Light to Light Camps - Flip Book

HIKER
GUIDEBOOK



Table of Contents 2
5
Welcome to the Wilderness Coast 8
The Hiker’s Schedule 20
The History of This Place & Its People 23
Birds, Plants & Animals 25
Some Nuts & Bolts
In Case of Emergency

Much of the text in these pages is taken from the excellent publication,
“A journey through the earth history of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness,” which was written
by Bruce Leaver and Dr Anne Felton and published by Sapphire Coast Tourism.
Unless otherwise credited, all photos are taken by the superb Dennie and Glenn at

Dee Gee’s Photography: deegeesphotography.com.

1

G’day folks.
We warmly welcome you to Light to Light Camps – a
3 day/2 night experience like no other.
In the pages that follow, we’ve covered as many details
as we possibly can about the tour. But feel free to call,
email or text us if you have any other questions.
Jen has lived in the local area since the early 1980s and
Arthur since the mid 1990s – so we know this place.
Two years ago we launched a kayak tour business,
Kiah Wilderness Tours. It has proven to be an out-
standing success, winning a Gold Ecotourism award in
just its second year and receiving excellent reviews.
We intend to provide our Light to Light Camps clients
with the same level of care and customer service.

Arthur & Jenny Robb
1167 Princes Highway
Kiah NSW 2551
Australia
p: +61 4 29961047
e: [email protected]

Light to Light Camps acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which
our company is located and where we conduct our business.
We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.
Light to Light Camps is committed to honouring Australian
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural
and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and
their rich contribution to society.

2

“They say fortune favours the brave.
Your sense of adventure has rewarded you well.”

You are about to explore one of As you head south, that massive expanse
Australia’s most beautiful and unspoiled of shimmering blue to your left is the
areas of coastal wilderness. South Pacific Ocean. Thanks to a pretty
The 31 kilometres of the iconic 3-day wonderful oceanographic phenomenon
Light to Light Walk hugs the wild and called the East Australian Current, this
ever-changing coastline of Ben Boyd particular body of water is teeming
National Park between historic Boyds with marine life. A natural convergence
Tower and Green Cape Lightstation, of waters of various temperatures has
turning inland at times through coastal conspired to make this a place of almost
heath and native forests of Banksia, unparalleled marine biodiversity.
Ti-tree and Melaleuca. But not all the natural wonders here are
The Light to Light Walk covers some in the ocean.
of South East Australia’s most stunning Interspersed between the rocky outcrops
coastline, and our tour enables you to are beaches consisting of pure white
experience its beauty and grandeur at a sand and large tumbled boulders, diverse
leisurely pace across three days. habitats from eucalypt forests to stands
of old man banksia and swathes of
We have broken the journey into three heathland hiding the rare ground parrot.
sections: Along the way, walkers are likely to
encounter wallabies, kangaroos, goannas,
• Boyd’s Tower to Saltwater Creek: soaring white-bellied sea eagles and many
13.2km with an ascent/descent of 45m. other native bird species, of which there
Allow approximately 4.5 hours. are over 200 in the park.

• Saltwater Creek to Bittangabee Bay:
9km with an ascent/descent of 30m.
Allow approximately 3.5 hours

• Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape
Lighthouse: 7km with an ascent/descent
of 40m. Allow approximately 3 hours.

The combination of the stunning
red-coloured 360 million year old rocky
foreshore and deep sapphire blue waters
make this walk a photographer’s delight.

3

And, if you’re here during certain times This rich coastal environment supported
of the year, odds are also pretty good a large, vibrant and thriving Aboriginal
you’ll spot a passing pod of whales, killer community for thousands of years, and
whales or dolphins. Don’t forget your the ancient shell middens on the shores
camera. are just one of the remaining windows to
At Saltwater Creek on day one, and that fascinating history.
Bittangabee Bay on day two, we’ll be The stories of an incredible and long-
waiting for you in the setting sun - with a lasting relationship between the Yuin
cold drink waiting and a delicious dinner people, European whalers and Killer
on the go. Whales adds to the mystery and wonder
The campsites at Saltwater Creek of this area.
and Bittangabee Bay are well situated Some of the places you’ll discover on this
with level grassed areas amidst ti-tree walk are only accessible to those willing
and other coastal shrubs and are also to do it the slow way – by foot.
frequented by friendly wildlife and birds. Secluded sandy beaches and coves,
Our camps consist of the best quality spectacular views, bright blue expanses
tents, bedding and furniture; walkers can and the serene sounds and smells of true
freshen up with a hot shower Australian wilderness – these are yours
before enjoying the ambiance of dinner to enjoy, all without having to sweat and
served by the campfire at night. struggle under the weight of a heavy
pack. Perfecto.
We’re thrilled to welcome you to this
wonderful part of the world. Are you
ready to dive in?

