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Walk a hidden gem in the Royal, and check out coal waste material on the way
29 June , 10:00 am – 2:00 pm AEST
This walk is located in the southern area of the Royal National Park, around the Hacking (Deeban) River and Camp Gully Creek.
The Hacking (Deeban) River is the main watercourse in the Royal National Park, its headwaters start in the Illawarra escarpment, flowing through the Audley Weir precinct out into Port Hacking. The 42km long river is fed by multiple tributary streams along its length.
One of the lesser known and hidden parts of the river passes alongside the beautiful Lady Wakehurst Drive. The surrounding vegetation is shale gully eucalypt forests and bands of rainforest with Bulgo sandstone. There are unique tree species in the shaded areas at Red Cedar Flat. Toward Camp Gully Creek there are coachwood and sassafras trees.
Although coal waste is visible through this area, it is still quite beautiful. It is also somewhat eerie. The vines of the Pandora Pandorea (see photo) and maidenhair fern alongside the river make for great viewing.
On the way to Camp Gully Creek the ground is covered in leaf litter which also makes this part of the walk quite easy.
We will be crossing the Hacking River, weather permitting, so you’ll need to wear gumboots, or sturdy enclosed shoes ie. runners or walking boots that you don’t mind getting wet. Hiking canes or sticks (if you have them) are very good for support.
The infamous Peabody Metropolitan Colliery is located further up Camp Gully Creek. The mine has illegally discharged coal waste material into these waterways on numerous occasions in recent years. If you’re curious about the ongoing impacts on the ecosystem downstream, this is a good opportunity to see the evidence for yourself.
The walk is free, but numbers are strictly limited. Please register with the walk leader Pam Campbell to reserve a place. Registration will also ensure you are covered by our insurance.
To register contact: Pam – Mob: 0431 873 599 or Email: pamela.campbell007@gmail.com
What to bring: Water, hat, lunch, sunscreen and a backpack to carry it all in. Hiking canes or sticks if you have them.
What to wear: We’ll be crossing the Hacking River, weather permitting, so you’ll need to wear gumboots, or sturdy enclosed shoes ie. runners or walking boots that you don’t mind getting wet. Long trousers for protection.
Meeting Place: Red Cedar Flat Picnic Ground
Pandora Pandorea
Bluegum
