Sunday 11th October dawned as a perfect spring day for a walk in the lower Blue Mountains. Eleven members of Oatley Flora and Fauna Society assembled at the start of Florabella pass, a short walk down from Warrimoo station at about 9.30 am. There is a short, rather rough descent down into the valley and then a most beautiful meander along. The path crosses the creek a couple of times, but mostly is above, looking down on a swimming spot.
Highlights included springtime blooms such as native orchids and lots of flannel flowers. Also impressive were the rock formations, especially the overhangs which would have afforded shelter in times past. We stopped for lunch in a cave about 12.30 and were delighted to meet Annette and Julian Sheen, coming to meet us and escort us to the Blaxland pub, where we waited while Julian drove the drivers back to their cars at the top of the pass at Warrimoo.
We all agreed it was a most enjoyable, not too strenuous walk, with only about 330 metres descent and ascent. About 3 hours. Highly recommended especially as it is so accessible, being only about an hour from Oatley by car. It is also very convenient to train stations at Warrimoo and Blaxland. The path is well-shaded for most of the way. Last Sunday the valley seemed to be still suffering from drought. Recent rains in other regions of the state do not seem to have had any impact.