4

The Hiker’s Schedule

Day 1 starts early.
We’ll be picking you up from your local
accommodation at 7.15 a.m. To get to the start of the
walk at Boyd’s Tower, it’s a 45 minute drive from Eden,
or just over an hour from Merimbula.
Once we get all your gear ready, you’ll push off toward
the first day’s destination at Saltwater Creek, a distance
of 13.2 km. Take your sweet time this morning, and
stop for lunch at one of the beautiful beaches and
coves along the way.
We’ll be there to meet you at Saltwater Creek, camp
set up, shower ready, snacks and drinks at hand and
dinner on the way.
Finish with a sweet treat before a well-earned rest.

5

Day 2 starts with a fresh breakfast in camp or
on Saltwater Beach.
While you soak in the amazing goodness of your
surrounds, we’ll pack your snacks for the next section,
refill water bottles and check your gear.
Only a short walk today – 9 km – so indulge your
eagerness to explore along the way. We’ll tip you off to
the best spots to check out, to fish or swim, or to just
relax and take it all in.
Then it’s on to our campsite at beautiful Bittangabee
Bay for lunch. You should aim to be there by about
12.30 p.m.
Lunch will be ready when you arrive. After lunch, the
day is yours. Rest up, or explore the amazing coastline
and beach. If you’d like to do something a little more
adventurous, like snorkeling or sea kayaking, we can
arrange that for you.
Explore the 170-year-old ruins on the bay before
settling in for your second evening by the campfire.

6

Day 3 is a good one for the wildlife spotters.
After breakfast you’ll say farewell to lovely Bittangabee
and begin the last leg of the journey – 7 km to Green
Cape Lighthouse.
This part of the walk through shady Ti-tree forest
and open heath is prime habitat for kangaroos and
wallabies, and the very rare and endangered Eastern
Ground Parrot.
Perched high on the headland jutting out into the
grand Pacific, the magnificent location of the Green
Cape Lighthouse offers almost 360 degree ocean views.
This is a world-renowned spot for whale watchers.
It’s also where we’ll take our last lunch together – a
picnic at one of the viewing spots at the cape. After
some time exploring or learning about the rich – and
tragic – history of this area, it’s back to Eden and your
local accommodation. Depending on where you are
staying, we should have you home by about 3 p.m.

7

Fire & Flows – the Earth History
of the Far South Coast

The geology and earth history along this As the continental crust of Pangea
section of the Australian coast is one began to stretch and thin in response
of violent upheaval and seismic change to shifts in the tectonic plates, a period
stretching back 490 million years. of volcanic activity began, much of it
“Violent upheaval, you say? But it all happening near present day Eden. Hot
looks so peaceful.” rock exploded through the thinned crust.
Yes, it does now. But the history of the Thick ignimbrite sheets covered the
earth is long, and all you need to do is landscape. Parts of this area resembled
scratch beneath the surface and that story the active volcanic region of Yellowstone
begins to reveal itself. in northwestern United States.
The volcanic activity left a geological
Australia’s Coastal Wilderness includes mark that is a distinctive feature of the
the oldest rocks in eastern Australia, region.
and fossil records of some of the world’s At Eden, the shoreline around the wharf
earliest land animals, forests and ancient at Snug Cove and the lookout on the
fishes. headland in the heart of Twofold Bay are
places to see volcanic features.
When the Volcanoes Roared The headland – Middle Head – gives
By Middle and Late Devonian time Twofold Bay its name, jutting proudly out
(390 – 350 million years ago), this into the great bay, separating it into its
southeastern part of Australia was part two ‘folds.’
of the pre-Gondwanan supercontinent,
Pangea, that incorporated almost all of
the landmasses on earth. Massive.

