17 Darby Saddle – Tongue Pt – Sparkes Lookout – Fairy Cove Option – Darby River – Darby Beach Option (2024)

From Sparkes Lookout on the Tongue Point - Darby Saddle track

NB. The following information was current at the time of the event

Distance:  10.1 Km   |  Duration:  Hrs   |  Grade:  Grade 4   |  Rating:  4   |  Style:  One Way   |  Map

About the Walk

Overview

This walk starts at Darby Saddle, passing through Tongue Pt and Sparkes Lookout, with a Fairy Cove Option before ending at Darby River (about 7 Km along the main road from Tidal River).

The Walk in Detail

Take a Shuttle Bus or Car Shuffle to start this walk at Darby Saddle, ending at Darby River (about 7 Km along the main road from Tidal River).

The track climbs directly from Darby Saddle, through beautiful Messmate forest, She Oaks and Banksia.

At the first track junction, take the opportunity to digress to Sparkes Lookout (only about a 250 m detour). The views across to Tongue Pt and Norman Island are very rewarding!

The track descends steeply, and then (guess what) climbs again, to another viewpoint at Lookout Rocks. ‘Skull Rock’ and ‘The Glennies’ can be clearly seen from here!

The trail then descends into coastal heathlands, towards Tongue Pt, on sections of green boardwalk.

Stop at the signpost, which warns of the dangers of exploring the rocks further out towards the point (don’t do it!) Enjoy the view!

Follow the track back up the hill, to the track junction. Take the path Northwards towards Darby River.

A junction is soon reached to a side path leading down to the left to ‘Fairy Cove’ (optional – 330 m each way). This path is steep, with stairs down to the beach. It is a beautiful cove!

The trail continues, undulating, towards Darby River, where there is a clean-smelling toilet at the carpark.

The option exists (if you have time) to walk a little further from the carpark (1.3 Km each way), to the mouth of the Darby River and cliffs! The return walk is short, and rewarding!

Getting There

Walk Precautions

Additional Information