Walk with the National Parks Association ~ Port Stephens / Lower Hunter Group

All Day:  Experience diverse marine & terrestrial landscapes in a tiny package! Optional ferry from Nelson Bay (7:45am for 8am departure) to start our walk at Tea Gardens (9am) where we meet anyone who drove. Cross the ‘Singing Bridge’, walk Hawks Nest’s shoreline, enjoy a mangrove-lined track to a forested walk connecting to Bennetts Beach. After about 500m of sand walking to Yacaaba Headland, easy-moderate uphill path to the viewing point with great northern views over beach and lakes. Track is closed from viewpoint to the top. Return via the estuary’s scenic northern shores with a little rock hopping (unless timing is an issue then we’ll take the shorter walk the way we came), then sand to depart Tea Gardens on the 2:30pm ferry (note next ferry is 5:15pm). Ferry $45-$49 return. Weather looks very suitable (as at Wed 7/10) for Sunday with cloud, warm, very low chance of slight drizzle. Ferry booking is via website ~ but please don’t book ferry until we have confirmed numbers. 12-14km G3 Leader Sue Olsson  BOOKING with the leader is essential, see details below Carpooling may be an option for those travelling to Tea Gardens ABOVE TIMES are confirmed.

Walk grades:

G① Easy: well-made tracks, no steep hills, possibly a few steps. Distance under 10km. Suitable for beginners.

G② Easy-medium: well-made tracks, some hills. Distance under 15km. Suitable for most beginners.

G③ Medium: defined tracks with hilly or rougher terrain. Distance under 20 km. Suitable for fit beginners.

G④  Medium-hard: up to 25% off tracks. Steep or rough terrain, possibly minor rock scrambling. Not suitable for most beginners.

G⑤  Hard: mainly off-track or difficult terrain. May involve rock scrambling, creek walking or river crossings. Suitable only for fit experienced walkers.

G⑥ Extreme: extremely strenuous or challenging. Suitable only for very fit and experienced walkers.

What to bring:

As applicable for you and the walk …
Usually morning tea & lunch on the track
Usual sun and rain gear, first aid kit, water
Walk poles if you usually use

Booking is essential

As leaders personal details are not publicised, please email portstephens@npansw.org.au. Leaders will provide the meeting time and place.

Our monthly NPA Hunter newsletter with all activities and contact details is freely available by emailing hunter@npsnsw.org.au

Walkers, when booking please include 
1. Your name

2. If you are a first time walker with us, please include 
– your name, mobile, email,
– emergency contact first name and mobile of someone not likely to be walking with you
– if you are an NPA member, your membership number please

3. Carpooling: Walkers wishing to carpool please indicate when booking whether
– you are willing to drive OR would prefer a lift, OR flexible either way
Please note
– Carpooling is optional and up to drivers being prepared to offer. Usually there are sufficient drivers.
– Suggested cost: $1 for each 10 kms driven per passenger.

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Join us to explore our local and regional environments : We offer a regular walking program of half and one day coastal, hinterland and regional walks, to scenic locations and places where wildflowers flourish. Download our program at www.ecops.au/walk-ps

You’re invited to come along and try out two or three walks locally in Port Stephens or regionally in the Hunter, Central Coast and Myall Lakes areas. It is sure to entice you into our wonderful bushland.

If our walks and our group suits you, then after 2-3 walks we ask you to join the NPA.