track Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Destination's Journey

1 October 20245 October 2024

Constable Miles O`Grady Obelisk

Located on the main street of Nerrigundah, the Constable Miles O`Grady Obelisk is a reminder of Australia’s gold mining and bush ranger past.

Nerrigundah, Gold Mining and Bush Rangers

Although the local population is now only 40, at its height in the 1860s it boasted a population of 11,000. By 1866 this had fallen to 200-300 with around 2,000 in the surrounding areas. Bush rangers were also drawn to the area because of the quantity of gold being mined.

On the 9th of April 1866, Thomas Clarke and his gang of bush rangers held up a number of passers-by outside the town at Deep Creek and then attacked the store and hotel. At Nerrigundah, Constable Patrick Smythe was on duty alone as one sergeant was absent, and Constable Miles O’Grady was seriously ill with “colonial fever” (probably cholera).

O’Grady dragged himself from his sick bed to help with the crisis. William Fletcher, a new recruit to the gang was shot dead by O’Grady. In the ensuing gunbattle, O’Grady received a gunshot wound in the side and died three hours later.

The Clarke gang then rode out of town pursued by a posse of twelve men. An ambush at the Eucumbene River but the only victim was a pack horse. Eventually arrested near their favorite hideout, the Jingera Ranges faced trial and were sentenced to death. Although they did not face trial for the murder of O’Grady, his death along with at least seven others was attributed to them by the judge.

The Monument

To honour his bravery and dedication to duty, the monument was erected around 1867.

During the 2019–2020 Australian summer Nerrigundah was severely affected by bushfires. On 31 December 2019, fire destroyed the village’s hall, 20 of its 25 homes and one of its residents died. Although the monument was not severely damaged, the information plaque was destroyed. This has now been replaced.

A 20-minute drive from Bodalla, the Constable Miles O`Grady Obelisk is a reminder of the risks the police have faced from the early days in Australia. Worth visiting if you are in the area, if only to pay your respects.

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

29 September 20245 October 2024

Burrawang Walking Track

Starting at Depot Beach, the Burrawang Walking Track takes you through spotted gum and cycad forest to Upright Point with views towards North Durras Beach. Access is easy, with parking at the trail head on Carr Street in Depot Beach. As this is part of Murramarang National Park, no dogs are allowed.

The Walk

Graded as a 4 by NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the track is mostly uphill on the outward leg. The track itself was well maintained and sign posted during our visit.

Not far from the start, a huge fire damaged spotted gum, continues to re-grow; it is hollowed reminding us of the fires from 2020 that caused significant damage in the area. Time has healed most of the damage and Australian trees regenerate fast after a fire, as we saw while we walked through the headland. The forest is composed of the largest preserved stand of spotted gums in coastal NSW with a Burrawang cycad understory. The gum trees are impressive but it’s the Burrawangs that make the walk special.

Along the track, numerous signs warn about the cliff edges and soft surfaces. So, although fences are in place, don’t risk climbing over them for that perfect photo, it’s not worth it. The viewing platform provides the best views that you would want.

What Did We Think?

At 2km return this is a short walk, but being steep still took us 90 minutes to complete. However, this was not all walking as we stopped for photos and to admire the forest and views. We really enjoyed this walk, especially the views and the cycads.

Bushfire damaged gum tree The Burrawang Walking Track — The Burrawang Walking Track

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

22 June 202221 June 2022

Kanning Walk Kincumber Australia

Exposed rocks and boulders along the Kanning Walk

Kanning Walk Kincumber Australia

Located near Kincumber on the New South Wales Central Coast, Kanning Walk is a 1.2 km track as well as a cave and beautiful scenic Australian bush to enjoy.

We parked near the “mud brick building“, which is also marked as a kiosk. Unfortunately, it is closed, so any thought of a coffee was put aside until we finished the walk. This area also has toilets, electric barbecues, tables and sun shades. Along with the large grassed area, this would be a great place for a family picnic in summer. Also located here is Honeman’s Rock, a small rock outcrop overlooking the picnic grounds.

Kanning Walk

The walk begins near the carpark, where a sign points the way to go. One of the first sights is the root system of a fallen tree, which you pass through at the start. The well maintained track leads through eucalypt forest which was very shady and peaceful dover their uring our visit early on a winter’s morning.

After 200m, the track follows the base of a small sandstone outcrop which contain several small caves (more like rock overhangs). Probably so that visitors don’t think this is the main caves, a nearby sign points to its location 150m away.

Surprisingly large, the main cave is around 7m by 9m and provides nice shade from the weather. During summer this would be a great spot out of the sun.

Continuing on the walk, we passed some interestingly shaped trees that have been sculpted by bushfires over the years. As the track neared the return trail, some banksias in bloom were seen growing in the more exposed areas.

Around 100m passed the cave, the walk meets the Yanina Trail, which is a wide fire trail. Well signposted directions show the way back to the mudbrick building or adventuring on to other walks..

This was a fun easy walk with an interesting cave to see along the way.