following the creek. At times the bracken was taller than us but we spotted a tiny bright green frog and several wombat burrows. We climbed over fallen trees and waded through the cold mountain stream five times. The birds continued to call, but we could not help but feel lucky to be here in this beautiful lush bushland, far away from anywhere.

Finally we emerged from the bush at the junction of the creek and the Yadboro River. The final river crossing and then the de-leeching session before departing for home. This is a top walk and I thank leaders Geoff and Elizabeth who planned it.
Margaret W  

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