Parks service to hold bushwalk

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will hold a half-day bushwalk around Patonga, Pearl Beach and Umina Beach on January 20.

The walk, as part of the Service's Discovery program, will be led by a guide and starts at 6.25am, finishing at 12.30pm.

According to National Parks, the walk will be an "early morning ramble" from Brisk Bay in Patonga.

The walk will start at Brisk Bay, climb to Warrah Lookout to experience "magnificent views" onto the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater.

The walk will then descend to Pearl Beach for a breakfast break, via the Crommelin Native Arboretum.

Bushwalkers will spend an hour at Pearl Beach and have a chance to explore the beach and swim.

The walk will then go to Umina Beach below Mt Ettalong.

The walk will suit adults and children above the age of 12 and costs $11 for adults and $5.50 for children.

Walkers should bring snacks, lunch, drinks, water, sturdy walking shoes and sun protection, although light refreshments are available from the local shop in Pearl Beach.

The walk is recommended for people who regularly exercise, and includes a steep climb.

Bookings are essential on telephone 4320 4205 Monday to Friday during business hours.

The Discovery program is designed to show communities the wealth of cultural and environmental heritage available within the Central Coast region.

The program runs all year round, mainly on weekends and school holidays.

National Parks and Wildlife will also design an activity for groups on request.

For more information on the full range of activities available through the program, telephone 4320 4205.

Carl Spears, December 7