8

The headland is made of hard, erosion- These rivers were home to fierce
resistant volcanic rock. Across from the armoured predatory fishes, whose bodies
lookout stands the white pole of the are preserved in former billabongs.
‘lighthouse’ leading the way to Snug Here and there, on rock platforms,
Cove. Below the lighthouse, the massive the scattered remains of the plate
cliff is formed from ignimbrite. armour of these fishes can be seen.
As seen from the lookout, the cliff Rarely, entire corpses of these fishes are
provides a clear cross-section view of a preserved where they died, trapped in
couple of separate ignimbrite flows, each drying billabongs and rapidly buried by
the result of new volcanic eruptions. sediment carried by the next flood.
The flows were not liquid lava flows, but Casts of some of these ancient fishes
clouds of sticky ash particles, so charged are displayed at the Eden Killer Whale
with gases that they flowed like water. Museum.
These glowing ash clouds flowed over Not only is our coastline a happy hunting
the landscape, gradually losing gas and ground for fossil fish researchers, but
cooling until they became the consistency it has yielded species new to science,
of toothpaste. Bubbles of gas became making it a world-class fossil fish site.
‘frozen’ in this sticky rock as it finally set In 2008, researchers uncovered the
solid. Some fossil bubbles, now filled with fossilized remains of an extinct armoured
soft greenish clay minerals, can be seen fish from a piece of 360 million-
embedded in the solid rock at the back year-old rock near Eden. Named the
of Cobbly Beach, on the western side of Edenopteron, this huge-fanged fish would
Snug Cove. have been more than 3 metres long!

The Age of Fierce Fishes
The Light to Light Walk passes over
red mudstone and sediment discharged
here 360 million years ago by rivers the
size of the Mississippi that traversed
Australia’s ancient red deserts on their
way to the ocean.

9

Your Ocean, Reimagined Since then, the eastern edge of
During the last Ice Age, the sea level here continental Australia stepped outward
was 130 metres below where it is now. from just east of Adelaide by fits and
That means the coastline was actually starts at an average rate of 3mm a year.
17-20km out into the ocean that you see This continental growth occurred
now, below the edge of the continental through welding of oceanic crust and
shelf. sediment to the continental edge.
(To put that in perspective, Montague Volcanic activity and episodes of granite
Island, which today sits about 9km off intrusion added material too, stabilising
the coast near Narooma, was back then the growing continental edge.
a hill 8km inland.)

10

Where life happens Robin Hughes/FlickrCC

The “continental shelf ” is a relatively In some places around southern
shallow section of ocean that extends Australia, the shelf is less than 10 km
around a continent’s coast – beyond wide, but in northern regions it extends
the continental shelf the submerged over 200 km.
landmass drops sharply away into the The continental shelf adjacent to this
open ocean. region lies between 5 and 18 km offshore,
The continental shelf is a place teeming and the seabed geomorphology of the far
with life, because the sunlight can easily south coast is complex.
penetrate the shallow (0-200 metres) A rich diversity of marine creatures
waters. exist, with a choice of shallow (0-25m),
Bedrock, rocky reefs and areas of intermediate (25-60m) and deep (60-
sediment support a wide variety of life, 200m) ocean, all offering different types
the underwater topography funneling of habitat.
ocean currents and trapping nutrients.
Reef outcrops can be found on most
headlands, and a number of significant
reef systems occur off beaches
throughout the region.
Open ocean is considered a barren
‘desert’ compared with the continental
shelf and inshore areas, due to its
comparative lack of nutrients.
Because the section of continental shelf
adjacent to this region is relatively close
to shore, it offers a rich diversity of
marine life within easy reach for a visitor.

11

How Twofold Bay got its name The arrival of an ancient Tsunami
About 105,000 years ago, it is thought
Twofold Bay was once an ancient river that a cataclysmic landslide on the island
escarpment. Now inundated, underwater of Hawaii, more than 8,000 km to the
gorges foster distinctive marine life northeast, set in motion a giant tsunami
habitat. that would forever change the landscape
During the last Ice Age between 110,000 of the Far South Coast.
and 12,000 years ago, at Twofold Bay The enormous power of the tsunami
the ancestor of the modern Towamba wreaked geological havoc, ripping rock
River cut a deep gorge across what is now slabs apart, dumping large boulders
the southern part of the bay, on its way to onshore and impacting rocky cliffs and
the sea, then many kilometres to the east. sheets many kilometres inland.
As the sea level rose, the landscape was For lasting evidence of the wave’s power,
carved away and inundated with water. check out the Tsunami-dumped boulders
The coastline took shape. Soft rock gave on the southwest side of Green Cape
way to sweeping bays. Harder materials Lighthouse. How on earth did they get
held fast as headlands. there? That must have been some wave...
This strong ‘geological control’ over the Since 2004, four tsunamis have been
history of our shoreline can be visually recorded in Twofold Bay.
mapped at places along the coast. The Moving oceanic fault lines are the major
Middle Head lookout at the top of Imlay causes of tsunamis, and the nearest active
St. in Eden is an excellent vantage point fault line of significance for the south east
for taking in the geological landscape of Australian coast lies just south of New
Twofold Bay. Zealand. It poses a continuous threat to
Above the surface, the north and south eastern Australia.
headlands of Twofold Bay indicate the
perimeters of the ancient shoreline before
sea levels rose, with hard volcanic
erosion-resistant rock at their core.
Like sentinels, these two jutting headlands
funnel currents – and marine creatures –
into the enclosed double bay.

