MALLACOOTA, VICTORIA - 5 TO 7 FEBRUARY 2022

 

5 FEBRUARY

MALLACOOTA

We departed Bermagui for Mallacoota.

Along the way, it rained heavily. We stopped at Tathra, where the sun was shing to check the sun and have lunch.

We eventually reached Mallacoota, booked a camp site and settled in.

What an inspiring view over the inlet that was dotted with islands which were surrounded by channels. The beach was to the east and a low mountain range to the north.

We cycled our bikes around town and checked out Bastion Point and Tip Beach. The former was a long beach ending in the south with a manmade harbour big enough to launch two boats. The latter was another long beach which was more exposed to the swell. It was a good ride.

Back at camp we had a short rest then a walk along the waterfront. We sat on a small jetty and ate snacks while admiring the view.

6 FEBRUARY

MALLACOOTA

A bit of a sleep in.

We hiked the Double Creek nature walk and inlet walk. About 3km.

The first loop was through rainforest and thick vegetation. The bush had recovery from recent fires but there was evidence in burnt trees and new secondary growth. There were also a number of birds that made a ding sound. They were foraging in the lower tree growths. We crossed the main road and followed a track to the inlet. It ran parallel with a creek and at times we had good views of its tranquil nature. The end of the track was low salt bush growth and great views of the inlet and small islands.

After a snack, we drove to Bastion Point. The surf looked okay with one guy out. I paddled out and had a fun time with heaps of waves for the first hour and then to wind increased and turned onshore. I belly boarded to shore. Haha.

Back at camp, we had an easy afternoon.

7 FEBRUARY

MALLACOOTA

We woke to overcast and soon rain but light.

We packed, groceries and petrol and were on our way south.

BERMAGUI - 2 TO 5 FEBRUARY 2022

 2 FEBRUARY

BERMAGUI

After leaving Beachcomber HP, we turned off at Dalmeny and followed the coast road to check out a few beaches. There was a swell running but it was messy. We decided that we would stay at Bermagui and so drove through Narooma.

We checked into the camping site and wandered down to the Bermagui Beach Hotel for lunch, wine and beers. A nice view with pleasant food.

We took it easy through the early afternoon and went for a cycle in the late afternoon.

We rode through town and took a number of side roads, tracks and paths that lead to hill views, boat marinas or breakwaters. It felt good to get some movement exercise into our day.

3 FEBRUARY

BERMAGUI

After breakfast, we walked around the headland to the Blue Pools.

I was thinking of a swim but it was a bit windy and a few waves were breaking over and into the pool. A bit turbulent.

We wandered to town, picked up a coffee and sat on the town beach. The water was so clear we decided to stay there for a while. I had a number of swims and snorkeled in the amazing clear water to a nearby reef. So many fish. Jacinta even had a swim!

Back at camp, we changed sites and booked an extra night.

Easy afternoon due to strong winds.

4 FEBRUARY

BERMAGUI

We woke to off and on rain and wind

The wind eased by the afternoon and the sun made a short appearance. I took advantage and had a swim at the beach. A number of other people had the same idea.

5 FEBRUARY

BERMAGUI 

It rained at times during the night and the wind howled.

We departed Bermagui for Mallacoota.

BEACHCOMBER HP @ BLACKFELLOWS POINT - 31 JANUARY TO 2 FEBRUARY 2022

 

31 JANUARY 2022

BLACKFELLOWS POINT

We left Gerroa and arrived at our first stop, Milton for a mid-morning food.

Second stop, Beachcomber Holiday Park, Potato Point.

We arrived, checked in, set up camp and I had a swim in the ocean. Just what I needed after a hot drive.

Later in the afternoon, we had a bike ride along the beach. The tide was low enough and the sand firm enough to make it a pleasant ride.

We chatted to the couple next to us and it turned out that me and the guy, Bruce, had met about 30 plus years ago through mutual friends. Small world!

Kangaroos everywhere.

1 FEBRUARY

BLACKFELLOWS POINT

An early morning wander down the beach for the sunrise and over to the lagoon for some kangaroo and bird watching.

Coffee and an ocean swim.

A mountain bike ride on a loop track/trail around the camp area. A narrow track up the hill then down to the lake. Followed the road and a track turn off back to the camp. I rode up the hill once more for a fun backtrack downhill ride.

Another ocean swim and a short kip.

Later, in the afternoon. We had a walk along the road to Blackfellows Point, Picaninny Beach, Jabbarah Point and Potato Point Beach. A nice walk with great coastal views.

Late in the afternoon, we were hit by strong winds, rain and lightning. It wasn’t too bad and didn’t last very long.

2 FEBRUARY

BLACKFELLOWS POINT - BERMAGUI

We woke to an overcast day. Chatted to a few people around us, said our goodbyes and hit the road.

GERROA - 30 TO 31 JANUARY 2022

 

30 JANUARY 2022

The start of a southern road trip.

GERROA

We woke, loaded the last of the gear in the van and off we went. The drive was easy with only light traffic.

Our goal was Gerroa. We drove to the headland and checked out the view and decided to stay the night.

We camped by a small creek.

I launched the kayak in the afternoon and paddled up the creek which ended quickly due to blockage by a fallen tree. I back tracked and paddled to the Crooked River. I paddled up river it was shallow in spots and wide. It got a bot boring so I paddled down creek and towards the ocean. The water was very shallow in sections but it was fun trying to find the deeper water while avoiding the oyster-encrusted rocks. Eventually, the water became too shallow and I could go no further. There were a number of birds on the journey – ducks, oyster catchers and herons. A good kayak which would be better at a higher tide.

31 JANUARY 2022

GERROA 

An early morning bike ride around Gerroa waterfront. A brilliant sky, awesome reflections, high tide and so quiet.

Back at camp for coffee and a swim in the pool.

More breakfast and off on the road.