Newlands Forest

Date: 14 February 2009

Location: Newlands Forest

Walkers: Jenny, Iain, Michele and Helen

As we set off on Saturday morning we got caught in some unexpected rain showers. It didn't put us off at all - in fact, the rain and clouds brought some welcome relief from the summer heat.

The route started very gently, and meandered along forestry roads.


(Photos by Helen)

On these lower slopes there were a variety of trees, including oaks. The path then took us up through a pine plantation, with plenty of bracken and other shrubbery growing under the tall trunks.




(Photos by Helen) (Photo by Michele)

As we got a little higher we could see the peaks above. It had stopped raining, and the clouds were beginning to lift a little.




(Photos by Michele)

We now headed into the indigenous forest and walked along the path known as the Woodcutter's Trail.


(Photos by Helen)

In the forest there were streams, plenty of moss-covered rocks and thick undergrowth. Many of the non-indigenous trees had been cut down, but not yet cleared away.





(Photos by Michele) (Photos by Helen)

At the end of the Woodcutter's Trail we re-emerged onto the road, and paused to admire the views of the Southern Suburbs.


(Photo by Helen) (Photo by Michele)

Devil's Peak loomed behind us.


(Photo by Michele)

We then headed down the slope and back through the plantation.


(Photo by Helen) (Photo by Michele)

The last section of the walk took us past the fire-fighting helicopter and trucks that live here at the Newlands Forest Station.


(Photos by Helen)