Located in Murramarang National Park on the New South Wales south coast, the Acheron Ledge Walking Track is a 1.5km round trip through spotted gum forest with beautiful views over the ocean.
Getting There
There are several ways to start this walk, depending on how much you want to do. The full loop can starts at the Maloneys Drive, Archeron Track intersection, or you can shorten the walk by starting at Maloneys Beach. Although shorter, the second option means climbing stairs from the beach to the track.
We chose to park at Maloneys Beach, which is a great destination itself, with a wide stretch of sand and views across to Batemans Bay. The adjacent Hibiscus Close Reserve also had a large group of kangaroos in residence who were becoming active as we were there near sunset. Leaving the carpark was a slow drive as they were bouncing along the road and in front of the car.
The Track
Once the stairs were conquered, the rest of the track was relatively flat. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service rate the track at level 3 (Some bushwalking experience recommended, Clearly sign posted, Short steep hills, Occasional steps). We found that the track was well maintained, but strong wind the previous week had caused some trees to fall although they did not completely block the track.
Walking the track to Reef Point, we went though the spotted gum forest which was very relaxing. Along the way, gaps in the trees provide excellent views over Batemans Bay and out to the Tollgate Islands.
Ending at Reef Point, the track descends to Quirriga Beach, a small beach with more great views over Batemans Bay.
What Did We Think?
This was a short easy walk (unless you don’t like stairs – there were approximately 130 of them). We took about an hour and a half in the area, but this including looking at the beach and taking photos. You could probably do it in half this time if you didn’t stop. As it was sunset, the kangaroos were an added bonus.
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Entrance sign at the carparkMaloneys BeachMaloneys BeachStairs up to the start of the trackLittoral eucalypt forestThe cliff top walking trackMaloneys Beach from the cliff topThe Tollgate Islands in Batemans BayTrees fallen over the trackQuirriga Beach at Reef PointLooking down the stairs from the cliff topKangaroos at sunset near Maloneys Beach
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Sydney on the NSW Central Coast, the Australian Wildlife Park is an excellent place to see some of Australia’s deadly wildlife. If you want to get up close with deadly snakes, spiders and crocodiles, this is the place for you.
Getting There
Located not far from Gosford on the New South Wales Central Coast it’s a one hour drive up the M1 from Sydney or about one and a quarter hours south of Newcastle. A large carpark is available on site with an overflow carpark located adjacent to the entrance.
Tickets
Tickets ca be purchased on the day at the entrance, but purchasing them online is cheaper. If you have a family, tickets are available for this too. You can even add food for the animals for children to feed the kangaroos.
The Exhibits
We arrived just on opening time when many of the animals had just been fed, so many of them were active.
Spiders
Possibly one of the most important aspects of the wildlife park is their work with Sydney Funnel Web Spiders. A single bite will kill an adult and the production of anti venom is very important. The Reptile Park has a large number on site and milk the spiders daily to collect their venom.
We were lucky enough to see one of the keepers let a spider out into a larger container while she collected its venom. It was a very angry and aggressive spider but she wasn’t worried and calmly used a pipette to suck the venom off its fangs.
Sydney funnel web spider venom milkingMexican redknee tarantula
Snakes and Lizards
Of course the main reason for the visit is to see some of the most dangerous snakes in the world. All nicely viewed safely through glass. All of Australia’s venomous snakes are represented along with others such as the North American rattlesnake.
Many school children have excursions here at various times, where they are taught how to respect snakes and what to do if you see one in the wild. Most snakes will avoid confrontation unless it’s unavoidable.
Many lizards are on display from blue tongue and shingle back lizards to Komodo dragons. Although not Australian the Komodo’s are a big attraction with their own large enclosure.
Eastern brown snake. This species is very aggressive and common making it responsible for more snake deaths than any other speciesCorn snake, a native of the south-east USATwo lined dragonsA Perentie, the males grow up to 2m, being Australia’s largest monitor species Komodo Dragon
Frogs
The Reptile Park has a breeding programme for endangered frogs which has been a great success with numerous tadpoles and small frogs produced. The breeding area is at the back of the park and although there are a lot of ponds and aquariums present only some of the frogs can be seen.
This is associated with Aussie Ark which is responsible for the Tasmanian Devil breeding programme saving them from the facial cancer that is decimating them in the wild.
There is also a large area set aside for breeding some of the endangered turtle species. These programs are very important and really compliments the funnel web venom collection and education that the park undertakes.
Green and golden bell frog
Wild life
A large area near the entrance allows visitors to interact with kangaroos which are roaming around. Nearby enclosures contained dingoes, koalas and Tasmanian devils. A huge saltwater crocodile has its own pool not far away. The park also has a lake filled with alligators.
Saltwater crocodileYellow-footed rock wallabyYellow-footed rock wallabyKangaroo Island kangarooEastern grey kangarooFlying foxes asleepBlack winged stiltBush stone-curlew KoalaAlligator pond
Food and Refreshments
The park has a kiosk that sells a variety of food and drinks, or you can bring your own and sit and the undercover tables provided.
If the kids or kids at want to see really big reptiles a number of dinosaur statues are located near the picnic facilities (we know they’re not really reptiles).
Parasaurolophus statue
What Did We Think?
This was a great day out and we spent several hours here. You could easily spend longer with children or if you took part in the special activities available.
If you get tired of shopping, want a break or are waiting for someone, while at the Greenhills Shopping Centre in Maitland NSW Australia, the area outside the food hall is a great option. Not only are there places for the kids to play, and tables and chairs to sit and eat at but there are some great sculptures located there. Spread throughout the area Animal March Sculptures, represents local wildlife. Made by Gillie and Marc you can find them either in the garden beds or around the tables.
The largest ones are of wombats, koalas and kangaroos, but if you look closely, you will find birds, turtles and possums. A great addition to the centre, it certainly adds interest to the area while showing the native animals that we need to care for.
A Family of WombatsMother and Baby KoalaKoala FamilyKangaroos with a Joey in the Mother’s PouchWombat and KangarooPossumsTurtlesLost WombatKookaburras
