Zig Zag Reccie / Trip Dec 2011

[mr turbo]

Last w-end I was invited & asked if I wanted to go to Zig Zag to do a quick reccie. As I hadn't been on a trip for a while, it didn't take much to twist my arm into saying yes :ebiggrin:
Our first stop was the Glow Worm Tunnel. We had to drive a little slower than normal, due to the amount of dust being thrown up. This was surprising, especially after all the recent rain we'd had.
We had to to be extra careful (due to all the dust) for any wildlife that may venture onto the tracks :iconwink: While I half expected the odd Goanna or Kangaroo to pop out, I wasn't expecting these two young horses to do so

We eventually arrived at the Glow Worm Tunnel, after dodging the now quite rough & pot-holed track leading there
Once there, we grabbed our torches & camera's in readiness for the short walk, with the hopes of seeing the Glow Worms.
The walk in itself was an adventure I must say. It didn't take long to find the first of many photo opportunities after seeing this.

Once a few pics were taken, I turned around, took a couple of steps only to stop dead in my tracks. I spotted this little fellow (5-6 foot Tiger Snake) sunning himself on the side of the track

After admiring this beautiful reptile for a few minutes, he slithered away & we continued our walk
Here's a couple more pics of what we saw along the way.

Once reaching the Glow Worm Tunnel, I couldn't believe how much bigger the ferns had grown since the last time I was there.
Here is the view of the entrance to the Tunnel.

Walking through the tunnel is always an experience & a half. On this occasion the Glow Worms themselves were in abundance & didn't disappoint us :biggrin:
Upon exiting from the darkness of the tunnel (when I say dark I mean pitch black) you are greeted by some of the most amazing ferns. Adding to that, you will also see a small creek, with a little bridge over it.

After admiring these wonders of nature, it was time to head back, to see what else Zig Zag had to offer.

To be continued...........

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[mr turbo]

Once back to where we parked our cars, it was decided we would have a quick bite to eat, before heading off for some more exploring
The next place was to be the Lost City. Getting there was easier said than done though. The tracks were plenty rough & very narrow at times, not to mention plenty of decent muddy, wet patches to contend with due to the recent rain
But I must say it was worth it, even if I did rip a CV / Axle Boot in the process
Here are a couple of pics of the Lost City.

This one kind of reminds me of a giants shoe

After admiring the Lost City, it was time to head off & find another amazing place that Zig Zag has to offer. Black Fellows Hand.

However, we did stop at this lookout first.

We also stopped along the way to check out a great little spot where you can pitch a tent or swag & camp for the night. Just like the old bushmen did years ago :iconwink:

After finally arriving at Black Fellows Hand & our final destination for the day, we strolled to the top of the hill, on foot, to check out the old hand paintings, on this amazing wave like rock.

I also noticed this large rock / boulder that looked like it was about to let go at any time & roll down the hill

Once we finished viewing these old paintings it was an easy drive back to where we started the day off

From here, we said our usual good-byes & headed for home.

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[Dulagarl]

Great report. Looks like a terrific trip.

Very interesting how similar some of the weathered sandstone terrain is to Gariwerd (Grampians) in Victoria.

 

[Rally]

Were the brumbies in the national park? You were lucky you did not step on the tiger snake. They don't really like it and don't mind letting you know either. I STILL have not been to the Glow Worm tunnel. One day!

 

[carljwnc]

Sweet!!!

The Glow Worm tunnel is on my list of places that I would really love to see after reading about it for so many years here.:ebiggrin: I'd also love to see a Tiger snake, just don't want to step on one.

 

[Rally]

While my arachnophobia does not extend to snakes, the tiger is one snake I can go without coming across in the wild- too aggressive.

 

[Kevin]

Interesting trip Mr T. That grotto area is a great place to camp.

 

[mr turbo]

Were the brumbies in the national park?

Yes they were. We spotted them about 10-15 mins or so after leaving the Zig Zag railway on the main track.
I'm not convinced that they were too wild though. The black one, especially, was in magnificent condition

I STILL have not been to the Glow Worm tunnel. One day!

That grotto area is a great place to camp.

Well then, I might have to do something about that :iconwink:
Perhaps sometime in January
Might even make it an overnighter, & try out the bushman's camp site, or "grotto" as Kevin put it :ebiggrin:

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[Shiv]

Thanks for the report! Newnes looks like a beautiful place.

I'm yet to go to Newnes and this provides me more incentive to do so. Definitely want to head down there sometime this Summer, hopefully when its NOT raining.

Lost City looks epic also.

 

[Rally]

If the weather is ok I'm in. By ok I also mean not a scorcher. Australia Day long weekend I'll be down at Wee Jasper if the weather is ok.

 

[dirtyRU]

Thanks for sharing Mr Turbo! Great looking trip report, i'm sure it was refreshing to jump gun out of the city & head into the woods!

 

[mr turbo]

i'm sure it was refreshing to jump gun out of the city & head into the woods!

You got that right, thats for sure :biggrin:
It was great to finally hit the tracks & the great outdoors.
Trips for me have been way too far & in between this year unfortunately due to this, that & the other

Regards
Mr Turbo

 

[NachaLuva]

Great photos...love the tiger snake & wish there were photos of the glow worms...

 

[mr turbo]

wish there were photos of the glow worms...

Yes I do too, but that is a lot easier said than done unfortunately

Regards
Mr Turbo