Return to the Royal National Park

The weather was in my favour as I awoke to a proper Australian winters day, and a chance to hit the outdoors under crisp sunny blue skies was too good to pass up!

After some cheeky visitors dropped by to keep me company during breakfast, I decided to visit the Royal National Park to visit a section of the coastal track I hadn’t hiked before.

My plan was to start at Bundeena but due to a traffic accident the main road into the park was closed. I was forced to drive further south before I could cut in towards the ocean but happily I arrived at Garie Beach, the furthermost point I had reached on my previous hike. A few surfers were out enjoying the pumping waves as I set off along the beach towards the northern headland.

I made good progress along the track, with stunning views out to sea. Taking a snack break looking out towards ‘Eagle Rock’ I saw several whales playing off the coast, occasionally breaching the surface accompanied by a huge plume of sea spray. Pods of whales closer to the cliffs could occasionally be heard as they came up for air, in between the constant sounds of the abundant local bird life.

Knowing that I would have to retrace my steps to my car, I nevertheless wanted to see how much of the track I could cover before I had to turn around before darkness set it. I made good time to Wattamolla Beach, and decided to push on to Marley Beach. I sat on the rocks overlooking the gorgeous empty beach, had another quick bite to eat before I started back towards my car.

I had covered 12kms in two and a half hours, with sunset only 90 minutes away I knew I had to make good time on my way back. I had a warm jacket and a head torch so I wasn’t too concerned about hiking in the dark, but I did have some cold beers waiting for me in the fridge at home which spurred me on.

Darkness had fully descended by the time I reached Garie Beach, I walked the last short section of soft sand under the moonless sky completing the 24km round trip in just over four and a half hours. It was a gorgeous day and the cool sunny day was perfect for hiking.

I plan to return soon and do the complete 32km trip (one way) in a day soon!


More photos here

Bungonia Gorge

Between bouts of the flu and wet too many and grim weekends I was going crazy being stuck in a tiny studio apartment in the city. Even though the weather wasn't looking great I made a last minute decision to head off south for a weekend of hiking and camping.

I decided on Bungonia Gorge, a national park about two and a half hours south of Sydney, on the way to Canberra. After signing in at the ranger station I set up camp, then set off to explore the area.

By this stage it was early afternoon so I didn't want to try anything too long or difficult. I trekked the 'Yellow Track' which climbed a Western ridge to the Jerrara Canyon lookout. Although Sydney has been enduring a very wet winter, Bungonia hadn't seemed to experience the same, and the creek beds were mostly dry, no waterfalls to be seen.

The lookout afforded a really nice view of the area, I made my way back along the track back to the main trail. I continued along the 'Green Track' which looped around the southern ridge past several more lookouts.

There are several cave systems in the area, I poked my head inside the entrance to the 'Mass Cave' but didn't explore any further. I don't think I have the physique for caving, but it would be exciting to explore....

It was getting later in the day, Kangaroo sightings were becoming common, and after stopping at the final lookout I continued the loop back to camp. Arriving at dusk I had a quick dinner before retiring to my tent as the temperature plummeted.

I awoke the next morning to skies of grey, but soon after dawn the sun burnt away the lingering mist and it was a beautiful crisp winters day.

I had decided to tackle the 'Red Track' which made a steep descent down to Bungonia Creek and followed through the narrow slot canyon.

Somehow I got off track and ended up scrambling down scree slopes, following makeshift trails (I think made by animals) and traversing along rocky cliffs and buttresses. Eventually I made it back to the trail as it reached to creek floor, I sat for a bite to eat and a drink thankfully back on track.

Taking in the scenery I saw a few lines of bolts in the canyon walls, evidence of rock climbing! I knew there were routes in the area and it is always a delight to come across new lines, the possibilities and potential for a
adventure making my pulse quicken. A definite reason to return soon!

I wandered through the slot canyon, entranced by the tall rock walls either side, navigating my way through the maze-like boulder field.

After passing through the Marulan Quarry blast zone the canyon widened out and the creek bed returned. From there it was a step hike back to the car park from where I started, a four hour round trip.

It was a very enjoyable weekend, and much needed trip away to relax and enjoy what the world has to offer. My appetite has been whetted, I'll hopefully return soon to tick of some of those climbs...

More photos here