This two-part walk commenced with a group of 5 striding along the Bairne Track, with many stops to photograph the plethora of wildflowers. The track passes through some wonderful woodlands, with many fine tree specimens. When we reached Soldier’s Point, we carefully descended to Bennett’s Wharf via a goat track covered with casuarina needles. The ferry took us to the Basin where we had morning tea with an audience of crow, mynor birds and a kookaburra, with a flock of disinterested cockatoos and some wallabies nearby.
Setting off on the Bairne Track A lot of photos were taken on the way
Waiting for the ferry at Bennett's Wharf Arriving at the Basin for morning tea
Some of our audiance for morning tea
The climb out of the Basin is long and steep. At the top, the concrete turned to very comfortable fire trail, with more wildflowers and a detour to view the aboriginal rock carvings.
Grevillea sericea Philotheca salsifolia Boronia ledifolia Dillwynia sericea
Boronia serrulata Pheballiium squamulosum Boronia floribunda Ereostomon australasius
Grevillea speciosa Pultenaea ferringea Pattersonia sericea Pultenaea linophylla
Some of the Aboriginal rock carvings we saw Fly on a tee tree flower
Lunch at Resolute Beach Looking Pittwater across to Barrenjoey
After reaching the cars which had been left at the entrance to the Basin Track, we drove to the Resolute Picnic area for part two of the walk and were met by four more walkers. We took the trail down to Resolute Beach, checking out some more aboriginal rock carvings on the way. The vegetation here was much lower, so the trail felt much more open.
Lunch was eaten at Resolute Beach and we then walked on to Great Mackerel Beach where the low tide left a very wide, sandy beach exposed. There was also a shiny yellow sign explaining why we were unable to do the walk as programmed.
Fun at Geat Mackerel Beach
We re-traced our steps along the coast through some lovely forest, accompanied by the sound of the waves lapping the shore. Many steps were ascended to reach West Head Lookout. The view there is, unfortunately, somewhat spoiled by the placement of temporary “safety fencing” while “concept plans” are being developed to “improve visitor safety”. The one brief shower of rain (just enough to warrant donning raincoats) did not detract from a very enjoyable day’s walk.
The view from West Head lookout More steps back to the cars
We then returned to the cars via Red Hands Trail. Coffee at Terry Hills went down well.
Walkers: Wendy C, Barbara C, Polly, Kas, Hazel, Barbara R, Nick S, Deidre, and visitor Gloria
Photos: Hazel (1, 5, 19, 20, 25), Barbara C (2, 3, 4, 22), Polly (6, 21), Wendy C (7-18, 27), Deidre (23), Kas (24) Nick S (26).
Leaders: Nick S and Wendy C.