As I had two nights at Neranie Campground I wanted to spend today exploring the area around Seals Rocks. There is really only a caravan park and a few dwellings around here …what would have probably been an old fishing village. Now though, many houses are rather high end!
The walk around the Seal Rocks headland is closed for maintenance, so I make my way to Seal Rocks lighthouse. This precinct also includes the original lighthouse keeper and assistant lighthouse keepers cottages that have been refurbished and all look fantastic ! The final, super steep climb to the lighthouse is rewarded with superb views – down Lighthouse Beach and out to the ocean – where today many whales can be found!
There was actually a tram to transport goods right up the the lighthouse – probably mostly kerosene back in the days.
As I went up the steps of the lighthouse I noted a pod of dolphins playing close to the rocks.
After spending about 30min observing the whales i drove out to Treachery Rocks to do the headland walk there. Overgrown in many places- especially around knee height – I was glad it wasn’t full summer – snake wise !!
The views were great and I sat on some rocks… in the sun… checking out a few whales that came closer in to the bay…the pod of dolphins on the other side and the fighter jets that zoomed past several times !?!
It was a very entertaining hour or so !
I headed back to Seals Rocks and had lunch at the lookout – watching some more whales and also dodgy magpies who wanted my lunch.
Two young guys nearly had their pies stolen from their hands, as they ate, by thieving birds . They got pretty aggressive !
I took a short drive to Smiths Lake … I was after all in the Lake district of NSW … and spent most of my time by the sea. The lake was real peaceful …just a couple of fishermen in kayaks out on the water .
The art on the public toilets was also fabulous – birds !
In getting back to camp I first did a short but pretty overgrown hike up to an informal lookout . You could see over Myall Lake with beautiful, still reflections ! The walk was very saturated …muddy underfoot at the first few 100m or so .
It also, interestingly, past a cemetery. There are maybe 8 or so headstones left . I should find out who these people were … why a cemetery here ?
In getting back to camp… and it being warmer… a little …that yesterday… I decided to take a half quick dip in the lake. It was refreshing … though def too cold to swim for me!
I was in awe the rest of the afternoon just how still the water had become ! Yesterday it was pretty windy …and thus little wavy . Today – just bliss !!
