Twenty-two walkers took up the two options offered for the walk in almost equal numbers. The option of meeting leaders at Meadowbank Station and ending the walk at Rhodes Station resulted in a walk length closer to the programmed 10km length. Those meeting leaders at the advertised Adelaide St playing fields walked an extra couple of kilometres. After the two groups met up on the north end of the Meadowbank bridge, we crossed the Parramatta River then enjoyed the water views along the foreshore of Homebush Bay before crossing the Benelong Bridge which took us through the streets of Wentworth Point.
The very pleasant environs of the Archery Field provided a comfortable morning tea spot,
Stylish puppy parking at Wentworth Point Morning tea
before crossing the road into the wetlands to explore the former ships’ graveyard, the bird hide, and to observe the local water birds and climb the lookout.
Shipwreck point, old slipway and Rhodes in the distance
The group at Shipwreck point
Looking through the mangroves at shipwrecks Climbing the lookout Walking towards the bird hides
Black-winged Stilt A Stilt on a nest A Superb Blue Wren
Meandering along the Badu Mangrove boardwalk
Purple Swamphens
and then back along the Homebush Bay foreshore led us to a newly constructed outdoor structure on the waterfront at Rhodes which proved to be the perfect lunch spot before coffee for some at a nearby café after which walkers returned to the station/cars.
Large Hills Hoist! Rusty mooring point
Leadres: Ros and Lilian, standing in for Lyn, led walkers Rhondda, Annette Ell, Michael & Sue, Anne G, Judy, John G, Aileen, Sue K, Helen L, Bill Mc D, John M, Jan, Elizabeth, Bella, Pete, David R, Anne R, Daryl, and Don Wo.
Our thanks to our additional leaders, Anne G and John G, first-aider Anne G and tail-ender John G. assisted by Michael.
Words: Ros
Photos: Don w (5,12,18), Pete (2,4,14,16,19), Ros (6,7,8,9), Anne R (1,3,10,11,13,15,17)