Day one
Our planned trip to the much anticipated 48km lighthouse circuit
started with arriving at the Prom on Friday evening. On the way to our basic cabins
in Tidal River we called into someone’s house in Yanakie after we had spotted
flames coming out of their chimney. Luckily the owners were home and were aware
of the issue. We were tired after arriving late at our destination so it was
off to an early bed for everyone.
Day two
Our plan today was to get up early and commence our hike no
later than 9.30am to allow enough time for the expected 6-7 hour walk to the
lighthouse. Due to the storm damage in 2011 the circuit to the lighthouse took
a much longer route than the norm. The walk today would commence at Tidal River
and take us through Oberon Bay along the coastline, then heading inland east to
Telegraph Junction, south to Half Way Hut, Roaring Meg and then south east to
the Lighthouse.
After sorting our gear, and registering at the Ranger’s
office we headed off. There was no chance we would not be spotted from a
kilometre away on account of a team member wearing a bright yellow top (Mr Canary) which
matched the bright sunshine we had. Suffice to say some of us decided to not
walk too close to this person in case others thought we were associated with
this hiking faux pas.
We stopped for a snack break at beautiful Little Oberon Bay
with its white sandy beach. Although some of us were tempted to swim we didn’t
have the time to linger. Upon arriving at Oberon Bay we had to find a way to
cross a creek. Mr Canary found a way across without us having to take our
boots off. After a 10 minute walk along the beach we got to Oberon Bay campsite
which was sheltered with numerous camping spots. Only water available though
was from a brackish creek which didn’t look tempting.
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| Oberon Bay |
We now headed east along a wide sandy track to Telegraph
Junction. The track from Telegraph Junction onwards was on a four wheel drive
road which was hard on the feet. All were glad to make it to Halfway Hut for a
well earned rest and toilet break, but we were only half way. You could camp at
Halfway Hut as there is a rainwater tank, toilet and enough camp sites for a
few tents.
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| Halfway Hut |
The walk from the Hut to Roaring Meg was non eventful on
numerous hills. At Roaring Meg we decided to take the detour and follow the
short cut off the main road. This track saved about 10-15 minutes to the walk
and is worth the detour as the trail is on softer ground and within denser
forests. Unfortunately the detour trail wasn’t very long and soon we were back
on the four wheel track. Not long after there is a turn off to the Lighthouse.
If you miss the turnoff you end up after about 300 metres or so at a shed and
dead end. After back tracking we found the south east turn off. By now we all
had enough of the walk and were wondering how much longer it was going to be.
Mr Canary lived up to his namesake and was starting to fade (just like in the mines),
which was a sign that all were getting tired, except Miss Surprise Package who
lead most of the way. Miss Marathon (aka poncho woman) still had lots of energy
in the tank as she was only nearing the half way mark of a marathon. We were on
the last stretch so all put in a last ditch effort for the last few kilometres
until we arrived at the end which was preceded by two steep climbs that nearly
broke the camel’s back. By now Mr Canary had relinquished his heavy pack
containing Congac, wine, percolator and Jasper Fairtrade coffee to Miss French,
who still have enough in reserve for another climb. We had also lost Miss Take a Photo at Every Opp somewhere along the way.
At about 5pm when the sun was about to set we arrived at the
Lighthouse and our accommodation. Luckily we had the whole house to ourselves
which made it more relaxed. The place was very clean, spacious and had amazing
views of the cliffs and coastline.
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| Our accommodation |
Day three
We all woke early to join the 8am tour of the lighthouse
provided by the caretaker. After this it was time to pack up and head back
home. By now the weather started to drizzle and we all had wished that we had
another day to rest and laze about. Miss Surprise Package was even willing to
pay a handsome sum of money to be helicoptered back to Tidal River, but
unfortunately the helicopter only made visits to the Lighthouse twice a year,
and this was not one of those times.
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| View from the top of the lighthouse |
The walk back was accompanied by rain, showers, wind and
leaches. Miss Marathon somehow managed to collect a family of leaches
throughout the walk back. Miss Take a Photo at Every Opp decided it was better today to put effort into the walk instead of a good photo shot. We were all thankful to arrive at Halfway Hut for a
lunch stop under shelter which was just vacated by a group of schoolies. After
a few swigs of extra Congac to warm our bellies we were on our way.
Upon arriving at our creek crossing again at Oberon Bay we
had discovered the river had swelled. We managed to cross by using a plank to improvise as a bridge. By now all were tired, wet and ready to receive
massages from strangers. We eventually made it back to Tidal River at 4.45pm
under pouring rain and then a long drive back home.
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| The lighthouse |
