Carlton Bluff and River

Wednesday 4th July 2018

Carlton Bluff

Today's walk was an exploratory along the banks of the Carlton River starting at Primrose Sands and then to return and walk around Carlton Bluff and back to the start point.
It was an overcast day to start with so some of the earlier photos depict that.
I parked at the western end of Primrose Beach and walked along Frogmouth Lane to the Carlton River and then in an easterly direction along the southern bank of the river for about 4.3 kms. to where the river reserve ends. It is private property after that. It was easy walking, sometimes on the beach and other times on a rough track above the beach, with some small rock hopping thrown in.

Carlton River

Carlton River

Carlton Bluff

Carlton River

Carlton River

Once I reached the end of the reserve I turned around and walked back to the start of the Carlton Bluff track but deviated inland slightly to check out the wetlands or salt marsh. There was plenty of water in here.

Carlton River

Salt Marsh

Drain for the Marsh

Heading towards Carlton Bluff

I walked along the bank of the river for a short distance before scrambling up to the track that runs around the bluff. It is a reasonable track for about half way round but becomes very faint and ill defined later on. That is not a problem as it is just as easy to make one's own way. There were a few patches of nuisance scrub but nothing bad, although some of the prickly bushes had a bit of a bite.

Carlton River

Carlton River

Spectacle Head

Carlton Bluff

Carlton Bluff

I stopped about half way around to have some lunch and then continued on walking close to the shoreline.

Carlton Bluff

Carlton Bluff

Carlton Bluff

Once I reached an old road I followed it down to the beach and rock hopped back to Primrose Beach and just managed to keep my boots dry from the incoming tide.

Heading back to Primrose Beach

Heading back to Primrose beach

Primrose Beach

This was a good walk with nice views, both in the river and from the bluff. The walk is best done when the tide is low as it would be more problematic with higher water levels.
Distance: 14.2 kms.
Time: 4'33"
Ascent: 270 metres
GPX file is here.