02 Tidal River – Tidal Overlook – Pillar Pt – Tidal River (2024)

The Walk in Detail

Starting from Tidal River, at the footbridge, this walk follows the picturesque Tidal Overlook Track, with an optional side trip to Pillar Pt, before returning to Tidal River. It offers stunning views of Tidal River and the surrounding mountain ranges and beaches.

After crossing the footbridge, turn right, and there is a steady climb on a well-formed track (about 800 m) to a junction. Take the track to the left, signposted ‘Tidal Overlook, Pillar Point & Tidal River’. You will notice evidence of environmental burns and land clearing, as the land managers strive to remove Coastal Tea Tree to allow local eucalypts to reclaim their traditional dominance of the area.

Follow the Tidal Overlook track and, as it reaches the main ridge, some stone steps lead you around a massive granite boulder (a glacial tor). This area is known as ‘Little Drift Overlook’, and offers a chance to take in the views over the Tidal River flood plain to the East, including Mt Ramsay, and Mt Bishop directly North. Move on another 100 m, and the view opens up to the South, including Mt Oberon and Tidal River – and there is a seat for the weary! After a further 800 m, the track reaches another track junction.

The track on the left leads back to Tidal River, and the track on the right takes you to Pillar Pt and Squeaky Beach. Shortly (about 20 m) the track divides, with Squeaky Beach to the right and Pillar Pt straight ahead. The walk to Pillar Pt is an easy walk (720 m each way), with a short section of rock scramble before emerging onto a wide rock platform with views across the Tidal River inlet and the rolling surf of Norman Beach, with Mt Oberon as a backdrop. After the mandatory photo op, return 720 m to the track junction.

Take the signposted path to Tidal River. It is now only about 1.2 Km directly back to Tidal River.

This walk can be done in conjunction with ‘Walk 1 – Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk’