Walk 5 of my/our Big Walk: 18 June 2011

Definitely on a roll now, but not what I would call 'downhill', today was a walk with lots of ups and some pretty steep downs.

Me at the start

So, we started at the south end of Newport Beach, walked the length of the beach, confidently ignoring all the public access paths off the beach, as I was sure that the last very steep and windy path was out way out - until we got to the top, panting hard, to discover that this was a PRIVATE PATH and we had to go all the way back down again. Fortunately Ryan didn't complain, just quietly thought that I was stupid.

South end of Newport Beach with steep PRIVATE PATH hidden in the greenery on the right.

Locals who know about PRIVATE PATH (or maybe it's theirs?)

So then it was off to Bungan Beach proper, but not before we walked by the Bungan Head Castle, very ugly, a bit weird, but what a great view from the ramparts and parapets (whatever they are called).

Bungan Head castle

Balinese style house overlooking Bungan Beach

Wetsuited surfer having trouble getting out through the breakers

Bungan Beach looked just gorgeous, the late afternoon sun basking the beach and it's surrounds in a warm winter glow, and an almost deserted beach, and we soon discovered why - the beach is only accessed by either an extremely steep road, or an equally extremely steep sandy path. I now know why I've never been to this beach, and never heard of it as a recommended beach to go to - it's hard work.

Ryan and me in the afternoon sun.

Anyway, we did make it down to the beach, along a treacherous steep road with little roadlets off one side so that people could access their homes. No, as stunning as that Balinese house looks in the photo above, I just haven't got the knees to live at this beach! Ryan was fine of course - young cartilage!

















And this road access sign shows just how creative the surveyors and builders had to be to build at Bungan Beach.

And, so, once we puffed and panted to the top of Beach rd., we walked the kilometre or so back to the car (well, Ryan ran of course, since we were finally on the home run). But one more thing to discover - Barrenjoey rd between Bungan Beach and Newport Beach is an unofficial car sales yard. Almost every car parked along this stretch of road was for sale - it seems the sellers simply park their car there for the day, leave a for sale sign in the car window, and go off for a swim or shop or whatever, and I guess, hope the car sells itself!
Until next time - cheers!