Sunday saw glorious autumnal weather greet 11 OFF members at Mittagong for our walk along the Box Vale Mine Track in the Greater Mount Alexandra Reserve. This track generally follows the formation of a disused rail line used for carting coal from a long abandoned mine on the Nattai River (operating from 1888 to 1896).
Mostly shaded, this track’s highlights are two creek crossings, a dam ‘hidden’ within the bush and walking along the embankment and within cuttings following the original rail route and through an 84 metre tunnel. The track terminates where a steep incline led down to the source of the coal close to the Nattai River (no access). From there the track diverges down to a lookout with wonderful views up and down the Nattai valley. A great spot for our lunch!
A red-bellied black snake, kangaroos, blue wrens, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and an echidna were all sighted along the way. The walk seems very popular with locals and others, as we met other people on the track, including several with their dogs. By the time we returned from the 9km walk, the temperature was just starting to rise, so a great time to finish.
PROMO
A lovely return walk through the bush with historical overtones (ex-coal mine train track). Moderate track, total distance 9km. Meet at Coffee Culture café (https://coffeeculture.au/) at Mittagong (1/118 Main St) 9.30am for coffee, then proceed to track head. Allow 11/4 hours to drive from Oatley. Informal parking available at track head. No toilets on track. Bring morning tea, snacks, lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, rain gear in case of rain and a torch for the tunnel. Waterproof boots/shoes recommended (creek crossing and wet tunnel floor). For more details or car-pooling ring: 0430 968 260. (Note the change of date from 22 March as published in the Program; changed to allow members to attend the March for Forests.)