A few weeks back, Bob and myself had been on a walk where the intention was to visit Kanuka Brook. We had failed on that trip to get even close to to it, since our proposed pass across Glenbrook Creek did not go. We were still keen to have a look at the middle section of Kanuka Brook, so this time we took an easier, more conservative approach route.
We set off down the Duckhole Track at Glenbrook. On the way we passed through some nice wildflower meadows. There were lots of Fringe Lilies in flower.
And we saw some birds, including this Brown Cuckoo-dove.
We soon arrived at the Duckhole on Glenbrook Creek. This is the site of an old steam powered pump that was used to supply water for steam locomotives. You can still see some signs of this.
The Duckhole itself is an attractive pool.
We crossed Glenbrook Creek and then climbed up the track on the far side. This track eventually leads to the St Helena Fire Road.
On the top of the hill, the track changes into a fire road. That was a new development. I can remember mountain biking many times along the old track, which was delightful to ride down. Now it is a boring road.
But there were some nice flowers out, including more Fringe Lilies.
And we saw one group of Flying Duck Orchids.
At a certain point, we left the road, and followed a ridge out towards Kanuka Brook. We eventually reached a nice rock platform that provided nice views of the gorge of Kanuka Brook.
Nearby was a rather large cairn. We wondered why it had been constructed.
We found a good route down to Kanuka Brook nearby. On the way we spotted another Brown Cuckoo-dove.
At Kanuka Brook, we entered a nice patch of open rainforest and what looked like it would be a good campsite.
There was a nice swimming hole nearby.
We walked upstream a bit to find a crossing spot. Here we saw some recent footprints from another party of bushwalkers.
We climbed up an easy pass and then along an open ridge to the Red Hands Cave Fire Road.
At the end of the road, we stopped for our lunch break, and then walked back to Glenbrook via Red Hands Cave.
Lower down the creek, this Lyrebird proved rather elusive.
The track took us to the Causeway, and from there we walked up the hill to the Park entrance and then back to Bob’s car.
It had been a very interesting and pleasant walk.