A sharp storm overnight washed everything clean and cleared away most of the oppressive humidity. There was only a short section to walk this morning and I wanted make the most of it with an early start and, hopefully, a stunning sunrise.
Come stroll with me to Birubi Beach…
Day: 2
From: One Mile Beach To: Birubi Beach
Planned Distance: 9km Actual Distance: 7.8km (incl. 600m from caravan park)
Ascent: 188m Descent: 200m
Time: 2h05m
Rating: Grade 4
Terrain: More bush tracks, board walks, sandy beach and paved paths. A few stiff climbs across coastal ridges and promontories. Steps, stairs and rocky paths of coastal sandstone.
Weather: Cloudy, warm and a glorious sea breeze!
Stayed At: Home
General Comments:
- It was just getting light as I left my cabin at One Mile Beach. Despite the early hour, there were plenty of people about – all heading beachward.
- My hopes of a stunning sunrise were quickly dashed by cloud leftover from last night’s storm and that cloud simply refused to budge. It would lift a little every now and then, allowing a few rays of sunlight to filter through, and then the gap would close over again with the thickest blanket. Oh well, at least there was a stiff breeze to keep the temperature more comfortable. Yes, today’s forecast was for another hot one.
- The trail was a little puzzling to start off as there were no clear signs at the end of the beach indicating where to pick up the official trail again. I just hoped for the best and headed for the rocks at the southern end of One Mile Beach, and sure enough, there were some stone stairs and about 20m further along, some reassurance signage. Yes, I was reassured.
- Overall, the signage along this whole trail is very good. When it does disappear, just make sure you keep the water on your left (walking North to South) and the official trail will reappear eventually.
- It felt good to be out walking this morning and I was delighted all over again to have the path pretty much to myself. There were a few early morning locals taking their daily constitutional and I couldn’t help but be a little bit envious that they lived in such a glorious part of Australia.
- The terrain was as varied as yesterday with the fire trails replaced by short stretches of urban roads. Thankfully there was little traffic about and I was soon back in Nature, clambering over rocks again with the sea crashing close by.
- **Please note: Like yesterday, very few beaches along this trail have any lifesavers and most are unpatrolled. They can also be very rough with dangerous currents and waves, so take care if you decide to swim or fish in these waters.
- I tried hard to make myself slow down on this walk and just enjoy all the beauty surrounding me. I often get so excited by being in the Great Outdoors that I speed along, completely carried away by my enthusiasm.
- My slower, more mindful pace, was rewarded with the sight of a white-bellied sea eagle – the mascot of this trail – soaring over the rocky cliffs and ridgelines on the morning’s cool updrafts. I’m not sure if it found its breakfast, but it definitely brought me joy.
- Happy dogs cavorted on the white sand beaches or dug, dug, dug to their heart’s content. One particularly efficient and energetic dog had dug down so deeply that only its haunches and wagging tail remained in view. You had to smile.
- I was making good time and could almost smell the coffee at Birubi Beach. There’s nothing like the thought of a good coffee and a hot breakfast at the end of a hike to put some pep into my step.
- The aim was to catch one of the earlier buses returning to Shoal Bay as I had a long drive home ahead of me. To connect to the bus, it is a further 1.3km walk from Birubi Beach to the Anna Bay bus stop and shops. The bus ride – via Salamander Bay, Corlette, Nelson Bay etc – takes around 40-45minutes. Get off the bus at the Shoal Bay shops and then walk the 800m or so back to the carpark if you have left your car there.
- Overall, this is a really enjoyable path, chockfull of beautiful views. It is also a relatively easy walk with a few stiff climbs broken up by beach walks or descents through coastal scrub.
- You could easily walk this path in one day as my Garmin watch recorded the distance as around 22km. If you choose to do this as a day walk, I recommend you walk in the cooler months.
Top Tips for this Trail:
- Trail Information: The National Parks & Wildlife Service has plenty of information on their website – even if their distances did not marry up with mine. (I have double-checked and I am sure I didn’t take any short cuts.) Printed trail maps are available from local Visitor Information Centres or you could download the trail map from All Trails for use offline. Or just follow your nose.
- Public Transport: If you have an Opal Card you can tap on/off the buses to pay your fare.
- I recommend you make time to savour coffee and food Crest Café at the Birubi Beach Surf Club. It’s open seven days. That coffee and poached eggs really hit the spot! Alternatively, there are other cafés and shops at Anna Bay.
- Option B is pack snacks and carry plenty of water. There are a few places to refill water bottles along the way.
- And just like yesterday, a good hat and sunscreen are a must.
Even though my legs were tired and I really needed a shower, and clean clothes, I felt rejuvenated and recharged at the end of this walk. I had so needed a change of scenery and a complete immersion in Nature, and the Tomaree Coastal Walk ticked all the right boxes.
It also got me excited about the walking year ahead. Bring it on!!
Where do you go to recharge?
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Life...one big adventure 