The Wyrrabalong Coast Walk is said to be one of the Central Coast’s most beautiful walks, as we found out was true and even though impending rain shied off a few of the HVB folk, we had seventeen plus walkers join the two leaders for the experience.  Setting off from the Toowoon Bay car park at Swadling Reserve we learnt about the early days here, especially about 'Young Ernie' ( George Ernest Swadling 1865-1950).  Ernie, as well as running a farm of 160 acres nearby, also cut logs mainly blackbutt and mahogany and hauled them to a shipyard at Terrigal. He cut and transported the first wooden sleepers from the area for the construction of the Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge.

The Coast Walking Track runs through a narrow strip of forest between Forresters and Bateau Bay which lies in the area known as Darkinjung to indigenous Australians. "Bateau" being French for "boat."  We noted a bit of 'trivia': Bateau Bay is home to one of New South Wales' highest revenue collecting speed cameras and the seventh largest collector of revenue, collecting 14,057 fines for $1,813,086.  The camera is located on The Entrance Road between Shelly Beach Road and Yakalla Street. The camera has achieved notoriety because it is placed in a school zone that operates at slightly different hours to most school zones in the area.

Morning Tea at Crackneck Lookout still in the sunshine, 100 metres above sea level- being a popular spot for hang gliding and local surfing. Here we met up with the Regular walkers. We saw panoramic views north of Shelly Beach, along the Central Coast past Norah Head, Tuggerah Lake and The Entrance, with the smoke stacks of Munmorah.

We met the Regular walkers again at Wyrrabalong Point where we enjoyed a rain-free lunch. The Point contained the Trig and Lookout, a large satellite dish and communications tower. Interestingly, Wyrrabalong Lookout and Cromarty Hill (Alt = 124 m) is the highest headland between Sydney and Newcastle. From this Lookout in 1770 one would have seen the original HMS Endeavour " off the coast of New Holland". We saw great views back over Forresters Beach. There is a hang gliding launch spot beside the lookout.

We left Wyrrabalong Point and returned to Shelly Beach whilst enjoying further pauses to soak in the stunning views of coastline and the profusion of flowers.  The weather deteriorated to rain as we approached Bateau Bay.  After sheltering there for a while, we returned on the road to Shelly Beach where we enjoyed a welcome coffee/hot chocolate/milkshakes... and for some walkers who brought their swimming gear, a wetting with salt water rather than rain water.  To the plus walkers' delight, a car pickup from Toowoon Bay was gratefully organised with two of the Regular walkers .... thanks chaps!!

2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7627Setting out from Toowoon Point at Little Bay

2017 03 03 Plus Barbara P1050941


Right: Walking along Shelly Beach under threatening skies...
and below: ... a happy walker barefoot on the beach

2017 03 03 Plus AnneR Barefoot on the beach 3

2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7629 2Stormy sky over Bateau Bay and joining the Regulars for MT
2017 03 03 Plus AnneR Stormy sky 2

A plea to be vegetarian; ............ brass compass at Crackneck Point mentioning the position of HM Barque 'Endeavour' at noon 7 May 1770; .............the magnificence of the gnarled trees as we left Crackneck Point Sydney Red Gum, Smooth-barked Apple Angophera costata
2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7499 2    2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7512 3  2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7519 3

        

                                                                                                                       Lunch spot in sight2017 03 03 Plus AnneR Lunch spot in sight 3

Wyrrabalong NP: sunshine and rain  - that sort of day.                                                Meeting of the regular and plus walkers at Wyrrabalong Point     
2017 03 03 Plus Barbara P1050956      2017 03 03 Plus AnneR The meeting of the groups 2


2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7631
Relaxing rain free lunch on Cromarty Hill at the Wyrrabalong Lookout.

'Look at me! Look at me! Look at me!'
And don't look at leaders Sue S and Deidre.
2017 03 03 Plus Barbara P1050959 

                             Perfect symmetry and wide display of Coastal Banksia Banksia integrifolia
2017 03 03 Plus AnneR Perfect symmetry 2     2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7524 2
 
Scaevola ramosissima small shrub or climber in the family Goodeniaceae and Ball everlasting flower in bud Ozothamnus diosmifolius
2017 03 03 Plus Barbara P1050951     2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7520 2

 Lunch for a wattle bird
2017 03 03 Plus Barbara P1050950       2017 03 03 Plus SueS IMG 7525 2
     

 2017 03 03 Plus HelenA 20170303 135822 resized 2'Coffee as it really happened.'

Sue S and Deidre led seventeen walkers Helen A, Nick, David C, John D'C, Elaine E, Anne G, Ros G, Pragati, Lyndy, Bert, Margaret P, Barbara, Guenter, Anne R, Kurt, Lyn and a visitor.

Words by Sue S

Photos by Barbara (1, 10,12, 16, 18); Sue S (2, 5, 7, 8, 13, 15, 17, 19); Anne R (3, 4, 6, 9, 11, 14); Helen A (20).