CENTRAL COAST - 22 TO 28 AUGUST 2021

 22 AUGUST

A kayak on Tuggerah Lake.

I launched the kayak from Picnic Point and paddled towards Pelican Island. There were a lot of birds on the island which I slowly circumnavigated. The next stop was Terilbah Island which was very shallow so I couldn’t get too close. The bridge was the next objective which I paddled under. Great view! Along the channel next going under and next to the boardwalk before paddling to the beach on the other side. 

The paddle was fun with the water being clear and glassy. The channel current was a challenge to paddle against.

23 AUGUST

A hike at Bouddi National Park.

We parked in High View Road and walked the steps to Lobster Beach. At the summit of the walk, we turned right and followed the informal tracks towards Wagstaff. There were great views, huge boulders flowers, thick vegetation and large trees along the way. Our plan was to get to half tide rocks which are opposite Ettalong. We took a number of informal tracks and even hiked off track to get to the base of the hill but we weren’t successful. Getting back to the top track was an effort.

A fun hike with some tricky rock climbing.

26 AUGUST

A morning surf check at wamberal Beach.

A short walk along Pearl beach and the rocks.

A beautiful day for a beach walk. We couldn’t get very far as the waves were breaking across the rocks on the point. We managed it to the tidal swimming baths.

A lap of Pearl Beach Arboretum.

We were close by so we tried another walk. This track is flat and was once a farm that has been gradually rehabilitated to become more natural. There were a lot of bird calls and it was very quiet as we wandered around.

28 AUGUST

A hike at Strickland State Forest on the Cabbage tree and Strickland Falls tracks.

I drove up to the top carpark for a hike. The carpark was packed and overflowing. Pre covid, I never saw more than about five cars here. The hike was great. The tracks were a bit more worn than the last time I was here. There were some flowers, trees, vines, large boulders and some views across the greenery. Strickland falls was only a trickle.

PEARL BEACH - ARBORETUM HIKE, BEACH SWIM, GREEN POINT HIKE - 3 NOVEMBER 2016

Another perfect day.

I checked the surf at Wamberal Beach - too low a tide - and Ocean Beach, which had only poor quality waves.

Up and down a big hill and I was at Pearl Beach - one of my favourite places on the Central Coast.

I had a walk through the Crommelin Native Arboretum. It was very quiet with only silence or the sounds of birds. The walk was very pleasant with spots to stop and sit and take in the scenery.


I saw a few birds and one species I was able to get quite close. Woodland birds are the hardest I find to see and photograph. Usually, they are off at any sound or movement.

Next, I got a coffee and sat on Pearl Beach and relaxed and had a swim.

I still had a bit of time so I went out to the southern point (Green Point) and had a short hike along the rocks and admired the beautiful coastal views.

Nice start to the day. :)

PEARL BEACH AND CROMMELIN NATIVE ARBORETUM - 22 FEBRUARY 2016

A golden sunrise at Pearl Beach this morning with a fog shrouded background of Box Head.

I started the morning in awe of the sunrise, then I walked the short track at Crommelin Native Arboretum.

I heard lots of birds calling in the trees but I didn't see any. I must have been the first on the track today as I walked into ten or so spider webs that had grown across the path. At the right angle and height the webs are virtually invisible.  It was a pleasant short walk. Just as I was nearing the exit of the reserve a wallaby darted across and back in front of the van. Nice!

Down the beach for a coffee and swim and sit around. The golden sunrise was finished but it still was very pretty with warm water and the sunlight twinkling across the surface of the ocean.

Oh, and there was a kookaburra hanging about.

A nice start to the day.