A surf wander - North Avoca, Birdie Beach and Frazer Park – showed very ordinary waves.
I settled for an awesome mountain bike ride at Munmorah SCA along the coastal track. It had overgrown somewhat and had eroded more heavily in parts. At the end of the track, I continued on to Wybung Head and rode to the higher and lower headland. Great views along the coast and a steep fun ride to each of the headlands. The coastal track was best on the return leg. About 3 kilometres of downhill through all types of terrain – steep tracks, erosion obstacles, thick and close heath, sand and deep sand, curves, open areas and under low trees. Heaps of fun and concentration.
I checked Soldiers Beach on the way back and sat and watched the waves with a coffee. There were a few guys out but they weren’t getting many waves and even those were very short.
I had a great wander around this morning checking the surf in a number of spots - Wamberal Beach, Blue Lagoon, Shelley Beach, pelican Beach, Birdie Beach, Red Ochre Beach. They are all so different and pretty.
Wamberal Beach
Red Ochre Beach
Blue Lagoon
Pelican Beach
Birdie Beach
I didn't have much luck with the waves but I had a short and scenic hike at Wybung Head in Munmorah SCA.
The coastal views were amazing south to Norah Head and north to Flat Island.
I walked to the furthest part of the headland. There were steep drops to the ocean/rocks below and a low cover of vegetation. The flannel flowers were outstanding.
There were also a number of birds flittering around the dense and low bushes.
We just purchased a new Hiace campervan and were keen to take it on a test run.
Munmorah SCA is located at the northern end of the Central Coast in NSW, Australia.
We arrived at Frazer Park and went for a walk along the beach and the rocks to the south. There was a bit of an ocean swell running so there were some large waves that caused large sprays of water into the air. The rock platforms were mainly conglomerate which lead to some interesting rock formations with the help of wave action and salt corrosion. Bongon lagoon is next to the southern carpark. It is small but looks like it would be interesting to kayak along.
Our next stop was the palm circuit walk. This walk was short but lead through rainforest and drier vegetation on the steeper section of the walk. At the top of the track, there was a track leading onwards to Snapper Point Road. The track leading down the hill runs beside a small creek that would be more scenic after rain.
We drove to Freemans Camping Area and set up for the night. We extended the awning, made the bed and dinner. We had a lot of gear from tent camping and used what was needed in the campervan.
It rained during the night but we were dry and warm. It did get cold during the later hours of the night so warmer sleep gear would be needed for the next trip.
In the morning, we had breakfast, packed and drove to Snapper Point. At Snapper Pt, we walked around the cliff top looking at the fishermen below. We were lucky as a pod of dolphins cruised past while we were there. There was a large cave at the base of the northern side of the point where the waves crash up and surge into. We then followed a short track to Bongon Beach. The flannel flowers amongst other flowers were in full bloom.
We drove a short distance up the road to the carpark at the start of the Moonee Beach walk. Jacinta remained behind for this one. The trail lead downhill to Moonee Beach and beyond. (It would be a good bike ride down and challenging on return). I walked along Moonee Beach towards the south coming to flat island which I climbed and walked along. Nice view from this point. I returned and walked through the sand dunes to Ghosties Beach and Timber Beach. The coastal cliffs here were very high and looked very unstable. On the return walk, I ventured through the dunes close to the cliffs and had a nice view from the highest dune above Moonie Beach. I continued backtracking returning to the van. The return walk from the track at Moonie Beach to the carpark took 25 minutes.
We drove to Frazer park for lunch and a rest. After that, we returned home.
Munmorah SCA is a great place to stay and visit - beaches, cliffs, pockets of rainforest, islands and walking/bike tracks. The campervan worked well. It was so much easier to set up and pack up than camping. It was especially easier once home. Camping use to take a good half day but the van took 20 minutes. Now to plan for the next trip!
What a day! I just had an hour and a hour surf at birdie beach in great waves with noone out for the first hour. Unfortunately, with the other surfers came the wind.
I went for a walk to the headland at North Birdie. This area is nude beach and it was well used and paraded.
Anyway, the lagoon was small and interesting and the headland was a nice rock hop. It became too difficult to cross at one point so I turned back and drove to Wybung Head.
This was only a short walk but it had great views along the coast to the north and south.
Time to get away from the crowded surf. drove north and scored clean head high waves. the lefts were barrelling and occasionally a right. only a handful of guys. i took video after i got out but the wind had begun to shift and conditions were deteriorating. great sunny day with heaps of great waves.
This walk can be done following the coast along Birdie to Soldier’s Beach or short walks after driving to each location.
The weather looked good to start off but distant clouds that were fast approaching lead me to choose the latter method of getting around.
The sun was shining strong on this winter day. I ventured into the water while photographing to cool off. The water was a little brisk. Birdie Beach is a very long crescent shaped beach. It would take a good few hours to reach the northern end. It is backed by small sand dunes. There a number of places to park along the beach.
Jenny Dixon Beach is a very pretty sandy beach with a backdrop of steep sandstone cliffs.
Norah Head has a car park near the lighthouse. The lighthouse has tours on public holidays and weekends. The lighthouse is an excellent backdrop over the headland. In front of the headland is a tessellated sandstone shore platform, perfect for easy walking. To the south and north are small coves and beaches.
Soldiers Point has a large carpark. The point is connected by a sand spit. To the south is Soldiers Beach.
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