12

People Who Live From The Sea

State Library of NSW

There were a number of Aboriginal
groups who lived along this coastal
region, one whose name literally
translates to “People Who Live from
the Sea.”
The Indigenous people of the region
have a long and complex relationship
with the coastal environment, and
a large population was sustained for
thousands of years in this area, thanks to
the rich marine life to be found here.
Today, Yuin is the general name used to
describe all the tribes from the Far South
Coast, and stretching as far north as Port
Jackson.
The Yuin, (or Coast Murring), occupied
territory from Cape Howe to the
Shoalhaven River and inland to the
Great Dividing Range. The population
before 1788 was estimated at about
11,000, between Cape Howe on the
Victorian border, and Batemans Bay.

13

On your Light to Light Walk you will be For much of the period of Aboriginal
passing through the land of the Thawa, occupation of this area, the sea level
a tribe of the Yuin people that lived in was about 60 metres below where it is
an area bordered by Green Cape to today. And so most of the archaeological
the south, Merimbula to the north and material from that time, such as campfire
inland to the eastern Monaro. charcoal and shell middens, is now under
The Thawa themselves were divided water.
into two groups; the Katungal ‘sea coast These people fished using multi-pronged
people,’ and the Baianbal or Paienbara, spears, traps and nets. They are also
the ‘tomahawk people,’ in the forests. thought to be the first Aboriginal people
The first migration of people to the in Australia to use a fishhook, fashioned
Australian continent was around 50,000 from the edge of a shell. They hunted
years ago, at the peak of the last ice age, from shore, but also used bark canoes,
as part of the great migration of modern and ate many of the same foods that we
humans out of Africa. This region of the now consider delicacies, such as abalone,
Australian southeast coast was occupied oysters, mussels and rock lobster. Seal and
early in this migration, as evidenced by whale meat was also a part of the diet.
ritual burial sites in southern New South There is strong evidence that the Thawa
Wales dated at 42,000 years ago. interacted with killer whales, calling them
There were undoubtedly Aboriginal into the bays and enlisting them to herd
people living here on the Far South Coast other whales onto the beaches.
during that time. This skill was utilised by the European
Shell middens found along the Pambula whalers, and gave rise to a unique
River date back to over 3,000 years. relationship between whalers and killer
Middens are mounds of discarded shells whales. But more about that later!
and bone debris left by Aboriginal people
at places where they ate and made camp.
They can be found all along the coast.
Most have been disturbed by animals and
various contemporary land uses.

14

Arrival of Europeans The Whaling Industry
In the 16th and 17th centuries there were When the expansion of British
several sightings of the Far South Coast settlements further down the south coast
and landings here by European explorers eventually came, it was fuelled by the
sailing the globe. very thing that was one of the Thawa’s
But it wasn’t until the British – led by most significant totems – the whale.
the naval explorer James Cook in 1770 The acceleration of the industrial
– established settlement at Botany Bay revolution in Britain established a huge
toward the end of the 18th century that demand for whale oil for lubrication of
the Aborigines of coastal NSW had their machinery.
ancient way of life encroached upon by
people from another land. Twofold Bay shore-based whaling
Still, as the British arrived in the commenced in 1828, and as skilled and
Sydney area in increasing numbers, for resourceful people with an intimate
the Thawa people further south, life knowledge of whales and the ocean, the
remained unchanged. Thawa were key employees, performing
all tasks, including those of steersman,
harpooner, lookout, oarsman, flensing
and the boiling down of the blubber.

An epic march for survival
through Yuin country

The first Europeans to come into contact with Aboriginal people on this part
of the south coast were the survivors of a shipwrecked cargo ship, the Sydney
Cove, in 1797.

It was on its way from Calcutta to Port Jackson when it was forced to ground in
heavy seas on what is now called Preservation Island, north of Tasmania.

