Lion Rock - 20 Jan 2026

 The walk today is to Lion Rock from Cockle Creek and return.

With a weather forecast of sunny and warm it should be a pleasant days walk. 

 Setting off from the carpark.

Looking across Cockle Creek with the tide in.

Cleaning our boots on the way in.

 Guitar Plant -  Lomatia tinctoria

 Tea Tree.

Walking through the eucalypt forest.

 

 Pindars Peak with a small patch of snow still visible from the Christmas Day falls.

The view across the first of a number of boardwalks.

White Flag Iris.

Purple Flag Iris.

    Bladderwort -Utricularia dichotoma

Silver Banksia - Banksia marginata.

After crossing the valley we enter the rainforest.

Emerge on the Coal Cliffs on the south coast with a magic view of South Cape and South Cape Bay.

Having descended the steps we are now on South Cape Beach.

Lion Rock.

The group seeking shade for lunch.

Some of us were on the rocks in the sun paddling our feet in the ocean.

This was a perfect spot to paddle.

We had a discussion about what the basket makers could make out this large piece of bull kelp.

Walking back along the beach.

Across the Coal Cliffs.

The ocean was so clear probably a result of the State being in a northerly wind stream rather than the prevailing southerly wind stream.

Heading back into the rainforest.

Cockle Creek now at low tide with very little water in it.

And to top of a great day I took these two photos of Aurora Australis from our deck in Taroona.

We had 11 walkers who cover 18.9 kms in 5.5 hours climbing about 180 meters in total.

 

A long but thoroughly  enjoyable walk.

Thanks to Micheal for leading the walk and Mendelt for the extra photos.

 

Harts Hill - Baretta Reserve - 13 Jan 2026

The first walk for 2026 is a stroll around the surrounds of Margate.

  

The start is from the Margate Cricket Club Oval. 

Looking North West Bay River towards Cathedral Rock.

And Mount Wellington from Dru Point Park.

A family of ducks sheltering from the sun.

North West Bay.

 

 A pleasant spot by the Bay for morning tea

 

 

 

and for Lorna to celebrate her significant birthday with the group.

 

 

Taking the back roads towards Dave Burrows Walk around the foreshore.

Looking across North West Bay.

Towards Peggys Beach.

Heading towards the start of the track that leads to Harts Hill.

Looking back over North West Bay.

Some of the walkers taking a breather on the climb (maybe too much Xmas pud?)

The view towards the D'Entrcastreaux Channel.

Relief and shade at the top of Harts Hill.

A panorama from Harts Hill.

Lunch done we head of from Hartz Hill.

Following the tracks between the housing developments.

Still enjoying the special day.

 

 

20 walkers covered the 10.3 kilometers in just over 4 hours climbing 150 meters.

A pleasant walk to start our new program for the year.

Thanks to Chris and Joy for the extra photos.