Bushwalking with Dogs- South Coast NSW

24/11/2023

Just checking in here to remind everyone to explore safely and keep on wilding 🌿🤘
Mac has been thoroughly inspecting the local state forests, especially Currowan. While no fresh maps are available (yet!), here's a snapshot of our Spring so far.
Not pictured are the countless bandicoots, possums, wombats, roos, goannas, lyre birds, and yes, snakes, we've encountered. Stay safe and always have backup plans in place in case of emergencies ❤️

04/10/2022

Hey all, a heads up that the snakes have awoken! 🐍 locations I have seen them are atop Big Bit lookout, and at the intersection of Burma Rd and Tower Creek Rd. The beach isn't immune, with sightings near Broulee Island, on North Broulee beach.
This doesn't mean snakes are bad or we can't go out and explore, but I for one am keeping Mac on leash more and walking paths with minimal leaf litter so I can see where we're stepping. This means more fire trails and less mtb paths. I'm also doing more "star walks", staying close to the car and wandering from that central point in multiple directions. I've got local vets saved in my phone in case of emergency so I can ring ahead.

I haven't caught up on posting new walks yet but Mac and I are doing well. I've been using AllTrails more and have been pleasantly surprised by how well it maps walks, even when there was no service/location and I didn't think it was collecting useful data. I keep meaning to copy the info over and post about walks individually but life gets in the way. For now, you can see walks here: https://alltrails.com/members/zoe-gallagher-avery?utm_campaign=mobile-android
Most of the ratings etc mean little- I'm a hard woman to please so most walks get 3 stars. I'll try to add pictures and a bit more info to each one as I get a chance, and eventually add individual posts here for those who prefer this format 😊

27/06/2022

Brooman State Forest walk #1
Location: the Mountain in Termeil, starting at Old Coach Rd. and Middle Ridge Rd.
Access: 25mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Driveable in 2wd car but don't continue past the red X- rapidly becomes extremely boggy and steep, then boulders on the road a few kms on.
Length: ~6km
Terrain: somewhat steep and very muddy, even after not much rain, for initial ascent, boulders on an unkempt unsealed road for final ascent. Followed by ridge walk, leaf litter/sticks, relatively flat. Gravel at the end.
Hazards: snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: moderately steep with scree and mud surfaces that are quite slippery.
Distance: 6km return
Notes: starting on Old Coach rd, I pulled over at the red X and followed Old Coach Rd North. Quickly it became very muddy as we went uphill, there were some tyre prints from 4wds, but personally I wouldn't want to drive it! Around 2/3 of the way up the muddiness gave way to dry rocks and scree on a neglected unsealed road. I saw a track going off to the left (marked in orange in the comments) but didn't follow it this time. Continued to the peak, which was full of eucalypts and lyre birds, and followed the road. Suddenly came upon several properties at the top with spectacular views, they were surprising as it felt like we were in the middle of the bush. As we continued the road turned to loose gravel, looks like they must use northerly access as the southern road was quite unstable (and fun!).

22/06/2022

Important info for local dog owners:
https://gungahlinvet.com.au/petcare-pointers/leptospirosis-a-potentially-fatal-dog-disease/

Leptospirosis, a potentially fatal dog disease found on the South Coast of NSW A very serious infection of dogs, Leptospirosis, has been spreading across NSW with ...

15/11/2021

Boyne State Forest #9 with suggested variations
Mapped (and recently graded!)
Commenced from Big Bit Road
Notes: Finally, a clear day! Mac and I have been doing lots of hills, and climbing up and around Big Bit lately. No sign of the local black snake today, but we know this is his territory so our walks are squarely in the middle of a clear dirt road. This walk is an exemplar, sometimes we commence from Old Nelligen Rd or Lookout Rd, and sometimes we go NW toward the Clyde River. All roads in this area are pretty safely driveable in dry conditions, so you can drive the route you choose, park, and retrace your steps to be extra snake safe. You can see from the pic that we choose roads that have few sticks underfoot in case of camouflage. Consider weekly weather conditions and wind direction when deciding which roads to walk, to minimise leaf litter on the roads 🌱🌻

