CENTRAL COAST - Wamberal - surf - 17 march 2010

Small and clean waves today.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Somersby Falls - HIKE - 12 March 2010

I didn't walk an particular distance. I spent time wandering around the various levels of the Somersby Falls. it is very relaxing and tranquil.

I met a group of rangers working on the track to one of the falls levels. They told me a lot of information regarding some of the tracks around the Central Coast:

At Somersby Falls

1. A steep track a little north on the western junction of Flood Creek and Moonie Creek via a ridge and through private property and back roughly to Somersby Falls.

2. A sort of track leads from Somersby Falls following the banks of Flood Creek down the Moonie Creek. It involves crisscrossing the creek. At Moonie Creek stay on the east side until a suitable crossing at Moonie Creek to get to the western side and the Great North Walk back to Somersby Falls. Alternatively, follow the ridge track as in 1.

3. Near the toilets at Somersby Falls, there is an old track leading to the where the sign says 'no more tracks from this point' at the lower level of Somersby Falls. They didn't know when the track was made (they guessed during the depression as they are hewn steps) and in spots it had been washed away.

At Iron Ladder beach

4. The track from Iron Ladder Beach only goes part of the way as it was made by fisherman years ago to get a vantage point over the water to direct boats to the fish.

CENTRAL COAST - Wamberal - surf - 9 march 2010

Small but fun waves. Currents were strong at times and sand banks shallow.

CENTRAL COAST - Soldiers Beach - surf - 8 march 2010

It didn't look that good but it seemed the best around. Anyway, it was about 1m and fun. The wind would come up strong, now and again, blowing the place out then ease back again.

 

CENTRAL COAST - Japanese Gardens - East Gosford - 19 February 2010

Wanderings around the gardens and art gallery of Japanese Gardens. It is a very calming place to spend an hour.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Girrakool - Piles Creek Loop - HIKE - 5 March 2010

 

 

This walk took an easy 4 hours.

The walk starts at Girrakool picnic area. $7 is needed for day parking in coins.

I followed the Piles Creek Loop. It starts with views over the waterfall at Girrakool, then traverses the gorge along piles creek. The track is high above the creek but below the rocky cliffs at the top of the gorge. There is water dripping down the cliff face resulting in wet vegetation. lizards and leeches. Beware of spiders casting their webs across the path.

Eventually, there is a suspension bridge crossing Piles Creek. This is a good resting area with a large pool of water as well as flat areas for camping. There are large fish in the creek at this point plus the remains of the old bridge.

After crossing the bridge, there is a short steep climb towards the ridge of the gorge. Once again the track follows high above the gorge but below the ridge line. There are a number of sheltering overhanging caves along the way. The track eventually reaches the top of the ridge becoming a flat and easy walk. At a few points there are large rocks to climb which have an expansive view over the gorge and bush.

The track reunites with Girrakool above the waterfall.

I brought swimmers for a swim but couldn't find a decent track to the water below thee waterfall. It was very humid so a swim would have been enjoyable.

Warnings:
spray legs and shoes for leeches
take water and a light snack
$7 coins for day parking
beware of spider webs especially if are the only car in the car park

CENTRAL COAST - East Gosford - Pioneer Park - 19 February 2010

I walked around pioneer park. It is an old graveyard with great views across Brisbane Waters.