The Bunker is a second world war museum. First established in 1942, as an advanced operational base for the RAAF. It was one of a chain of defense along our coast line. Gabo Island was also part of tghe operations. A very interesting and historic part of our history of WWII. John Cuthbert (President) was an excellent speaker.

Double Creek Nature Walk

Leader was Alwyn Ryan. Oct 17. This walk of around 1 km started at a cut-off inlet, along a board walk beside the creek, through rainforest, featuring a variety of small ferns, orchids, fungi and large eucalypts. It turned uphill to a drier sclerophyll forest, before returning to the start.

A variety of birds and the nest of a Gerygone – probably a White-throated Gerygone.

From notes provided by Peter and Kath Strickland.

Plant List for Double Creek Nature Walk

Genoa Falls

Leaders were Peter Garlick and Hugh Reynolds (on separate outings). This was a short walk from the highway. There was only a light fall of water, but it would be a marvellous sight after a heavy rain storm. The superb rock formations makes this an excellent place for those interested in Geology.

Plants seen include moss and lichen, reddish algae, Coral Fern, Rock, Blue Sun, Pink Lady, Diuriss, Leek, Greenhood, and tiny Rock Orchids, Fringe Myrtle, Blue Bells, Gippsland Grey Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Common Correa, Pink Bells, Round-leaf Mint Bush, Forked Sundew, and native violet.

A magnificent Diamond-backed Python was seen among the rocks. It was at least two metres in length. At least 10 Water Dragons of various sizes and colourings, Skinks and two Rock Monitors were also seen.

Genoa PeakThis was a steep walk with two excellent viewing sites. The group saw a logging coupe, with two coupes in the distance. Leader was Peter Garlick.

Plants seen included Felt, Coral and Pouched Fern, Nodding Lily, Blue Patersonia, Onion Orchid, Rock Orchid, Waxlip Orchid, Caladenia Orchid, Hop Bushes, Goodenia, Yellow Everalsting, Hoary Sunray, Geranium, Parrot Pea, Hardenbergia, Candles,. Saw and Silver Banksia, Love Creeper, Silver-toped Gum.

Gypsy Point Cemetery

Returning from Gypsy Point, we stopped at Gypsy Point Cemetery to look for orchids. Orchids seen included Purplish Beard-orchid, Large Duck Orchid, Onion Orchid, Blue Spotted, Pink-spotted, Slender and Salmon Sun Orchids, Pink Fingers, Waxlip Orchid. Other plants in flower included Patersonia, Triggerplants, Button Everlasting, Blue Squill, and Dampiera.

From notes supplied by Dorothy Mahler.

Maxwells Road

This walk was thoroughly enjoyed. Features were long supple vines, named trees and other plants, Orange-blossom Orchids, and an examination by a curious Lyrebird.

Plants included Mint Bush, Bridle Bush, Pittosporum, Orange-blossom Orchid and white Epacris. Trees included Pinkwood, Leatherwood, Cherry Tree, Bloodwoods, Messmate, and Soft, Rough and Prickly Tree Ferns.

Miners Track The area visited is about 10 km north of Mallacoota, and is a cleared track under power lines. First impression was a mass of blue Patersonias. The flowers must have been the last to open on each plant. Those who went next day said that none were in flower. Some of the plants seen were Blue Patersonia, Milkmaids, Wattle Mat-rush,Many-flowered Matrush Brown-beak Orchids, Tall Leek Orchid, Salmon Sun Orchids, Spotted Sun-orchids, Crested Sun-orchid, Flying Duck Orchid, Leafless Globe-pea, Scented Bush-pea, Common Heath, Prickly Beard-heath, Tall Sundew, Love Creeper, Heath Milkwort, Creamy Candles, Coast Candles, Forest Boronia, Common Correa, Wedding Bush, White Marianth.From a list and notes supplied by Rita Mills and Dorothy Mahler.

Old Coast Road Walk.

The first part of the waLk was through a bloodwood-dominant forest. Tangled Guinea-flower was prominent and abundant in the understorey. Other plants were Hardenbergia, Spiny-headed Mat-rush, Twining Glycine, Love Creeper, and Large-leaf Hop-bush. There were many Tall Sundews. Orchids included Pink Fingers, Waxlip Orchid, Plain and Salmon Sun-orchids and Purple Diuris.

In the damper areas near a creek crossing there were very tall Tall Saw Sedge and Swamp Paperbark.

Further along the track Lilac Lily and Blue Howittia were growing. Handsome Flat-pea was abundant. Peas included bush-peas such as Rough Bush-pea (which has a small leaf with a Y shape)and Large-leaf Bush-pea.

On the heathland towards the coast were Wedge Pea, bottlebrush with masses of red buds ready to burst into flower. Short Purple-flag, Showy parrot-pea, Erect Violet and Heath Milkwort were also on the heathland.

A Goanna was on the short side track to the coast lookout. Other wildlife included four ticks; one crawling on Jean Galbraith’as wildflower book, and amnother 3 were removed from excursioners.

From notes supplied by Ken and Wendy Savage.

Shipwreck CoastLeader was Mary-anne Crocker.

The walk was at least 3 or 4 km. There was a profusion of wildflowers. The Leafy Purple-flag were in the height of their season,and an absoluteley beautiful sight. Other flowers included Short Purple-flag, Butterfly Flag, Twining Fringe-lily, Common Fringe-lily, Pink Ladyfingers and Heath Milkwort. It was a wonderful afternoon. The sea was blue and calm and there was superb scenery across the water. We returned by a second track to the picnic area.