Manuka Hills Kettering 2018

We were supposed to be going to Billy Brown Falls today, but southern Tasmania had another 'weather event' resulting in fallen trees and branches, closed roads, damaged roofs and no power for large parts of the area, so we postponed that walk.

On arrival at Kingston, it was difficult to stand due to the strength of the wind. We decided to change the walk as we didn't know the state of the forestry roads leading to the falls. I suggested Manuka Hills as it wasn't as bad down the Channel as it was in Kingston. So off we go.

We arrive and park next to Kettering Oval and set off.

We take the old part of the Channel Highway to Manuka Road, heading left into Wilsons Road and the start of the track.

Manuka Road

Into Wilsons Road...

... and up the hill

Onto the track

It's quite pleasant now as we're protected from the wind. We even get a bit too warm as we walk up and down the track.

Marilyn offers a local a treat...

... but bracken isn't acceptable

On we go, around three sides of the property which takes us up our only real climb of the day.

Not sure what this years crop is, last time it was potatoes. Perhaps this is just green manure

About the only fungus of the day

More rocks appear as we climb

View from the track towards Tinderbox

We reach the crest of the hill and start down the winding track which leads back to Manuka Road.

We have a view of the Kettering Marina as we exit the bush near the end of the track

Bruny Island in the distance

Left into Manuka Road, heading to the start of the D'Meure Track and Morning Tea.

We're getting a bit more wind now, but shortly after we turn into the D'Meure, Bob finds a pleasant sheltered area for our break.

Bruny Island Ferry is a bit of a handful in the high wind

Morning Tea

Tea finished, we continue down, turning left at the bottom to follow that part of the track for a while.

We climb down these fairly new, steep steps to a small beach

Back in the day, this little beach was used for picking up and dropping off goods and people.

We make our way over the rocks and back up the original steps back to the track.

Original steps

We return along the track, passing our original entry and continue along the cliff top towards Kettering and lunch.

We pass along the beach at one point before climbing up to Manuka Road and our return.

Along the beach and under the jetty

Up to Manuka Road

We make our way back to the cars, but continue on around the point, returning to the Kettering Hall for lunch.

We pass this boat shed and one of the group noticed these stairs to nowhere

View of Kettering Oval for lunch

A gentleman I meet most mornings while walking our respective dogs, helped to paint each one of these pickets, all 3000 of them. He says he's over painting for the time being!

Lunch finished, we walk down Jetty Road to take the track around to Trial Bay and return to Kettering and our transport.

Trial Bay

We pass the pontoons from the Trial Bay Jetty which have been pulled up on shore as it was wrecked by the high winds and needs repairs.

We had 9 walkers and covered 11.06km in 3:54hrs. Quite a pleasant walk.

Click here to download GPX file

Cornelian Bay to Domain 2018

Today we're walking from Cornelian Bay up and around the Domain. The weather forecast isn't brilliant, but we'll take our chances.

We park at Cornelian Bay, find Gerard and head towards the bridge.

Organized and ready to go...

...and the weather looks good

Walking along the River Derwent

Selfs Point with Macquarie Wharf behind

The track leads us across the railway lines onto the bike track which ends at a point opposite the Domain.

HMAS Huon

Former Naval Base, closed in 1994. I don't know what it's used for now.

We cross the road without getting run over and enter the Domain.

We head up past the Aquatic Centre and right into trees and scrub.

Soon, we bear right into the trees

All by itself, is a concrete cricket pitch. I remember seeing it before and I still don't have any information about it. Who built it and why remains a mystery. I remember there was an exhibition building constructed around here back in the late 1800's and thought it might have had something to do with that.

Old Cricket Pitch

On further investigation, I think not. I found some old photos of the Hobart International Exhibition of 1894-5 and it looks like it was built where the War Memorial is now.

Taken from Knocklofty at the time, the large white construction in the centre is the Exhibition

The main hall

 I wonder when it was knocked down and why?

The Photo below was take from the top of the building above, showing, what I assume to be, Davies Ave which heads up past the Aquatic Centre.

If you look carefully on the left of centre is a monument

This is still standing outside of the Aquatic Centre car park, just up from the Boar War soldier. Notice how neat it appears and the cab rank at the bottom.

We continue on, coming onto The Soldiers Walk, lined with plaques dedicated to the fallen from WWI. Originally planted with memorial trees, I can remember walking up here years ago and a couple still had their brass plates attached with chains around the trunks.

The Soldiers Walk in the beginning

On we go, heading up to the Domain Athletic Centre for Morning Tea in the stand. In the meantime, we follow faint tracks up, down and sideways.

We could almost be in the bush

It's not long before we reach the Domain Athletic Centre and our break.

Domain Athletic Centre, Morning Tea and a view

A beggar. You've got Buckley's hope, mate!

Tea finished, we head out past more construction near the 5 way junction, and pick up a new bike track heading up and around the Upper Domain.

New track

Mt. Wellington without cable car

On the northern side, they are cutting back she-oaks and other trees to restore grassy woodland. The domain was used for grazing and timber cutting back in early times, but I wonder if it really had grassy woodland before settlement.

The trees to the left appear to be staying

Enough of this clear walking! Lets get off track.

 There is a faint track here, skirting around fallen trees before coming out just short of the old Powder Magazine.

Gunpowder Magazine

That wasn't here when we last walked past, I wonder what the story is?

 Now, we weave in and out of trees and old tracks, heading towards the Royal Botanical Gardens for lunch.

We enter, along with a number of tourists who just arrived and walk towards the shelter where we usually stop. Unfortunately, due to the severe storm that caused much flooding in Hobart just days before, some of the paths in the gardens are closed while clear up takes place. Instead, we head towards the river and look for another spot.

Main gate

River Derwent in the distance

We soon have to turn off as it's blocked

Prince Edward was here to open the new observation deck over the pond

I can't guess how impressed he must have been. Still, he managed to get a game of, what is called now, Real Tennis. It used to be called Royal Tennis when I watched a game many years ago.

This arch was installed the same year we arrived. Very thoughtful

Our lunch spot

 After lunch we head towards the river to begin our journey back to the cars, following our original track. Almost.

Looks like lots of children are having fun

The age I feel some mornings

Original convict built wall.

We say a fond farewell to the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Tasman Bridge, heading to the eastern shore

On the way back, we turn down a little track leading to a small beach and the rear of the boat houses here.

Heading for the boat houses

Some had close calls from our recent storm event

This appears to have had a collapse

Outside one of the boat houses

Inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine and Captain Pugwash.

A few locals just hanging out

I remember when that restaurant was a public toilet

Soon, we're back at the cars and right on schedule, drops of rain began to fall. Excellent timing by Bob. Not a difficult walk, but always an interesting one.

We had 9 walkers and covered 11.06km in 3:52hrs. 

Click here to download GPX file