Month: August 2024

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Australasia Australia Victoria

24 Aug 2024 – Walhalla

Walhalla- yes- like the Viking name- is an old gold mining town that has been well preserved. It is also the start/ end of the Great Alps Walking track- 650km long. 

Early mine investors got a 10,000 % return on their investment! 

Some points of interest : the cemetery has very steep slopes and 1,300known graves. 

The cricket ground has a steep 200m vertical climb up to it!! If you hit the ball out the park- well- good luck!! 

 

 

After spending much of the day walking around the village, I drove down the steep, narrow (single lane) dirt road to Thomson Dam – Melbourne’s main water source. 

Unfortunately not many places to stop in terms of lookouts but the views were great !

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Australasia Australia Victoria

23 Aug 2024 – Golden Beach to Morwell

Luckily I wasn’t carried away by the mosquitoes last night- though there were so many between the mesh of my tent and outer layer that I thought we might lift off!

The drive back up to Sale is pretty relaxing, and through some good farming country. I wanted to spend some time I the wetlands here and do some bird watching.

My best experiences were: seeing an azure kingfisher- it was beautiful ! Moved so quick though! Then I noticed a very large nest, high up in the trees and thought- that must be the white bellied sea eagles’… and just then a I spotted the sea eagle coming towards the nest, landing and starting to eat whatever it had caught. A few minute later its partner flew off- perhaps their turn to hunt?

When I was finished at the wetlands I went in to town and the local gallery. There was an exhibition here of Annemieke Mein. It is incredible how she masters fabrics, sowing, water colours, textures etc to create her artwork. She is a local Sale lady- or has been for a long time- and this is thus her gallery so to speak.

The other displays were also fascinating !! Geoffrey Bartlett created the sculptures and the 3D cardboard patterns are the work of Mandy Gunn .

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Australasia Australia Victoria

22 Aug 2024 – Paynesville to Golden Beach

The main reason to stop at Paynesville is to catch the very quick ferry to Raymond Island, which is a koala reserve. 

After 15min of looking up in gum trees and my neck hurting, I was quiet sure this was a scam though!!! Hahaha. 

Eventually I spotted the first one, really high up a tree…and then probably some 10-12 more during the day . 

Most were just sleeping- as per usual- one moved! Surprise! 

After catching the ferry back I drove down to Golden Beach to set up camp at a free camp. I was warned about the mosquitoes – and there were a lot of them! 

For sunset I went down to Trinculo shipwreck -which unfortunately was much more covered by sand than I expected and a bit disappointing …as was the sunset .

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Australasia Australia Victoria

21 Aug 2024 – Metung to Paynesville

It’s my birthday- it’s my birthday -whooop-whoop !! 

Luckily I didn’t have a lot to pack up, left the car and went for a walk then to get a lovely breakfast! Was also hoping to get some birthday cake for later but nothing tickled my fancy. 

Then to the main event of celebration – many hours spent at the Metung Hotsprings! 

The hot springs are a fairly commercial affair. $55 entry per person (though pay one get one free-not that I had a plus one?!?) There are many pool options, sauna, large gum barrels and single person wine type barrels that overlook the lake.

Luckily, it being midweek there aren’t too many people and everyone spreads out.

 

All the pools are available at multiple levels- up and down stairs. There are cold plunge pools (20C) located near the hot springs. Mind you- it was cool enough going from spring to spring. Having said that the sun was out, it was about 22C, and generally not too windy. 

 

The day was really nice and relaxing and when I had soaked enough I hit the road through to Bairnsdale to see the frescos in St Mary’s Catholic Church. Most churches in Australia are def not renowned for any frescos but here we are… painted in the 1930s by Franceso Floreani .

I hopped in to the next door tourist info to grab maps and info and then headed SE towards Paynesville, where I set up camp in the caravan park for the night.

I whipped out my chair and got into the fridge to get out my sparkling wine (now that I didn’t have to drive anywhere) and some cheese and to my horror I realised that I forgot my big plastic container with my cheeses and tomatoes in the fridge in the apartment in Metung that morning!! I should explain that I bought some great cheddar in Bodalla, NSW a few weeks back and did not wanna let it go. I called the accommodation, and they hadn’t cleaned the room yet and got the container out the fridge. I said to the fella that I’d call and let him know when I’d get it. Then a thought came to me…in that my new farmer friend might be coming through to Bairnsdale. Sent him a message to share my cheese crisis and low and behold he had an appointment the next afternoon and was super kind enough to get my cheese and drop it off for me!! Yeah!!!

