Inspired by the good reports about the Challenger Track from the Parramatta Hills group and the Northern Beaches group, who have done this walk in recent times, it’s now North Shore’s turn to go and see what is so good about this track!
A recce walk very recently showed that there are indeed very many colourful wildflowers to be seen on The Challenger. By the walk date, there will be even more as peak flowering time approaches. The Boronia serrulata, the Native Rose, which we particularly love to see, is already starting to come into flower. Even if you attended this walk with one of the other two groups, you may like to come again this time, as a comparison of what’s since started flowering.
The track is easy, almost flat, wide and short at 1.5km each way, ending with a nice view from a rocky lookout at the end that gives views up the Hawkesbury River to Brooklyn Railway bridge and across Cowan Creek and Broken Bay, including to Juno Point. There are 3-4 minor rises along the track and there is some loose rock rubble in a few places.
Afterwards, some may like to stay on for a picnic lunch at the Resolute Picnic Area, a short distance further up the road. We may even, if there is interest, do a very short, different walk from the picnic area to along the Koolewong Track which at only 800 metres long, ends at a wonderful viewing spot overlooking Broken Bay and Lion Island. It passes through a particularly big stand of lovely Wax Flowers - Eriostemon australasius and we will be checking the trunks of the grand Ironbark Gums to see the Ironbark Orchids, which should be flowering buy then. Note that the West Head Lookout at the end of the road is inaccessible till later in the year due to improvement works. However the view from the end of the Koolewong Track is equally stunning.
Meet at the start of the Challenger Track, which is on the left along West Head Road and is 7.9 km from the Coal and Candle Creek Drive Junction. Park as safely as you can on the road edge where the wide road verge allows.
What to bring - Water, hat, all weather gear if needed, water, snacks and lunch if staying on. Plant ID book and walking poles optional.
RSVP Sue Fredrickson paulandsuefreddo@bigpond.com or ph. 0401362921 and provide your name, phone number, emergency contact phone number and car rego.
