CENTRAL COAST - Kincumber Mountain - MTB - 20 october 2012

I had an early morning cycle on Kincumber Mountain. It was on easy tracks with nice views.

 

 



CENTRAL COAST - Kincumba Mountain - MTB - 22 September 2011

The weather was warm and sunny... so off for a cycle. I chose Kincumba Mountain as the tracks are relatively flat which would be less harmful to my knee injury.

On arrival, I had the place to myself.

The tracks varied from trails to bush tracks leading to a number of lookouts.

I sat for awhile overlooking the view of Avoca lagoon and beach. Very nice!

CENTRAL COAST - Mooney Mooney Creek - kayak - 18 August 2010

It was a bit of a late start for a kayak but he weather was warm anmd sunny. I drove down the old pacicfic highway and turn off on a dirt road just pass a small bridge over Mooney Mooney Creek.

The first and most imposing sight was the Mooney Mooney Bridge. From the bottom it looks a little fragile forall thetraffic that it takes. After the bridge it is mostly natural bushland with one side being the Brisbane Waters National Park.

There wasn't much birdlife except for one eagle which flew low down a straight stretch of the creek. Most of the trip was quiet of bush sounds.

There were a few smaller creeks  branching off along the journey.

The end of the navigational part of the creek ended in numerous rocks. 

The journey took about 3 hours. A point to note is that the trip is best to do going on high tide and returning at the turning of the tide. The higher water allows one to paddle further.  

CENTRAL COAST - Kincumba Mountain - MTB - 6 July 2010

I went for a cycle along the tracks at Kincumba Mountain Reserve. It was fun, especially trying to balance the camera on the bumpy tracks.

There were great views over Avoca from Warriwarri Lookout.

AUSTRALIA - Williams River - 0ctober 2009

 

We drove along the road from Dungog to Williams River and bacck via Ecceston wandering around at varoious places along the way.

There were small towns, farms, swimming holes, rivers and a  film set.

Turn left at the intersection of the Williams top and Salisbury Roads to the national park Williams River day use area. The trail starts here.

The track passes through eucalypt and rainforests via bridges. Along the way there are gorges, swimming holes, dense bush and creeks along a well ddefined track.

Time: 2 hours to 2 1/2 hours

AUSTRALIA - Jerusalem Creek Forest Park and Chichester Dam - october 2009

The nearest town is Dungog. Drive along the Chichester Dam Road and turn right after Brandon Grove. The road is gravel.

The start of the trail is signposted. The trail runs for 2 km through various eucalypt forests. at one point you can go left or right. Right takes you to a camp site and left to a rocky section of the Jersalem Creek. We went left.

Return the same way to get to Chichester Dam but turn right at the intersection. There are short walks, a picnic area a short distance from the dam wall and walking on the upper dam wall.

AUSTRALIA - Monkerai Valley - riverside downs - october 2009

Riverwood Downs Mountain Valley Resort is located on the banks of a mountain river in the foothills of the BARRINGTON TOPS. It is located in a beautiful rural area known as the "MONKERAI VALLEY" between the towns of STROUD and GLOUCESTER.

Address: 311 Upper Monkerai Road
Town/Region: Monkerai
Post Code: 2415
State: NSW
Country: Australia
Phone: 02 4994 7112
Fax: 02 4994 7047
WebSite: http://www.RiverwoodDowns.com.au

Riverwood Downs have a range of activities:

Horse Riding
Canoeing
Bush Walking
Bird Watching
Night Wildlife Safari
Swimming
Fishing
Tennis
Volleyball
Pool or snooker
Table Tennis
Platypus Spotting

There are a large number of unpowered riverside camping sites which are situated on manicured lawns, along our river flats on the head waters of the Karuah River. Limited number of powered sites are available. There are hot showers in the amenities block and a coin-operated laundry facility. Camp fires are allowed on unpowered sites. The kiosk sells ice creams, takeaway food, devonshire teas, cold drinks, bread, milk, gas and ice with a small selection of personal and basic provisions. No fresh fruit, vegetables or meats are available.

