Scotland Isl, Morning Bay; Great Mackerel Beach! 18km!!

Let's Conquer West Head: Scotland Island, Morning Bay; Great Mackerel Beach! 18km!! Medium/Hard

In mid-Winter the time is just right to conquer the majestic West Head wilderness parks and have a snoop around some of Sydney's most amazing hideaway destinations!

We meet at Church Point Ferry Wharf in time to catch the 10:30AM ferry ($12) for a trip around Scotland Island then onto Hall's Wharf in Morning Bay. Off the boat, it's a 4KM hike out, along Towlers Bay Trail to West Head Road, which we follow for 7KM to Resolute Picnic Area and a bathroom. We take our lunch break here.

After lunch we head to Koolewong Lookout, for sweeping views into the Hawkesbury river mouth, Lion Island and the Central Coast. We then hit the Red Hands Track, stopping to inspect the intriguing Indigenous Art in Red Hands Cave and follow Resolute Trail down to Great Mackerel Beach, 5KM away.

From here we wait for our ferry back to Palm Beach ($9:70). We end the day at Club Palm Beach for a refreshing drink and wait for the bus back to Manly and the City, which departs regularly from the bus stop just outside the Club.

Distance: 18KM

Type of Walk: This is a full day adventure. There is a 7KM section along West Head Road with the rest bushwalks and scenic ferry rides. Not to be missed!!

Difficulty: Medium/Hard, because of the distance but we will not be sprinting! There are no get out points.

Walking Pace: We will maintain a steady pace all day and average 4.5 km per hour.

Meeting Place and Transport: Meet at Church Point Ferry Wharf in time for the 10:30AM ferry departure. From the City, members would catch the B1 bus through to Mona Vale and change to the 156 Service through to McCarrs Creek and get off at Church Point Ferry Wharf.

PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY AT CHURCH POINT IN THE MORNING: there is great coffee and breakfast available. The transport sections, buses and ferry rides are one of the highlights of this great day out!!

What to bring: Good walking shoes/trail runners; 2.5 litres of water, (no refill available); hydrolytes; two snacks and one lunch; light rain jacket depending on conditions; sunscreen and a cap or hat with a wide brim. NO FOOD SHOPS ON THIS WALK, SO MEMBERS MUST BRING ALL FOOD/SNACKS/WATER.

Suggested Donation: $10

Pub: Club Palm Beach

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Questions? Please leave a comment below. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.

Ted :)