On a perfect early autumn day, seven Plus walkers met near Seaforth Oval for a car shuttle to Garigal NP at Roseville Bridge.
We first enjoyed the walk on the northern shore of Middle Harbour Creek before joining the Magazine Track to an idyllic morning tea stop at Flat Rock Beach.
Morning tea spot on Flat Rock Beach
Goanna on Magazine Track Young Banksia flower
The Magazine Track was then followed around the headland to skirt Bantry Bay on its western shore before heading inland above Bates Creek to an easy crossing and a short climb to the Currie Road Trail.
Leah, Pragati & Steve crossing Bates Creek
Not far along the Trail is the intersection with the Natural Bridge Track which descends fairly steeply to the interesting & attractive natural rock bridge over a creek, where a photo opportunity was enjoyed.
Natural Bridge
A steady climb for less than a kilometre took us to our shady lunch destination at Bluff Lookout. From here we had picture postcard views down Bantry Bay to Cremorne & the skyscrapers of Sydney CBD.
Lunch time at Bluff Rock Lunch time view from Bluff Rock over Bantry Bay to Cremorne & the city
After our well earned rest, the steep descent was made on the Bantry Bay Track to a creek crossing and an undulating hike with several more small creek crossings to a point above the eastern foreshore of Bantry Bay with excellent views of the the bay itself and the heritage listed Bantry Bay Explosives Depot where nine “magazines” were used to store military & commercial explosives between 1910 and 1974.
Old explosives storage buildings in Bantry Bay
A short distance further was the Bantry Bay picnic area, popular with visitors since the late 1800s. In the early 1900s it boasted a dance hall, dining room & overnight accommodation. Today just picnic tables, toilets & a public wharf are there. We enjoyed the views and a meander before ascending 120m on the Timbergetters Track to Seaforth Oval.
View of Bantry Bay and middle harbour from lunch place on The Bluff View of The Bluff from Bantry Bay
The walk was about 11.5kms but quite challenging with 491m ascents (according to Wild Walks) and a track that required almost constant vigilance & a little rock scrambling.
Happy walkers with their best foot forward at Seaforth Oval
The relatively low heat (maybe 28 max), enjoyable bush, companionship & views meant we arrived happy though somewhat weary! Five of us enjoyed a post walk drink at Forestville shops.
Walkers were Leah, Wendy C, Rick (first aid & ‘tail’), Hazel & Pragati led by Barbara R (first aid) & Steve
Words: Barbara R
Photos: Barbara R (2-6,8,12), Rick (1,7,9-11)