There were six of us. The steep path up from Otford station is the most difficult but by no means the only testing climb on this walk. At the top of the hill, and after a short stretch of roadside walking, we reached the Otford lookout, with breathtaking views south down the coast for those of us who had breath left to be taken. The Coast Track starts here and follows the cliffs. A short diversion took us to a rocky lookout which was a good spot for morning tea but windy on this day.
1. The view from Otford lookout
2. Up up and more up 
3. Palm Jungle 
4. Grassy slopes with Burning Palms settlement in the distance
From there the track descends to the Palm Jungle and Burning Palms Beach. If you remember this track as rough, muddy and leechy, you will be pleased and impressed by the track improvements. There are now stone steps and elevated boardwalk almost all the way. The varied terrain is one of the most enjoyable features of this walk. It passes through open forest with seasonal wildflowers, dense palm jungle, open grasslands and sandy beaches.
5. Common Correa Correa reflexa 
6.Fuchsia Heath Epacris longiflora 
7. Dusky Coral Pea 
8. Doryanthes excelsa Gymea lily
We had hoped that the tide would be low enough for us walk south along the beach to the rock platform with the iconic Figure 8 pool. Sadly not. It would have been a boulder scramble that looked as if it could not be done safely and there were waves breaking over the adjacent rock platforms.
9. We missed low tide 
10. Unreachable rock platforms 
11 Burning Palms beach
From the little settlement at Burning Palms beach, the boardwalk and stone stairs make the slog up Burgh Ridge easier than it used to be and there are stunning views to be had. Garrawarra farm at the top of the climb was the obvious place for lunch and a good rest. From there, the route continues along the Garrawarra Ridge management trail, up Bulgo Hill, then rejoins the cliff walk and a steep downhill return to Otford station. A coffee would have been most welcome but the single, unprepossessing coffee shop was closed.
Walkers: Leah and William (leaders) with Carolyn, Hazel, Pragati, Wendy C.
First aid: Leah
Tail end: Carolyn
Text: Leah
Photos: Leah (1,3,4,9-11) and Hazel (2,5-8)