08/10/2021

Alert: snake update
First off, Mac and I are very safe. This post is to warn walkers about a specific location, and discuss our reptilian friends 🐍
Big Bit Lookout isn't breathtaking, but it's decent and provides lots of excellent hills and recently graded roads for those of us who like steep inclines. Peacefully living around the top of the lookout is a large red belly black snake. Mac and I have seen it a few times on the shoulder of the road, and like most red bellies he wants as little to do with us as we want to do with him.
Full disclosure, the following is NOT advice, but a recount of the precautions I personally take with Mac as the weather warms up. This is intended in the interests of beginning a discussion, so those of you with different strategies can talk about your practices regarding snakes. Mac is my first dog and I'm very much still learning the ropes.
Mac and I have started doing "normal" walks, as in following clear roads and paths, still in the bush most days. We won't go down bike paths etc for many months. We only walk on roads with minimal/no tree litter so I can see exactly what will be under our feet many meters ahead, not obscured by sticks, and hopefully see if there's anything on the shoulder of the road. We've been trying to pick late afternoons/rainy days when snakes will be hiding, or cold and slow. We've still met several black snakes, and you can never be sure. I do everything I can to help them mind their own business by stamping, always keeping my eyes peeled, and staying in the middle of clear roads. If I came across a territorial snake things could be different.
I relax more on walks where I've driven the car, parked, then retraced our steps because the car may have frightened any potential friends away. I also don't resent our dirt biking colleagues at such times, because where they've been is likely to have frightened potential snakes away.
Another element is never straying too far in any direction from the car. We often do "star walks"- park at a junction and go 1km down each offshoot. You can easily walk 8km whilst never being more than 1km from the car, if you look. You can also use that as an opportunity to carry less than you might on a normal 8+km walk.
I'm always ready with a first aid kit, and have saved all relevant phone numbers to call ahead to local vets. If Mac got bitten my best course seems to be to compression bandage/splint the bite (in my pack), pick him up, run to the car and get him to a vet, calling ahead to alert them of the emergency. I'd try to remain as calm as possible so Mac's heart wouldn't speed up. Time is of the essence. Benandarah is on average only ~10mins from the nearest vet, so any further delay is dependent on how far I'm willing to go from the car, and that choice could save Mac's life. Hopefully this contingency never happens, but it's wise to ask around and have a strategy ready.
How do you doggy parents take precautions against snakes?

07/10/2021

A sad warning to dog owners in the area 🖤

Warning - Broulee Dog Owners
We have seen a second case of a dog with amphetamine poisoning from Broulee. The patient was a beautiful, gentle and much loved family pet. The amphetamine caused extensive brain damage and sadly this innocent dog had to be euthanased.

Take extreme care when walking dogs in Broulee. We recommend that dogs are kept on a lead at all times.

26/09/2021

Another great contribution!

21/09/2021

A helpful contribution by one of the community members!

25/08/2021

Hey legends, just checking in to let you know a lot of these walks are in the Eurobodalla. If this is your home LGA you can still exercise within the region, just not more than 5km outside the Eurobodalla. There has been a lot of confusing information out there, with some people thinking they cannot go more than 5km from their home. At the time of publishing, this is NOT the case in the Eurobodalla Shire.
Read more here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions -at-home-rules

Mac and I have been staying quiet, going on some of our walks with my cockatoo named Fish. Fish was a rescue and is a bit emotionally unbalanced, so we aren't sharing some of our walks lately in the interests of Fish having plenty of room away from potential humans and animals that aren't in our "flock".
Hope everyone is staying safe, kind and calm 🌻

P.S. Also make sure to have a mask with you at all times. It must be worn unless you're exercising.

08/08/2021

A little info to look over before venturing out as the weather warms up. Keep your dog close as the weather warms and remain aware that if you see a snake first, backing away could be the best thing you do. Keep compression bandages in your pack any make sure to download "Emergency Plus" so you can provide coordinates. Don't try to suck out venom or anything you see in movies. Keep the person still and calm. Slow their breathing at least, stop them from examining the bite, moving, or bending the affected limb. Wrapping instructions are in the linked article.
Often bites might be "dry", but treat each one as an emergency and call an ambulance on 000. Don't try to kill or catch the snake- the venom on the wound or surrounding clothes can help ID if you couldn't make it out.
Any other tips are welcome. We need to learn to work with our environment and make the best of it in an emergency.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/snake-bites

About 100 Australian snakes are venomous. Although only 12 are likely to inflict a wound that could kill you. Learn about first aid for snake bites.

