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Going bush

Wonder, wander, yonder, ponder – brings fonder appreciation of nature.

On a warm day, 9 Wanderers met at Cardiff station and started our Wednesday walk. We keep off the road as much as possible by walking behind houses, picking up bushland until crossing Macquarie Rd close to Lakelands.  From then on it’s all bush and we are slowly gaining height en-route to the top of Munibung Hill. Along the way we met up with Stuart Carter, who filled us in with what the MHCS is trying to achieve. 

On top, we enjoyed the spectacular views across the suburbs. This includes even the cathedral in Newcastle city, Charlestown, ocean at Redhead and magnificent views down over Lake Macquarie. Photographers have a field day so to speak. The magnificent views that can be enjoyed from this one spot is something most people don’t know about.

We walked right along the top and descended into the back of Speers Point. Staying behind the houses there, this is a lovely rain forest part leading to an old quarry at the base of cliff faces. This is the Quarry Road area. 

But then, we have to get up again, a very rough stony steep section up! Once up, amazing views again, this time over Boolaroo, Speers Point and the Watagans. A good place for a lunch break close to a former quarry area that is being developed for housing. (The developers say the bushland area is to be preserved forever. Editor’s note) Then back onto the main ridge we worked our way down and back a slightly different way.

Walk stats: Distance: 15 km, Time: 5 hours including breaks, 3.5 hours walk time, Grade 3 for anyone with the idea of trying this walk.  For more information contact: Watagan Wanderers Bushwalking Club.  Members of MHCS.

Words by John Hagen, Walk organiser and leader, Pictures by Bob Todd.  (From MMM, Issue No. 14, November 2020 – more pictures)

 

NOTE: In MMM Issue 14, November 2020 there are six posts from social media demonstrating how popular Munibung Hill is as a walkers destination.