After two trains to Cronulla then a bus to the start on a rather cold and wet morning, 21 intrepid walkers began this 10km walk to a covered area where leader Margaret P gave a short talk on the history of the area. The Kurnell section of the park is renowned for being the place where Captain James Cook sailed the ‘Endeavour’ through Botany Bay on 28April 1770 in order to establish a penal colony for Britain. An obelisk to his memory and a ball-buoy in the water depict his place of anchorage. Moving on, various other monuments were pointed out, in particular those of his botanist travelling companions Daniel Solander and Joseph Banks.
On the bus A wet start Under the canopy on the Yena Track
As the rain eased the group made their way to morning tea at some rather soggy picnic tables where standing up was the only option. We continued on via the Yena bush Trail to Cape Solander Lookout hoping to see masses of whales however only one dubious sighting was made despite Claude’s binoculars being at the ready. Normally this is one of the best locations for whale-watching when they decide to make an appearance.
Cape Solander Lookout The leaders at the Lookout 
Wild Solander coast
New track, new notice Clifftop walkers
Clifftop group
Walking along the clifftop Luxuriant flannel flowers but the banksias still black
The weather improved from this point on and we followed the coast walk which now is a wonderful mix of rock platforms and excellent board walks – a far cry from the wet and muddy track we followed in 2016!
At Tabigal Gap four walkers decided to break off through another track in order to return home earlier as the leaders had advised the return to the city would not be before 6.30pm. Continuing via Long Nose Point the remaining 17 hardy souls made their way to the Baily Light (house) at Cape Baily where lunch was a welcome respite. We managed to keep dry for most of the walk and the scenery on the coast was quite spectacular.
We re-traced our steps back to the Yena trail where a very meaningful Aboriginal monument was viewed. A delightful short trail called the Burrawang Track was then followed to take us to CAFÉ 1770, opposite the park bus-stop, for a very welcome coffee.
Rock patterns Tabbigai Cliff Dwellers Crazy fishermen
More boardwalk and banksias Approaching Cape Baily Lighthouse
The group at Cape Bailey Lighthouse
Another view of the board walk Happy Birthday Don Wo
Leaders: Claude and Margaret
Walkers: Helen A, Ruth, Chris B, Don B, Elaine E, Annette, Michael and Sue, Anne G, Mary, Christine McA, John M, Jan, Elizabeth P, Wendy P, Anne R, Drina, Don Wo and Bill T
Words: Margaret P
Photos: Chris McA (4, 5, 15, 16), Claude (1), Don Wo (6, 7, 8, 9, 11), Drina (2, 3, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19)