07/08/2021

Boyne State Forest walk #8
MAPPED
Location: Big Bit Rd and Cpt 106/5
Access: 12mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway.
Length: 2.8km
Terrain: unsealed road and ridge walk
Hazards: snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, possible cars
Difficulty: low
Notes: we parked at Big Bit Rd and Cpt108/1, and jogged along Big Bit Rd (recently graded) until we turned right down 106/5. This was very sunny and exposed, if I were a snake I'd like to bask there... but no sign. The road stopped as mapped and we retraced our steps. Not spectacular but it was easy. There was a bike track running parallel to Big Bit but we didn't follow it due to not being able to see the ground clearly.

07/08/2021

Boyne State Forest walk #7
PARTIALLY MAPPED
Location: Mill Fire Break Rd and the A1
Access: 15mins from Batemans Bay, parked on the shoulder of Mill Rd just off the highway
Length: ~3km
Terrain: unsealed road/ridge walk, valley, creek, boggy at times.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: low
Notes: starting on Mill Fire Break Rd, a nice shaded eucalypt road sloped up to some more hot, dry, exposed bush. There were some tyre prints from 4wds. We walked to the intersection of Mill and Shortcut Rd then turned back. An unmapped bike path went off to the left, marked in dark green. Dirt bike tracks in the mud, to a boggy creek area. At that point we turned back and returned to Mill Rd. A decent quick walk with minimal dirt road driving, and good ground visibility in case of snakes.

07/08/2021

Benandarah State Forest walk #6
PARTIALLY MAPPED
Location: Intersection of Old Nelligen Rd and Cpt 112/5
Access: 20mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car.
Length: ~4.5km
Terrain: ridge walk, eroded unsealed road downhill to Bridge Creek.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: low/moderate
Notes: starting on Cpt112/5, a nice eucalypt ridge walk started us into to the bushland. There were some tyre prints from 4wds, then a gradual decent. The path kicks off to the north and presumably connects to Perry's Rd. We turned back, considering taking Old Nelligen Rd where it adjoins Cpt112/5 halfway along, but it was a bit hard to follow and I was concerned about snakes. Wanting some more exercise, we went from the car then down the southern winding part of Old Nelligen Rd. Halfway along was definitely not good enough to drive in a 2wd so make sure you have an "out" planned in case of injury. We followed the road to Bridge Creek (some muddy water across the road) and found an unmapped bike path to make a small loop (marked in dark green on the Southern part of the walk). We followed this until we got back to Old Nelligen Rd.
Overall, a nice cool and shady walk with some mossy bush. Old Nelligen Rd is less dry than the northern side of the hill on Cpt112/5. In the pics Old Nelligen Rd is the damaged unsealed clay road, and Cpt112/5 is the one pictured with leaf litter/sticks across the path. The bike track is the slim one pictured last.

07/08/2021

Benandarah State Forest walk #5
Location: Old Nelligen Rd near Cpt111/2
Access: 15mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car.
Length: ~6km
Terrain: ridge walk, leaf litter/sticks on wide track
Hazards: snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: low
Distance: 2.4km return
Notes: starting on Old Nelligen Rd, we pulled over down the hill and made our way up to a nice eucalypt ridge walk down Cpt111/2. There were some tyre prints from 4wds, then a gradual undulating walk, slight decent. It was a little longer than mapped but nice and uneventful. The forest was burned but still beautiful, nice filtered light and some bell birds. A pleasant short walk.

05/08/2021

Not a walk, but a decent read. One of the big reasons I list "scree" in terrain is because the more rocky the surface, the more likely an ankle roll becomes. I average about five per walk (how graceful!) and doing a few too many can cause joint pain that really detracts from the pleasure of the adventure. This happened yet again whilst jogging yesterday and I'm finally addressing it.
If this is an issue that you've overcome/managed, please comment 🌻 having joints made of rubber isn't usually a big impediment to adults but it definitely can make fun walks uncomfortable, no matter how carefully you watch where your foot falls.
I'm also sorry to say, but the most comfortable walks for my joints are steady uphills, so we may be seeing some more of these...
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-11-09/being-bendy-enough-to-touch-your-toes-isnt-always-a-good-thing/9125906

Being physically flexible is usually considered to be a good thing. But what are the downsides of being able to turn yourself into a pretzel? And how can you tell if you're going too far?

