General Information
Distance: 5.7 kilometers return
Total climb: negligible
Time taken: 1 hour 30 minutes
Map: Currarong 9027-1N 1:25 000
Guide: link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO: 218 kilometers
Start point map grid reference: 56H LG 01850 23575
Destination map grid reference: 56H LG 03431 23844
End point: same as start
Route
http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/
Description
This short hike is part of a longer walking track loop around Abrahams Bosom Reserve on the Beecroft Peninsula, which forms the northern head of Jervis Bay. Although I have done the full loop previously, time restrictions meant that on this occasion we could just go as far as Mermaids Inlet and back. The walk commenced from the carpark at Abraham's Bosom Beach at the end of Beecroft Parade, Currarong. From there it is a short walk to another carpark, and the track itself begins properly after crossing a bridge over Abrahams Bosom Creek. About 300 meters from the bridge we left the Abrahams Bosom Walking Track on a minor trail to the left and after a further 465 meters arrived at Whale Point, where the rusted remains of SS Merimbula can still be seen on the rocks. It ran aground there almost 90 years ago (27 March 1928), so there is little left of it today.
We continued along the side track until we rejoined the main track, which at this point is known as Coomies Walk.
There were large puddles of water over the track at a few points here, and it was necessary to step around them or just wade through. About 800 meters from where we rejoined Coomies Walk there was a sign pointing left to Gosangs Tunnel. We followed this indistinct trail and found the Tunnel not much further on. The entrance to Gosangs Tunnel is quite small, and may be difficult to see at first. Just follow the well-worn track.
Inside, the Tunnel narrows and headroom diminishes quickly. It is necessary to crouch hunched over or crawl on hands and knees to get through to the other side.
At the other side is a rock ledge above the ocean which gives amazing views of the sea cliffs and the open ocean.
Leaving back through the Tunnel, we backtracked to the sign that directed us to Gosangs and headed towards Mermaids Inlet. This was another rough track through some scrub and to the end of the Inlet, from where we could walk along a narrow track along the northern cliff above the inlet. This also had excellent views of the cliffs and ocean beyond.
From here we backtracked to Coomies Walk and headed back to the carpark much the same way as we had come. This was a good short walk with some interesting features and excellent views.
We continued along the side track until we rejoined the main track, which at this point is known as Coomies Walk.
There were large puddles of water over the track at a few points here, and it was necessary to step around them or just wade through. About 800 meters from where we rejoined Coomies Walk there was a sign pointing left to Gosangs Tunnel. We followed this indistinct trail and found the Tunnel not much further on. The entrance to Gosangs Tunnel is quite small, and may be difficult to see at first. Just follow the well-worn track.
Inside, the Tunnel narrows and headroom diminishes quickly. It is necessary to crouch hunched over or crawl on hands and knees to get through to the other side.
At the other side is a rock ledge above the ocean which gives amazing views of the sea cliffs and the open ocean.
Leaving back through the Tunnel, we backtracked to the sign that directed us to Gosangs and headed towards Mermaids Inlet. This was another rough track through some scrub and to the end of the Inlet, from where we could walk along a narrow track along the northern cliff above the inlet. This also had excellent views of the cliffs and ocean beyond.
From here we backtracked to Coomies Walk and headed back to the carpark much the same way as we had come. This was a good short walk with some interesting features and excellent views.
