Last week the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers had two walks in the Murramarang N.P.
The ‘North Durras Highlights’ walk had the Bay Bushwalkers heading up from the Depot Beach village using an old easement track to Lovells Pass to then head down to the National Park Durras Lake Discovery Trail. The Discovery Trail was only re-opened recently after the Park’s repairs following the Bushfires. The recent rain likely will lead to more work being needed as the walkers found the trial layered with fallen trees. From the Trail the Bay Bushwalkers emerged onto North Durras Beach and then onto the Burrawang Walking Track to climb the headland to Point Upright. There they enjoyed the views across to South Durras before finishing their circuit back to Depot Beach. A refreshing trek of some 12 kms.
The second walk this week was based in the southern parts of the Murramarang N.P. around South Durras and the coast south of Wasp Head, appropriately called the “Murramarang Experience”. It too was a 12 kms circuit walk. It started in the South Durras village and headed first into the spotted gum forest to the southwest. The highlight being a photo opportunity at ‘the big tree’ having a circumference of over 8 metres - the walkers measured it! This tree certainly predates Captain Cook’s voyage up the east coast of Australia and is said to be the third largest in the area. Then crossing the Old Coast Road, the walkers emerged at Richmond Beach, noting some extensive erosion from the recent rains and heavy seas. The erosion revealing shell layers dating back 5000 years in the dune next to the creek. From there the Bay Bushwalkers moved north over the headland through the burrawangs, following - as evident by some markings on the trees, the likely route in this section of the proposed Murramarang South Coast Walk from Bawley Point to Maloneys Beach. The group enjoyed a break at Dark Beach and then another on the headland overlooking Emily Miller Beach, taking in views up the coast to Point Upright and beyond. From there it was an easy picturesque walk through the coastal twisted spotted gums to Wasp Head and back to the cars. A walk enjoyed by all.
The Batemans Bay Bushwalkers have a programme of two walks a week for their members in their walking season from March to December. Visitors are welcome to join them on their walks by arrangement.
For more information about becoming a member of the Batemans Bay Bushwalkers, or to just come along as a visitor on one of their walks, see the BBBW website for all the information -- http://baybushwalkers.org.au
