Both Bob and myself were keen to return to the sea caves along the coast in the Munmorah State Conservation Area. On earlier trips we had visited the caves at Caves Beach and further south and then on a later visit, had walked from Caves Beach south to Frazer Beach. Some of the caves require low tides and low swells for safe visits, so we had to be very selective about when we could visit the area again.
This time we were more selective of where we visited, wanting to spend some time at certain caves.
We started off near Snapper Point. We parked at the top of a fishermen’s track that went down to the sea near Bongon Head.
It was easy to follow the track down.
Just to the north was the first of the sea caves. This one is an arch –
We also spotted another portal to the south –
The rock in the area is interesting, mainly sandstone and conglomerate. The rock in the photo below shows some unusual seams in the conglomerate –
This first arch is too wet to visit without swimming.
We climbed along the top and descended again on the far side.
We then climbed up and traversed on a rough track towards Timber Beach.
Timber Beach is an attractive small beach –
The main caves we wanted to visit were on the south side of the beach, but the tide was too high, so we decided to check the caves to the north near Ghosties Beach. We had visited these caves on both our previous trips so knew the way.
We had to scramble over small headland –
And then we reached Ghosties Cave. This time it was much easier to traverse due to higher sand levels.
WE then decided to walk along Ghosties Beach and out to Flat island.
on the way we saw this Reef Egret –
And here is one of three White-bellied Sea Eagles –
Flat Island is currently land tied and is a grassy flat area. But it is quite interesting.
We saw a pod of Dolphins –
And then a Brahminy Kite –
We spotted the Reef Egret again –
We walked back along the beach and through Ghosties Cave again –
We then walked around to Timber Beach. The tide was lower, but we decided to have lunch while waiting for the minimum. We then entered the first of the three sea caves here.
Timber Beach Caves
We had to wade through this low passage to reach the third and biggest cave –
This took us to a huge underground chamber –
Waves were crashing outside and their noise was amplified by the cave, and this made for quite a scary atmosphere. You had the uncomfortable feeling that a wave may suddenly roar into the cave.
Awe headed back to Timber Beach.
We climbed up the fishermen’s track to the road, and then walked down to Bob’s car. We then drove down the short distance to Snapper Point. Here there is another sea cave.
And to the south is Frazer Beach.
We went out to the end of the point and scrambled down to the ledges near the cave.
It is very impressive.
The last place we visited was Wybung Head, a short drive to the south.
Further south is Bird Island –
We walked down to Wybung Head.
The coast south looks interesting. But I don’t think it is easy to traverse all the way to Ochre Beach.
We wanted to traverse the other way – to the north, along the coast to Frazer Beach. This was easy and pleasant to do.
On the rock platform, we spotted another White-bellied Sea Eagle –
At Frazer Beach we found the track up to the Wybung Head road was being repaired.
Another Sea Eagle –
At the top, and along the road we spotted a series of Caldenia sp. Orchids –
And back at the carpark above Wybung Head, we speed three more Sea Eagles, while we were changing. Here is one –
This had been a more interesting walk, visiting some great coastal scenery. Thanks to Bob for researching the route and the caves.