Royal NP Coast Track ~ 8 August 2004
Party: Pete Harvey, Chris Sadler, Emilie Paquin, Uli Mohr, Dean, Re, Tamar Ziv, James Bevan
We couldn't believe it was winter as we hopped on the ferry to Bundeena. Glorious blue skies, sunshine, a slight breeze blowing....pretty good. Plus I was rather excited to be getting away from the dry sclerophyll forest for a day. On Jibbon Beach we played tootsies with the waves as we scooted round to the point where the views were outstanding. Then we filled our shoes up with sand on the highway to the main track. Above the raging surf at Marley beach a photographer eagerly took us to a "whale". Excited at this prospect we followed him, hoping for the real thing. He showed us some pretty faint carvings of whales which were not quite what we'd imagined.
The Group at Marley Head. L-R: Re, Uli, Pete, Tamar, James, Chris, Dean, Emilie
Some of the rock formations were rather memorable. Aside from the towering cliffs (some made of cheesecake) there were smooth white pagoda-like structures and wind - sculptured mounds (see the photos).
sandstone
Cheesecake cliffs
Me and Chris
Pete - what's down there?
Hey, I didn't know you were watching!
Oh well, guess I better make the most of it....
Emilie, Pete and Chris stride out
a rock sieve
sculptured rock
After checking out the fab views from Wattamola we trundled on thru the heathland past Curracorong to Eagle Rock. It really does look like an eagle. We had a short break here and Pete managed a spot a seal. No photos unfortunately but we all got a good look as it surfaced several times.
eagle rock
Chris, Garie Beach beyond
A good mornings walk led us to Garie Beach for lunch. I'd hoped to have a swim, but the surf looked rather vicious plus it wasn't all that warm. Some indulged on magnums from the kiosk, while others had some pretty big sandwiches. Note the tap water at Garie is not drinkable, however, bottled water can be bought from the kiosk.
On Garie Beach
After making good time in the morning we thought the 4.17 train from Otford was within reach. We were close but at Werrong Point we only had about 20mins left so we took some time out.
Garie Beach from the south
We strolled around to otford lookout, where we spotted some dolphins swimming in the surf below.
Pete and Emilie at Otford Lookout
Unfortunately the pie shop was shut and otford is rather lacking - pub wise - so we wandered down to the station for the train. Chris kept us amused playing with a pretty cute dog.
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