Nelson Bay, Great South West Walk - 13 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 219



Hike Report by Fiona

This pleasant  and scenic 13 Kilometre coastal walk commenced at Murrells Beach Carpark (after a car shuffle had left other vehicles at Cape Nelson Lighthouse Carpark). There was a positive vibe amongst the walkers today - following a cancelled walk yesterday due to inclement weather. We were fortunate the wind had died down but heavy fog surrounded the coastline for much of the day. A path of wind turbines also accompanied the walking track along this section of the coastline.

The walking track commenced on the west side of Cape Nelson State Park. It took us along coastal scrubland  before heading easterly and cutting across Cape Nelson road several times to reach the easterly aspect of the Cape. Vegetation along the way included wildflowers, coastal gums, grass trees and melaleucas. We also encountered a couple of snakes (copperheads) along the path.

Volcanic Isle Lookout gave us an extensive coastline view around Nelson Bay toward  Portland Smelter and Point Danger. Further coastal lookouts included Cutting Edge Lookout and Eastern Ramparts Lookout where we stopped  for morning tea. We were able to admire the views back along the coastline track we’d just traversed.

The track then descended down from Flat Rock Lookout into the Enchanted Forest. We admired the artistic curving and weaving of entangled melaleuca trees, the draping vines and also a hanging rock sculpture. We agreed the area truly reflected an ‘enchanted forest’.   

Another area of beauty was the Yellow Rock beach where some of the group climbed down the many flights of stairs to the beach area below.  Our path then continued along the coastline following the trail of wind turbines toward and then around the Portland Smelter to the Carpark near Cape Nelson Lighthouse. 

We continued by car to Cape Nelson Lighthouse where we viewed the Lighthouse complex and the ‘lunar’ like rocky landscape surrounding it.

Thanks to Gordon for leading us on this most interesting walk today.

Photos by Mark B






























LINKS

The guidebook for the Great SW Walk can be purchased from greatsouthwestwalk.com

The best map of the walk can be purchased from www.meridianmaps.com.au




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