Sunday 5/03/2023 Cotters Lake Track – Cotters Beach
Wilsons Promontory National Park, VICTORIA
GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies
Our second short, midday walk for the day had us parking in the designated car park only about 1km from Cotters Beach. As for our last walk, the track would be easily drivable but is closed off to the general public. Amongst the low coastal heath, we noted a number of birds along the way, ravens being the most common.
Max elevation: 13 m
Total climbing: 44 m
Total descent: -37 m
Average speed: 4.17 km/h
Total time: 00:38:58
Cotters Beach is a long wide sandy beach with a few offshore islands on the west coast of Wilsons Promontory, the water offshore remains shallow for a long distance.
Cotters Lake
Amongst the foredunes was the picturesque Cotter Lake and amongst the green grasses we found some interesting-looking snails in large numbers, something a little different from the usual wildlife one encounters.
The local flora, fauna, geology, history and some other walks (ChatGPT)
Wilsons Promontory National Park, also known as “The Prom,” is located in Victoria, Australia and is part of the traditional lands of the GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung peoples. The area has been an important cultural site for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years, and there is evidence of Indigenous occupation and use of the area dating back at least 6,500 years. The park is now jointly managed by Parks Victoria and the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong peoples.
The flora of Wilsons Promontory was incredibly diverse, ranging from towering eucalyptus trees to beautiful wildflowers that bloomed in a riot of colour during the spring months. The area was also home to a range of shrubs, ferns, and other plants that had adapted to the unique conditions of the region, including the harsh coastal winds and the occasional bushfire.
The fauna of Wilsons Promontory was equally diverse, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and wombats wandering through the underbrush, and emus striding across the open plains. The surrounding waters were home to seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, including the famous southern bluefin tuna.
The geology of Wilsons Promontory was shaped by millions of years of geological activity, including volcanic eruptions and glacial movements. The landscape was dotted with rocky outcrops, towering cliffs, and stunning beaches, each one a testament to the power of nature and the passage of time.
The history of Wilsons Promontory was just as fascinating as its natural beauty. The area was once home to indigenous communities, who had lived on the land for tens of thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The arrival of Europeans brought significant changes to the area, including the establishment of grazing and farming operations, as well as timber harvesting.
Today, Wilsons Promontory is a protected national park that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the region. The park features a range of different walks and trails, from short, easy walks that take visitors through the surrounding woodland areas, to challenging hikes that climb to the summit of some of the park’s highest peaks.
The Sealers Cove and Refuge Cove walks are particularly popular, taking visitors on a scenic journey through the stunning coastal landscapes of the park, where they can see a variety of plant and animal life up close. The park is also home to several campsites and accommodations, making it the perfect destination for a nature-filled vacation.
Overall, Wilsons Promontory is a truly remarkable place, offering a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of this part of Victoria. Its stunning beauty and unique ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to explore the wonders of the Australian landscape.
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