CENTRAL COAST - Popran National Park – Mount Olive, Emerald Pool, Donovan’s Forest - HIKE - 5 July 2011

I set the GPS for Ironbark Road.  The road was labeled sealed and unsealed but the last 200 metres were 4w drive to national park car park.

The day was sunny but strong wind was predicted. The wind increased through the walk but it wasn’t a problem.

The planned walk entailed Mount Olive, Emerald pool and Donovan’s forest.

The walk started as a trail with a variety of wild flowers growing along the edges. The bottlebrushes were in full bloom in shades of red and yellow.

Turning off the trail, I followed the track to Mount Olive. It was an easy climb with a nice view over the national park.

Returning along the track, I followed the trail to the turnoff for Emerald Pool. This was fun track that ran beside a small creek that skirted to Hominy Creek. Hominy Creek had a flow of water running over sandstone. In parts it funneled, formed small pools or cascaded widely over the sandstone.

A track leads down 50 metres to Emerald Pool. It was a very pretty sight. The pool is a light green and deep. I thought about a swim but he water was icy cold. I sat down on a sunny slab of sandstone and enjoyed the serenity.

I backtracked a short distance, then followed the track to trail 248. At junction of the tracks I took the trail to the carpark via Donovan’s Forest. The forest in contrast with the surrounding area of open bush to a shaded forest that was floored with bracken fern that swayed in the breeze.

I continued along the trail to the carpark.

Thoughts

This walk would be better by cycling along the trails.

AUSTRALIA - Gerroa - december 2010

We went to a relative's  wedding in Gerroa. The wedding was excellent and the backdrop of Gerroa made it it more beautiful.

Gerroa has a wide sandy beach and a rocky headland. A river empties out at the northern end.

AUSTRALIA - QUEENSLAND - O'Reillys Rainforest Resort and Morans Falls - HIKE - October 2010

O'Reilly's Rainforest Resort and Moran Falls are in the Lamington National Park, Queensland.

O'Reilly's has an excellent walk through the rainforest and gardens. The walk through the rainforest is on platforms which rise into the tree canopy. At one point there is a tree ladder which takes you to the top of a huge tree and a great view of the surrounding forest and valley and the scenery below.

The walk branches off into a created garden with a variety of signposted plants.

Morans Falls is a two hour walk starting about a kilometre from O'Reillys. The track is easy through rainforest which becomes denser near the falls. The view of the falls is excellent and continuing onwards the track leads over the creek that feeds the falls and onwards further leads to valley views on the other side of the falls. It is also easy to follow the flat rocks lining the creek.

While photographing the canopy above me, i didn't notice the snake coiled on the path. luckily, i did before i stepped on it. I jumped back like a ninja to avoid it. Still, it was interesting and i observed the snake for quite a while before it slid off.

AUSTRALIA - QUEENSLAND - Minyon Falls Flora Reserve - Minyon Falls - HIKE - october 2010

We followed a short walk to the top of the falls. There was an amazing view over the top and across to the valley in the distance.

While there we waved to people at the bottom.

We then drove to a different car park and walked to the base of the falls. The vegetation changed from dry to rainforest to a tumble of rocks at the base of the falls.

At the base, there was a small pool and majestic views of the falls which were in a semi circle shape. We had lunch and laid back enjoying the sun and clouds scurrying across the lip of the falls. So peaceful.

Then there were two drops of rain and two minutes later it was like a bucket of water over the head with thunder for the sound effects. We scurried for the relative driest of the rainforest.

We plodded our way back and upon return the girls freaked over a few leeches attached to them under their socks.

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!

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Staples Lookout to Mount Wondabyne - HIKE - 27 August 2010

The begiinning of the journey is along a service trail, which isn't too much fun. Most service trails aren't fun, I think, but there are a lot of flowers along the road rims.

Eventually, there is a turn off the trail along a track through bush and sandstone rock platforms. This part of the trail is excellent with great views towards Mount Wondabyne.

The track reaches another service road and after a short walk there is a turn off to another track. This track passes close to the summit of Mount Wondabyne. Near the top of the track is a turn off towards the summit. This involves following a track and some rock scrambling.  Heaps of fun.

The view at the top is excellent. There is a 360 degree view at the summit which is pretty awesome. The view is certainly worth the time and effort.

Retracing the summit track then continue along the main track to another service road that passes Old Gosford Quarry and joins onto Woy Woy Road.

