We're all ears, Kurt! Fresh with excitement and anticipation
Fifteen members enjoyed the ocean front walk along the pathway from Thirroul to Wollongong. The day was sunny and warm, with the hint of a sea breeze. After a brief stop on Sandon Point to view Bulli Harbour we proceeded on to Waniora Point for morning tea.
Bulli Jetty at Sandon Point, was first built in 1863 and was abandoned in 1943. During that time it was used by the Bulli Coal Company in the transportation of coal from the Bulli mine to the ships for export to other destinations.
The next brief stop was at Flat Rock where we admired one of the many rock pools that are dotted along this coastline.
Time to take a breather Are you lost?
By the time we reached Bellambi it was feeling somewhat hotter. It was then on past Bellambi Lagoon to Towradgi and a long stretch behind Fairy Meadow Beach. The bush track through Puckeys Estate was a pleasant relief (who was Puckey?).
Spoonbill Platalea
Who was Puckey? Puckey's Estate Reserve is a coastal nature reserve in Wollongong, Australia. It is mainly she-oak forest, but also has sand dune and wetland areas, including areas along Para Creek. Puckey's Estate was traditionally used by the Wadi Wadi people, the Aboriginal tribe in Wollongong. It was once owned by a Mr Courtney Puckey for use as an experimental saltworks and still contains the historic site of Puckey's graduation tower and house, a jetty site he built and plaques on aboriginal and European historic uses for the area.
We had lunch in a modern shelter shed in Stuart Park North Wollongong. By this time the north easter had strengthened making the skydiving interesting viewing.
After lunch on past North Wollongong Beach to Wollongong Harbour. We viewed the original lighthouse before climbing Flagstaff Hill (our one hill!!) to the current lighthouse and extensive views both up and down the coast.
Australia's first pre-fabricated lighthouse was constructed in Sydney. It is made of 10mm iron boiler plate and arrived for assembly on site. The lighthouse was fully operational by 1872.
The old and the new
Finally, it was the slog up Crown Street to the station for the trip home.
Don B led 14 walkers: Ruth, Clive, John D'C, Anne G, Martin, Kas, Robyn Ma, Bert, Bella and Peter, Anne R, Kurt, Deidre, and new member Hazel.
First Aiders: Deidre and Clive
Words by Don B
Photos by Pete (1, 2, 4, 7-10, 13, 14, 24, 25), Deidre (3, 5, 6,12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23), Anne R (11, 18, 19, 21)