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

20 Aug 2024 – Lakes Entrance to Metung

I was excited to get onto a cruise around the lakes today and lunch at the Metung Pub, then back to Lakes Entrance. Unfortunately, the lady told me that I was the only one booked for the day- but I waited 30min to see if anyone else turned up and they didn’t. So that was that plan in shambles.

New plan: go to Nyerimilang Homestead and check out the area here. The homestead has been there since the late 1800s and has amazing views and 250 hectares of farmland attached. The Stuarts owned it as a holiday place and would travel all the way from Melbourne , along the waterways and all the lake systems to come and relax and hunt etc.

I did the walks around the property and then headed to Metung, where I had made a booking for a nice apartment so that I can wake up in a bed on my birthday 😊 .

I unpacked and had a shower then went for a walk around the small township. It was getting nearer sunset so I found a log to sit on by the water and was delighted by the magic that would be my last sunset of my 30s !!! The colours, the reflections on the water, the birds – it was incredible!!!!

I loved it – didn’t want to leave but I had a pub date with a local farmer (been dabbling in the online dating). We had a great fat chat and good laughs!

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

18_19 Aug 2024 – Lakes Entrance

Two relaxing days spent at Lakes Entrance. Luck was on my side when I booked a non powered site and got upgraded to the powered sites for free. The other section of the park was closed for winter maintenance . 

Spent time doing several walks- the best probably being to the Entrance (5km return) to watch the seals fish and play as well as a few dolphins -but from afar. 

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

17 Aug 2024 – Buchan Caves to Lakes Entrance

I had booked a cave tour (Royal Caves, excluding Fairy Cave) for 10am this morning. Luckily our group was fairly small, especially for a weekend. 

Interestingly this cave complex was not found by accident but because the Victorian government sent out a search party so to speak. They wanted to find a cave system for the purpose of tourism. The guys went out with dynamite and blew up holes in the ground that looked likely to be cave entrances . This cave complex has now been operating for over 100 years! 

After tour it wasn’t quiet lunch time yet to hit the local pub -so I thought id head to Lake Tyers- a pub on the waters edge . 

I detoured via a pretty amazing old rail bridge- wooden one. Stoney Creek Trestle bridge. 

Had a burger, chips and cider at the pub- on the deck and did a short walk before the drive to Lakes Entrance.

After I unpacked in a motel (lots of rain due this night) ; i had a walk through the lookouts around Kalmina. The views across the ocean and lakes are great and I look forward to a boat trip in the next few days! 

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

16 Aug 2024 – McKillops Bridge- Buchan Caves

I was excited to wake up to a fully foggy morning…and then less excited to know that if it didn’t lift, I wouldn’t see all the beautiful views of today’s drive!

It had lifted a little bit by the time I was ready at 07h30 …I hit the road anyway as it would be all moody, with the hope that it will lift later…or soon!

It might have been a good thing that I didn’t see some of the early drop offs but driving through the clouds was out of this world!

The climb was long and the dirt road winding, I passed two farmers on the road and that was it! Then when I was close to the top it was all blue skies and all I saw was valleys filled with clouds! It was beautiful!!

There are several stops and lookouts on this western part of the road.

Little River Gorge and Falls as well as Dingo Hill at the start of Tulloch Ard Road. This lookout shows off the farmland with forested national park land in the background.

A few kilometres later is the Tulloch Ard Lookout track- 1.6km downhill, then the same back up again. The view is fantastic and the two wedge tailed eagles gliding around made it more special!

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

15 Aug 2024 – McKillops Bridge

It was my intention to  do the Silver Mine hike today. 

I had some very varied information on this hike. the board at the start of the hike said 5hrs return -18km. My info booklet I had from tourist info said 6hrs one way. 

I didn’t want to risk such a large gap and so I made my own variation. 

I just kept following Deddick’s 4WD track- all uphill until the top . it is seasonally closed to vehicles… so that’s easy and i was the only one there anyway. 

