Despite some misgivings about the forecast heat, eleven intrepid walkers met at the Chalmers Street light rail station for the walk from La Perouse to Maroubra. The public transport was easy and efficient and we were on the track by 9.15am.The first delight was walking across Congwong Beach followed by a 300m side track to Little Congwong Beach with its pristine, sparkling waters and discreet nudists.
Before heading off, Leader Barbara R briefs the walkers Walkers striding out along Little Congwong Beach
Jellyfish about 14cm wide - Little Congwong Beach View from Little Congwong Beach to the south east and view to the south west
Another 600m return deviation was taken down the well made fishermen’s track to Browns Rock for more good views. We enjoyed the shady walk through angophora bushland to Henry Head where the shade thrown by the 1892-5 battery provided an ideal morning tea spot. The Henry Head fort operated until 1910 then was re-employed during World War II to defend the entrance to Botany Bay.
Descent to Browns Rock Leader Rick and shady walk through angophora bushland
Ten of the walkers enjoying some shade at morning tea - Henry Head Battery
After skirting Cruwee Bay, we took another side track around Cape Banks to enjoy the view from this northern head of Botany Bay. The arrival of a large container ship with its pilot boat was well timed! After passing the 1937 wreck of Minmi, a collier, we re-joined the main coastal track north, past the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Base & the old Coast Hospital cemetery to make our way along the edges of golf courses to idyllic Little Bay. Here three walkers took the option of retreating from the heat and heading home.
Container ship passing Cape Banks to enter Botany Bay and wreck at Cape Banks and view to Henry Head Warning sign - Kamay Botany Bay NP
Another golf course rim track took us along Long Bay cliffs to lunch under a shady tree at Malabar Beach from where we headed to the relatively new Western Escarpment walking track around the Anzac Rifle Range (first used in 1855 and officially established in 1888) and on to Maroubra Beach.
The golf courses route towards Maroubra Seven of the walkers ready to leave the lunchspot at Malabar Beach in Long Bay
Paperbark trees with a nesting box seen as we headed to Malabar Headland NP and Western Escarpment Walking Track view of the Rifle Range
Trackview to Maroubra Beach
At Maroubra Beach four walkers opted for refreshments & the trip home while four enthusiastic souls walked the extra 5kms to Coogee Beach making a total of about 18kms with 340m ascents/descents. At least by this stage there was a strong cool breeze to bring relief from the hot day. First Aider was Rick and Tail-end-Charlie Deidre.
Crab artwork - Maroubra Beach Mahon Pool, north of Maroubra Beach near Mistral Point
Coogee Beach and Fallen Lifesavers Memorial, Coogee Beach We all felt rather like this at the end of the day!
Western Escarpment Walking Track Epacris longiflora, Heath-leaved Banksia Banksia ericifolia Malabar Headland NP and a Jacky Lizard sunning himself at Maroubra
The walkers were: Wendy C, Polly, Phyllis, Colleen, Kas, Hazel, Bert, Deidre and Cleona led by Barbara R and Rick
Words by Barbara R
Photos by Deidre (1), Barbara R (2, 4-7, 10, 12, 15, 16, 22 and captions), Hazel ( 3, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 17-21, 23, 24 and captions) and Rick (25)