I wanted to walk from Gentlemans Halt back up to the Canoelands Ridge Fire Trail and missed the opportunity when I camped there six weeks ago. To get there this time, I launched the kayak at the Government Wharf near Wendoree Park. Its only about 1 klm across but I paddled up a creek near Spencer first.
A low tide called for a muddy start and a "seal " launch as you slide down the mud in the kayak.
Not a lot of water under the boat as you enter the creek and then the mangrove tunnel.
Approaching Gentlemans Halt, showing the route of my walk. Up over the first hill and then up the larger ridge behind.
Ruins of the settlement on the slope of the first hill.
As you climb the first hill, views appear across to Spencer.
Grass trees dominate the top of the first hill
And then its down again before up to the Canoelands Ridge. Steep, more of a route than a track, following cairns up through passes between the cliffs.
More views open up back to Spencer and the mouth of Mangrove Creek
Looking upstream
Spencer
Looking through the trees as the Hawkesbury River loops around Gentlemans Halt
Once at the top I followed the fire trail out to the cliffs opposite Big Jim's Point
Spectacular views up and down the Hawkesbury.
Looking back to Gentlemans Halt
Just superb
Back where I had chained the kayak to a tree, the tide had come in.
Then,as a reward, I stopped at Spencer for a beer and a chicken wrap lunch from the cafe.
A harder, and a bit longer walk than I envisaged. A 5klm paddle and a steeply up and down 6.7klm walk.