The morning started very misty…so I had 2 coffees before setting off and seeing the mist rise as I did too. 

There are several pine trees around and hundreds of blossoming wattles. 

The views are of the Snowy River Valley- which is pretty superb! 

Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

14 Aug 2024 – Marlo -McKillops Bridge-Snowy River NP

I think Marlo must be one of my favorite places. It was hard to leave. I seamed to faf around a whole lot between trying to figure out if to do washing here or in Orbost. 
 
I put on the washing, then the drier and went for a walk along the estuary. So peaceful …I was the only one there . 
I left the tent up to try and dry it. So I had to pack it away and I also grabbed a shower. 
I headed to Orbost. A short 20min or so drive through farmland. It is also along the Snowy River. 
 
I was hoping to catch up with Tim- who I met when him and his kids were also hiking Genoa Peak. His coffee shop was closed unfortunately, so no catch up. 
 
I went to the tourist info, in an old, historic slab hit. I got info about Snowy River NP , a few maps etc. I then grabbed some groceries and filled up the car… $1.93 per liter. 
 
It was nearly noon when I left to start off on the McKillop Loop around the periphery if Snowy River NP.
 
The road is sealed to start and the drive mainly through farms and forests . It is very windy but also pretty. 
I stopped by Goonergah Campground. 
 
There are several farms around many creeks. It’s when you hit the dirt, northern portions of this track that the views are really quiet incredible…. and frankly scary at times. Narrow, and huge drop offs , you don’t want to go too fast or swipe off those corners !! 
 
There are also several campsites along this road . Firepits but not toilets. 
 
The wooden McKillops Bridge is an impressive sight. Walking down the bridge it was a bit scary to see how degraded the wood was! This bridge spans the Snowy River. 
 
I figured out that the day use area was on this side of the bridge but my free camp was further down the road , over the bridge. 
 
It’s pretty large , but I was alone . Having said that, was a bit difficult to find a flat spot for the tent. I picked one under some smaller trees. General rule … no camping under trees … but I would have rolled down the hill if I didn’t!!
Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

13 Aug 2024 – Cann River to Marlo

A few stops were planned today and I was excited to see what was coming up.
 
First of these was the Bemm River. It was such a tranquil place!!! A few fishermen around but not many and keen pelicans who were getting fish heads from a fisherman cleaning his catch.
 
Next stop was the Cabbage Tree reserve which was a bit disappointing. Not really showcasing what it was named for. With the short detour I headed to Cape Conran. Again a stunning spot with very few people. I had a long walk on the beach and stripped down to get a little of a tan hopefully. I also explored a few other walking paths. 
 
My last stop for the day was Marlo. As I was driving towards the caravan park that I hoped to stay at but had not booked, the views of the Snowy River Estuary were simply amazing!! Lots of birds around ! Plenty more during the spring time, I’m sure!! 
 
I set up camp at the pricey park…33 unpowered ! Left for a quick walk to see the colours of the sunset. Pretty pinks and blues appeared. 
Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

12 Aug 2024 – Cann River

Today was a day for relaxing, soaking up the sun and doing a bit of planning of what I should do around Victoria. 
 
I made a lovely breakfast … eggs, creamy mushrooms and sourdough toast ! Then went off to do the short loop of just under 2.5km . It was just a flat, relaxing walk and I spent about an hour soaking up the rays by the river.
 
In the early afternoon I walked into the little town of Cann River – just across the bridge to see if I maybe grab something from the bakery for lunch. Nothing tickled my fancy though. The town is very small, but has a lovely, welcoming community and info center. 
 
A lady helped me.with some info and a few maps and I was off to sit in the sun on my picnic bench to plan some more.
 
Unlike last night, when I was alone on this side of the road ,I had 2 neighbour’s on either side of me. 
 
Les and Dot, from Bribie Island (close to Brisbane) made a fire and were nice enough to invite me. We caught up for quiet a while before they went off to make dinner. 
Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

11 Aug 2024 – Shipwreck Creek – Cann River

I’ve been loving the colours of the wild flowers along the roads. Pinks of various hues and some white ones too!! Its very pretty. 
 
I stopped by the South West Arm picnic area on the way back to the highway. On this walk I happened to spot 2 wild orchids !!
 
