Best Walk Thus Far

Since coming to Australia, I think Adam and I have been rather active.  We like to try new trails or a park every weekend.  With that being said, although there are still tons that we have not yet explored, I think I have found my favorite thus far.  The trail is in Royal National Park (Which is the second oldest national park in the world, after Yellowstone) south of Sydney.  The trail was called "Palm Jungle Loop Track."  It was 10k altogether (6.2 miles).  The best part about it was the difference in vegetation seen throughout the trail.  We started walking through typical Australian forests until we reached the coast.  At this point the trees opened up to coastal grassland where there was a stunning view of the coastline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From here, we walked through the grass and down the hill until we came upon Burning Palms Beach.  There were actually a decent amount of surfers that we were coming in for the day. 

 

 

 

 

This is the view above the beach.  It was a long climb to get down to the beach. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the beach, we headed back up the "mountain."

 

 

 

 

 

The coastal views opened up into grassland.  It was difficult to find a path through this! 

 

 

 

It was very deep in some parts.  It was often easiest to find a ditch to walk through.

 

 

 

 

View down the coast through the grass:

 



 

Beautiful coastline view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the jaunt through the grasslands, you enter a rain forest!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
After the rainforest, the trail turned back into typical Australian forests.  If we were to do this trail again, we would do it the opposite way.  This would leave the coolest views at the end of the trail.  It would also put the beach near the end so if you wanted to relax on the beach or cool off in the water, it would be a perfect time to do so!

These are other pictures from the trail.  There was a rocky outcrop lookout with these fantastic views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the walk, we went for a drive down the coast.  Along the way, we went on this cool bridge that juts out into the ocean.  I know it is hard to see in the picture but if you look right in the middle, you can see the bridge wrapping around the mountain. 

 

 This is a picture on the bridge as we are driving over the ocean. 

 

 

 

 

 
 We ended the day by eating lunch at Scarborough Hotel.  The Hotel had a fantastic view of the coast and the food was delicious.  I would definitely consider going back there!