35 walkers assembled at Pearl Beach.
We walked through Pearl Beach residential area then crossed Green Point Creek on a bridge, then left into Green Point Rd to Paul Landa Reserve with panoramic views.
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We returned to the junction with Crystal Avenue then along the bush lined residential street to the locked gate into the NP.
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The walk follows the broad fire trail uphill through steep drop on the right with lush tree ferns and on the left a spectacular cave overhang.
Pearl Caves is two large overhangs found near the base of a cliff. The caves look north and have outward- sloping floors. One cave has a few small columns and stalagmite/stalactite decorations growing at the back.
The track continued uphill until we turned left along the sandstone footpath for morning tea at Warrah Lookout.
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It is a mostly fenced lookout on a large sandstone platform.
The lookout provides fantastic views across the Hawkesbury River. From left to right, you can see along the escarpment which forms the southern boundary of Brisbane Water National Park, out to the Pacific Ocean, Barrenjoey Headland, West Head, along Cowan Creek, Juno Point and along the escarpment to Patonga.
We returned to a signposted intersection with the Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail and a sign pointing back up to 'Warrah Car Park' / Tony Doyle Track.
We took the steps winding up the hill and sandstone footpath to Warrah Trig Station.
Our volunteer replacement co-leader
It is part of a national geodetic survey established during the 1970's. The 'Triangulation station' (aka trigonometrical or trig station) is a distinct marker once clear of trees, and would have been visible for many kilometers in the area. The trig station is now surrounded by trees, with some filtered views along the Hawkesbury River.
From Warrah Trig we followed the dirt fire trail to Patonga Rd. We had a short walk beside the busy Patonga Rd to find the rough track to Elephant Rock.
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We explored the large rock while having lunch enjoying views over the Hawkesbury river
before retracing our steps to the road and fire trail intersection with Patonga fire trail and return to Pearl Beach.
After passing through the locked gate we turned left on Crystal Ave to complete a circuit through Crommelin Native Arboretum before returning for coffee at Pearl Beach café.
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A walker displayed the latest in walking sox
Walkers:Helen A, Nick B. Don B. Susan C. Rhondda. Tim. Elaine. Michael F. Martin. Cherry.
Dawn, Lydia, John M, Marilyn, Steve, Margaret P, Bella & Peter R, Barbara R, David R, Kurt Vreni Deidre Lyn Cleona Pauline Don W Keith H Louis
Visitors: Phyllis, Theresa, David S, Margaret C, Greer. Led by Anne G and Helen A, (a volunteer co-leader due to a leader feeling unwell) Thanks to Anne R for the planning and reccee.
First aiders: Barbara R, Don W
Tail ender keeping count of the dispersed group in his red jacket: Don B
Photos: Pete (4,7,8,11,12,15), Deidre(5 ), Louis ( 1,3,6,16,17,20 ), Barbara R ( 2,9,13 ), Helen A ( 10,18,19 )Martin (14)