Mona Vale to Bilgola Beach

Bungan Castle

It’s not every day you expect to see a castle when walking on the peninsula and this was one of a couple of surprises. We were probably a bit surprised to be walking anyway as with all the heavy rain we have been having, we had expected to be rained out.  However, our luck held and although there was light drizzle when we set off, it soon turned into sunshine.

Parking in Golf Avenue by Mona Vale golf course, we proceeded on the path north toward Palm Beach, past Mona Vale Surf Club, onto Surfview Road then to the end of Mona Vale basin and up the stairs to Mona Vale headland. From there we headed down Hillcrest Avenue, right onto Barrenjoey Road for a couple of hundered metres then right into Karloo parade which took us down through the Bungan Head. This route takes you around many grand residences that are perched high on the headland.  Our first surprise was on this headland – rounding a corner amongst all the other residences we came across Bungan Castle; a grand old and somewhat rundown castle. 
Futher on we stumbled upon our next surprise in the garden of a house fronting onto the south end of Newport Beach. We couldn’t believe our eyes – a large metal (bronze?) sculpture of a dog on the front lawn doing what dogs do best – squatting and doing his business (yes it was a he)! We only wish we had taken a photo but I think we were both so surprised by the subject and the size of the sculpture that we missed the opportunity.  If any of you know anything about the whys of this, we would love to hear from you!

At the north end of Newport we came across our next surprise..... the bush track that runs along the eastern side of the ‘billy bends’.  Although we have both lived here for many years, this was the first time we had ventured on this walk and had no idea this track existed. It goes from the northern end of Newport Beach carpark, up some steep stairs then alongside the 'bends' and down to Bilgola Beach for breakfast. We stopped at Bumbalino a charming little beachside kiosk that was clearly popular with the cycling crowd amongst others.

Bumbalino Cafe

We sat down at a shared table to look at the menu and one of the patrons told us there had been a mix up and she had taken somebody else’s order and was feeling guilty.  At first we didn’t understand but once we had ordered at the window, we realised what she meant.  When placing an order you give your first name which they shout from the window when you order is ready.  This is fine except if you have the same name as somebody else which our new friend at our table did. Jude went up to order and had no sooner sat down than her name was called out. We both thought how quick it had been but soon discovered there was another Jude breakfasting there!   As the beach front was so busy with families, nippers etc it was sometimes hard to hear the names being called.  We had been waiting for some time when another patron who was leaving kindly came and told us they were calling Jude’s name.

The menu was a bit confusing as Shaz had ordered bacon and eggs with mushrooms and tomatoes and Jude ordered eggs with the same, however when it arrived we discovered it was either bacon or mushrooms and tomatoes. It was nice though and the coffee was really good.  

Our reviews
Mona Vale to Bilgola Beach
difficulty:                       moderate (few hills and stairs)
distance:                       10.5km return
parking:                         on street - we parked on Golf Avenue
worth doing:                 definitely
dog friendly:                  yes, on leash

water and toilets available along the way at Mona Vale, Newport and Bilgola beaches.

Bumbalino Cafe
food:                                mixed, but average overall
service:                          poor (no table service)
ambience:                      great
would we go again:      maybe