GLOUCESTER Environment Group members undertake a bushwalk in the local area each month, with their February walk featuring highlights of the Barrington Tops.
The late summer jaunt was led by Steve Robinson.
“After so much hot weather, our group of 16 enjoyed visiting the alpine plateaux where temperatures were a good ten degrees cooler than Gloucester,” said the group’s Louise Duff.
“We started with a five kilometre circuit following Dundunra and Boundary Roads near the Dingo Gate on the western edge of Stewarts Brook State Forest.
“Eucalypt trees towered above us and clouds of butterflies flitted through the understorey.
“We were all excited to see a Wombat ambling to its den.”
The walkers took a brief stop at Gologolies Camping Area for morning tea, and were reportedly “blown away” by the spectacular views towards Moonan Flat.
Next stop was Polblue Falls.
“Most of our group took the short two kilometre walk to a lookout over the falls, while some more intrepid members scrambled down to the creek,” Louise said.
“Water cascaded over a series of rock ledges into a pool, which would make a refreshing swimming spot on a hot day. None of us took up the offer.”
For lunch the group visited Gummi Falls in the headwaters of the Manning River, where a light rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm.
“It’s incredible to think the Manning, Karuah and Hunter Rivers all have their headwaters here in the Barrington Tops, supplying water to the farms and towns along their way to the sea,” Louise said.
The tour ended with a visit to the legendary “Cock Rock”.
“Some bright spark has ruined the joke by painting the name in huge letters on the rock face,” Louise said.
“Despite the graffiti, Cock Rock is truly impressive, thrusting skywards with phallic vigour.”
The Gloucester Environment Group plans a range of activities including RiverCare, KoalaWays, Bird Watching, Native Seed propagation, Bushwalking and quarterly feasts.
To participate in any (or all) of these activities, please contact Gloucester.enviroinment.group@gmail.com.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