I made my way to Genoa Peak. It is an uphill climb of 1.8km each way. The views get better and better as you go. The first look out is already pretty good. What put the cherry on top was the beautiful, sunny blue skies! 
 
The climb to the top lookout is much harder. This involved 3 ladders and some Rocky steps. The lookout on top is very small but gives panoramic views . You can see Mallacoota and miles and miles of ocean on one side… and the mountains and valley’s on the other side !! 
 
It was on the last bit of the climb that I met Tim and his 5 and 7 yo kids. I gave him some grief about bringing his kids up this tough track. He already though this.
 
I waited for them to come down the last ladder and then later met with them after the last one. 
 
I asked Tim for some travel advice as I found out he was a local and lived in Orbost. He also.mentioned that him and his wife own the coffee roasters in town and I should come over when I’m there for a free cuppa. I agreed ! 
 
After I made my way down the Peak I travelled down the highway to stop at the free camp that Tim informed me of, in Cann River.
 
It’s free, no power or hot water but good space . 
Categories
Australasia Australia Victoria

10 Aug 2024 – Boydtown to Shipwreck Creek

Exciting times ! Today, after 69 days and approx 5,930 km I made it across the Victoria border . It’s still only 1,500km from Brisbane in a more direct route but it still shows progress I suppose .
 
Across the border I stopped in Gipsy Point. The road goes through farmland and ends in a tiny locality on a quiet lake/river where 
2 kayakers are enjoying the calm waters. 
 
A few kilometers down the road is Mallacoota. This whole area was destroyed by the fires in 20/21 and is good to see a lot of recovery.
 
This inlet area was not busy at all, despite it being the weekend . The waters are clear and calm and birds are relaxing on sand bars. 
 
Bastion Point is my next stop and great lookout from the sea side of the inlet. The seas are still very calm . I also noticed what I think is yet another tick, on the opposite side to where one was found a couple of days ago. I froze it and attempt to left hand tweeze it out . Not sure it was successful .
 
I did a few more stops at Geology Point, Quarry Beach, Secret Beach, before landing I’m camp. This is Shipwreck Creek. The beach is only accessible by crossing a creek. 
I was the only one here for the night with a couple of day visitors that didn’t stay long. 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

09 Aug 2024 – Eden

Still based in Boydtown I went out later than usual to explore Eden- just 10km away. I didn’t get a chance when I drove through a couple of days ago.

Also did a small grocery restock and refuel.

I visited the Eden Killer Whale Museum. A museum, that at inception, was dedicated to Old Tom. Old Tom was the leader of group of Orcas that helped lead whales into Twofold Bay so that they can be hunted by humans.

I had never heard of this technique before. It was developed by the aboriginal people originally and then together with the Davidsons, used for commercial benefit. The orcas were left to feast on the lips and tongue of the killed whale, before the rest of it was hauled and processed.

After the museum I grabbed a lunch special at the Chinese place and walked around town a bit. 

The weather was lovely so I did a walk down Aspley Beach and the Quarantine Bay.

Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

08 Aug 2024 – Beowa NP

A fairly long day of exploring today- dirt road driving with stops for points of interest.

This area is actually a well-known whaling area. Thus, the first stop was Davidson Whaling station. This was started by brothers and continued into the 1960s. The hut remaining here is still very true to old. The actual whaling artefacts have been taken and some are in the Eden Museum.

 

Pretty nearby is Boyd’s Tower. The original intention was to use this as a lighthouse but permission was never granted for this. It thus became a whale spotting tower. Boyd is an important entrepreneur of the time and owned large sheep stations in the area as well as businesses in town. He was also unfortunately known in trading aboriginal people for slave labour in these stations.

 

While I was at Boyd’s Tower I did a small section of the Light to Light Walk from here. Not all of it was open -and it is a multi-day hike.

Saltwater Creek was a campsite where no one was camped at. The creek hadn’t flown into the sea yet. City Rock wasn’t much to write home about at all.

The wind was pretty strong at Green Cape- and the lighthouse. The cottages are very nicely restored though, and I had 2 great wildlife experiences.

The first was an echidna who tried to cross the path, then hid when he saw me …and came out a little later. He waddled all the way down the hill! The second was a couple of wombats who were out feeding on the way back from the lighthouse. Usually nocturnal -I’m glad I got to see them.