What followed was one of the bravest and most brutal survival missions in
Australian history, as a group of 17 men attempted to make the 740 km journey
for help – via longboat and foot – to Port Jackson.

On their way they passed through this land of the Yuin and encountered various
Aboriginal groups, some friendly, others not.

Only three men made it, rescued by a fisherman just south of Port Hacking.
A plaque at Tathra Park commemorates their epic journey.

15

The Katungal & The Killer Whale

Charles Eden Wellings/Public Domain

These are the kind of friendships that The Thawa rewarded the Killer Whales
take thousands of years to develop. with the lips and the tongue of the whale.
The Katungal (‘sea coast’) people of the With the arrival of European whaling
Thawa had a remarkable relationship operations to Twofold Bay in the early
with the local Orcas, or killer whales, 19th century, this traditional skill was
that still amazes scientists and marine passed on, and Killer Whales and local
researchers to this day. The Thawa whalers maintained a close relationship
believed the Killer Whales, whom they right up until the cessation of whaling
called “beowas” or “brothers,” were here in the 1930s.
family members reincarnated in the sea. The most famous of the local Killer
Knowing that the larger Humpback Whales is Old Tom, whose story
whales were the target of the Thawa’s exemplifies the close and personal
hunting, local pods of Killer Whales friendship these highly intelligent marine
would herd passing Humpbacks into mammals developed with their human
Twofold Bay, and alert hunters to the friends. You can learn more about Old
presence of larger whales by slapping Tom, and see his restored skeleton, at the
their tails on the surface of the water. Eden Killer Whale Museum.
They would shepherd the pursued
Humpback, driving them toward the
Thawa’s boats.

16

The Davidson Whaling Station And the Davidsons came to revere the
Killer Whales in much the same way as
The first whaling operations at Twofold their Aboriginal crew members.
Bay were undertaken by a Captain It was the Davidsons and their Thawa
Thomas Raine in 1818, using a convict crew that forged the remarkable, and
transport ship, the Surry. now famous, relationship with the Killer
The local whaling industry quickly Whale Old Tom.
expanded but by the middle part of the The Davidson’s family home at the
century it could not support the many mouth of the Kiah River, built from
whaling enterprises that had flocked to timbers of a boat shipwrecked at
Twofold Bay. Torarargo Point in 1856, still stands
However, in 1857 the Davidson family, today, overlooking the historic remains
who would become Twofold Bay’s best of the original “try-works” where the
known whaling family, entered the Davidsons hauled their catch ashore and
industry. Alexander Davidson was an processed the blubber.
immigrant from Scotland who had been Set amongst the beautiful surrounds of
one of the carpenters working on the the Kiah Inlet, the Davidson Whaling
construction of Boydtown. He and his Station Historic Site is now a spot much
son, John, began shore-based whaling loved and revered by locals and visitors
with boats and equipment purchased alike.
from whalers who were closing down.
Aboriginal crews formed a vital part of
the Davidson workforce, and they paid
their Aboriginal workers the same as their
European peers.

www.nationalparks.nsw.com.au

17

The Life & Lasting Legacy
of Benjamin Boyd

Just as Boyd’s Tower does, the life of Boyd’s financial fortunes were wiped
a fella by the name of Benjamin Boyd out in the depression of 1841-45. His
looms large over the past and present of properties and his fleet of steamers were
Twofold Bay. sold for much less than their value. By
Born in London in 1803, Boyd was 1849 the enterprise at Boydtown was
a stockbroker and entrepreneur, an closed with most buildings unfinished.
ambitious man with big dreams who saw Fleeing bankruptcy he went off to try
huge potential in the new colony taking his luck on the Californian Goldfields,
shape in far away Australia. but was purportedly murdered in the
He arrived in Sydney in July of 1842 and Solomon Islands on his way.
established a coastal shipping operation But what he started back then has been
between Twofold Bay and Tasmania. given new life today. Boyd’s house has
In 1843, he bought land near Eden, and been restored as the Seahorse Inn, one
established Boydtown as his coastal base of the great visitor attractions in the area.
from which he could ship livestock, wool The remains of the church are heritage
and tallow from the Monaro hinterland listed. The Boydtown group of buildings
to Sydney and then on to London. is listed on the Register of the National
Boyd was thinking big. At Boydtown he Estate. And what he envisioned as being
built a hotel, a church, houses, stores, a lighthouse now stands as Boyd’s Tower,
salting and blubber works, a jetty and a well-known local historic landmark and
what he hoped would be a lighthouse. a proud and lasting reminder of one of
At East Boyd he established a whaling the true characters of colonial Australia.
station. He was trying to create an
English feudal manor, with himself as
the lord – something he could never have
aspired to in England.
Like many overly ambitious
businesspeople, Boyd had his ups and
downs, raising and losing millions in
speculative and questionable deals and
lawsuits.

