Wednesday 8/03/2023 Darby Beach
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VICTORIA
GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Darby Beach was meant to be our launch point to link several nearby walks to fill in our afternoon. However, as our arrival at the carpark was met with strong, blustery winds mixed with heavy rain squalls, we decided to sit tight until the squalls passed. An hour or so later we found ourselves unmoved and dosing off during a couple of short sunny interludes. With no changes in sight, we decided just to walk down to Darby Beach for a look.
Max elevation: 21 m
Total climbing: 86 m
Total descent: -86 m
Average speed: 5.00 km/h
Total time: 00:45:34
The sandy walking track to the beach is lined with plenty of foreshore vegetation, the track itself more or less following the tannin-stained lagoon the whole way.
Shellback Island from Darby Beach
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (ChatGPT)
Welcome to Wilsons Promontory National Park, a stunning natural wonder located on the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.
The park was once covered in dense forests, with towering eucalyptus trees and a diverse array of undergrowth. The park was home to many unique species of flora, such as the bright yellow Wattles, which bloomed in the winter months, and the delicate native orchids that could be found throughout the park.
The fauna of the park was equally fascinating, with many species of marsupials, including kangaroos, wallabies, and possums, who thrived in the dense forests. The park was also home to several species of reptiles, such as the venomous tiger snake and the harmless blue-tongued lizard.
The geology of the park was also unique, with a mixture of granite, sandstone, and limestone formations. The park’s coastline was particularly stunning, with towering cliffs and pristine beaches that were home to many marine species, such as the Australian Fur Seal.
The park also has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation dating back over 6,500 years. The Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people were the traditional owners of the land, and they used the park for hunting, gathering, and spiritual ceremonies. The park’s name “Wamoon” means “east wind” in the Boonwurrung language.
One of the most popular walks in the park was the Sealers Cove Track, which took you through dense forest and down to the stunning Sealers Cove. Along the way, you could spot many unique species of flora, such as the pink-flowering heath, which bloomed in late winter and early spring. The track also took you past several waterfalls, such as the Fairy Cove Falls, which cascaded down the cliffs into the sea.
Another popular walk was the Mount Oberon Summit Walk, which offered stunning views over the park and the coastline. The track took you up through dense forest and past rocky outcrops, until you reached the summit, where you could enjoy panoramic views over the park and the ocean.
Sadly, the park has undergone significant changes over the years, with large areas of forest being cleared for agriculture and development. The park has also suffered from wildfires and invasive species.
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