Nine people met at Aireys Inlet and checking the radar it seemed there would be little rain despite the downpours overnight. We made our way to Wye River and after a quick morning tea we started the walk from Separation Creek.
Group at start of walk
A series of steep steps led to a lookout back over the ocean and township. It wasn’t far along the track before we started noticing freshly emerging fungi of all types.
Hypholoma australianum
Mycena sp.
Underside of Orange ping pong bat
This slowed us down as we tried to identify them. About 25 species were observed.
Vermillion Grisette
Wine Glass Fungus
About half-way along the track, at the Bogalley Creek crossing which is normally crossed easily, the recent rain had made it impossible to continue. The fast-flowing water had flooded the area and the stepping stones, and the first steps on the other side were well under water.
Paul and Gretel looking at creek crossing
There was no other choice but to return the way we had come. It was a pleasant walk back and we drove back to Jamieson camp where we enjoyed a late lunch and the view and explored the as yet unopened campground.
Lunch at the lookout
We hope it will open soon and the amazing facilities used. It would make a good base for a Friends campout. Birds seen included Yellow Robin, Red-browed Finches, Bristlebird, Eastern Spinebill, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-browed and Brown Thornbills, Grey Fantail, Crimson Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater and some strange behaviour from a male Satin Bowerbird which seemed to be chasing a persistent Red Wattlebird away from a tree.
Despite not completing the whole track it was an enjoyable day out and perhaps we will return in Spring when the wattles are in flower.
Alison Watson