Dammerels history walk is a 1.9km, grade 2 hike located in the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, New South Wales. The hike should take around 45 mins 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.
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
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.
Gear you might need
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Location
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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.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
At Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, the rare and unique thrive: endangered bats roost in seaside caves, pockets of coastal rainforest thrive and pandanus trees flourish. Threatened and uncommon plant communities grow on the exposed headlands of Bare Bluff and the confidently named Look At Me Now headland. This place of magnificent scenic views and glorious coastline is the traditional homeland of the Gumbaynggirr people who value Look At Me Now Headland as an important and powerful Aboriginal heritage site.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.