Too early and too late

A stop at Corbett Gardens in Bowral. Too early for the tulips (Tulip Festival starts 15/9) and too late for the best annual display as the heavy rain over the past week has marked most of the plantings. A great colour display still.

The Branch

The Branch  flows in to the Karuah River opposite Tattersall's camping area in Karuah National Park. I was surprised by the width of this river and had expected it to narrow quickly but after paddling 7.5klm up the river it was still a wide estuarine river.

Just after entering the river, mangrove lined farmlands.

Heading up towards a lonely mountain 

7.5klm up The Branch at my turn around spot. Another 3-4klm? till it narrows and becomes fresh. 

Heading back near Karuah River

Looking across at my camp on the Karuah River 

Karuah National Park

Two nights  mid week camping in Karuah National Park at Tattersall's. Tattersall's camping area is on the Karuah River opposite The Branch river.  You can pitch your tent here a metre away from the river at high tide.The first night was a bit blustery with a few rain squalls moving through but the days were clear. A bit too windy for kayaking on the first day but perfect for bike riding and exploring the park.

Looking across the oyster racks to the junction of the The Branch and Karuah Rivers. 

Rode around to Double Wharf Picnic area. This seemed to be a little more sheltered from the wind on a wide stretch of the river. 

Then back past Tattersall's to Little Mountain Camping area.

Deep Creek on the road in to Little Mountain 

Little Mountain was more exposed to the wind with a strong current and some white tops to the chop.

That night a new friend paid a visit. Camp ground possums show no fear and this one was eating my peanuts from the packet and wouldn't budge till I pushed him away with my boot. 

Disappointing night sky photos but I did like the red trees from the fire light reflection.

                                                   

Morning, with the sun coming up over The Branch River 

Nepean Lookout

After walking down to Erskine Creek via the Jack Evans Track, a short walk out to Nepean Lookout.

Looking south down the Nepean Gorge and the entrance to Erskine Creek

North from the Lookout 

On the way out, stopped at Euroka Clearing to make a cup of coffee and then a quick walk down to a small beach on the Nepean River in the late afternoon.