One of my favourite and most dramatic lookouts is Disaster Bay -its just magnificent! The Wonboyn River comes in to a headland and out to see.

The last stop for the day was Bittangbee Bay.

What I came home with that I didn’t want to though- ticks!!!! I asked one of the guys who’d been camping out and I had spoke to the day before for help it removal. Jeff is his name. Unfortunately, my tick bite was on my side and just under my bra. I couldn’t clearly see it nor remove it. So he was it! We froze it a couple of times and removed it… I then also noticed 2 more bites during the following days ☹.

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Australasia Australia New South Wales

07 Aug 2024 – Merimbula to Boydtown

As the caravan park was on Long Point I had a walk down to the beach and loved how calm the seas were again.  A lot of dog walkers out and some surfers.

I didn’t have far to go- often like that – but would spend much of the day exploring Beowa NP.

I stopped by The Pinnacles first. This is a short loop walk to colourful clay cliffs. White and orange with the beautiful sea in the background and blue skies- makes everything pop!!

I then drove all the way to the most northern point of the park- Haycock Point. The views here are also punctuated by maroon geology. There are shags sitting on the rocks …with a lost heron 😊.

Because the weather was so nice- and wind non-existent- I spent some time tanning at Haycock Beach – I was all alone which was great too!

I had a quick stop in Eden to get to the tourist info (and knew id be back for longer) and then drove down to Boydtown (10km away). The powered sites here were a very reasonable 18pn.. and very spacious! I stayed a while as you’ll see.

Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

06 Aug 2024 -Gillards Beach – Merimbula

Still in the same national park – Mimosa Rocks- I drove “down the road” so to say to do a short walk at Wajurda Point. It was a short walk. To my delight as I neared the bay and the lookout I saw something floating in the water- it was a southern right whale!! I watched it for a long time playing in the bay- rolling- slapping of its fins and tail. Was superb!!

 

Driving through Mogareeka and rivers in more inlets was lovely. Stopped by to enjoy the peace.

 

I had been told good things about quiet Tathra and enjoyed my time walking around here. Also spotted a whale out in the ocean- which actually came so close to one of the small fishing boats on the water- incredible!

Chamberlain Lookout looks out over the boat ramp and was quiet stunning too!

 

Driving to Turingal Head picnic area was through a rather pothole filled dirt road. Mainly caused by causeway flooding I think. I was hoping for more viewing areas around the lake but didn’t really get that.

I did do the walk down to the beach though.

The evening in Merimbula was spent at a caravan park.

Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

05 Aug 2024 – Naroorma to Gillards beach

Unfortunately I didn’t pay enough attention when booking my stay at Discovery Park. It is right along the highway … so earplugs were def necessary during the night.
 
Lots of condensation last night and no sunshine this morning …so I packed everything up wet. 
 
First stop today was the historic village of Central Tilba. It’s filled with heritage listed buildings and has little description boards of their past lives. Tilba Tilba – just down the road didn’t have anything open . 
Next activity to stretch the legs a bit more was a 4km walk – Murunna Point Scenic Walk. It is coastal and has great views . Much of this area has many inlets, lakes and wetlands . I saw black swans driving past several of them. It is literally a water lovers paradise ! 
 
I stopped in in Bermagui around lunch time. I was pretty excited to discover a restaurant that was open and had a european menu. I had a Hungarian goulash for lunch. Was good and warm ! 
 
After lunch I stopped by Blue Pool , a tidal pool that started nearly 100 years ago. The most fun was watching several seals in the water and on the rocks near the pool.
 
I drove passed many inlets and creeks and good views to get to Mimosa Rocks NP. I set up at Gillards Beach. It’s a large campsite but not many people as it’s a Monday.  
The afternoon was relaxed and an early evening rainfall drove me into the tent earlier than usual. It had been overcast the whole day bit didn’t actually think it would rain. 
 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

04 Aug 2024 – Congo Creek to Narooma

Always happy to wake up to sunny days ! 
 
Still wasn’t sure where I’d be spending the night … would see what the day brings … this wasn’t out of the ordinary .
 
