As we were taking a group photo at Bittangabee Bay before setting out for our final day on the Light to Light Walk, whales performed behind us – splashing and spouting.
Why would you ever leave this patch of Paradise?
Logistics:
Day: 3
Date: Monday, 3 October 2022
From: Bittangabee Bay
To: Green Cape Lighthouse
Official Distance: 7km Actual Distance: 9.9km
Total: 29/30km
Time: 3h6m
Ascent: 182m Descent: 156m
Weather: More blue skies and warm.
Stayed At: Wonboyn Lake Resort
General Comments:
- The Path: More delightful walking today through thick scrub and more open forest. Unlike the last couple of days, the path wasn’t quite as overgrown and not as much bush-bashing was required. It was muddier underfoot though and there were a couple of real swampy sections where you had to go bush to avoid the worst of it. I have walked through much wetter/muddier areas so it wasn’t a problem at all really. I just wanted to flag that you can get a bit of everything on this path.
- Bushfires: The impact of the bushfires was really evident again with patches of skeleton-like trees and shrubs. I was fascinated to see one large eucalypt which appeared to be shedding its skin with the outer, burnt bark lifting away letting you glimpse its new, but scarred skin underneath. The power of Nature always boggles my little mind.
- Pulpit Rock: About 4km South of Bittangabee Bay, the path crosses a wide road. Unfortunately the National Parks & Wildlife Service haven’t been great at replacing signs vaporized by the fires, so unless you are reading your map, you may miss turning left and heading East to the coast and Pulpit Rock.
Apparently, Pulpit Rock is the most popular rock-fishing platform on the East coast of Australia. I wouldn’t dream of going fishing (way too boring and too much water to hide all those fish), but it is certainly worth a visit and is a lovely spot for a smoko break.
The rock area is huge and is made up of a whole range of different layers and strata, all twisting and heading in different directions. What was I saying about the power of Nature?
I was burrowing in my snack bag looking for morning tea when one of the blokes let out a yell and I looked up to see two whales only about 75m off the shore. Calm as you like, they cruised by while I jumped around with excitement. Who needs to go whale watching on a boat when you can walk the Light to Light and still be treated to a spectacle?
- Snakes: Whale-related excitement over, it was time to get back walking. Heading back up the road towards the turn-off, I noticed an unusual stick lying on the road. Yep, not a stick at all but a baby Brown Snake sunning itself in the Spring warmth. It did not seem concerned by my presence in the slightest, but I still gave it a wide berth. I understand that in the Spring, snakes can be hungry and cranky so it’s not the best time to try to make friends.
- Bandicoot: On a happier note, I met my first ever wild bandicoot. I spotted some quick movements on the edge of the path ahead and, after the snake encounter only minutes before, I was very conscious of stepping carefully. Of course, I could not get a decent photo of the bandicoot, so I just stopped and enjoyed watching it searching for its lunch.
- The Blowhole: Another highlight (Yep, it’s a path that just keeps on giving) of the day was the bush-bash down to the Blowhole. Again, no signage is in place telling you to head East.
Like Pulpit Rock, the Blowhole is a large rocky outcrop. This one though, has a narrow trench in the rock which traps the rushing waves and spurts the water 8-10m into the air. Lots more ooohhing and aaahhing at both the Blowhole water spouts and yet more whales frolicking further out to sea. I could still be sitting there watching both.
- Green Cape Lighthouse: Even if you decide not to stay in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, it is still worth a visit. There is a lot of interpretive information explaining the history of the place and you can join a tour of the lighthouse itself (sadly not operating the day we strolled by).
Top Tips for this Section:
- Pulpit Rock: This area is definitely worth a visit, even if you are on a road trip rather than walking. There are toilets and a large parking area, although camping is not allowed. If you are fishing, please remember to wear a life jacket as both the large rock platforms and the even larger waves, can be treacherous.
- Bugs: For the first time, we ran into huge swarms of flying bugs. They tended to stick to the forested areas and thankfully, they didn’t bite. Wear a head/hat net or close your mouth and hold your breath.
Here endeth yet another joyous walking adventure. It makes me feel so privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy our amazing country and, like the Three Capes Track, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
If you have a chance to walk the Light to Light, don’t miss it…
Resources:
- Light to Light Walk – read more about it – HERE
- Eden Tourism – find out more about this region – HERE
- Light to Light Overview post – read more about it – HERE
- Light to Light – Day 1- read more about it – HERE
- Light to Light – Day 2- read more about it – HERE
#travelinspo #lighttolightwalk #multidayhikes #adventurebeforedementia #longdistancewalks #australianbush #eden #nationalparks #bushwalks #greatoutdoors #crosscountry #exploreonfoot #coastalwalks #visitnewsouthwales #visiteden #lighthouses #springblooms #whalewatching #beowanationalpark
Life...one big adventure 
Beautiful photos as always. Loved the Bandicoot. Looks like an amazing walk we will have to try sometime.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, you would love it. It’s so beautiful and really quite straight forward – other than getting to the start, end, car shuffle etc.
LikeLike
These photos caught my attention. So amazing Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Anita. A tad different from your neighbourhood and weather at the moment. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for introducing me to Bandicoots. I’m pretty sure I never heard of that animal before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are such a cute little animal and are slowly making a come back. They have been severely impacted by foxes, and feral cats and dogs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love that area round Pulpit Rock! Whales and a blow hole- whoopee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 – thanks for coming for a wander with me, Jo.
LikeLike
Such beautiful flowers on this last stretch – I can see why one would enjoy this walk! And whale watching while doing this hike … it can’t get better! So many lovely spots – I would want to do this stretch over and over again on a long weekend 😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, that’s a great idea – walk it one way and then turn around and walk back again. You would see everything from a different perspective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow; whales, marsupials, snakes, coastal views… what more could you ask for in a single hike?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely ticked all the boxes, especially under glorious blue skies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a delightful trail, lots of lovely flora and your bandicoot is very pretty. I even spotted one of your whales! If only this wasn’t so far away…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately I have absolutely no influence over our location! 🙂 If it is any consolation, it is the same distance for me to travel to Cornwall! 🙂
LikeLike
What a day! The bandicoot is adorable, the brown slithering thing is not. But what us the Muppet like growth on the tree, before all of the lovely flowers? So strange. Maggie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, I was thinking of you when I posted that snake photo! I knew it would catch your eye for all the wrong reasons! 🙂 The Muppet-like thing is a dried Banksia flower or cone. It is covered in delicate flowers and then when it dries, it looks like little mouths open to release the seeds. We refer to them as Big Bad Banksia Men here in Aus with a nod to a very old and popular children’s book. There’s your bit of trivia for the week!
LikeLike
🤣🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
A bandicoot – yay! A brown snake – eek! And a smoko break? I couldn’t believe my fit and nature-loving blog buddy could be a smoker, so I googled “Australian smoko break” and found out it can refer to any break, not just a smoke break. There – that makes more sense. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am doing my best to educate you in the Aussie lingo before you get on the plane in a couple of years! We do speak English here, but some people would dispute that fact! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Keep the lessons coming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m on it, mate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, lucky you crossing off a bandicoot on your fauna bingo card! The whales sound amazing so maybe I need to save this up for a free October in a couple of years. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I couldn’t believe my bandicoot luck. One of the benefits to walking quietly on your own.
LikeLiked by 1 person