Starting along the Perimeter trail at Terrey Hills (at a faster pace than intended), we soon came to the Smith’s Creek Fire trail to re-group and slow down the pace. This trail slowly descends the northbound ridge to Smith’s Creek, with just the last few hundred meters being a little steeper. The views from above showed us the expanse of the mangrove swamps and mud flats at the junction of a small creek to our south joining Smith’s Creek on our left. Here we had a leisurely morning tea sitting on logs, with plenty of time to explore the mangroves and the side creek. Having left my history notes in the car, I winged the details explaining the suburb named after Mr Obediah Terrey and Mr Samuel Hills, who acquired adjacent properties in the area in 1881. Of interest also was the fact that Mr Eccleston du Faur, NSW surveyor for the lands department, convinced the state government to create Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, which was gazetted in 1894. I noted that the Aboriginal rock carvings located to the South West of our start point (near Larool Road) of a large kangaroo etc. This will be worth exploring some time.
History Source: http://dicksmithadventure.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/The-Story-of-Terrey-Hills-Duffys-Forest_Book.pdf
Our walk then headed off into the “wild unknowns” (very minor track in high reeds) heading upstream along the south bank of Smith’s Creek. The reeds gave way to a progression from reeds, casuarinas and mangroves into an increasing canopy of semi-rain forest with coachwood and other species. Some nice scenes of Smith’s Creek along here.
Crossing a minor creek just after the 2nd large brush turkey mound, we found our drop point to cross the creek coming down from the Perimeter trail, leaving Smith’s creek on our left. Here we started our ascent up the steeper part of Nerang Ridge, stopping a few times on our way up the ridge allowed people to take photos, catch their breath and take in the views. We soon reached the end of the Nerang Fire trail at the lookout to have lunch on the expansive sandstone shelves and boulders.
Following a long lunch, moving off on the relatively flat fire trail, I offered an optional “short cut” across the top of a hill for those willing to bush-bash. Eleven took up the option to take a close look at the large stand of Xanthorrhoea (Grasstrees). They did not disappoint. Continuing across the hill top and down the other side, we soon met the remainder of the party waiting for us. A short walk beyond that and we were back at the cars.
Some grabbed a coffee at Terrey Hills and sat in the park for a well earned cuppa.
All enjoyed the diversity of this section of our local bush and I was told it is now added as a standard walk for HVB, so exploring new areas for possible walks has paid off.
Eriostemon - Pink Wax Flower
Pultenaea Stipularis
Isopogon Anethifolius - Narrow Leaf Conebush
Anthill
Walking Beside The Mangroves On The Way To Morning Tea
View From Our Luch Spot
Xanthorrhoea (Grasstrees)
Participants: Clive B, Bronwyn B, Barbara C, Elaine E, Roslyn G, Mary G, Martin, Celia J, Bill M, Hazel M, Claude P, Margaret P, Bill S, Vreni S, Nick S, Darrell S
Visitors: Joe, Sue and Robert
Leaders: Peter T, Jenny C
Photos By: Barbara (3,6,14), Hazel (2,4,8,10,16), Margaret (1,11,18,19), Peter (5,7,9,12,13,15,17,20)
Words By: Peter