I stopped at Bingie Bingie Point . It was a great walk out to the point where there is a cool geological intrusion as well as part of a washed up shipwreck. Lots of shags on the jutted rocks as well as a heron. 
The drive to Tuross Heads was also great – more waterways and views across them. My stop here was the super quaint lookout known as One Tree Point as it has one Norfolk Pine growing there. Good views all around ! I haven’t seen any whales since the seas have calmed again.  
 
As I drove through Bodalla I just had to stop. The few buildings around were great … esp fond of the dairy here . It’s really large and I did a cheese tasting . So good that I purchased 2 cheddar – Tasmanian pepper Berry and Queensland lemon myrtle . I also had a coffee thick shake as lunch ! I could never go vegan !! 
 
I diverted back to the coast and Potato Point but wasn’t thrilled. Didn’t take long here and hit the road to Narooma. 
I wanted to do the Mill Boardwalk and keep and eye out for the alleged rays around.
 
I did a fair bit of a walk… which was in shade … I was hoping for sunshine ! 
It was not until the very start again that I caught a few glimpses of a ray as it played near the boat ramp. 
 
As the afternoon was drawing on I struggled to find the entry to Glasshouse Rocks. Eventually I noticed an unmarked path on the opposite side of the cemetery where I was parked . I had a great walk across multiple beaches and check out some grand geological folding. With the low tide you could really get through many of the rock structures and across beaches. 
 
I decided that I would stay the night in Narooma and set up camp at a caravan park. Glad for shower and also got the laundry done . 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

03 Aug 2024 – Merry Beach to Congo Creek

With the still night and clear skies the stars were beautiful but the tent was full of condensation on the outside and inside ! 
 
I left it up, hoping the sun would help but it didn’t really . So I packed it up wet. 
 
My first stop today was at Pebbly Beach …which isn’t pebbly !!! Hahahaha. The last bit of the drive down is an awesome steep and narrow road where you are in the trees ! 
 
I went walking along the beach to check out all the shallow rock pools that were created as the tide went out. I also got fairly close to 2 sooty oyster catchers and a heron.
I carried on South, into Batemans Bay where I did a small grocery shop. I stopped at Batehaven for a walk on the beach and to check out the 1000s of shells that had washed up. I didn’t collect any but did take several photos of great textures . Lots of people were collecting shells and were excited by the choice .
 
I also had lunch at a picnic table here and threw out the tent to dry in the sun. 
I drove along the coast in to Congo Campground in Eurobdalla NP. There are many lovely beaches along this coast . Some with golden sands and some Rocky and rugged! 
 
The campground was a little busy as it was a Saturday but not too bad. It is situated alongside a creek and near 2 beaches … or 1 if it’s low tide .
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

02 Aug 2024 – Merry Beach

Glad to say that it seams the seas have calmed dramatically but lots of sea sand missing off the beaches !
 
Went for a walk to Snapper Point and to Pretty Beach. Good paths and only 3km return. Merry Beach is right next to a national park so my plan was to come back from my walk and explore the further bits by car . Turns out though, that the road I planned to use was closed. The only other way was to go 45min one way, down a road I intend to travel tomorrow anyway. 
 
So, instead, I hang around Merry Beach, got my IT team to clean up the work laptop, which took a long while ! Mainly due to my connection speed. 
I then started doing my tax for the last FY.
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

01 Aug 2024 – Meroo NP to Merry Beach

A pretty chill day today.

My first stop was grabbing a coffee and loaf of sourdough in Bawley Point. Just so happen to notice an elderly couple getting into their vehicle and noticed that they had a flat back tyre. I offered to help change it. The older man says he will go to a service station. I said, no worries, I can pump it up for him with my compressor. He was well impressed that I was that prepared and could send him on his way quickly. There was a station nearby.

I then did the loop walk around Murramarang Aboriginal area. I could not really see the middens that this was all about but there was some interesting info about way of life on the info boards.

My stop for the next two nights is a caravan park in Merry Beach. Luckily not busy at all. 

I took advantage of my powered site and charged up all I could with all on low batteries without having done mush driving. 

 

Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

31 July 2024 – Meroo NP

Day started with a coffee …but for a change … the 2nd one was made by John …in his role as group barista … lucky their pot holds 5 cups 😏!  
 
Low tide was at 10am so that’s when I did the short walk to Sunburnt and Tambourie beaches. I didn’t spend too long at Sunburnt walk in campsite as I didn’t want to get stuck. Low tide was still really high ! 
 
