A serene Hardys Bay greeted us on arrival at our briefing point
Nine walkers set out from Hardys Bay on a warm sunny morning to climb the hill for the start of the walk. We soon came to some spectacular views over Tallow Beach on the left and Brisbane Water towards the Rip Bridge on the right. The descent to Tallow Beach is quite steep and eroded but we were rewarded with a pretty and deserted beach at the bottom. We decided to have morning tea in the shade near the campground.
A spider's pantry - moths caught in a web - morning tea location behind Tallow Beach Eight of the walkers on Tallow Beach
It was a shady morning tea spot day! Eastern Bearded Dragon - Tallow Beach Camping Area
Afterwards it was a short steep climb back to the Box Head track. The track is a bit rough here but there are great 360-degree views of Lion Island, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, West Head, the Hawkesbury River, Pearl Beach and Umina & Ocean Beaches at the end.
Eight of the walkers at Box Head
After retracing our steps back to the start of this track we followed the Flannel Flower track through beautiful bush lined with majestic Angophoras to a management track behind some houses which led to the Lobster Beach track.
Fringed Lily Thysanotus tuberosus Box Head Track Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi Flannel Flower Walking Track
New Holland Honeyeater - Flannel Flower Walking Track One of the wonderful trees on the Flannel Flower Walking Track
We had lunch on the beach where some of the group had a swim while others relaxed or put their feet in the water.
Lobster Beach from the viewing platform and from the beach
Lobster Beach shells and silver gull
After lunch it was a short stroll around the bay to the Killcare Store for coffee. On the way we were rewarded with a close up look at several pelicans waiting for fish from some fishermen who were cleaning their catch.
Pretty Beach pelicans patiently waiting
At the Killcare store we met up with the group of regular walkers who were also enjoying their post walk refreshments. On the way back to the cars some of our group indulged in some after walk retail therapy before heading home. Thank you everyone for a great day out!
With Celia and Polly were Wendy C, Martin, Kas, Hazel, Pragati, Deidre & visitor Mary C.
Words by Celia
Photos - Kas (1), Hazel (2, 3, 5-10, 12-14 and captions), Deidre (4, 11, 15, 16)
