July 2024 - Bivouac Bay

Ready for our July walk, Di, Janet, Wayne, Caroline, Warren and his brother Paul gathered in the Fortescue Bay carpark at 10.30am. Wayne had stayed overnight at the campground in his comfy motorhome. Di and Janet had stayed overnight in a chalet at nearby Taranna. Note, the road in was a bit treacherous. In addition to as the numerous potholes (which had been expected), the surface was pretty slimy in patches due to the recent rains.

We changed our original idea of doing the Cape Hauy trail when we considered the weather forecast, which was for high winds. The Bivouac Bay trail would be a lot more sheltered from the predicted northeasterlies. So we registered in the book and set off along the beautiful beach in good spirits.

The trail was very pleasant. Although it is not as manicured as the Cape Hauy track, the first half of the trail had recently enjoyed a little track maintenance. It was an easy stroll to Canoe Bay, taking about an hour. The shipwreck was adorned with cormorants, who were also enjoying the balmy day. There were fab views out to the Cape Hauy pillars on the other side of the bay.

It's true to report that we didn't really enjoy the hilly headland before our lunch destination at Bivouac Bay, but we made it. The campsite at Bivouac Bay now boasts three large tent platforms and a new toilet block. A clear creek provides fresh water, and the bay is very pretty.

On the way back we passed a cute young echidna enjoying digging for food on the edge of the trail. It was not nervous at all about the huge bipedal animals stopping to stare at it:

Back at the beach, we found the walk had taken us 4 hours and 40 minutes. Wayne stayed at Fortescue Bay to enjoy another peaceful night in the bush, and the rest of us headed back to look for an icecream at the Chocolate Foundry in Taranna (note - it closes at 4pm) and drinks and snacks at the Cannery at Dunalley.