CENTRAL COAST - Brisbane Water NP - Staples Lookout to Kariong Falls - HIKE - 24 August 2010

I parked the car at Staples Lookout and admired the view. Strangely enough, a rooster came out of the bush and clucked around my car. Couldn't figure it out - escarpment on one side and national park on the other with a main road in between.

From the lookout it is a short walk to the beginning of Tommos loop trail. The trail is a service road that gets a bit boring except that the road edge was littered with a variety of wildflowers.

Eventually, at the Girrakool sign, there is a turnoff from the trail and onto a fair dinkum bush track. This track leads downhill along steps, sandy tracks and some rock scrambling. After a timer, the sound of water is heard, then the top of the Kariong Falls comes into view.

At the base of the falls, the vegetation is lush and shade forming with a swimable water hole. The water was a bit cold today so i passed on the swim. The falls is a great, peaceful and relaxing place for a break.

After some rejuvenation, it was time to climb the hill back out and follow the service trail and main road back to Staples Lookout. The rooster had vanished!!!

CENTRAL COAST - Shelley Beach to The Entrance - HIKE - 20 August 2010

 

A beautiful, warm and sunny winter's morning.

I walked along the coast from Shelley Beach to the Entrance passing through Toowon Bay and Blue Bay. The water was clear with a small swell. Too bad it wasn't summer as it would have been perfect for a swim or snorkel.

CENTRAL COAST - Bateau Bay to Shelley Beach - HIKE - 8 August 2010

I parked at Bateau Bay and walked the short distance to Shelley Beach via the coast. The tide was low so a lot of marine life was visible. The sooty oyster catcher was meandering around the wave zone looking for shellfish. It was an easy and interesting walk which took me an hoiur but is probably a ten minute walk.

CENTRAL COAST - Wyrrabalong NP - Crackneck Lookout to Shelley Beach - HIKE - 20 June 2010

Today is a great day for a walk being a warm sunny winter’s day.

Drove to Crackneck Point Lookout, took in the expansive views of the north coastline and setoff along the coastal track.

 

The track was easy with some wattles blooming. Along the descent and at the bottom of the hill there a number of breaks in the vegetation affording views over Bateau Bay.

There are a few access tracks, stairs to the beach below. I took one in the centre of the beach.

Back to the top, I followed the track around to Blue Lagoon and then Shelley Beach. At the centre of the beach is a surf club and kiosk.

New Zealand - Auckland - Rangitoto Island - 31 December 2009

We caught a 9:15am ferry from the quay to Rangitoto Island. It was a pleasant trip looking over the harbour and islands that dotted the bay.

Rangitoto Island is a dormant volcano, which erupted and formed the island about 600 odd years ago. Not very old!

The ferry pulled into a small wharf and we slowly disembarked and walked along the pier to the road leading to the start of the summit track. The walk took about an hour to reach the summit with increasing better views as one climbed higher. Along the way, there were lava flows and low vegetation. Towards the top the vegetation thicken and became lusher.

The summit view was excellent. A large walking platform provided a number of different viewpoints of the area.

On the way down, we detoured to the lava caves and crawled through one of them. Lots of fun! It was a bit narrow in parts and the rocks were cuttingly sharp. A torch is necessary.

We had a fast walk back to make the 12:45pm ferry return to the city.

Nepal - 1986

Flew from Sri Lanka to Nepal. Spend a month enjoying the countryside. Spent a week in Chitwan and rode elephants and by foot into national park. Saw white rhinos and crocs but no tiger. Maybe that was okay seeing we were on foot.

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 - Kosciuszko NP - Pallaibo Track - HIKE - april 2005

This is a great easy 6 km track starting from Sawpit Creek and finishing at Threadbo River picnic area. The track passes along dense alpine bush, a waterfall, river and cascades. There was also a lot of animal life along the way.

Arrange a pickup at Threadbo River picnic area.

Time: 2 hours

Preparation:
take water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
changeable weather - take warm and wet weather gear
let someone know you are going

CENTRAL COAST - Box Head and Tallow Beach - HIKE - 26 August 2009

To get there drive to the end of Hawkes Nest Road. The road is very rough but there is parking on the plateau above tallow beach.
The walk to box head is easy. The vegetation varies from sparse to very thick. At times there are large flat rocks with dwarfed trees growing in the spaces between the rocks. There are also views over coast, broken bay, Brisbane waters and Sydney. The track ends at the tip of box head. It is a great spot to sit rest and enjoy the views over Sydney and broken bay.
The track to tallow is a fire trail. At two points there are tracks to the right that lead to Little Tallow beach. The first track is a dry creek that leads to the centre of the beach. This is an excellent isolated beach. Strangely, the south end near shore had a large amount of dead small crabs on the shore. I followed this track to little tallow beach and then it leads onwards to the base of Box Head.
Returning back, the track stays high on the rocks passing little tallow beach and onwards to Tallow Beach. It is another excellent beach. On the return, an echidna was eating by the side of the fire trail.

