Lake Dulverton to Parratah - 28 Oct 2025

 Today we are walking from Lake Dulverton (Oatlands) to Parratah via the walking track that follows the old railway spur line from Parratah to Oatlands so a relatively flat 14 km return walk.

Our walkers were hoping for a change in the weather which has been very windy for the last few days. The forecast indicates there is supposed to be a breeze.

Our guide today is Jenny whose father grew up in Parratah. 

 Getting ready to start the walk.

The walk starts alongside Lake Dulverton.

Oatlands and the surrounding roadways have a number of topiary animals and these are alongside the  Lake.

Everyone started the walk well rugged up but as we walked alongside the Lake there was little breeze and the water was quite calm.

A panorama of the lake. 

Looking back the Callington Mill stands proudly over the township.

One of the many grevillea plants alongside the track.

A couple of the the older houses bordering the track.

Now heading away from the more populated area.

This culvert was re-constructed when the track was built in the early 2000's.

Now surrounded by farms with stock in the paddocks.

This not so little Echidna heard us coming and decided if he went in this drainpipe and couldn't see us we couldn't see him.

The was much speculation amongst the group about how long it would take him to turn around but we didn't wait.

Following the Tunnack Road the track has a number of seats to sit on and rest the weary bones.

With some of the tree plantings providing welcome shade.

Echidna No 2 hiding as well.

Then he lifted his head for a quick look to see if we had left.

Parratah has come into view.

The group having lunch on the old Parratah Railway Station.

A short walk around the village of Parratah viewing the Parratah General Store now closed.

And behind that the original General Store dating from the 1800's.

Heading back to Oatlands the deer in the farm were sheltering from the sun.

And heading towards the deer was another? echidna or was it one we saw photographed earlier.

A stand of trees alongside the Tunnack Road unfortunately with an understorey of gorse and broom.

Heading back to the cars.

A sandstone outcrop overlooking a very dry Lake Dulverton.

Walking between the horse paddocks near town.

Lake Dulverton has a large bird population of Black Swans, Mallard Ducks and Coots and probably others we did not see.

We had 18 walkers who covered 16.1 kms in 5.25 hours and only climbed a little bit.

Everyone enjoyed the extended distance of the walk and the weather was a perfect day for it especially as no wind arrived.
 

Clark Cliffs - 21 October 2025

Today we are going on a walk which we haven't done for 2 1/2 years - it will be interesting to see if any changes have occurred. 

 After a week of gale force winds and constant rain we are pleased with todays weather forecast of mainly clear skies, little wind and a max temp of 15. 

 

 Of course we choose the hard walk

 

 Almost ready to start

 

The first part of the walk is along a disused logging road and is easy going.

 

Junipers in full bloom

After walking about 1km we find our morning tea spot in the bush

 Morning tea over we continue a short distance to the Norfolk Bay Lookout and stop to admire the view (it's photo time)

Unusual natural sculpture

These ferns appear to be growing out of the rock

 New Life in the bush

 Leaving the road we take the track to the cliffs. This 2kms section is  a lot rougher,  uphill and offers spectacular rain forests covered with green moss - a virtual wonderland

 

Evidence of past logging

Is this a monster rising from the swamp?

Someone has been weaving the roots into intricate patterns

  

 

 

 

 Chris makes sure he captures this fallen tree stump - it must have been a beauty in its day

This young tree is growing inside another tree

 We finally reach the highest part of today's walk -Musk Forrest and Clark Cliffs

Mendelt checking out the view

 

200 metres further along are Clark Cliffs where we have lunch

 

 

What is Chris looking for?

3 Wise men all with their hands in their pockets!

 

 

Lizard enjoying the sun

 

After lunch we begin our journey back to the cars.  We will drop about 250mtrs in height in just over 1km in distance - it is very steep in parts

Miniature Palm Tree Moss

 

We reach Plummers Creek (crossing it at least half a dozen times) and follow it until we reach Fire Tower Road

 

Mendelt showing the elegant way to get over this large fallen tree

 

Today's walk was 8kms and took 4hrs. Despite its short length it was enjoyed by all because of the variety of scenery we passed - there were rain forests, fern glades, cliffs and a lovely river valley.  The descent from Clark Cliffs was also quite challenging (the walk profile clearly shows the steep descent).

 

Thanks to Mendelt and Michael for providing the photos 

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