18

Jenny Robb/Light to Light Camps

19

Birds, Plants & Animals

White-Bellied Sea Eagle JJ Harrison/FlickrCC
Australia’s second largest raptor (previous page), www.mascotarios.org
behind the wedge-tailed eagle. Magnificent bird with
2m wingspan. Often seen soaring above ocean cliffs or
swooping across waves on the hunt for fish. Juveniles
have mottled brown feathers until around four years
when their pure white adult chest feathers emerge.

Hooded Plover
Critically endangered in NSW, the cute little Hooded

Plover (right) can be seen on Saltwater Creek beach
where it is being monitored by National Parks.

Extremely vulnerable on more inhabited beaches where
their nest – a scrape of pebbles, seaweed or other beach

debris – is difficult to see and often disturbed.

Australian Pied Oystercatcher
Can also be spotted on coastal beaches such as
Saltwater Creek or Mowarry. They feed on bivalve
molluscs which they pry open with their specially
designed beaks. Their nests are vulnerable, consisting
of sand, shell grit or shingle just above high water mark.

Eastern Ground Parrot
This little guy (right) is so shy you will only see it when
flushed out from the cover of the heathland on the last

section of the walk. This bird is bright grass-green
with black and yellow markings and a
prominent pale yellow wing bar.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos
You will probably hear them before you see them!
Occurring in small to large noisy flocks and favouring
sections of eucalypt forest along the walk, they feed
on the seeds of native trees. They are quite a large
bird, mostly black with body feathers edged in yellow,

although this is difficult to see in flight.

20

Melaleuca or Broad-leafed Paperbark
Several stands of Melaleuca trees (left)

occur along the track, featuring wonderful thick,
papery bark that peels from them in sheets.

It’s an extremely attractive tree, especially when
displaying its fluffy white flowers in autumn.


Pittosporum

12 metres tall in its natural habitat, the
pittosporum provides welcome shade. It has
coarse grey bark and glossy leaves, with small,

white, fragrant flowers in spring and early
summer, followed by orange-tan berries in autumn.


Woollybutts
The woollybutt, or Eucalyptus longifolia, is a
tree of the myrtle family. Its latin name describes
its long leaves, with ‘wolly butt’ describing its
thick, fibrous bark. The white flowerheads are

arranged in groups of three, and droop.
The timber from this tree is highly sought

after for its deep rich colour.

Coastal Heath
As you near Green Cape Lighthouse the trail

open into vast areas of coastal heathland,
consisting of a variety of low-growing species such

as pink heath, coral heath, prickly teatree, flaky-
barked teatree and slender rice flower.

Old Man Banksia
Synonymous with the dry sclerophyll forests of
the Far South Coast, the old man banksia grows
up to 12 metres high and has a distinctive rough
bark of a grey/brown colour. Leaves are stiff with
toothed edges and the brush-shaped flowers of
cream/yellow occur from late summer through till
autumn, replaced by woody cones that become

woolly in appearance.

21

Kangaroos
The quintessential Aussie favourite, the grey
kangaroo (right) can be spotted in ‘mobs’ in
several sections of the walk. Favouring the
open grasslands near Mowarry Point, you
may encounter a large group of inquisitive
marsupials – keep an eye out for a little one
peeping out from its mum’s pouch.
Swamp Wallabies
These little beauties have a cute little face and,
at about 85cm maximum height, are smaller
than the grey kangaroo. Usually seen alone,
you may not even realise you are being quietly
watched by one as you walk past – or you just
may hear a light ‘thump thump’ as it hops away.
Goanna
You are almost guaranteed to encounter one of
these big monitor lizards (right) on the track.
They love it out here, and there are plenty
around the campsites. At first sight they can be
quite scary, at up to 2.5 metres in length, but
their main interest will be your food! As long
as they are not cornered they pose no threat
to humans, and will usually scamper up the
nearest tree or retreat into the bush when they
meet a human.
Common Ringtail Possum
These cheeky little nocturnal marsupials of
around 35cm are fairly common around the
campsites and you may not realise you are
being watched whilst sitting by the campfire
until you hear a rustle in a nearby tree.
They carry their young in a pouch, where
the baby develops and then leaves its mother’s
pouch around 120-130 days.

