Alum Cliffs - 27 May 2025

Today we set of from Balmoral Rd for our walk along the Alum Cliffs. The weather forecast is typical for late autumn in Tasmania - mainly fine with some showers and a maximum temperature of around 14.

Not long into the walk we cross Browns River -  Mt Wellington in the background is covered in rain.

 

 

Stopping to admire the view on our climb from the beach

 

Storm damage

 A walker going in the other direction told us that a short distance ahead there were 2 tawny frogmouth's  perched in a tree.  This picture shows us looking for them - unfortunately we couldn't find them

 Tree with an interesting burl

 

We leave the reserve and go along Wootten Drive 

Every kids dream

 Crossing Channel Highway as we head towards Bonnet Hill

 Sandstone blocks line this driveway

 We passed here about 2 years ago and this old house was in urgent need of repairs then!

 Morning tea at Bonnet Hill Lookout

 

 

The view over Kingston

 

Morning tea over we go back down to the Alum Cliffs Track via the Brickfields

 

Back on the track

 View looking towards the Iron Pot and South Arm

 Lunch

Members of the  80 plus club having a short nap before lunch

 

Not sure what Steve is addressing the crowd about here

 

Yong and Lyn on the steps of the 'Luge'

 

 Shot Tower on the other side of the valley

 

After lunch we head back towards the cars

 

Joy spots this "Small Mosquito-Orchid or Tiny Gnat Orchid" (Acianthus Pusillus).  A little further along the track there were quite a few groups of these orchids.

 

 

A comment was passed that the markings on this tree look like a face

 

 

 

Almost back to Kingston Beach

 

 

Today 18 walkers covered 9.3 kms

 

Click on this link to download GPX file

Cape Deslacs - 20 May 2025

Today's walk takes us from the Cape Deslacs Track carpark  to the coastal track that leads around Cape Deslacs returning to the carpark via walking along Clifton Beach.

The weather for today was to be sunny and cool.

Heading away from the carpark to find the track that leads up to the clifftops of Cape Deslacs.

The track follows a well defined path through coastal forest.

Until we reach the clifftop where a number of walkers are wondering who in the group is likely to take the opportunity to descend to the crystal clear water for a swim. Unfortunately not today.

Looking south towards the Tasman Peninsula.

It doesn't take long for a few of the group to find a suitable spot to stop and enjoy the views while having morning tea.

Back on the walk again we come to a spot on the coast with this rocky outcrop that the group has christened "Window Pane Bay"

For obvious reasons.

A panorama of the view from Primrose Sands to Slopen Main .

While behind us Mount Wellington is in the distance with a Bridgewater Jerry coming over the lower hills.

Walking along the cliff tops.

With stiles provided to cross fences keeping sheep in various paddocks.

Looking north up the coast we could see a flock of sheep so we terminated our walk north in order that we didn't spook the sheep.

The views along this part of the walk provide you with expansive views across the bay to Tasman Peninsula.

Heading back towards Cape Deslacs.

On heading down of the Cape there is another view towards Mount Wellington with Pipe Clay Lagoon in the foreground.

I think this was a decision making huddle.

A first glimpse of Clifton Beach for the day.

Walking down the hill through the wattles.

Clifton Beach from the Lookout.

Looking back towards Cape Deslacs.

Ready for the walk along Clifton Beach.

The leading walkers.

And the followers along Clifton Beach.

 

We had 17 walker and covered 7.64 kms in approx 4 hours.

It was a very relaxing walk and thoroughly enjoyed by all.