Nierinna Creek – Tramway Hill – Margate Rivulet

Another day when the weather held off - we must be doing something right, or maybe it was Tas's incantations. It was drizzling when I left home and continued until I reached Margate when it stopped.

We had a good turnout of walkers, some of whom haven't done this walk before. It's a good walk with some cross country, bush and road walking and includes some fine views.

Starting at the parking area on Buranby Drive just off Nierinna road in Margate, the track is level, and runs behind several properties along side of Nierinna Creek, which was dry. You soon arrive at a sign warning of steep, rough track ahead. Rough stone steps lead you up through the bush, changing to rough log steps in places before you reach the high point.

The track then runs fairly level and is pleasant walking, before turning down hill to a dark, fern ridden area that is very pretty. As David commented; "it's been a long time since sunlight touched here". Walking on, you cross the creek via a wooden bridge and make a short climb to Lawless Road, make a left and walk out the dirt road to Nierinna Road. Go right until you reach Tabors Rd. turn left continue past the properties until we find the start of the Tramway Hill track on our left.

We then proceed to a shelter for morning tea - late again! This is a 3-sided shelter with various posters with info on the area. This area is marked as Poverty Gully on the map. Didn't look that poor. The track runs from the shelter through a bit of bush and across an open field before picking up a track that runs down between properties. This leads to what is marked on the map as Chandlers Rd. but what I seem to remember had a road sign saying it was Tramway Crescent.

Turning right and crossing the bridge, we arrive at Van Morey Rd. and turn left towards Margate.

This is a paved road and we have to keep a watch for traffic and idiots on trail bikes.

After a good stroll, we reach a turn off on the left at Brook Lane and take that to pick up the Margate Rivulet track. You have to be careful as initially it runs parallel with someone's drive and you could easily end up in their backyard.

Along the way, we stop at a junction of tracks for lunch. Packing up, we continue on until we reach the end of Rollins Rd. and shortly we're back on Nierinna Rd., just a little way from Buranby Drive and the cars.

The only excitement came from various animals on places we passed, with the large, loud dog who came running out to see who we were, the highlight. Too bad Bob wasn't with us today, given his love of dogs. Otherwise you have to make do with various ponies who seem to be living high on the hog - if you can use that expression here.

NOTE: Anyone who wants to join us is welcome, but be sure you pick your walk carefully so it suits your level of fitness. Make sure you pay attention to the 'G' ratings on the schedule - they mean what they say. Don't be put off if you find it hard at first, most of us have felt that way, except for our glitterati who were born fit.  Walking around where you live for an hour a day is a big help. Get a dog, they're great for walks, and you learn humility as you follow them, plastic bag at the ready. I should say that this is also a reason to get a SMALL dog.

There were 16 of us at the start, dropping down to 14 when we reached Nierinna Road.

We walked about 10km in just over 3.5 hours.


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The Start

Beginning of Nierinna Creek track

Start of the uphill section

Solid steps

Just across creek via bridge. I don't know who's lurking just behind the left side of the tree

Unexpected gloomy, but pretty section

If you look carefully, you can see water

I think we're on Tabors Rd. now. Just don't get in our way.

One of the properties along the way

On the Tramway Hill track now, and the shelter for morning tea

The open area after the shelter

First time I've seen dietary advice like this!

Start of Margate Creek track

Anything to do with the old Tramway?

Lunch

The track is in blue

Google Earth view

Elevation profile

Speed and Time