Victoria Pt to Pt Halloran Foreshore Social Walk

Description: A gentle, social walk along the southern area of beautiful Moreton Bay following the Moreton Bay Cycleway. We’ll stroll from Les Moore Park to Pt Halloran Conservation Area (approx. 5km) enjoying views of the bay. As we walk north, we’ll see Cleveland Point in the distance and Peel Island to the right. After having a look at the tidal flats (600m of unsealed track) we’ll break for morning tea in the shelter shed before moving on along a boardwalk to see what birds are on the lagoon. The return to Victoria Point will be back along the same track, bypassing the tidal wetlands. As we walk south, the view will include the Bay, Coochie Mudlo Island and the picturesque strait between the island and the mainland. In the background, North Stradbroke Island will stretch into the distance. Seabirds will be in abundance.

Once back at Les Moore Park we’ll enjoy lunch under one of the shelters. Or we could drive to the local bakery and enjoy coffee and lunch there?

As it is early spring, I expect the day to be warm, tempered by the cooling effects of a sea breeze. There is no shade until we get to the conservation area, therefore, ensure you slip on protective clothing, slop on lots of sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on sunnies. Ensure you bring a water bottle and morning tea. There are water fountains to refill during the walk.

Please do not attend this activity if you are feeling unwell.

Walk Grading: Flat, easy walk along concrete for most of the walk with an unsealed section (600m) into the tidal flats – Overall approximately 11-12km

Meet: 8.30am at Les Moore Park, Wilson Esplanade, Victoria Point. There are toilets in the park.

What to Bring: Hat, light jacket, rain gear (just in case), insect repellent (midges/sandflies), 1-2 litres of water, Morning Tea, Lunch, NPA Fee. ($5.00)

Directions: Drive east along Colburn Avenue, Victoria Point. About 400m past Oven King Bakery (on your right), turn left onto Wilson Esplanade. Les Moore Park is on your right. There are marked parking bays about 400m along the esplanade, but parking is also allowed along the esplanade.

Nominations: Please register for this activity via the NPAQ website completing all fields.

Leader: Frank Freeman Ph: 0427 655 514; Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au

Activity Report

After meeting at Les Moore Park (Wilson Esplanade), the trio of energetic walkers donned their packs and headed north along the foreshore of Moreton Bay. The weather was ideal, warm but with a cooling breeze behind them. In the bright sunshine, the bay was picture perfect with boats rocking gently at anchor and shore birds searching for food on the exposed flats. Coochie Mudlo Island was nearby with Peel and North Stradbroke Islands in the background.

It wasn’t long before the group turned left to follow the tidal flats to Pt Halloran Conservation Area. After a brief stop at the shelter for refreshments, the trio headed down a sandy track towards the tidal flats. However, progress was arrested to view and photograph a koala high in an iron-bark tree; a highlight of the day. While the tidal flats were dry, they presented a stark contrast to the forest in the area.

Back to the shelter, the group tuned left to explore the “wetter leg” of the area. Here, water was abundant populated by a variety of birds making good use of the ponds including a variegated wren, divers, an ibis and a kookaburra. A large water dragon was also spotted scuttling through the undergrowth. The vegetation was sub-tropical with lots of paperbark trees interspersed with fern trees.

The walk back followed the outward route (excluding the detour to the mud flats), but the views of the bay and islands changed providing another perspective of the area. Back to the cars, it was but a short drive to the bakery for lunch and a cuppa before driving home.

A most enjoyable day.