On Saturday 27 August, 15 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers headed up to Mount Bushwalker just north of Milton for a hike on and around the Mt Bushwalker walking track.
For most, this was the first time back to the area after the 2019/2020 fires. ‘The last time we were there was in 2018’ said Peter Thompson who was amongst the walkers. ‘We were keen to see the area with the new regrowth, and the work done by National Parks in upgrading the track after the fires’ he said.
The views from Mt Bushwalker lookout are amongst the best in NSW. The lookout gives 180-degree views across the Clyde River Gorge and its surrounding mountains - the Shrouded Gods to the north west, the Castle, due west, and Pigeon House to the south west. ‘We were banking on the weather staying fine and it seemed promising with BOM’s forecast of a 75% chance of no rain’ said Peter.
The walkers set off in what seemed to be perfect weather. They were greeted by a renewed track of board walks, making the walking more than easy. The wattle was in flower everywhere, providing endless photo opportunities of the yellow against the blackened banksias.
The walker’s notes soon had them detouring on a side trip down Goalhouse Pass, now hard to find amongst the regrowth, but their search was well worth the effort, says Peter. ‘We descended below the escarpment into rain forest untouched by the fires. There we just stared in awe at the moss and fern covered cliffs towering above us, before climbing back out to re-join the track’.
After a few more side trips to spy some early spring wildflowers along the cliff lines, the walkers settled in for lunch at the lookout. The weather though, only held out long enough for the walkers to enjoy those majestic views for a few minutes. A squall came in from the east covering the gorge and mountains in mist and rain.
‘Apparently this being the 25% chance of rain!’ explained Peter. The walkers made a hasty retreat to the car park for the dry of the cars and their drive home. But all were very satisfied with the expedition.
The Batemans Bay Bushwalkers have a membership base of about 150 members. They have a programme of walks offering two walks a week for their members throughout Eurobodalla and its surrounds.
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
