by climberman » Sun 05 Dec, 2010 2:50 pm
Jed,
Welcome to the forum. I have done all of this walk with my missus a few years ago, in early spring. I have also been into the northern section a few times from Merrica Ranger Station. We took five days, it's a very restful pace. We used these to have two rest days where I flyfished and the missus read a book. She decided that when it comes to walking, she likes walking more than lounging. Anywhooo..
There are no toilets, anywhere on the walk except at Mallacoota township and Merrica River Ranger station, which aren't really on the walk. There are no services - that's the 'wilderness' part of the walk !
Water on this walk is a thing that must be planned ahead and managed. There are not really dependable supplies other than Barracouta (pronounced Barracoot) lake which is stunning and freshwater, and worth a trip over the dunes even if you don't need the water.
Other water supplies are typically soaks and somewhat ephemeral streams. If you decide to do the walk, ask here and I and others will be able to fill you in on some sports where it can be found. The missus and I had no trouble with water but did have to manage it. Others who I know have found it very dry and a bit disconcerting. It is very dependent on recent rainfall, and also how well charged any systems are due to longer term rainfall levels. I can't quite read the print in your map copy but I reckon it'd say something about the 'W' markers like "cannot be relied upon" or something. You will have to have some 'bush nous' to think about how to find some of the water. It's not Malcome Douglas material, but there's no signs and taps.
The walking itself is, in my view, wonderful and not too taxing. Heat in summer might be different. There are no real huge hills, and route-finding is relatively straightforward. Of course, you should be able to navigate from a map and compass regardless. Keep the ocean on your right if heading north, and on your left if heading south ! Walking the long beach north from Malacoota can be taxing if you aren't used to sand walking, and if it's high tide witha reasonable swell it can be soft and slow.
If you have a penchant for the history of ecological research and science enviro warriors, 'Harry's Hut' was used by Harry Recher to undertake a lot of research. The caves and cliffs north of Newtons are great. If you like fishing take a light setup and have fun.
Practice getting light packs. It's coastal so you'll not bneed gear for extreme cold or snow - don't overpack ! Beach walking in soft sand with a full pack is an acquired taste. I've done a lot of it and am yet to acquire it ! (naaah, just jokes, but I run sand a few times most weeks as I live at the beach).
In short - prepare well, book your spot, work out the car shuffle, think about water, enjoy the magic of the Nadgee Howe wilderness.