100 m Along Coolana Brook

I had planned to do Scorpion Hill in May but Parks did a hazard reduction in the area: the plan was shelved! Then Coolana Brook and Scorpion Hill were on the program and I jumped at the chance!

Four brave souls followed the Woodford Oaks Trail and descended towards Coolana Brook. The cliffs were easy to go through but things changed when we reached the creek that led to Coolana Brook! I am particularly grateful to the wombat(s) that made several trails and allowed us to move – albeit slowly – through the thick vegetation.
We reached Coolana Brook and were able to follow it for about 100 m. Going in the brook was not an option (too many pools) so we gained some altitude but the vegetation was not getting any better. We reached a patch of ferns and we gave up! We climbed high enough to leave the horrible vegetation behind us and have a well-deserved tea break.

Bedford Creek was about 1 km away: there is no way we were following the creek! So Plan B was enacted: climb to the top and follow the ridge to Murphys Trail. Away from the creek the bush was quite nice: many young Xanthorrhoeas were carpeting the forest! The ridge was pleasant with woods and rocky platforms. On a cliff edge overlooking Bedford Creek we noticed a spur gently leading to Murphys Glen. Plan B was modified! The spur turned out to be interesting: king orchids, mossy rocks, field of flowers and nice trees. We only had to suffer through ferns and lawyer vines for 20 m to cross the creek at Murphys Glen and we were in the campground. 

Time unfortunately got away from us to do Scorpion Hill so … next time!