It was a beautiful spring-like day when twenty three walkers assembled at Cronulla Wharf to catch the 9.30am ferry across to Bundeena. After a short briefing at the wharf where wild flowers were promised and whales “hoped for”, the group headed off to walk along Horderns Beach to the rocks at the far end for morning tea
'Curranulla' waiting to take us to Bundeena Cronulla Houses Leader Bert briefing us at the ferry wharf
Heading off to Horderns Beach 'Spring'Sculpture by Hungarian born Judit Shead and walking along Horderns Beach to our morning tea spot
Returning firstly on the beach and then on the road, we continued through Bundeena until we reached Jibbon Beach. A pleasant walk along the beach took us to the coastal track leading to the Aboriginal engravings, sadly rather eroded, which were viewed from a platform. The track, which passed through typical coastal vegetation and flat rocks took us round Jibbon Head before turning in a southerly direction through some muddier sections south to Shelley Beach. At this point the track headed inland to a much sandier section which slowed the pace and provided good exercise for the calf muscles. The wild flowers on this section such as Banksias, Boronia and Wattle to name but a few, provided some distraction from the efforts required on the track. Eventually we joined the main coastal track and after less than a kilometre we arrived at the Balconies with panoramic ocean views and plenty of seating, where lunch was enjoyed. Sadly the “hoped for” whales had moved on since the recce, leaving distinctly undisturbed waters to view.
Aboriginal Engravings Site Jibbon Headland View South Arriving at Jibbon Headland
Heads down as walkers tackle the sandier uphill track to join the Coastal Track Walkers were happy to reach The Balconies and lunch!
Stunning lunch time views from The Balconies
Zoom view and the walkers at The Balconies lunch spot
After lunch we returned via the main coastal track to the suburbia of Bundeena, descending into the shopping area with plenty of time to enjoy coffee at the Earth Thingz Café before strolling down to the wharf to catch the 3.00pm ferry back to Cronulla and the train on to the city.
Scarborough Street with decorative bird houses with walkers framed by a magnificant angophora
Boarding the return ferry to Cronulla Looking back to Horderns Beach and historic Bundeena House
Walking with Bert and Deidre were Ann D, Anne G, Barbara R, Carol, Christine G, Cleona, Dae, Don B, Ros and John, Keith H, Kas, Louis, Pragati, Robyn Ma, Sue S,
Tim, Vreni, Wendy P, Tony (new member) and Coralie (second time visitor).
Thank you to First Aiders: Barbara R and Ros and Tail End Charlie: Don B
Words by Bert
Photos: Dae (1), Barbara R (2-4, 11, 17, 19), Sue S (5, 6, 10, 12, 14, 20-29 and flower identification), Louis (7, 8, 15, 16, 18, 31), Deidre (9, 13), Cleona (30)
.....and some of the flowers which provided distraction from the efforts required on the track......
Common Correa Correa reflexa Green Five Corners Styphelia viridis Sydney Boronia Boronia ledifolia Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia
White Paper Daisy Helichrysum elatum Dusky Coral Pea Kennedia rubicunda Native Violet Viola hederacea Smoke Bush Conospermum longifolium
Can anyone guess who the simmers were? And here's where we walked!