22

Some Nuts & Bolts

What To Bring
• Walking shoes or boots – preferably worn in for comfort.
• T-shirt and long-sleeved top. Go for quick-drying fabrics such as lightweight

merino, which keeps you cool and dry, but is also a very effective barrier against the
cold. Layers are the best.

• Walking pants – preferably with zip-off legs (and/or shorts). Jeans are not suitable.
• Sunhat or cap, beanie and gloves for cool nights, walking socks, and comfy soft
shoes for around the camp.
• A warm coat for cooler weather. Choose merino or polar fleece if possible.
• A lightweight, waterproof jacket/raincoat.
• Swimmers.
• Don’t forget your camera!

What Not To Bring
• Please don’t bring items that need 240v electricity to operate, such as hair

dryers and electric toothbrushes. We can help with charging mobiles and cameras.
• Tents, sleeping bags, or any camping gear. Remember, we’ll supply pretty much

everything you’ll need, except for clothing (above), and a general sense of adventure!

Pre-Walk Meet & Greet This briefing will cover all sorts of
After you book, we’ll arrange a quick get- things – from the birds and animals you
together the evening before you start your might see, to what to do in case of an
tour to ensure you know everything you emergency, to inside tips about the best
need to know. secret spots along the way.
Please try to attend – the more you know Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions
about the tour, the more you you might have!
will get out of it!

We all know Australia is a dry continent and water is a very
precious commodity.
One way you can help us to conserve water on your trip is to
pack enough clothing for a change every day.
Remember, we will be carrying that weight for you, so bring
what you need - an extra shirt or two, and spare pairs of socks
and undies.
We can only carry a limited amount of water and we’d prefer
you wait till you get home before doing the laundry.

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Food

We know that good food is a key ingredient to any perfect camping trip, and so we put
a lot of thought into your snacks, drinks and meals.
When it comes to food, everyone has their own needs and preferences.
We want to know yours! We don’t like to waste food so it’s better if you are ‘picky’ and
let us know now if you have any needs – or any favourites – including drinks. Within
reason, we can adjust meals according to your needs and tastes.
The menu during your trip will consisent approximately of:
• Breakfast: muesli, Tilba yoghurt, berry compote and/or toast and spreads.
• Lunch: wraps with fillings of meat (ham or chicken) and salad, or wraps
with fillings of cheese and salad + muesli snack bars and/or nuts + fresh fruit.
• Nibbles: generally Tilba cheeses (selection), marinated olives/dried
tomatoes, dips, grapes/strawberries, gluten-free crackers.
• Dinner: barbecue meats (steak, lamb, chicken and/or pork), green salad
and potato/pumpkin or other more filling salad. Bread if required.
For Vegetarians: veggie burgers, grilled haloumi – or any suggestions you have.
For Vegans: let us know and we’ll create options for you. We want to make sure
all our walkers are well fed and happy!
• Sweets: meringue base with yoghurt and fresh berries/berry compote or
good ol’ banana with chocolate and marshmallows cooked in the fire coals.

• Drinks: Juice and water will be available at all times. 2 x glasses of wine
(Shiraz or Sauvignon Blanc) or 2 stubbies of beer per person per night. We
don’t encourage having more than 2 alcoholic drinks per night. But if we’re
kicking back enjoying a yarn, we are happy to serve you one more at a cost.

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In the Unlikely Event

Okay, let’s put a few misconceptions (Factoid – you are far more likely to be
to rest. killed by a bee sting, or while riding a
Particularly for overseas visitors, Australia horse. This is where you congratulate
is often thought of as a place where the yourself for not holidaying in Andalusia.
bush is filled with a myriad of vengeful Very dangerous, those horses.)
and deadly beasties just waiting to do However, just as the air hostess says to
you harm. you “this plane isn’t going to crash, but,
Exciting as that sounds, the truth, in the unlikely event that it does here’s
however, is far less spectacular. what you do,” so too we want to make
While this wonderful continent of ours sure you were armed with info on what
is home to a remarkable diversity of to do in the unlikely event that you need
snakes, spiders and creatures of their ilk first aid treatment.
that can give people the heebie-jeebies,
the risk of being bitten by any of the We have also downloaded an App on
aforementioned is incredibly small. your mobile phone called Australian
If you don’t invite danger in Australia, it Bites & Stings.
is unlikely to find you. If in any doubt, please refer to this
as a guide.

