Another outing in Royal National Park. This was a walk led by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW. The original plan was to start from Garrawarra Farm and then walk down to Burning Palms, through the Palm Jungle then follow the Coastal Track to the top of the escarpment, then walk back to Garrawarra Farm via the fire trail. However, the Garrawarra farm area was closed due to road and track upgrading works. So Brian change the walk to an out and back from Garie Beach.
Starting from Garie meant a longer walk with more hills to climb – so we had a good leg stretch. The weather was perfect for walking. At Garie carpark, there were the usual residents – Superb Fairy-wrens.
On the walk were Brian, Valerie, Sue, Jim, Aurora, Caroline, Jane, John, Julian, Angela, Derek, Helen and myself.
As we walked south, we spotted a juvenile White-faced Heron hunting for food.
Then the climb up and over Thelma Head. Great views from the top.
We then descended to North Era.
Then over the next hill to South Era and its shanty town. Brain wanted to do a bit of circuit, so we walked up the valley. On the way, we could not help noticing a huge number of weeds – particularly Other of Millions. As well we spotted a group of feral deer.
Further up we saw a Swamp Wallaby.
We then walked down to the next shanty town – Burning Palms. Soon past it, we continued along the Coastal Track. Brian told us some rather sinister stories about a honeymoon murder that had occurred on one of the nearby headlands.
We then had the big climb up through the Palm Jungle to the lookout at the top. The track was very muddy in the jungle section.
At the lookout, we had time get our breath back, as well as a lunch break.
Then we started back.
A, Eastern Spinebill was looking for nectar in a Gymea Lily.
Back down. closer to the coast, we saw a number of Sea Eagles cruising by.
And, at Burning Palms, another Swamp Wallaby.
Then some more climbing over the headlands.
Back at Garie – this Kookaburra had the catch of the day.
Thanks to Brian for organising the walk, and to Valerie for a lift down to Garie and back.