Orford and Surrounds - 4/5 April 2023

In a major departure for the group we are headed to Orford to take in a couple of walks while based overnight at Orford. 

The first day we split into two groups. The main group walked from Rheban Beach to Stapleton's Beach and the smaller group who decided for a day walk from Stapleton Beach to Shelley Beach.

The weather was forecast to be very pleasant.

Rheban Beach to Stapleton Beach

10 happy walking ready to tackle the off track walk along the foreshore and cliff tops between Rheban and Stapleton beaches.

An old boiler lying in a paddock.

Scrambling around a fence that just about goes to high water mark.

Looking across to Chinaman's Bay Maria Island.

One of the local seals fishing.

The walk can't have been that tough as they all seem to be smiling.

Morning tea.

A lunch spot with a view.

The walkers completed 7.9 kms in approx 5 hours.

Stapleton Beach to Shelley Beach.

The five day walkers heading down to Stapleton beach.

Our first real glimpse of Maria Island on a picture perfect day.

The water looks very inviting.

And it was.

We did not walk very far before we sat down to enjoy morning tea and the views.

Viewing spots are available all along this walk.

Onto Spring Beach.

Looking back along Spring Beach.

A view across the old sandstone quarry towards Oakhampton Bay.

Looking along West Shelley Beach.

Reflections on West Shelley Beach.

The daywalkers travelled 7 kms in just under 3 hours stopping lots to admire the scenery.

The Thumbs.

We were glad we were not here when this giant fell cross the track.

Our first glimpse through the forest.

There were some steep rocky sections.

And some more.

Parsons Bands.

Looking towards Buckland.

And down again.

Freycinet NP on the horizon.

The top of the third Thumb.

The view over Orford.

The cairn on the top of the Thumbs.

Jetty Road Orford from the top.

And now we return on the lower track through rainforest and over fallen trees.

And we are still smiling.

The view from the Thumbs Lookout where we left the cars.

 

Today there were 7 walkers today who covered nearly 4 kms over 2.30 hours.

The group who participated  on these walks thoroughly enjoyed themselves especially those that stayed overnight .