05/08/2021

Boyne State Forest walk #6
MAPPED
Location: Tomboye Rd. and Shortcut Rd.
Access: 15mins from Batemans Bay, parked on the shoulder of Tomboye Rd just off the highway.
Length: 5km
Terrain: scree/clay road walk, semi burned eucalypt, creek crossings
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd. Also, unstable earth at the creek crossings. Use caution.
Difficulty: low
Notes: Mac and I found this a few weeks ago, when we were trying to get onto the highway via Tomboye Rd which can be VERY rough. After dragging my 2wd several km, a few hundred metres from the highway the road was blocked, as was the alternative (Burma Rd). I was angry because these both are displayed as open, and I really didn't want to have to retrace my steps for the sake of the car. We had to, so I decided we'd return from the other side to make the best of a bad thing- an unmarked dead end means a quick way to pull off the highway and get away from potential cars (except poor fools like me who don't know the road is blocked right at the end). The creek crossings are out, which is why there's so much rubble etc to deter vehicles. We parked just off the highway and followed the route mapped, and there were slim bike tracks leading around obstructions and to optimal creek crossings. Aside from the blockades, Burma Rd is nicely graded and an easy jog, especially along the smoother Norwestern point.
Toward the start of the walk was a clear unmapped path (on one of the maps, marked in red). We'll investigate that at some point. but we didn't explore them this time. For now, it was a nice clear 2.5km walk before we turned around, to make it a 5km quick walk/jog.
As snakes increasingly emerge we'll possibly use this walk again, because the path is clear enough to see snakes more easily.

29/07/2021

Benandarah State Forest walk #4
MAPPED
Location: Ironbark Range Rd and Cpt 116/1
Access: 10mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car. Parked on the shoulder of Ironbark Rd.
Length: 5km
Terrain: ridge walk, semi burned eucalypt, clay/scree
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: low
Notes: starting from Ironbark, we went Southeast followed Cpt 116/1. Nice eucalypt ridge walk started us into to the bushland. The path could be driven, quite wide and clear on the road, so listen out for cars. Good to run, not amazingly pretty. Towards the end on the map, the path continued to the left (bike path?). There were several offshoots but we didn't explore them. Once back on Ironbark we then went Northwest along Cpt 115/2 which was quite pretty, filtered light through trees, nice wide path. Until the last 500m someone very determined could access the roads in both directions in a vehicle, but no sign today. Lots of unmapped bike paths went off Cpt 115/2 but we didn't explore them this time. The end of Cpt 115/2 (pinned in red) actually bends to the north and looks like it might meet up with Cpt 115/1 (Benandarah walk #3).
We'll be back to map the trails and see where they terminate/loop. For now, it was a nice clear 5km walk with the car as a midway point between trails.
As snakes increasingly emerge we'll possibly use this walk again, because the path is clear enough to see snakes more easily.

25/07/2021

A couple of warnings and some information for emergency situations. This is not comprehensive, please do your research and have your own plan in place! This is just a start, and includes what I personally do to be prepared. Comment hazards and emergency services/strategies you're aware of that may help. Emergency, poisoning, and vet information for each hazard is below.

1. Signs indicating pest/feral animal control aren't standardised, or maintained. Always keep your dog close, especially in unfamiliar bush. Some people have found pest stations that are either unmarked or just "P/S" sprayed on nearby trees. Exercise caution. Beware not only primary but secondary poisoning from dogs eating remains.

2. Hunters, four wheel drivers, loggers, and dirt bikers also use state forests. Wear distinctive clothes, keep your dog close, listen out. Stay safe.

3. As the sun comes out, snakes are emerging. As of 24/07 a black snake was spotted sunning itself near Bingie. Mac and I will increasingly follow familiar, clear tracks that don't stray too far from the car or phone service, because if either one of us gets bitten we need to stay still and get help quickly. Consider bringing a buddy if possible. We will spend less time in the bush as spring approaches, but I'll update with walks as they come, and we'll be back regularly next autumn when it's safer.

