As the weather cools we head out for some more granite time. This time we begin our 4 day walk at Bald Rock (picnic area) and take in some of Bald Rock NP that we've never visited, along with the usual 'Bald Peaks' and discover a few off-track hidden rocks in Girraween NP which we aptly name!
Starting out we follow Bookookoorara Fire Trail to Fairy Valley Fire Trail which then sees as walking a few kms of bitumen before heading south to Carrolls Creek on (you guessed it) the Carrolls Creek Fire Trail.
Only 30mins into our walk we come across this beauty!
The area had some decent rain a few weeks ago and there was plenty of water in the creeks and an amazing array of fungi.
Our original plan was to camp overlooking this waterhole but due to the pig trap directly beside it we walked a little further crossing the creek to set up camp.
Yes we need a new tent, it leaks in heavy rain. Fortunately our home made groundsheet does the job of keeping us dry.
Day 2 - 18.5 kms
After a peaceful night and only a little rain we shoulder our packs for another day of exploring.
3kms along the trail we come across another ideal campsite location, complete with waterhole & picnic table. Wish we had known about this!
Meandering along we are constantly reminded how amazing nature is.....
.... and although it's autumn there are still flowers about.
An unplanned side trip - "that rock looks interesting, lets explore" sees us drop packs and find our way up our aptly named "Terraced Rock".
There was a small creek at the base of the rock with a cleared area which would also make a nice campsite.
Next up we tackle the first of our "bald rocks" - Little Bald Rock.
The track heads down the otherside, to meet again with the fire trail.
Collecting our packs we have lunch surrounded by fungi and flowers.
Now it's off to find the elusive short-cut track to South Bald Rock camp. We had failed to find this track previously from the other end. Today we initally walked straight past it but eventually we found the entrance (looks like an old overgrown cattle loading dock).
The track is overgrown and vague in places and required a quick check of the GPS to ensure we were still "on track".
We eventually pop out at South Bald Rock camp. After setting up our tent we clamber up the impressive South Bald Rock, keeping a close eye on the storm clouds swirling around us.
After enjoying the views from the summit, we head back to camp for dinner before the storms.
Day 3 - 11.5 kms
Leaving camp we have a short but pretty walk to West Bald Rock.
Once again we leave our packs behind and find the unmarked track towards the rock. The lower rock was a little wet after last night's storms but we carefully made our way to the summit. The 360 degree views of the national park read like a list of "must do" and "what's that?". So much to explore!
After a careful descent (embarassed to say - partially on our bums) we retreive our packs and make our way to Dingo Swamp.
Here we head off-track to explore another aptly named rock (unofficially) - Flat Rock.
Not only did we find the rock harboured real wildlife....
.... but Alex found an imaginary horse to entertain himself.
On our walk out I found more fungi, sorry, couldn't help but throw in a few pics.
After lunch it was off to find camp, an early finish today, as the storms are once again circling.
Water collection
Day 4 - 11.5 kms
Today started with beautiful light after last night's storms.
And the other result of the rain was an amazing walk through hundreds of spider webs glistening in the morning light.
Crossing yet another creek with clear flowing water we come across the largest fungi yet on this walk.
Almost back to Bald Rock we cross once again into NSW and come across the first person we've seen since leaving our car 3 days ago.
We arrive back to our car, but our walk is not yet finished. Bald Rock summit here we come. Heading out on the regular tourist track - the Bungoona Walk, we pass through an area called The Arches.
Finally we reach slabs of Bald Rock.
What a mighty rock to finish our walk on!
Thank you granite country. You have impressed yet again!
Length of walk
53 km circuit approx.
Time
4 days of easy walking including exploring peaks. This walk could easily be done in 3 full days.
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