A while back, Bob had suggested a walk around the loop track at Manly Dam, and it was finally time to give it a go. Bob picked me up at Gordon Station and he drove to Allambie Heights, where we parked near a Tennis Court behind the shops. Nearby was a track into the Manly Dam precinct (official name “Manly Waringah War Memorial State Park”).
As well as doing the circuit walk, we wanted to look for an Aboriginal engraving site Bob had seen many years before.
We decided to all around the Park Circuit Track in an anticlockwise direction. The first part followed a fire road, and it is also part of the Mountain Bike Track around the park. I had cycled this track many times over the years (but not recently).
The fire raid took us through some nice bushland – which was quite weed free – rare for a Sydney bushland remnant.
Red-browed Finch
Striated Thornbill
We looked around, unsuccessfully for Aboriginal engravings at the spot Bob thought he remembered.
At Manly Creek, we left the fire road and followed a well established track down the creek.
The creek is quite attractive.
Water Dragon
At one spot we spotted a Red-bellied Black Snake –
Manly Falls
Further down, we spotted a concrete formation in the creekbed. Perhaps an old pipeline?
Water Dragon
The last part of the walk follows the bank above the stored water of the dam, and leads to an extensive picnic area. Here we stopped for lunch.
Here is the froth from a Spittle Bug Nymph. They excrete the foul tasing froth from their anus to deter predators while they hide inside he froth and feed on the sap of the plant.
We did find an Aboriginal engraving site on the foreshore of the reservoir. This is described as a “contact site” – ie one made after Aboriginal contact with European settlers.
Eurasian Coots
Australasian Darter
Water Dragon
Instead of following the usual route -across the dam wall, we followed the road down a bit past some laboratories, and then along a rough track to the Mermaids Pool.
This pool was apparently a popular naked swimming spot for ladies during the depression.
We then rejoined the main Park Circuit Track.
Little Wattlebird
Greenhood Orchid
Eastern Spinebill
This easy bushwalk is well worth doing.