MEMBERS of the Gloucester Environment Group (GEG) explored the newly re-opened historic railway trail, located near the village of Wootton, during their walk on Sunday 16 August.
Situated in the Wang Wauk State Forest, the trail follows the alignment of the old logging railway line that serviced the timber industry until 1943.
Timber extracted from this forest was used in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Transcontinental Railway across the Nullarbor.
The walk began at Sam’s Camp Picnic Area, where there was a noticeboard containing the railway’s history and descriptions of the flora and fauna that could be encountered along the walk.
Among the eight GEG attendees there were local experts in both botany and birdlife.
Pat, GEG’s organiser of birdwatching, recorded the abundant birdsong. Louise, our RiverCare coordinator, provided descriptions of the palms, Eucalypts and vines. The vegetation is a wonderful mix of these species.
The track crosses a large rock shelf and cascade called The Waterfall along the trail but, unfortunately, on this day it was only The Trickle.
At several points the walkers encountered abandoned rail tracks and embankments indicating the cuttings.
The walking track has a uniform gradient thanks to the railway builders.
The GEG walkers opted to not continue beyond where the track met Wang Wauk Forest Way as it was less maintained and instead enjoyed a morning tea of pumpkin scones from Pat before returning to their starting point via the forest road.
Along the road the walkers had views towards Wootton and the extensive native forests of the area.
A short stop was necessary to deal with some unwelcome hitchhikers – leeches picked up amongst the rainforest and leaf litter.
Once back at Sam’s Camp the group drove a short distance back to Wootton for lunch and then back to Gloucester via Nabiac and Krambach.
All agreed that on that morning the walk was quite magical.
After some rain, the forest was fresh and inviting with creek crossings and canopies of palm leaves and remnant forest trees.
GEG invites new members to join. Email gloucester.environment.group@gmail.com or go to our website https://www.gloucester-environment-group.org/
By Megan DEWSNAP
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