Royal National Park – Southern Coastline II

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Dave Noble

It had only been a few weeks since my previous visit to this part of the coast in Royal National Park. On that trip, I had been unsuccessful in photographing the Figure Eight Pool. I had the right tidal conditions (you need to go during a low tide) – but the seas were rough and water was sloshing over the pool and its surroundings.

Figure Eight Pool

Figure Eight Pool

The Figure Eight Pool, as I mentioned in my last post, has recently become very popular with Instagrammers for some reason I have not been able to fathom. It is a nice spot for sure – but I think there are lot more places in Royal National Park or along the greater Sydney coastline that are more special. Continue reading →

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Old Todd’s Hut at Kingdom Come

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Dave Noble

During the week I did a walk with my sisters and their husbands to Kingdom Come in Heathcote National Park. Or, more accurately – the walk was through the park, with Kingdom Come being just outside it.

Old Todd's Hut

Old Todd’s Hut

Kingdom Come, or KC for short, is a historic bushwalkers campsite on the Woronora River and it is right next to a great swimming spot – the Boobera Pool. It is a place that my parents frequently visited during the early 1950’s with other members of the Rucksack Club. Continue reading →

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2016 SUBW – PBT – October Long Weekend

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Dave Noble

Last weekend I went on the 43rd PBT, the annual President’s Bludge Trip held by Sydney University Bushwalkers on the October long weekend. This year the trip was co-led by Ashley as well as by Joy, the 2016 president. By tradition the trip visits the Kowmung River in the Kanangra Boyd National Park.

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The weather forecast was not ideal. Strong winds for the weekend and the possibility of rain, and even snow on the Friday night, and perhaps more rain on the Monday. Kanangra Walls, the usual starting point is a long way to get to from Sydney so most participants camp on the nearby Boyd Plateau on the Friday night. October in the Blue Mountains is normally mild enough to enjoy some swimming in the Kowmung River. Perhaps not this time? Continue reading →

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SUBW 70th Anniversary Celebration – 28 September 2016

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Dave Noble

I had the pleasure of attending the 70th Anniversary Celebration of SUBW – Sydney University Bush Walkers which was held on the evening of 28th September in a craft brewery at Camperdown.

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The event was a trip down memory lane. My history with the club goes back to 1974, so it was very good to meet many old bushwalking friends who were there and chat and recall past adventures and good times.  Continue reading →

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South Head Walk – 26 September 2016

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Dave Noble

Last week I headed out to North Head, so I thought that this week I would visit South Head. Both areas are wishing Sydney harbour National Park, but South Head is a lot smaller. So to extend the walk I would continue along the Coastal Track to Dudley Page Reserve to photograph the sunset.

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I caught the 3:10 pm ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay, and from there it is a short walk to Camp Cove and the path to South Head. I walked to the Hornby Lighthouse and the a short loop and back to Camp Cove. Continue reading →

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Red Rocks Walk – 24 – 25 September 2016

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Dave Noble

I joined several groups of friends and we headed up to the Red Rocks on the weekend to celebrate some birthdays. In the party were John, Chuin Nee, Jasper, Sebastian, Keith, Rob, Martin, Steffy, Stu, Su Li, Brent, Rik, Talia, Michael, Dan and Lauren.

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I was walking up with John and Chuin Nee and their two sons Jasper (4) and Sebastian (1). We headed up the quickest route from Newnes via Little Capertee Creek and then traversed to Point Nicholson where we met a lot of the others. Another smaller group joined us later.  Continue reading →

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Landing Lights Wetland – Birds – 23 September 2016

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Dave Noble

Digi Dave and myself headed out to the Landing Lights Wetland near Rockdale for an afternoon of bird photography.

Silvereye

Silvereye

When we arrived there were not that many birds in the main wetland pool – a few ducks and the odd ibis. We later spotted a couple of herons. Continue reading →

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North Head Walk – 22 September 2016

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Dave Noble

Some rain was forecast, but I was keen to get out for a walk. I caught the train to Circular Quay and then jumped on the Manly Ferry. On the way, the weather was looking more ominous, so I changed my original plans for walking to The Spit and instead thought a walk around North Head may be better. This would be a shorter walk with options for shelter in case it rained a lot and also better views of the storm.

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Storm clouds did indeed build up on my way to Manly. The lighting was quite impressive. But the rain held off.  Continue reading →

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Taronga Zoo Visit – 21 September 2016

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Dave Noble

On this visit to the Zoo, I wanted to try and photograph some of the animals that were located in dark places such as the Platypus and the occupants of the Nocturnal House.

Baby Meerkat

Baby Meerkat

To attempt these photographic challenges in places where artificial lighting in not permitted I used a fast (55 mm f1.8) prime lens and a high ISO. Continue reading →

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Royal National Park – Southern Coastline

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Dave Noble

It had been a while since I had been to the Figure Eight Pool on the southern coastline at Royal National Park.

Looking down at the Figure of Eight Pool

Looking down at the Figure of Eight Pool

For some reason it has become a popular place for Instagrammers to head to with their selfie sticks. I have no idea for the reason for this. Circular rock pools are common on coastlines and along rock shelfs in riverbeds. Having two such pools close to each other and then coalesce is also probably not that unusual. I have seen other examples in Royal National Park. Continue reading →

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