427. Monkey Gully Hike 2026 9.8km

 U3A Hike No 427




Hike Report by Annette

It was a very brisk morning start to our hike through the Ross Creek State Park. 

Eight enthusiastic hikers, who were not daunted by the cold beginning, journeyed to our starting point from Corio Dam, and were underway just after 8.30 with Gordon leading the way, Kim as ‘the whip’ and Andrew taking photos. 

It was suggested this hike could be like an AMAZONIAN ADVENTURE, which it was (with some imagination, of course) The dam we started at was, in parts, reedy and slimy with LOGADILES floating on the surface and the sounds of FEROCIOUS FROGS from the swamp.  

The hike was a gentle uphill till walk until we reached the highest point at Incoll Road Ridge, where we were directed to ‘look east’ to ‘see’ the Pacific Ocean? 

Gordan explained to us the trail we DIDN’T take was ‘cliff steep’ (down and up) with a HIPPO WALLOW at the bottom. No ANACONDAS (or snakes) were sighted, and the only MONKEY observed was the name on the signpost (Monkey Gully) 

We hiked along ‘DANGEROUSLY slippery’ gravel roads on the way down, and through a JUNGLE of gums regrowing after a fire. The WILD flowers were coming out in force but were not a cause for concern. 

Finally, back at the Dam after around 10 kms, we had an early lunch while being WATCHED by a large bird (not a VULTURE but a Cormorant) perched high in a dead tree above the Dam. 

I’m pleased to report, even though the AMAZON can be a dangerous place, we all made it back safe and sound!! 

Photos by Andrew



















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