We are walking through
"Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 1946 and is one of the oldest private conservation areas in Tasmania.
It was inspiration and home to Nan Chauncy - A multi award winning author of children's adventure novels.
Nan's writing captured a vivid picture of the Tasmanian landscape, it's people and it's living creatures that were "real" life, not the mechanisation and gadgets of modern society."
The above is the introduction to the Sanctuary from its website https://www.chauncyvale.com/
This is a walk that the group has undertaken over a number of times although this is the first time we have been to Chauncy Vale since 1919 and there are a number of the group who have not yet visited the site.
Having parked the cars we proceed along the gravel road to the entrance of the walk.
This map outlines the easiest walk including some new developments since our last walk here.
While completing the walker registration information I came across this comment in the visitors book from a week ago.
There was consensus amongst the group that we all wished the couple good luck for the future.
The group reading the signage before continuing further.
This is the first of the new construction of the track.
The creek that the bridge crossed with just a small trickle flowing through.
Now we know why they have named it the Wombat Walk.
Some people just never grow up thank goodness.
A view towards the cliffs that are above the caves.
Eve's Bath although there were comments along the line of "it's not very deep".
After crossing another metal bridge we come to the start of the climb to Flat Rock Lookout.
Morris was obviously struggling with the incline of the hill.
And still climbing although the forest is starting to open up.
There is the odd small obstacle to negotiate it was pleasant walking.
Maybe now a bit of an incline.
A very large bracket fungi that was about 3 meters up the tree trunk.
And then there is always a little bit of downhill.
And a leafy rainforest on the southern edge of a hill.
As well as some rocky outcrops.
We are now approaching Flat Rock Lookout.
First we spotted this Magenta Autumn Orchid and then realised that they were quite prolific across the grassland on the top.
Looking towards the east across Flat Rock Lookout.
Then there was a double flower one.
As always there seems to be a view of Mount Wellington so everyone can get their bearing.
Lunch time viewing platform.
Heading back into the rainforest on the way down.
Banksia marginata
At the bottom of the walk we climbed another small lead that took us past the sandstone caves that Nan Chauncy used as the back drop to her children's novel "They Found A Cave" set in the 1950's.
The track following the caves is well constructed.
A possible nesting site for one of the local birds of prey.
Built into the steps descending from the caves was a rocky map of Tasmania,
Nearly to the bottom.
A well designed and constructed arched bridge.
There were 15 walkers who covered 13.7kms over 4hrs 45 mins and climbed and descended 460m.
A good walk with which to stretch the legs.
