It was wonderful to welcome so many walkers keen to take on the challenging downs-and-ups (more like 400m than the advertised 200m), and savour the delights, of this walk. We parked near the Smugglers Ridge entrance to the park and walked briskly from there to the locked gate that marks the start of the Marramarra Ridge trail. Great care needed to be taken on the descent down to Marramarra Creek as the management trail is somewhat rubbly, but we all skillfully arrived unscathed. After this, the sidetrip along the river past the historic orange orchards (plenty of oranges but none ripe yet) to our morning tea spot at Orchard Campground was a welcome relaxing stroll. As we continued along the flat to explore the Marramarra Campsite, we had our only ‘mishap’ of the day when Bert stepped on a slippery rock and slid (with great elegance) into the water. We then girded our loins for the steep climb up Smugglers Ridge to a splendidly commodious rocky outcrop where we could enjoy lunch and views. From there, we walked, mostly along another management trail, to the cars. Enroute homewards, most walkers gathered at The Cats Pyjamas in Galston for a well-earned coffee.
Glorious autumnal weather, convivial company, and the afterglow of achievement – who could wish for more.
Walkers looking disorganized The walkers at the beginning of the Marramarra Ridge Trail after a 3km sprint on the fire trail
At the bottom of the Marramarra Creek Trail - quite a rubbly challenge! Heading to Orchard Campground beside Marramarra Creek Smugglers Ridge ascent - the view up
Starting on a flat fire trail Louis's hat on a stand at MT
Marramarra Creek at the main campground
Smugglers Ridge scribbly gum The leaders near our lunch spot Smugglers Ridge: nature's sculpture
Front row lunch rock for the early birds.
Walkers: Barbara R. (and her grandson Izaak), Bert, Celia, Don B., Helen, Kaz, Louis, Martin, Mary, Nick B., Nick S., Polly & Steve
Tail end Charlie: Don
First aid: Bert and Mary
Photos: Barbara R (2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11), Helen A (1,6,7,12)