Thursday 9/03/2023    Tidal River Campground – Tidal Overlook Circuit – Tidal Overlook – Lilly Pilly Gully Track – Mount Bishop Walking Track – Mount Bishop – Lilly Pilly Gully Boardwalk – Tidal River Track

                                          Wilsons Promontory National Park, VICTORIA

                                          GunaiKurnai and Boonwurrung Country

                                    

Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos, Report), Sue Davies

We departed Tidal River Campground just after 9:00am aiming to combine the couple of nearby tracks we had not yet walked in a single trip. We first crossed the Tidal River Footbridge before heading west towards Pillar Point, the weather was cool and heavily overcast with blustery winds. Looking seaward there was a lot of white water from those brisk westerlies, so we were pleased to turn and start walking more easterly up to Tidal Lookout.

Download file: 20230309.gpx                         Track Info

 

There are great views across Norman Beach to Norman Point from Tidal Lookout. After grabbing a couple of photos we continued on, as you summit the hill at about 140m a new vista opens up towards the east which includes Mount Leonard, Mount Bishop and Mount Oberon. With the low cloud around some of those peaks, we were a little short-changed today with those views.

Continuing on we crossed the road at Lilly Pilly Gully Carpark and walked east along Lilly Pilly Gully Track into forest with larger and taller trees than earlier. The Lilly Pilly Gully Track is wide and graded much like a good quality gravel road, making for very easy walking. A bit after 1km in and 100m climb we turned off onto the Mount Bishop Walking Track. This is narrow and rougher than Lilly Pilly Gully Track but still easygoing as it climbs another 140m or so before it emerges onto a granite slab which provides the first, excellent views over to the east. After a couple of photos, we continued on for a short distance to Mount Bishop lookout which provides fantastic views out to and along the west coast of Wilsons Promontory. After more photos, it was time to head back down.

Once back onto Lilly Pilly Gully Track, we continued heading east to complete the loop. We were now getting the occasional shower but nothing like the 500mm in 24 hours reported from 2011 which caused a large landslide on this route. The evidence is still obvious with the gully having been hollowed out and the border of the original mature forest left standing along its edge.

Down past this point we then completed the Lilly Pilly Gully Boardwalk. This is entirely on a raised boardwalk over a small stream and wetlands. There are about half a dozen interpretative signs around the loop to provide insights into the local ecology and wildlife. I saw a couple of the leaf-sized, sand-coloured fish in the stream and assume they were the Climbing Galaxias mentioned on the information board. Polaroid sunglasses were almost essential and watching for movement in the water helped locate the target.

There were a couple more signs on the way out and at the time I was keen to return after dark in an attempt to spot a Powerful Owl, however, the return of more showers and gusty winds around sunset proved to be a sufficient turnoff. These owls are endangered due to habitat loss and feral animals. They need very old trees, 150 to 200 years old which provide a large hollow for them to live.

After a fantastically varied walk that proved a little longer (16km) than we had first thought we were happy to give the park cafe a try for lunch. The veggie burgers were really good and just what we needed for an energy boast.

Photos

Panoramas

After lunch, I managed another, very short walk from Tidal River Campground. First checking out the Loo Ern Boardwalk which has great views across Tidal River towards the mountains behind it. Then I walked along Tidal River to the beach where a Pacific Gull Larus pacificus) kept me company for a short time until I was distracted by the patterns being formed by windburn sand being produced day the gusty afternoon breeze. 

Photos – Loo Ern Boardwalk – Tidal River

 

Information on NSW National Parks signage along the way

Lilly Pilly Nature Walk

Grade: Easy – 2.1 km – hour, one way suitable for prams Starting from the car park (to the right of this sign), this walk provides a glimpse into the Proms forested interior, traversing heathland and eucalypt forest with captivating views of Mt Oberon along the way. A pair of binoculars will help you to observe some of the Proms diverse bird life on this walk. You have the option to retrace your steps to the car park or continue on the Lilly Pilly Circuit Walk.

Lilly Pilly Gully Boardwalk 

Grade: Easy – 600 metres – 15 minutes return – suitable for prams At the end of Lilly Pilly Nature Walk, enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk where you will be surrounded by stands of warm temperate rainforest. Find out about some of the unique plants and animals that live there.

Mt Bishop Summit Track 

Grade: Moderate – 3.7 km – 1 to 1.5 hours one way

Start from the car park to the left of the toilets. Take the Lilly Pilly circuit track which climbs across the southern face of Mt Bishop. Admire the stringybark forest and granite boulders as you begin to ascend.

After 1.5 km, take the turn-off sign marked Mt Bishop Track.

As you reach the top, the rocky summit of Mt Bishop will provide you with breathtaking views of the Proms west coast and off shore islands. Beware of unprotected cliffs.