AUSTRALIA - Warrumbungles - Belougery and Split Rock Track - HIKE - september 2008

Belougery Split Rock – 2 hours

The track follows a gradual ascent until the turn off for Split Rock. The trail becomes steeper and steeper winding its way quickly to the top. An outcrop of rocks is reached and after a short distance a gate with warning signs and a series of 15 steps leads to the steep rock climb to the top of Split Rocks. The climb is indicated by yellow markers embedded into the rock. There are about three false spots where it appears that the top has been reached. The top which is covered in boulders and flowers is eventually reached. The view is excellent, taking in the camp area which seems a stones throw away, the western plains and rest of the Warrumbungle. Truly, the highlight of this walk, is sitting on this pinnacle, solitary, on the throne of the world with the sounds of insects and the wind while viewing the changing shadow of the world below as the sun rises higher over the eastern mountains. The return track was steep and rough, passing through a variety of different types of landscapes. At points, the track passed sheer rock walls, wind-hewned caves, shady areas of grass trees and open expanses of rocks.

AUSTRALIA - Warrumbungles - Grand High Tops Circuit - HIKE - september 2008

Pincham Trail, Alex Goulds Circuit, Grand High Tops, West Spirey Creek – 6 hours

The trail starts with a camp to the left of the trail. Soon the trail turns into an easy bricked-laid path with bridges spanning the dry watercourse. Taking a turn off, the trail becomes rougher and steeper. The first lookout is Febar Tor with nice views of the eastern side of the Warrumbungle.
The trail descends into a treed, flat area where the vegetation looks soft and there are the calls of many birds. The trail ascends steeply and progressively becomes even steeper still until it is a near vertical rock scramble to reach the summit of Macha Tor. The view is circular of the range, being akin to the throne of the world. It is very quiet except for the soft sounds of the bush creatures and the rustling of the wind.

The track becomes a series of steep descents and flat areas that are dominated by small oaks and soft looking vegetation. Birds abound and kangaroos can be heard thudding away. The trail joins back with the main trail which changes from dirt, gravel and pavers. The trail gradually becomes steeper until reaching raised metal steps. There is occasionally a rest sport of a small lookout or bench seat. The walk reverts to dirt and rocks following the bottom edge of the Bread knife. At this distance, the height with its vertical sharpness gives credit to the name ‘Breadknife’. The track becomes steeper still over bare rocks with yellow markers showing the way climb to the top. The view at the top is sensational. Looking back at the distance and the terrain covered in the walk. Looking to the south, even larger features like Buff Mountain are at eye level. Even more dramatic is the domination of flowers between the boulders of this relatively flat apex over the trees and shades of green that are prevalent below. Insects are buzzing in large numbers. It is a place to sit and wander and wonder on the beauty of this earth.

The high ridge trail continues in a series of steep ascents and descents. More lookouts give new perspectives on the ranges and the volcanic outcrops. Buff Mountain is the dominating feature with its massive sheer drop. At Ogma campsite, there is a trail continuing to Exmouth Mountain. The track to the right is very rough and steep following a dried creek. It is more like a second creek than a track at times being deeply rutted in places. Eventually, it flattens out relatively with soft-looking vegetation and grassed areas while criss-crossing the creek at various points. Birds are plentiful flittering amongst the oaks and wattles. The trail joins with the main trail after a bridge crossing and it is a short distance to the carpark.

AUSTRALIA - Warrumbungles - Fan Horizon Trail - HKE - september 2008

Fan’s horizon – 2 hours

It is steep ascent along a track with the buzz of insects. The track is mainly log steps. At times there are rock hewn steps amongst boulders. It eventually levels out and the walk follows a ridge. Many lizards were seen at this point. The first lookout is Fan’s Horizon, which was named after Fanny Gould 1902 to 2004. It is a panoramic view of sharply-cut mountains with greenery filling the bare rock gaps. The greenery is various dark shades of green laced with the yellow blossoms of wattles. Sit for awhile and enjoy the silence, the stillness of the wind and the murmur of insects and birds.

AUSTRALIA - Wombeyan Caves - january 2008

 

 

Wombeyan Caves is in an area where there are a number of caves close by to each other. It is a long dusty drive to the caves which are located in a rugged bush area. The camping area is quiet and excellent. The caves are varied and a swimming hole is about 30 minutes walk into a gorge. We camped there for about three nights.

AUSTRALIA - Walcha - Tia Falls - july 2007

Tia Falls is a spectacular waterfall near Walcha. the countryside is very rugged.