Cray Point

Thursday 24th August 2017

Cray Point from Echo Sugarloaf

I wanted to do some walking around Cray Point and Randalls Bay area but knew it was only a short walk so I decided to throw in Echo Sugarloaf as well to make it a worth while walk.
I parked on the Channel Highway between Deep Bay and Garden Island Creek just opposite the quarry. Apparently access used to be via the quarry but as it is now working that is no longer possible. I walked down the road looking for a way into the Echo Sugarloaf Reserve. I eventually scrambled up the steep slippery bank beside the road and then over the boundary fence and into the reserve and then uphill to the ridge line. I came across a newly cut track which I understand is maintained by the Friends of Randalls Bay Coastcare Group. This track went to the trig point on Echo Sugarloaf.

Echo Sugarloaf

Echo Sugarloaf

Echo Sugarloaf

Echo Sugarloaf Trig

After the trig I followed a faint pad across the ridge before descending to the other access point for the reserve in Williams Road, Randalls Bay. From here it was down the road and then onto the beach at Randalls Bay. There was not another person in sight and I did not see anyone else for the entire walk. There was no wind at all and the water was like glass.

Randalls Bay

Randalls Bay

Randalls Bay Beach and Echo Sugarloaf

Headland western end Randalls Bay

Once I reached the western end of Randalls Bay I followed the old tramway track until I could not go any further before walking back and taking the track to Mickeys Beach. Along the tramway track there were a couple of sandstone formations.

I walked out to the headland at Randalls Bay and then along the track to Mickeys Beach which is a nice secluded little beach.

At the Headland

Cray Point

Mickeys Beach

Mickeys Beach

After Mickeys Beach I continued on along the coastal track until it more or less ran out just as I was approaching Cray Point. There did not seem to be any way ahead but a scrub bash so I retreated back to a track down to a small beach and thought I might be able to get around the rocks on the beach. This was not possible either because the tide was in so I climbed back up and headed back to Randalls Bay.

Small beach and end of the line

I headed back into Echo Sugarloaf Reserve and chose a slightly different route up to the top. It really does not matter which route is used as it is all open forest and good walking. Once at the summit I followed the track back towards the quarry where I found a much easier way back down to the road and car.
This was an interesting and enjoyable walk on a perfect day.
Distance: 11.2 kms.
Time: 4'11'
Ascent: 500 metres
Click here to download GPX file.