Isn't it funny how you visit a town all your life and not do a particular walk? We often go to the beach at the END of this walk but never the walk itself. On the weekend, that changed - we got up early to beat the weekend crowds and drove down to Allendale, just behind Lorne.
Starting at the campground, it gently moves down for nearly 3 KMS, along a river. It took us 2.5 hours, mainly as we added a lookout walk at the end.
The track was incredibly muddy as it had been raining, and I had to give up keeping my trainers clean. Nevermind - it was beautiful. I was pretty happy to immediately spot some native orchids.
It was pretty cold for the first part until the sun warmed things up. The beauty of everything distracted us somewhat!
There were many different types of ferns, from the very large to the almost microscopic. I love these small pockets of damp forest that allow ferns and moss to grow. I particularly love the curls of new ferns. This one I spotted with my camera zoom from the other side of the river!
There are three bridge crossings, and it's a great place to take photos and look for platypus, or admire lichen clinging to the wires and handrails. Poor Jamie, patiently waiting whilst I take photos!
Eventually, the track gifts a view of green hills and the ocean beyond. Some lucky people have houses nestled against the hill and looking over the sea. What dreamy place to live. It's hard not to be jealous. You need a lot of money to buy a property like that. It kinda annoys me too that it's about privilege and wealth. I guess it's just the way of the world.
We made the decision to go up to the first of three lookouts, a 400 metre climb which was a bit of a struggle. With my asthma I find hills hard but if I do it slowly and steadily I get there in the end.
It was certainly worth it for the views up top. That's our summer swimming beach down there, and you can see the Great Ocean Raid, if you are familiar.
If course I wouldn't want to disappoint with a walk without a good old sign warning us of what to expect.
The walk back was just as beautiful. We took some little side tracks down to the river where fisherman go. I spent a lot of time taking photos and Jamie spent a lot of time telling me to hurry up because he was hungry and wanted Moroccan eggs for lunch as promised. But we got there in the end.
Spectacular walk, highly recommended.