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
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Has someone lost their contact lens? Photo by Bob T Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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)
Bushtracks in the Hills above Batemans Bay Township
Saturday 5 July 2008
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Walkers admire view from Round Hill Lookout Photo by Mike H Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Cullendulla Ramble
Wednesday 2 July 2008
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Walkers meet at track intersection Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Mt Dromedary
Thursday 26 June 2008
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Jindelara Creek Photo by Stan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Walking the plank Photo by Stan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Kioloa State Forest
Wednesday 18 June 2008
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Susan, Sharon and Joe in the background Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Len andCarol Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Clyde River Shore with a Hill or Two,
Sunday 15 June 2008
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| Bev Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
Pat Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
Leader Ian and Marilla Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Hapgood Road and Bridge Creek Road
Thursday 12 June 2008
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Lunch Photo by Bob B Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Sunbaking Snake Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Kelly's Creek and Mine
Wednesday 4 June 2008
Cancelled due to rain. To be rescheduled next quarter.
North Durras: Forest and Eucalyptus Walk, Clifftop and Beach
Sunday 1 June 2008
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Dinosaur's jogger print?? Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Lunch at North Durras Photo by Kay Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Merry Beach, Pretty Beach and Snapper Point
Thursday 29 May 2008
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The View Photo by Bob B Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Bob, Ainslie, Barry and Carol Photo by Joan Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Three Day Packwalk - Northern Budawangs,
28 - 30 May 2008
Cancelled due to rain. To be rescheduled next quarter.
North Head and Northern Beaches,
Saturday 24 May 2008
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Leader Margaret with Group Photo by Bob B Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Historic Milton Cemetery Photo by Bob B Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Barlings Drive with a Surprise in the Forest
Thursday 15 May 2008
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Leader Jamie with horses Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Photographing the beautiful and intriguing ghost fungus Photo by Karen M Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Coila Catchment Mark 1,
Saturday 10 May 2008
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Donna, Kay and Gai Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Jan and Bob Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Bingie Point to Coila Lake and Return,
Thursday 1 May 2008
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Walk Leader Jock enjoying himself far too much Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Why are there always so many women on Jock's walks? Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Boundary Fire Trail - River Forest Road
Wednesday 23 April 2008
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Karen on the Boundary Fire Trail Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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Margaret, Len, Lynne and Bob Photo by Ann Click on thumbnail to enlarge photo |
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
Long Gully Loop - Morton National Park
Sunday 20 April 2008


















































