Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Elna and I did another lighthouse outing, this time to Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach and it was a super day out.  The lighthouse is high on the top of a rise, so quite a steep walk up but it's well worth it, spectacular with is sandstone walls.

Completed in 1881, the lighthouse was designed by colonial architect James Barnet and constructed from locally quarried sandstone. The tower stands approximately 18 metres high, with its light positioned about 113 metres above sea level, giving it a range of over 19 nautical miles. It remains an active aid to navigation, marking the entrance to Broken Bay, Pittwater, and the Hawkesbury River. 

It was lovely to take in the atmosphere and get photos from multiple angles while Elna did her magic with her sketchbook.

Elna doing her magic

And two gorgeous swim after our walk

Palm Beach outing with Sue

Palm Beach to Wagstaffe, Pretty Beach, Killcare, Maitland Bay and Putty Beach

Another lovely day out; a scenic 12 km hike at The Central Coast including the gorgeous Maitland Bay which Chrisèl introduced me to a few months ago.


Highlights of the day included:

• Pouring with rain while we were on the bus getting there; then the sun coming out soon after our arrival in Palm Beach.
• A scenic ferry ride from Palm Beach to the start of the hike in Hardy's Bay.
• The fantastic view from the outlook point a quarter of the way along the hike.
• Invigorating swims at Maitland Bay - the water was the perfect temperature.
• Srini bringing his umbrella and Mexican hat for some great leaping and water shots.
• The beautiful sculptured rocks at Maitland Bay, perfect for leaping and one legged yoga poses.
• The stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk from Maitland Bay to Putty Beach, especially the sandstone cliffs.
• A delicious Mocha and berry cheesecake tart at The Fat Goose in Hardy's Bay.
• Running a kilometre for the ferry and just catching it in time.
• A lift home from Kenny and Cloris, saving me at least an hour on my return journey.

Catching the ferry from Palm Beach.

Views from the ferry.

Our ferry destination near Hardy's Bay.

Lots of boats.

Views on our walk from Hardy's Bay to Maitland Bay.

 

A great leap at the first outlook point.

Srini brought an umbrella as a prop for leaping!

Some bushwalking down into Maitland Bay.

Once we arrived at Maitland Bay, we leapt straight into the water. Absolutely gorgeous. Srini brought out his great Mexican hat as another photo prop.

Me, Cloris, Kenny, JC

 

Maitland Bay is a seriously beautiful spot ...

... with amazing sculptured rocks on either end.

Srini did some one legged yoga poses ...

... and I did some precarious leaps.

Our lunch spot in the shade.

From Maitland Bay, we walked along the coast to Putty Beach, a beautiful section of the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

One of the outlook points along the way.

These sandstone cliffs were one of the greatest highlights of the day ...

... providing a great backdrop for some leaps. 

A map showing a section of our walk. I'd love to do the full Bouddi Coastal Walk some time.