Today's walk, organised by the Brindabella Bushwalking Club, was to the Tinderry Nature Park, about an hour's drive south of Canberra.
We did a 14 km loop walk from Roberts Creek, Woodpack, East Tinderry Fire Trails and finishing on the Round Flat Fire Trail. There were some moderate climbs and steep descents on slippery scree but through attractive bushland.
Unlike the high temperatures (35-38o) of the past few weeks it was a cooler morning with misty conditions as we drove through the small village of Michelago and the surrounding properties.
We set off from the Roberts Creek car park on a field of the invasive tussock grass, which has decimated so much productive pasture in the area.
We headed into the bush, crossing the shallow Roberts Creek.
Greener conditions near the Creek and plenty of feed for local fauna - kangaroos and wombats.
The distinctive Alpine Ash (eucalypt) with its shaggy bark covering.
The Broad -leaf Peppermint (eucalypt)
There was evidence of some kind of early settlement here with rudimentary building materials, probably related to the distilling of eucalyptus oil, which was a popular industry from 1880s to the 1940s in native forests in NSW and Victoria.
A modern trap for feral pigs set up by the National Parks, but unfortunately there is insufficient staff to service them.
We climbed 500m to a vantage point for lunch - unfortunately too misty for a view today.
Another stunning gum tree - we were unable to identify it.
A tiny native geranium.
Moss on colourful granite rocks.
Descending to Round Flat with view of the Tinderry Range.
Walking by the marshland of Round Flat.
Native daisies
Wombat hole
Another wombat hole nearby
A great day's walk with a very informed group of walkers, sharing knowledge of the history and flora of the area.
M
