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.
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| Manuka Road |
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| Into Wilsons Road... |
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| ... and up the hill |
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| 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.
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| Marilyn offers a local a treat... |
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| ... 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.
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| Not sure what this years crop is, last time it was potatoes. Perhaps this is just green manure |
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| About the only fungus of the day |
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| More rocks appear as we climb |
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| 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.
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| We have a view of the Kettering Marina as we exit the bush near the end of the track |
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| 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.
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| Bruny Island Ferry is a bit of a handful in the high wind |
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| Morning Tea |
Tea finished, we continue down, turning left at the bottom to follow that part of the track for a while.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Along the beach and under the jetty |
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| 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.
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| We pass this boat shed and one of the group noticed these stairs to nowhere |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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