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HOW TO USE THE RESQLINK EMERGENCY BEACON

• Take out of pouch and release aerial by pulling the green
tab on the end of the black tape that extends across the top.

• Ensure the unit has a clear view to the sky.
• Press the red power button on the left side for 1 second.
The unit is registered with the Australian Maritime Safety
Authority with direct links to Snowy Hydro Rescue Helicopter
and NSW Ambulance service.

Mobile Phone Service • Service is possible in sections between
We provide you with a pre-paid mobile Saltwater Creek and Bittangabee. You’re
phone linked to the Telstra network for likely to get better service if you are close
use in non-emergency situations where to the coast, at a higher section of the
you need to communicate with us, such track and out of thick tree cover.
as if somebody has a minor injury that
will prevent them from completing • Coverage improves on the
that section of the walk, or if you think Bittangabee Bay to Green Cape section
you will be delayed beyond our agreed as you walk through open heathland
meeting time. nearer the lighthouse.
You may just want another swim!

The phone provides intermittent service If one of your group is unable to
along the walk. Whilst we are slowly continue on the walk due to an injury
mapping as accurately as possible where or illness, we ask that at least one person
service may be possible, we do know: stays with the patient while the others
take the phone and look for a pocket
• The Boyd’s Tower to Saltwater where service is available – and send us a
Creek section provides service in most brief text or message.
sections along the coast. Where service We will then head to your location and
is not found, it is often possible to find provide assistance.
a signal if the phone is carried 500m in
either direction – preferably towards
the coast.

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SNAKES

The best way to deal with snake bite is to avoid it in the first place.

• Give the snake plenty of space. • Stick to the trail.
The majority of people bitten by snakes You’re more likely to encounter a snake
were chasing, provoking or trying to in long grass or amongst fallen trees and
catch the snake. Here’s our advice: Don’t branches.
do any of those things. Stay on the trail whenever you can
Snakes don’t want to waste their poison and you’ll reduce your chances of
on humans, and would much rather accidentally stepping into some fella’s
avoid you. If you see one, stand back, hidden home.
let it go about its business, and you
go about yours.

If you or your companion is bitten by a • DO NOT apply a tourniquet or
snake, don’t panic. There is help at hand, attempt to suck out the venom.
and by following these simple steps the
odds are you’ll be fine. • DO (if possible) take a photo of the
snake to help with identification.
• DO maintain basic life support if
required and immediately activate the • DO use the constriction bandage
ResQLink emergency beacon. Whilst we have supplied to wrap the limb
waiting for help to arrive you should: firmly (but not too tightly). Start at the
wound, and wrap the entire limb from
• DO keep the snake bite victim calm, the extremities to the groin/armpit. and
quiet and very still. Keep the affected then take the bandage all the way back
area at or below heart level to reduce the down to the wrist/ankle. This coverage
flow of venom. is important and prevents venom moving
through the bloodstream.
• DO NOT attempt to clean the
wound. Medical facilities in Australia can • DO create a loose splint to help
identify the species of snake by traces left restrict movement of the area.
on your skin. If possible, mark the bite
area with a pen.

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SPIDERS

Australia is home to a vast array of spiders, most of which are small and unlikely to
bite. Some, however, pose a greater threat.

Funnel Web-like Spiders Red Back-like Spiders
• DO maintain basic life support and • DO maintain basic life support and

activate the ResQLink. activate the ResQLink.
• DO NOT wash the bite site or • DO apply ice or cold compress if

remove clothing. available.
• DO apply bandage. Apply broad • DO NOT apply pressure bandaging

pressure bandage starting at bite site, or immobilise – this will worsen the pain.
continuing upward along limb. Leave
tips of toes/fingers unbandaged to allow
circulation to be checked.

• DO apply splint and keep patient
still.

TICKS

Ticks are small blood sucking creatures If the reaction is not severe, notify your
often found in areas of ti-tree, hosts immediately after arriving in camp
particularly immediately after rain in so that the tick can be removed with the
warm weather. right procedure.
Signs or symptoms include allergic
reaction, local swelling, irritation, itching
and redness for several days after a bite.
They usually do not pose a major threat
unless the victim is allergic – in which
case follow the emergency procedure,
maintain basic life support and activate
the ResQLink beacon.

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“Forget not that the earth
delights to feel your bare feet
and winds long to play
with your hair.”
Kahlil Gibran