Bob and myself had decided on a walk to visit Refuge Bay on West Head, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Rain was forecast on the day – but it was more likely very early in the morning. But when we arrived at the carpark for the Salvation Loop Trail it was raining quite heavily.
The rain didn’t last long, and had stopped by the time we were at the turn off for the Wallaroo Trail. We turned off and walked for about 350 m and then looked for the track to Refuge Bay. It was not too hard to find – marked by a cairn.
It was easy and pleasant walking along the ridge. The track was rough in places but easy to follow. It is described on this website.
The track took us across a few rock outcrops. We looked for Aboriginal engravings or sharpening grooves – but could not find any.
As we continued, w started getting views of Refuge Bay and Cowan Creek.
The track took us to an interesting area above the bay. We deviated a bit to look at a nearby creek.
There were some nice cascades and we also spotted some Aboriginal sharpening grooves under the water.
Then Bob found an Aboriginal engraving. It was hard to work out what it was, Perhaps a kangaroo?
We followed the creek down to the cliffline. Here it tumbles over a nice waterfall. On the top of the cliffs are some nice pools.
It was still a long way down to the bay. We first looked on the west side, but that did not look promising. So we headed back to there creek, and now there was a big group of people. They turned out to be visiting commandos. One of then said thy had climbed up on the east side. We went that way and found a way down. There was some tricky scrambling, but later on the way back we found a much easier way.
Near the water, was a large midden.
At the base of the waterfall were a few more of the commandos.
Refuge Bay Falls were quite impressive.
One of the commandos told us about the history of the area. He explained how it had been used as a secret training base for a special operation in World War II. The canoe near Bob was a special commando canoe similar to one used in WWII.
Nearby was a plaque.
You can read more about the commando raid here and here.
We then climbed back up the cliffs and had lunch on one of the lookouts. While were eating a juvenile Sea Eagle flew past.
After lunch we walked back to Bob’s car. It had been a pleasant day out.
A pleasant walk at West Head is to stop at the Basin car park, visit the Aboriginal engraving site (you have been there) and continue down to the Basin camping ground (don’t turn left to Mackerel track!), a bit of concrete road bash to allow National Park vehicle access. Great swimming. From the Basin camping ground take the Fantasea ferry for a great trip around the bay to Palm Beach and back (they charge about $10 for a round trip, time table here: https://www.fantasea.com.au/palm-beach-ferries/timetable/
When returning, get off at Mackerel wharf and at the extreme left (looking at the beach) between some houses, there is a steep track up to Mackerel headland and then walk along the fire road back to the Basin track car park. Very enjoyable.