Sydney to Hobart

Never watched the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race live. Running a bit late and missed the start, hearing the starting canon on the walk up to North Head. With a strong southerly blowing this was the quickest start to the race ever. The maxi yachts had passed the heads before we got there. Still a spectacular sight though.

Murphys Glen

Murphys Glen is a camping area in Blue Mountains National Park accessed via a fire trail from Woodford.

Walking from the picnic area down to Bedford Creek, a nice grotto with a small waterfall.

Ferns and rainforest with moss covered rocks as you descend the side creek down to Bedford Creek. 

Steep gully of the side creek. 

Some larger pools along Bedford Creek 

As the area is a volcanic diatreme and the soil more fertile the trees here are huge.

Back at the camping area a huge log has been left. You can quite comfortably sit in a chair under cover at the broad end of the log.

Poo Pond Birds

Quick trip to the Poo Ponds at Tuggerah Sewerage Treatment Works.

Dollarbird

Royal Spoonbills 

Eastern Great Egret 

Red-necked Avocet 

Black-winged Stilt 

Silvereye 

Muellers Track

Kuringai Wildflower Gardens at St Ives. Started on the firetrail at Kitchener Ave then followed Kuringai Creek along Muellers Track then up to the Education Centre  on the Solander Track then back on Muellers Track to  complete the loop. 5 klm all up.

Kuringai Creek  at the small cascades just before Phantom Falls.

Phantom Falls. A good drop down the gully but no good photo opportunities, not without some serious off track down into the valley. 

Nice woodland at the top of the ridge. 

Grotto Point

Grotto Point is at Balgowlah Heights and part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Looking from Grotto Point across to Middle Head.

North Head 

The Grotto Point Lighthouse 

Looking across to Hunters Bay and Balmoral.