Beautiful old palm tree in Fairyland
Overcast skies ensured a cool start as 7 walkers set off from Chatswood station. After a short street walk, we were briefed by the leaders at the start of the Bluegum track. This delightful track wanders down a watercourse lined with tree ferns, damp and cool, popping out near Fuller’s Bridge where we joined the Great North Walk.
Bridge across Lane Cove River 
Jacarandah to brighten up any view
Keeping the river on our left, we walked through Fairylands, alas no longer a pleasure ground, though the Phoenix Palm tree still marks the spot. The track took us under Epping Road bridge, then up and over the bridge, and across yet another bridge to Magdala Park for morning tea. Here a couple of persistent Magpies tried very hard to scrounge some tucker, even serenading us to soften our hearts. They were sadly disappointed.
Under the Epping Rd bridge... 
and over the bridge to Magdala Park, beneath brooding skies
Bold, but entertaining company!
The next section of the walk involved boardwalks and mangroves along the river’s edge and several groups of Gr 1 students (from Toongabbie) in bright red uniforms out exploring for the day. The trail then moved a little higher to a landscape dotted with boulders and angophoras in the midst of their annual bark shedding, showing some wonderful colour. The overcast sky lasted until midday and meant that we enjoyed the sounds of myriad birds along the way until the sun came out.
Boardwalk snaking through the mangroves 
Watch your feet
A very calm Kittys Creek 
Making our way along the track to Boronia Park
Princes St Lookout was a fine spot for lunch, right on the water’s edge with good views and lovely breezes.
Great place for lunch at Princes St Lookout 
..with a wonderful view
High tide Lane Cove River
Leaving the river, a short walk around the substantial walls of St Joseph’s Hunters Hill took us to the Hunters Hill Village Shops for coffee, followed by a 45 minute walk to Huntley’s Point ferry wharf where we separated to make our way to our respective homes.
Route map 
Elevation profile
Leaders: Polly and WendyC
Walkers: Janet, Hazel, Leah, Rick and Alan
Words: WendyC
Photos: Hazel, WendyC, Rick
Photo Gallery - some lovely sights along the way
Shell middens Sugarloaf Point 
Angophora revealing its inner beauty 
Hyacinth Orchid