Dangar Island

Not wanting to drive far for a walk or paddle, I decided to cross Dangar Island off my list. I have paddled around and past the island on numerous occasions but, apart from a trip there with my parents 30 years ago, I had not visited the island.

Putting in at Parsley Bay in Brooklyn I crossed to the island in a strong wind. With the tide pushing out and the wind pushing against the tide it was quite choppy. With one wave just reaching the cockpit I was a little wet  I got to the island.

 I walked around the island and up to the reserve at the top. Filtered views only.

The beach at Bradleys Bay looking down the Hawkesbury River to Cowan Creek

Looking up the Hawkesbury to the Rail Bridge 

Nature 

A coffee at the cafe with a great view. 

A 4.5klm walk around the island with a 5.2klm paddle

Three Creek Paddle

Starting at Mooney Mooney Creek under the M1 bridge I paddled downstream before heading up Piles Creek to the fresh/tidal limit. 

The Phil Houghton suspension bridge. 

As far as I could paddle in Piles Creek 

This cockatoo was making a racket and I thought at first that he just didn't want me there. he was, however, chasing a goanna away and doing a good job of it. Swooping and even landing on the ground next the goanna while raising his wings and  screeching.  

I had no part to play in this mishap. 

Back on Mooney Mooney Creek I still went downstream and across to Christy's Gully but no real creek and no real access through the mangroves. 

So back upstream past my start point, 

and up Floods Creek. I really enjoyed this section of the paddle. 

Floods Creek has a more serene and remote feel. 

In the green at the end of the creek (at least for a kayak). Floods Creek continues up to Somersby Falls.

Floods Creek. Lunch on the water here.

Back at Mooney Mooney Creek I continued upstream to the fresh/tidal limit. 

Blessed that this is 10 minutes from home. 

Just under 18klm on the water.

Mooney Mooney Creek Walk

Rather than my normal morning walk before work, I drove 10 minutes down to Mooney Mooney creek and walked up the the rock bar crossing and back.

I had the creek to myself for the whole 8.6klm return walk.

Crossing over a side creek 

Majestic gums 

At the rock bar crossing. 

The plunge pool below the falls. 

Mooney Mooney Creek.