For someone who spends most of the time exploring this great country in a camper trailer and 4WD, every now and again it is nice to go back to simpler times fitting everyything you need into what you can carry on your back.
Not wanting to bite off more than i could chew, we settled for a very simple overnight stay at Tallows Beach in Bouddi National Park requiring a very small walk in.
Moonrise over Tallow Beach
Tallow beach is a short 1km hike down hill from the locked gate with some stunning views of Tallow and Little Tallow beaches, down to Barrenjoey in the south.
The campground is small with only six sites available but nicely laid out on a large grass area behind the dune. As a result it is sheltered from the wind but close enough to be lulled off to sleep from the sound of the waves. There is only a pit toilet with no wood fires or water – so be prepared.
After a hearty dinner of chicken cacciatore - yes the freeze dried packet meals are not that bad - i spent the night watching the moon rise over Tallow beack with the lights of Sydney twinkling in the distance.
While the hike in to Tallow Beack is short, that does not mean there is a shortage of things to do. The near by Box Head Trail is a short 4km (from Tallow Beach) out and back hike. The treack meanders through the bush before opening out onto several rocky outcrops then follows the cliff line out to the point. From hear you get great views of Barrenjoey, Lion Island, Broken Bay and out across the ocean.
Heading back to Hawke Head Drive, the Flannel Flower bushwalking track runs between Tallow Beach and Lobster Beach.
While there were no flannel flowers when we walked, this was made up for with the towering angophoras with their limbs twisting in all directions like a 100 legged octopus. the track continues to meander along the ridge before reaching a lookout with expansive views over Broken Bay, Umina and Pearl beach. The track then passes through some private property and the back of houses before dropping down several hundred steps to the shore of Lobster Beach. While there is no car access, it is clearly popular with numerous boats lining the shore.
