CENTRAL COAST - END OF JUNE 2021

 We returned early from our Grafton trip as we were both feeling unwell. A virus but not covid. Anyway, it knocked us about so we did really do much for a couple weeks.

23 JUNE

I’ve had a virus for ages. It wasn’t too bad but I really didn’t have any go to get going.

This morning, I woke feeling like crap but less crap than lately.

About mid morning, Jacinta and I had a short beach walk at The Entrance.

The sand was level with the boardwalk and extended for about 30 metres. Usually, this area was underwater with a two metre drop from the board walk to the water. So there was a lot of sand. We walked on the sand and followed the channel around to The Entrance Beach. The water was deep and fast moving towards the ocean. The sun was shining and all in all it was good to outside. J

24 JUNE

I woke feeling not good and not too bad.

We had a hike at Strickland State Forest.

We parked at the bottom carpark and followed the track to the Arboretum Loop track. It was a pretty walk with white sandy creeks running with little water. The vegetation was thick and moist with cabbage palms, huge trees, twisting vines and ferns. The sounds of whip birds gently pierced the silence and small birds made a fleeting appearance in the foliage. A nice morning. J

27 JUNE

The Central Coast is in lockdown but going out for exercise is permitted

A morning kayak around Terrigal Lagoon.

My virus came back with a vengeance after the hike two days ago but I’m feeling better today. The kayak was fun. I started in the middle section of the lagoon and paddled to the northern end. There were reeds, mangroves and other trees lining the shore and a small island to paddle around. A small number of birds were foraging in the shallows. The water reflections were pretty as the area was protected from the wind.

Down to the southern end, where I paddled under a bridge and then towards the beach. I disembarked on the beach and wandered down to the shoreline to watch the small waves break.

I was going to paddle up the western side of the lagoon but after passing underneath the second bridge the wind was a little strong so it didn’t look like a fun thing to do. Back to the van next stop.

28 JUNE

A short walk around the Terrigal Haven and the Haven beach.

A lot of people about but most are exercising. The beach was nice with hardly anyone on it though the paths were crowded.

30 JUNE

We drove to Brisbane Water National Park for an easy hike to Bulgandry.

The walk was short and level with many types of plants edging the path. There were flowers in bloom on some of the bushes – acacias, banksias, boronias, epicurises, and grevilleas. All very pretty in clumps or scattered at random. Due to the recent wet weather there were droplets of water clinging to various leaves and flowers. So magical.

The carving were surrounded by a walkway and are in good condition. The wet weather made it easier to discern the carvings.

STAPLES LOOKOUT TO BULGANDRY MTB 21 MAY 2016

I parked at Staples Lookout and rode the tracks to Bulgandry, the Australian Aboriginal site area.

On the map the tracked looked okay but after a short distance a turn to the right showed the track to be very steep and massively eroded. The telephone poles followed this line. I decided to continue on the track I was on and see where it lead.

This track was windy and also heavily eroded with lots of  large loose stones and pockets of deep sand. It was a challenge getting down it.

The rest of the track was gradual up and down with a few narrow side tracks through the bush. I reached Bulgandry and viewed the Aboriginal rock art. It is very impressive! the last time I was here, the carvings were very faint but since then there has been a number of ceremonies held here and the carvings retched in the telling of stories.

The return was via Woy Woy Road which was very an experience. At one stage, the bike lane ended and the cars were flying past at 80km/h and so close.

A challenging 6.85 km ride.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Bulgandry Engravings - HIKE - 10 july 2012

The day wasn't looking the best but it looked like rain would strike in the afternoon.

J and I went for a walk to the rock art at Bulgandry.

There were some wild flowers blooming.

The art is surrounded by a elevated walkway. A number of signposts show where the rock art is located. Some of the depictions are difficult to see. Still, it is amazing to think that 200 odd years ago the local inhabitants were where we were standing - talking and carving the images on the rocks.

They wont last forever!

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane water NP - Bulgandry - HIKE - 2 September 2010

Only a short walk from the car park but at this time of the year it is a profusion of wildflowers. Even the car park is edged by the bright golden yellow of wattle.

The walk is easy and leads to a wooden walkway with plaques indicating the various sandstone carvings.

It is a place to let your imagination go... large group of local Aborgines carving the figures in the sandstone... compared to the density of the surrounding bush this spot is a natural area for a group of people to sit comfortably, talk and enjoy the sunshine. Why not use it as a spot to carve and tell stories!