Relax and soak in the tranquillity before descending back to the car park or an optional longer return walk via Lilly Pilly Circuit and Nature Walk.

Lilly Pilly Circuit Walk.

Grade: Moderate – 5.2 km – 2 to 3 hours return

Lilly Pilly Nature Walk and Mt Bishop Summit Track connect via the Lilly Pilly Circuit Walk which can be walked in either direction.

Lilly Pilly Link Track

Grade: Easy – 1 km – 30 minutes one way suitable for prams

This walk commences across the road from the car park and traverses through coastal heathland where during spring, you will be treated to a carpet of wildflowers.

The track will lead you to Tidal River footbridge with stunning views of Tidal River campground, Norman Beach and nearby islands along the way. Be careful when crossing the road.

Lilly Pilly Link Track also links you to other walking tracks including the Tidal Overlook Circuit and walks to Pillar Point and Squeaky Beach.

 

Welcome to Lilly Pilly Gully and Mt Bishop

Lilly Pilly Gully is one of the Proms highlights. Explore diverse plant communities including coastal heathlands, eucalypt forests and the southern limit of warm temperate rainforest in the world. Be rewarded with spectacular views of Wilsons Promontory from the summit of Mt Bishop.

Loo Errn Boardwalk – a Touch of Tranquillity

Something in the water

Don’t be fooled by your peaceful surroundings! Estuarine wetlands are one of the most dynamic and productive ecosystems in the world.

Tidal River estuary marks a point of transition from land to sea and from freshwater to salt water. Plant and animal species that live here are specially adapted to tolerate frequent and rapid changes in salt levels and water temperature, current and level. These factors are influenced by both saltwater flows from the ebb and flow of the tide and freshwater flows from the Tidal River catchment.

The brown colouring of Tidal River doesn’t mean that the water is dirty. In fact the water is exceptionally clean. The colouring is caused by tannins released by decomposing plant matter (or detritus) in the river that stains the water brown – much like tea leaves in a cup of tea.

Detritus forms the foundation of the estuarine ecosystem providing a rich food source for invertebrates, molluscs, crustaceans and juvenile fish. In turn, these animals provide food sources for amphibians, reptiles, birds and larger fish and crustaceans.

The estuary also provides important roosting, breeding and feeding habitat for wading and migratory birds and breeding, feeding and nursery grounds for many marine and estuarine fish, shellfish and invertebrate species.

Where the coast meets the sea

Following the meandering bank of Tidal River, the Loo Errn track and boardwalk allow people of all abilities and ages to access the wetlands and tranquil waters of the river.

Fishing platforms placed at regular intervals along the Loo Errn boardwalk provide All Abilities accessible fishing opportunities for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Signage at each platform outlines key fishing regulations and describes some of the numerous fish species to be found in the Tidal River estuary.

For those not keen on casting a line, why not take some time out at one of the platforms to enjoy the views and soak up the magic of Tidal River.

A Prickly Individual

With distinctive spikes and an amazing ability to inflate itself to deter predators, the Smooth Toad Fish is an important part of the estuarine ecosystem. Also known as a Puffer-fish, this prickly character is often found dangling on the end of a fishing line. While not a desired species to keep, they must be returned to the water unharmed. Don’t kill them or leave them to suffocate.

At one with nature

The Boon wurrung, Bunurong and Gunai Kurnai people are the Traditional Owners of Yiruk Wamoon (Wilsons Prom). They use the land sustainably, taking only what is needed from day to day. This ensures that ample resources remain for future generations.

With its wetlands, floodplains and proximity to the sea, Tidal River provides abundant food sources for the Traditional Owners of the Prom. Estuarine fish, waterfowl and shellfish make up the staple diet and a variety of plants are used for food, medicine and in the manufacture of tools.

Swamp paperbark found in dense thickets along the upper reaches of the river has numerous uses for the Indigenous people. Stems and branches are used to make spears and digging sticks, oil extracted from young leaves is used to alleviate headaches and soothe insect bites and the papery bark is used to make mats and to bandage cuts.

Leaves of the Common Reed are used to build rafts to allow food to be harvested along the river bank.

The stems are eaten and baskets and necklaces are woven from the leaves.

Baskets woven from the strappy leaves of plants like the Spiny-head Mat-rush are submerged in the river to catch eels and estuarine fish.

Wash and Dry – be clean on entry and exit

In May 2012, the Northern Pacific Seastar was found in Tidal River. This highly invasive Seastar poses a serious threat to our precious marine environments. 

You can help prevent the spread of this marine pest by ensuring that all recreational watercraft, clothing, towels, footwear, fishing gear, wetsuits and water toys to be used in Tidal and Darby River are:

• clean and dry before entering the watercourse

• washed in fresh water and dried after being in the watercourse

This is particularly important for items previously used in seastar-infested waters (including Port Phillip Bay) as fresh water will kill any seastar larvae.

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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