Wentworth Falls

Feeling the urge to get out of the house I returned to the Blue Mountains for some fresh air and exercise, stopping off at Wentworth Falls. Apart from some steep stairs descending to the first base of the fall it was a pretty easy hike in a gorgeous location.

Once at the first bottom of the falls I started along the National Pass trail. After spotting some metal ladders leading even further down the mountain I took the detour to the very base of the waterfall, then continued along the Wentworth Pass. The eventually joined back up to the National Pass, so I backtracked along the trail carved into the side of the mountain and returned to the falls.

It was getting dark so I drove to the Three Sisters lookout to catch the last sun of the day. The temperature sank along with the sun so I drove a short distance to Leura to catch up with Byron and Cherry for some tacos, beer and a chance to climb in the Blue Mountains the next day.

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Canberra

My secondment down in Sydney has been extended, but that is no reason to slow down my exploration of the surrounding areas. This weekend I had decided to drive to Canberra and see what the nation's capital had to offer.

The three and a half hour drive south was a pleasant one, the colours of Autumn are out in full force. That is always a nice touch especially coming from Brisbane where the season doesn't seem to exist.

I headed straight to the Australian War Memorial where I spent the remainder of the day. Anzac Day was only a week away, and as I walked through the many thorough and impressive displays I had time to contemplate its significance. The overwhelming feelings of sorrow and disgust at the colossal waste of human life on all sides was hard to shake. I stayed for the sombre Last Post ceremony and was back in my car as dusk set in.

I left the city and drove out east to a camp site on the banks of the Cotter River, just below the dam wall. It was school holidays and I was taking a risk on finding an available spot, but while the area was mostly full of campers I was able to find a small site at the end of the road where the noise of the river drowned out all others. After a hot meal courtesy of my spirit stove I retired to my tent as intermittent rain fell from above.

The next morning was cold (thirteen degrees) and overcast, I broke down my tent over breakfast and was soon on my way. It was a pretty drive through the Tidbinbilla farming valley, the road often lined with golden leaved trees, and I turned off along a non-descript road flanked by sheep-filled paddocks towards my next stop.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, home to, among other things, the antenna which broadcast Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon

I walked through the small but informative museum, complete with space suits, moon rocks, and models of rockets, space ships and landers. Great stuff! After a coffee on the balcony looking out at the antennae I continued my journey back to Canberra.

I toured the National Portrait Gallery, then spent a few hours at the National Gallery of Australia. Time was running out but I managed to take in all of the displays before wandering a short distance to the Old Parliament House building.

The political cartoon exhibition was a highlight, and it was interesting to walk through the rooms and corridors of such a historic building.

It was getting late in the day but I wanted to see Parliament House before I left. It was only a short drive, I had just enough time to take a few photos in the courtyard before needing to leave.

I left Canberra with quite a few things still undiscovered. I didn't make it to the National Museum, the Film and Television Library or many of the other sites, I could have easily spent another day or two exploring the capital. I was surprised at how pretty the surrounding areas are, and would be more than happy to return again.

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Hiking in the Royal National Park

I caught some bands at the Oxford Art Factory on Friday night, so Saturday was always going to be a slower day. After a week of grey and overcast skies the sun was out in full force for the weekend, so I went for a walk to the Powerhouse Museum to check out what was on offer.

My disinterest in superheros was more than outweighed by my love of Lego, and I enjoyed the DC comics Lego Superhero exhibition. The Batman pieces were the highlight, especially a full size replica of the Bat mobile which used almost half a million Lego pieces. Very impressive. The rest of the museum had some great exhibitions and is definitely worth a visit.

A catch-up with friends later on Saturday meant another late night, and I awoke on Sunday morning surprised at the lateness of the day. After a quick breakfast I filled a camel pack with water, grabbed  handful of chocolates (Fantails) and drove out to the Royal National Park south of Sydney to do some hiking.

It was another brilliant day, I parked my car at the Otford lookout just before midday and set off north along the famous Coastal Track. It was hot out in the sun but the track lead through a thick forest which kept things cool.

The first lookout I came to offered another amazing view over rocky headlands and gorgeous blue waters, looking down on Werrong beach. It was only a few hundred metres into the trek so I quickly continued along my way.

I hiked through the Palm Jungle before exiting into some grassy fields where I made my way down towards the ocean. After a short scramble down a small cliff I joined the crowds at the figure eight rock pools.

It was nice to stop for a swim, but I didn't stay for long and left the crowds to continue my hike. I rounded the point to South Era beach. Past the camp site at North Era then on to Garie Beach. The nine kilometre hike had taken only a few hours but I arrived to a patrolled surf beach and small café ready for a break. Unfortunately I had left my wallet in my car, so the prospect of a hot meal and cold drink would have to wait. I ate the last of my chocolates and readied myself for the long walk home.

Rather than retrace my steps I walked up along the steep windy road to the Governor Game lookout, where I took the Garrawarra Ridge track back to Otford. I had this section of the track to myself, hiking along as the golden sun shone through the forest.

It was late in the day when I arrived back to my car, and after eighteen kilometres I was ready for something to eat! Rather than drive around and try to find a café still open I settled down on a grassy area at the Otford lookout with a beautiful view to the south and cooked up a hearty pasta and salmon meal on my hiking stove I had stored in my car.

With my hunger temporarily sated I got in my car and returned to Sydney. Given some planning the twenty-six kilometre route of the complete Coast Track would be do-able, perhaps before I return to Brisbane I will explore the tracks I didn't see today.

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Climbing on the Central Coast

So far during my four weeks in Sydney I have explored to the South, East and West, now it was time to head north.

I had organised with Lukas to climb on the weekend so on another beautiful autumn day I left Sydney and made my way up to the Central Coast of New South Wales. I met Lukas at his parents place in Erina and we made our way to a crag at Blackwall.

The crag was nestled in a small bushy area, surrounded by houses and water further out. Lukas nor I had been there before, so it took us a little while before we came across the rocks we were looking for. The mosquitoes were horrendous but they quickly gave up once we covered ourselves in DEET.

The routes were on average 10m, quite short, but the thin and crimpy nature of the holds made the climbing quite strenuous. Messing around with bolt plates added even more stress to the climbing, but it was a nice change of style compared to the Blue Mountains.

I managed to tick off a few 19s, a 21 and a 22 before warming down on an easier 16 and 17. By that time it was late in the day, and with sore fingertips we hiked in the late afternoon.

It was a very nice place to climb, sheltered from the hot sun yet cooled but a nice breeze off the water, not to mention the great view. No wonder someone had chosen to live in the cave adjacent to the climbing area. I later learnt that the person had been living there on and off for 25 years!

We returned to the house of Lukas' parents where once again I was treated to great hospitality and plenty of hearty Polish food. Board games and beers would round out the night.

It was a late start the next morning, after a huge breakfast we spent most of the day at nearby Avoca beach swimming and kicking the soccer ball around. Later in the afternoon we returned "home" and after another filling meal it was time to return to Sydney, another great weekend done!

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