I had the pleasure to join Brian Everingham and others from the National Parks Association for a walk to Burning Palms in Royal National Park. We started at Garawarra and walked along the ridge towards Otford, and then turned off and descended down the track through the Palm Jungle to Burning Palms. The surf was far to rough to consider a side trip to the Figure Eight Pool (even though it was low tide). Then after lunch, we climbed back up to Garawarra.
In the party as well as Brian, was Sue, Bandula, Deb, Esther, Lydia and myself. We had pleasant walking weather.
Variable Sword-grass Brown Butterfly
Not far out from Garawarra, we detoured out to the lookout at the top of the old Squeezeway Track. This provided good but hazy views to the north.
During the day, we only spotted two orchids. Here is a Bonnet Orchid –
Further long, we spotted a Brown Cuckoo-dove –
Later, on the track down to Palm Jungle, we made second detour to another old lookout. Thus one provided great views to the south.
And to the north –
Nearby, Sue spotted our second orchid – a Hyacinth Orchid –
Walking down to the Palm Jungle, we were on the lookout for birds. We heard plenty, but didn’t spot that many. Here is a Large-billed Scrubwren –
Cabbage Palms –
Further along we could look down to the rock platforms of the Figure Eight Pool. They were covered in water.
At the old campsite above Burning Palms Beach, we stopped for lunch. We then continued past the old heritage shacks and other relics.
Then it was time to climb back up to Garawarra.
On the ascent, I was able to photograph some more birds.
Grey Fantail
?
Striated Thornbill
Lewin’s Honeyeater
Grey Shrike-thrush
Brown Thornbill
It had been a pleasant day out. Thanks to Brian for leading the walk.