Time: 3 ½ hours to box head and return to little tallow beach and Box head and return to car park.

Best: views, bird calls, isolation, beaches, dwarfed trees.

CENTRAL COAST - Little Bay - HIKE - 19 August 2009

I parked near Little Bay at the entrance to the National Park track. A small sign indicates the start or there is more parking and another entrance at the end of the road.

The easy track passes through rainforest with the calls of many birds echoing from the bush. Large trees and ferns dominate the vegetation. The track joins with a small fire trail that leads to Little Bay. There are toilets, buns and BBQ available. Camping is also permitted.

Little bay is a long narrow cove with a pretty white sand beach surrounded on the northern and southern sides by high sandstone cliffs. The water is shallow with good surfing waves under the right conditions. A small creek empties into the sea in the centre of the beach.

I followed the base of the northern cliffs along small rocks and tessellating sandstone. After about 20 minutes walk becomes impassable. The views are excellent on the point and the cliffs are awesome. The possibility of a rock fall is evident with the large amount of fallen rocks that litter the base.

There is a track leading upwards from the centre of the beach towards the towering cliffs on the northern side. The path is reasonably steep. Once at the top there are some reasonable views over the ocean. The track at this point becomes a sandy fire trail. It is not an exciting walk though there were a lot of flowers in bloom on the trail edge. I followed the trail and along track 72. The view at the track 72 was obscured by high and thick vegetation.

Time: 1 hour return to northern base of cliff and 1 hour return to track 72.

Warnings:

Best at low tide
Beware of falling rocks

CENTRAL COAST - Pearl Beach to Patonga - HIKE - 14 June 2009

Generally, it is a hard 3 ½ hour walk. The hard part is th coastal section. Start the walk an hour or two before low tide.

Park the car near café close to beach.

Walk along the beach towards the south. Cross over the trickle of Green Point Creek. The rock pool is deep enough for a reasonable swim. Walk along the rocks to green point. The cliffs to the right side are steep and have been buffeted for rock falls. The water is deep. Around the point is a flat area of rock great for sitting and admiring the views. There are some hoses built very close to the cliff edge. The rest of the walk involves flat areas of rocks, slippery rocks, scrambling over, under and around large boulders, some walking into the bush and swimming when there is no other option through. At one point the beaches on Lion Island can be seen quite clearly. Eventually, dark corner near Patonga is reached. 2 hours.

The creek empties out at the north end of Patonga. At this point there is a steep track leading upwards. This is part of the great Northern Walk. The track eventually joins with a trail towards Pearl beach. Along this route there are a number of turnoffs to the right for great views over broken bay. A turnoff the trail to the left leads to Warrah Trig. Further along there are some huge overhanging caves. Eventually, the streets of Pearl Beach are reached and it is a short walk to the car. 1 hour.

Indonesia - Bali - Ubud - ricefield walk from Jalan Kajeng - 2009

There are a number of walks around Ubud. This is one that we took.



The walk starts at jalan Kejang which is the first street on your right when walking from the Ubud markets. The street is very interesting with the surface made of blocks of concrete with the names of sponsors, individuals and businesses that helped paid for the road. There are a number of guest houses, houses, shops and small restaurants lining the street.



Eventually, the shops and houses begin to end and the street crosses a small river and leads steeply upwards until it levels out at rice fields and beautiful countryside. The street is now a dirt track which follows the river passing through rice fields, jungle, irrigation canals and the distance views of misty mountains,

Along the way there are people working in the fields and making offerings at the numerous shines that dot the corners of the rice fields



There are various shelters for living and animal enclosures, at strategic points there are shelters for resting during the day. Some are on stilts to watch the fields.

The track crosses the river again and leads up a steep embankment and intersects with a more major track. At this point you can follow the track to the left back to Ubud or continue on to the right.

At one point there are a number of shops selling handicrafts.



The track after a time diverts downhill onto a concrete walkway or continues to two rice field hotels. Taking the track downhill leads to a temple, passes numerous dwellings and irrigation canals. The track ends at a minor road. Turn to the right and walk up the road a short distance to a cross road then turn right and follow it back to Ubud markets.