With all the spare time I did a check through the car and also changed out an air valve for one of my airbags that weren’t inflating . It worked !! Yeah !! 
 
Later in the afternoon I also walked down to Lake Termiel . The campsite is really well located -2 beaches and a lake !! During high tide the lake and sea are connected and no access to the beach then. 
 
I did see a few very pretty small flowers during my walks – always exciting to find these gems. 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

30 July 2024 – Booderee NP to Meroo NP

Booderee NP Botanical gardens were my first stop. They are fairly rugged and more forest trail with a few bitumen paths. 
Unfortunately the Lake Trail was closed due to damage , as was their long boardwalk. Disappointing as this isn’t marked at the entrance – you just keep hitting closure signs.
 
Stopped by a café for breakfast in Sanctuary Point . The idea was to charge up my laptop and eat something nice. 
 
I ordered an eggs Benedict and was sorely disappointed…for the 2nd time today. No hollandaise sauce and just muffin, 1 piece ham and egg on top …20 bucks !?! 
 
 
Next there and back detour was Bendalong to hopefully see some sting rays . They are known to frequent the beach area here . 
 
Disappointment nr 3 for the day … there were any and I wasn’t game to walk in the shallows as the water wasn’t too clear with the wild seas . I didn’t want to step on one by accident and get jabbed !! 
 
Ulludulla is a large town so I stopped to get some groceries and tourist info. The lady there was great and sorted me with maps for the next few weeks !! 
 
I also did 2 short walks – to check the marina and also to the lighthouse and around some lookouts here to stare around the wild waves some more ! 
 
I got to my campsite at Termiel Lake at approx 4pm , set up and cooked Bolognese.
 
I noticed a fire at nearby camp so i went over to visit and spent the evening with John, Di, Chris & Shabohn ! Good times and laughs. 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

29 July 2024 – Booderee NP – Circuit Trail

I had a kangaroo bother me during breakfast this morning … being all grunty at me and nothing really deterred it. So I packed up my stuff and moved to a different picnic site at another beach. These animals are getting too beggy with humans feeding them and petting them etc…all for their insta …MFs!!!
 
I drove to the start of the Circuit Track. This is the longest hike in the park. At about 16km with all the side trips to beaches and lookout points.
 
I did about 14km. 
 
As there are several hazardous surf and wind warnings all along the coast it was wild every time you near the cliffs . The sea was wild ! Waves were huge and they broke along the coast and foamed massively ! It was like a washing machine !
 
The views were pretty good ,though a bit of a shame that there was a marsh pit at St George’s lookout and you couldn’t get very close. 
 
The terrain was undulating, 4WD track and fairly sea sandy.
 
Exciting to spot another wild orchard – same type as on the other walk. 
 
I had a good shower when I got back to camp and hoped to catch up on the blog but only enough laptop battery power for 1 days worth.
 
I decided to heat up my food at the gas BBQ provided by the park. It was very quickly disturbed by 2 kookaburras that attacked me in turns . Swooping like magpies ,and then when I sat down to eat , one hovered around my face and plate in the hope that I’d probably drop and run … I ended up eating my dinner in the car … what a shame !! 
 
Not much luck with the animals today !! 
Categories
Australasia Australia New South Wales

28 July 2024 – Booderee NP

A cold front came across in the night , leaving the temperature at feeling like -1C !! Thats a change from the last few days! 
 
After my morning coffee and before breakfast there was a small rain shower . I thought that I’d do a day trip up to Greenwell Point and then head down the coast again.
 
The points that I stopped were pretty ,but the wind strong and cold ! Unfortunately I couldn’t spot any whales either, so kept moving. 
 
Had a pie in Huskisson – way too touristy for me and busy as it was Sunday – and did a bit of blog updating. 
 
Last stop was Hyams Beach – whitest sand in the world according to Guinness World Records ! 
 
When I got back to the NP ,I checked if my spot was still available and booked one more night. Tomorrow is supposed to be gale force winds across the south coast and thus probably not much point moving. Considering doing 16km Circuit Trail hike if the rain sort of stays away .
 
As I still had some daylight I detoured via Caves Beach . Not much cave exploring happened though as the tide was coming in.