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Date: 7 September 2019
Par�cipants: Jon Hestelow, Anne Gurney, Sally Ho, Katrina Gaitero, Colin Isaac, Kumiko Suzuki, Soo Lee Chen,
Sarah Bodlay, Lindsey Paget-Cooke, Marguerite Young, Sandra Bushell, Steven Sim, Margaret Rozea, David
House, Kate Wilson, Prospec�ves Ginny Neighbour, Marguerite Sander, Geoff Cahill
The plan we followed was to visit Peats Bight first and then group, one answer being
go to Deerubbin Lookover in the a�ernoon. The first that the nature reserve
botanical item of interest was the large eriostemon in full was 2,300hectares in size.
bloom of pale pink flowers, one of the best specimens that We then travelled north
I haveseen. The nextbotanical itemclose bywas awaratah to Lloyds Trig. With some
in flower, our state floral emblem, a large bright red showy rock scrambling we were
flower. able to reach the top,
Our next stopping point was the memorial to John Tipper, offering great views of the
the personwho originally created Muogamarraas a private region. Our last
nature reserve. Next to his memorial is Tipper’s Lookout, des�nation was to reach
offering views over the Hawkesbury River and Brooklyn. At Deerubbin Lookover,
Walk descrip�on: this location we did spot some Dendrobium speciosums which provided wonderful views of the Hawkesbury River,
Muogamarra Nature Reserve offers wonderful views of the (rock orchids) in flower, however as per the orchid shows Peat Island and the M1. This was also our afternoon tea
Hawkesbury Riveralong witha wealthof flora. The walk will
this season the number of flower spikes was below average. break.
have a botanical flavour along with some history, so we will
We then followed the historic Peats Ferry Road (the road When returning from Deerubbin Lookover we travelled on
occasionally stop at some items of interest. We start at
da�ng back to 1848), which went from the top of the a different track which was to the east of the usual track.
Tippers Lookout and shortly a�er follow the colonial road
escarpment down to the Hawkesbury River at Peats Bight. Despite the windy conditions the day was enjoyed by all. In
down to Peats Crater. Note, on some of the steep sections About half way down the hill we stopped at a pleasant spot fact most of the walkers in the group hadnever venturedto
of the road the gravel can be slippery. We then proceed to for morning tea. Muogamarra Nature Reserve before. Hopefully the 80
Peats Bight for a lunch stop by the edge of the Hawkesbury Our next stop was at Peats Crater, whichwas formerly used Leaders walk will encourage them to return in the future.
River. After lunch we return on the same track heading
for beef ca�le farming and also for fruit orchards a long
uphill and then walk to Lloyd Trig to admire the views.
time ago. The track was then followed to Peats Bight onthe
Continuing in a northerly direction we head to Deerubbin
Hawkesbury River, where the original Peats Ferry Road
Look over for magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River. finished at the wharf. We had water views for lunch and I
A�er a break enjoying the views we return to Tippers was able to have the volunteer ranger assist by taking a
Lookout. Map: Cowan topographic map photo of the group.
Report:
The walk after lunch was uphill to the top of the escarpment
A�er mee�ngat CowanStation at 8.42amwe organisedthe
to the turnoff to Lloyds Trig. At the turnoff we met a
car shuffle to take the group into the Muogamarra Nature
volunteer ranger (Bruce), who was a font of knowledge
Reserve. The conditions were sunny, however we had about this nature reserve. He was able to answer some
strong westerly winds blowing during the day which made questions that I was unable to answer from our walking
the more exposed areas less pleasant.
Report by: Jon Hestelow 35 Photos: Steven Sim, Muogamarra ranger