4. Moruya State Forest has disused mines, which can be very dangerous. I am only aware of Donkey Hill Mine but I believe there are more. If you know of them, please mark them on a map and comment. I've added what information is available in the comments.

5. Many of the areas Mac and I go to follow creeks, which are worth keeping in mind as the weather warms up. Whether or not you and your dog drink from creeks is up to your discretion. Always be aware there could be contaminants, bacteria, and potential parasites in untreated water. If you're concerned, boil it first or bring your own water. Watch for signs of illness or weight fluctuations from consuming contaminated water.

6. Always keep water, a snack, and basic first aid kit on hand. None of us are big fans of running into people on walks, but if you see someone who looks like they need help please be proactive. They might be confused, dehydrated or low on blood sugar. That said, stay safe and exercise caution, put yourself first. Try to keep a distance if possible whilst assessing the situation. If you think it's unsafe, call emergency services.

7. Never eat anything you find! Don't let your dog eat anything they find. These forests are full of potentially poisonous plants and fungi, as well as pests that may have been poisoned. Don't even think about it. Especially fungi. Many of the toxic varieties are said to taste neutral and have no immediate ill effects until days later when the kidneys or liver shut down. Don't, and don't let your dog get into anything either.

8. Finally, always take your personal safety very seriously. It can affect spontaneity, but you need to make sure someone knows exactly where you're thinking of going. Make a time to check in with them so they know how to act quickly. Check you can SOS from your phone as you walk. If you feel at risk, make the emergency call- it's better to have a false alarm and be safe. Download the app Emergency Plus, which gives your specific latitude and longitude for location when making emergency calls.

You may have noticed many of these walks link to each other. That's because Mac and I follow the rules above. If there's an interesting path that's not on the list of potential places we want to go, we add it to a future list and go back another time. We start in a new place by only going a short distance, so we can return to a location with service in time to check in that we're safe. I'll also use that time to let someone know any amendments I'm thinking of making to the path, such as an unmapped trail I'd like to try, so they know where I will be until I check in again. If there's service during the walk, we turn on location sharing in messenger.
If you've got measures you take for personal safety, please add them below!

Some helpful contacts- not comprehensive, make yourself an emergency list for what's relevant for you!

General emergency (injury, assault, fire):
- 000 for emergency services
- Emergency Plus app for location when calling emergency services: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threesixtyentertainment.nesn
- consider learning first aid: https://justfirstaid.com.au/

Poison/venom:
- 131126 for poison control, https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/
- keep sample (plant, fungus) or take pictures/film if possible for ID. All angles, all surfaces.
- Poisons Help; Emergency Identification For Mushrooms & Plants which is sometimes used by medical staff for ID, for both humans and animals
- Snakes: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Have-I-been-bitten-by-something-poisonous/Snakes.aspx
- Spiders, marine animals, wasps, ants, bees, centipedes, scorpions: https://www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au/Frequently-Asked-Questions/Have-I-been-bitten-by-something-poisonous.asp

Animal first aid:
- App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boehringer.FirstAidForPets
- Website: https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/first-aid-tips
- Course: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/training/basic-animal-first-aid/

Emergency 24 hour animal services:
-Online https://www.askaveterinarianonline.com/
- Canberra Animal Referral Hospital (02) 6280 6344 - fully staffed 24 hour vet https://arhvets.com.au/canberra/
- Moruya Veterinary Hospital (02) 4474 2532, emergency after hours 0408 429 681
http://moruyavet.com.au
- Cobargo/ambulatory South East Veterinary 0448 634 465 http://www.southeastveterinary.com.au/
- Batemans Bay Veterinary Clinic (02) 4472 8877 https://www.batemansbayvet.com.au/
- Surf Beach Eurocoast Veterinary Centre (02) 4471 3400 http://eurocoastvet.com.au/

Wildlife Emergencies:
- WIRES 1300 094 737 https://www.wires.org.au/rescue/emergency-advice

