Dammerels history walk is a 1.9km, grade 2 return hike, located in the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, New South Wales. The hike should take approximately 45mins to complete.

Hike Summary

When the Dammerel family took the job as full-time operators of the signal station here in 1884, they could not have known what lay ahead over the next 40 years. Apart from extremely hard work, which the daughters took on as well, the family had their fair share of tragedy, mishap and love stories.
Dammerels history walk is a short easy stroll with a superb view out to Solitary Islands, named by Captain Cook. Learn all about the workings of an historic 19th century lighthouse with a kerosene light and the signal station that provided its only link to the mainland. Hear the story of the Dammerel family and of the collision in 1886 of Keilawarra and Helen Nicoll. Only two bodies of the 48 who died in the accident washed ashore, and their graves are on Dammerels Head.
Watch for wildlife like grazing eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and pythons. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views and this fascinating portion of Australian history.

About the region

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Moonee Beach Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

Getting there

To Look At Me Now carpark. Dammerels history walk is in the Look At Me Now precinct of Moonee Beach Nature Reserve. To get there:Take Emerald Beach exit off Pacific Highway and then, once in Emerald Beach, turn into Dammerel Crescent.Park in Look At Me Now carpark and follow the signs Park entry points Look At Me Now carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Dammerels history walk, including several designated disabled spots. Bus parking is available. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Tips

Eastern grey kangaroos inhabit the reserve. They are powerful wild animals capable of causing serious injury if threatened, so please appreciate them from a distance.
Remember to take binoculars in you want to birdwatch or whale watch

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.