Boronia Beach and Alum Cliffs 2015

Today we started at Kingston Beach, walked around Boronia Point, back via the beach and then along to the Alum Cliffs path. We were to return for lunch on Alex's veranda and  were led by Bob.

Parking in the public car park, we walked back to Osbourne Esplanade to head south and up the hill on Mt. Royal Rd.

Out of the car park and along Recreation St. heading south.

Kingston Beach (and Mt. Wellington)

Heading uphill. You may think we know where we're going, but you'd be mistaken!

 Slight hitch, we are supposed to be going straight, not turning off.

Where we'll have the reward of lunch on the veranda.

Even suburban walking can have its moments.

Turning off Mount Royal Rd. at the roundabout, and heading for the coast.

The walk now turns into more pleasant surroundings as it heads towards Boronia Point via the Boronia Beach Track. This is all a reserve and fenced off to keep wild creatures out of people's gardens, and protect the creatures from dogs etc.

Two cheery gatekeepers, Gordon & Carol, with Lena looking on.

The walk goes down hill all the way to the beach.

Sally admiring the southern view.

Adie gives scale to one of the large gums nearby.

Some go to explore further...

...others don't.

Peter & Richard in serious discussion. No doubt it's about the geology.

Returning from the beach, we pick up the track around the point and come back to the south end of Kingston Beach, and head north.

As I took this, I heard Richard complain about "That camera again!". I promised to hide his face with a blurry circle. What can I say? I lied.

The northern end of the beach is given over to people and their dogs.

Some of the wildlife you might possibly see in the area.

We pick up the Alum Cliffs Track across the foot bridge over Browns River.

The track has been upgraded in the past few years, and is very pleasant walking. The initial climb up is via a zig zag track which gives good views and at least one stopping area.

After walking in an open area, we enter the mostly dry bush.

Looking south with Blackmans Bay in the distance.

Just to prove I was there.

You do pass some homes, but the majority of the walk is in bush.

After a while, we come to a place with a picnic table and settle for Morning Tea. There was a gentleman sitting on a log beside the track, and several other walkers passed us while we were there.

Why are some of these people so amused, you might ask. Well, the gentleman on the log had moved down to near the cliff top (fenced) and had a little dog with him. Now, we all know how much Bob likes dogs and I think the following photo will explain the amusement.

Bob & Ron with Bob's new found friend.

Then the dog came up to see the rest of us and what (hopefully) we had to offer (nothing), I pointed out the gentleman in the baseball cap and said "He always carries a big bag of dog treats when he's walking". Sorry, Bob.

While walking on the beach, there was a humpy constructed out of branches. So, we were intrigued to find another built here. I couldn't find any volunteers to pose for a photo while sitting inside.

After tea, we continued on to what had been the end of the track at a picnic area. Now, however it's being continued to the Shot Tower so we had a look at the new part. It's not finished yet, but will have a large number of steps built to get down the steep valley and up the other side.

A handsome fungus beside the track.

Looking to the east, the small ship is the Lady Nelson replica ship.

Start of the new section to the Shot Tower.

Shot Tower

The Shot Tower was built in 1870 by Joseph Moir who, according to the stone inset in the tower,  acted as engineer, architect, carpenter, and overseer with only the assistance of two masons. It was completed in 8 months. What chance today?

Returning from the brink.

This will be a good addition to the track.

Just as an aside, we could see a large complex from where we were standing, and much conjecture was made as to what it was. I can now tell you the the photo below is of the Glen Albyn Estate. They do weddings, special events, conventions etc. If you're REALLY interested, just CLICK HERE.

Glen Albyn Estate.

What it looks like from above.

Glen Albyn Estate

Leaving the picnic area, we retraced our steps to the junction with the Brickfields track. We turned up with plans to take a side track above the stair construction, but found the it was now closed. However, we came back down and took another track off to the south.

Picnic shelter.

Making our way back.

On the way up, Adie complained he couldn't see any bricks. Someone suggested he should turn around. The Brickfields were part of the nearby, short-lived 1840s convict probation station.

Yes, you can find bricks.

Part of the construction that takes you up to the Channel Highway.

We've been on this track in the past, and it does have some great views on the way.

Arriving back at Kingston Beach, we made our way back to Alex's house to consume our lunch. Alex outdid herself by providing tea, coffee and a fruit cake!

The only way I could get everyone was to take a panorama.

View from the veranda

It's a good walk and is very close to many of our members. You could also choose to do the walk and stop at one of the shops on the beach for fish & chips.

We had a maximum of 18 walkers and covered 11.36km in 4:48hrs.

Click here to download GPX file