24/07/2021

Benandarah State Forest walk #3
PARTIALLY MAPPED
Location: Shannons Rd and Cpt 112/3
Access: 15mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car.
Length: ~6km
Terrain: ridge walk, valleys, creek, boggy from wheel erosion on the Eastern point.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, potentially dangerous fungi (gallerina sp) if ingested, dirt bikes/4wd
Difficulty: low/moderate
Notes: starting on Cpt114/1, a nice eucalypt ridge walk started us into to the bushland. There were some tyre prints from 4wds, then a gradual decent (towards C). An unmapped bike path went off to the right. Dirt bike tracks in the mud, to a boggy creek area with lots of casurinas and moss. Clear enough water for Mac to have a drink. We followed the creek/bike paths for some time, eventually popping up at Lookout Rd. Lots of tyre prints and gouged earth in that area, quite boggy. Wouldn't recommend. Once we turned back we wound our way along more bike paths to Cpt 114/2 (southern rd) and back to our starting point at A. Wanting some more exercise, we jogged down Cpt112/3 until it ended (as marked at B) then came back. It was a bit more burnt, dry scree, along the ridge. Not amazing but not bad, a decent extension. Given the erosion on the unmapped bike path I have concerns regarding tyre damage, which appear to be disrupting the formation of creek banks.

22/07/2021

Boyne State Forest walk #5
UNMAPPED
Location: Morris Fire Break Rd and Lookout Rd.
Access: 17mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car.
Length: ~5km
Terrain: scree, ridge walk, valleys, creek.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snake in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, potentially dangerous fungi (gallerina sp) if ingested
Difficulty: moderate
Notes: starting on Morris Fire Trail Rd, a dry brushy start to the bushland, there were some tyre prints from 4wds, then an unmapped bike path going off to the right. Dirt bike tracks in the mud, but quite an overgrown path. We got lots of branches in our faces! We followed it down to a slim creek, not very boggy. Clear water for Mac to have a drink. There was a very steep walk up to Cpt107/7, path unclear at times. Once at the top it was a bit bare and unattractive so we went back and followed the bike path down the creek. We then followed the creek for some time, lots of leaf litter and moss, but mostly a clear understory to wander around in. No service along the creek and toward the Eastern point my phone's GPS failed badly, so make sure to keep aware of your location.
A nice walk, moderate difficulty and definitely made Mac sleep well!

18/07/2021

Mogo State Forest walk #3
Deep Creek Dam - South Eastern Tracks
Location: Dog Trap Rd and Myrtle Creek Rd
Access: 20mins from Moruya, 15 mins from Batemans Bay, Dog Trap Rd is unsealed and quite rough at times
Length: 5km
Terrain: burned eucalypt bush, scree. Dry brush.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snakes in warm seasons, leeches and ticks
Difficulty: low
Notes: decent bush, fire damaged but coming back. There were tyre tracks down Myrtle Gully Rd so might have some four wheel drivers occasionally. Unmarked bike tracks are around, Mac and I followed a disused path to the right for a bit but mostly stayed on map. Some rubble and scree, quite dry bush. Not amazing but we raised a decent sweat.

17/07/2021

Boyne State Forest walk #4
*continuation of #2*
Location: Cpt104/2 and Lookout Rd. (Just past Big Bit Lookout)
Access: 17mins from Batemans Bay, unsealed off the highway. Just driveable in 2wd car.
Length: ~5km loop
Terrain: scree, ridge walk, valleys, some creek.
Hazards: potential slipping for humans, snake in warm seasons, leeches and ticks, potentially dangerous fungi (gallerina sp) if ingested
Difficulty: moderate
Notes: starting on Cpt104/2 (walk #4), a dry brushy start to the bushland, steady downhill slope. A good one to jog, this was much higher an elevation than usual to start. The path itself is impassable by car after 100m, but there were some tyre prints from dirt bikes.
Past Mac's car wreck, about 1km from the main road there was an unmapped bike path going off to the right. We followed it down to a slim creek, not very boggy. Clear water for Mac to have a drink. There was a very steep hill up to Cpt104/3. Once at the top we followed the road down to the left until it got too overgrown, then went back and followed the bike path down the next valley to the north. There were some blue arrow signs (pictured) marking the bike trail. Once at Cpt104/5 we followed it back to Lookout Rd to make a loop. Caution on Lookout Road as there may be cars and the shoulder is slim.
A nice walk, moderate difficulty and definitely made Mac sleep well!