Our Walks

Apr 26, 2011

Mount Portal Lookout

This walk is in the Glenbrook section of the Blue Mountains National Park.

Portal Waterhole is on a looped side track off the Mount Portal lookout road.

The Lower Blue Mountains begins here, as it rises abruptly on the western side of the Nepean River.

Mt. Portal Lookout

Mount Portal Lookout overlooks the Nepean River and the Cumberland Plain south of Penrith.
We walked from Glenbrook station, but the lookout can be reached by 4WD.

Tunnel View Lookout

Tunnel View Lookout is a great vantage point with views across to the main western rail line between Lapstone and Glenbrook and of Glenbrook Gorge below. The lookout is only a stroll from the road.

Glenbrook Gorge

WildWalks information Tunnel Lookout and Mt. Portal Lookout

Glenbrook Sector Map

My thanks to our walk leader John M.

Apr 7, 2011

Illoura Reserve - Balmain

This small reserve in Balmain East runs south along the foreshore adjacent to the ferry wharf. It presents some good vantage points to relax and look at the harbour.

Sydney City from Illoura Reserve, Balmain East

(above) Updated photo of the Barangaroo South site, taken from ferry, 23rd March 2015

Looking towards North Sydney.
The Harbour Control Tower and Barangaroo Point are seen across the water from the reserve, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge beyond.

Illoura is an Aboriginal word meaning 'a pleasant place' or 'a good camping ground with plenty of food'. There may not be food here these days, but you will find shops along Darling Street if you walk up the hill. Julie pointed out in the comments below, its a steep climb, so you may want to catch a bus up from the wharf.

Anzac bridge can be seen in the distance in the photo below, taken at the southern end of the reserve.

Location Map

Mar 26, 2011

Evans Lookout to Goverts Leap

I completed this walk at Blackheath in the Upper Blue Mountains with an NPA bush-walking group.
We started at Evans Lookout and walked the cliff-top track to Govetts Leap.

Crossing Govetts Leap Brook

The track afforded great views of the Grose Valley along the way

Bridal Veil Falls Blackheath

Location Map

A route 698 bus ran from outside the Carrington Hotel at Katoomba to Evans Lookout Rd and St Andrews Ave. at Blackheath. It's about 2.8Km from here to the lookout at the end of the road.

The 698 bus also goes to the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre in Govetts Leap Rd. The centre provides information on the Blue Mountains National Park and surrounding areas, an interactive educational display, video screenings and a gallery. There is also a very easy walking track which starting at this location, which is considered suitable for wheelchairs - see The Fairfax Track

see Blue Mountains Bus for current time table information

Many thanks to our walk leader John.

Mar 10, 2011

Canberra (3) - Parliament House

This is the third post from my visit to Canberra.

The roof lawn of Parliament House is Australia's largest, and needs regular watering and mowing to protect the membrane below.

Parliament House, Canberra was opened in 1988. It is huge (0.3Km wide and long) and contains 4,700 rooms, with many areas open to the public. We were able to see the House of Representatives in action, but no cameras are allowed in there.

The main foyer (below) contains a marble staircase and leads to the Great Hall.

Parliament House, Main Foyer

Parliament House, Main Entrance

The polished stainless steel flagpole (below) is 81 metres tall and is on top of the exact centre of the building.