Byron Bay, Yamba, Crescent Head and Nelson Bay
Leaving the Gold Coast after 4 hectic days our destination
was Byron Bay. On arriving at the Byron
Bay Tourist Park we were a little alarmed at the degree of security in the
caravan park. We were to find out later that this was primarily to keep free
loading backpackers out which is a big issue in town. After
setting up we were off in search of the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most
easterly point on mainland Australia. We
parked some distance from the light and commenced a pretty challenging loop
walk of about 6km over quite hilly
terrain. There were magnificent views of
the region and coastline to be taken in along the way. After reaching the lighthouse, viewing a
wallaby and mountain goat on the cliff face, we descended we headed for town.
That climb was hard yakka.
Cape Byron Light
Byron Bay has beautiful beaches and ideal for surfing and
families. Kurt and Jim went for a dip whilst everyone else enjoyed a stroll on
the beach. We were disappointed with the amount of street drinking along the
beach and foreshore, mostly by backpackers. It spoiled a lovely area, perhaps
this is the price of popularity. Also in
Byron Bay be careful not to run over anybody as many people, mostly backpackers
think it’s their god given right to waltz across a road at anytime and even
stop if they feel like it to adjust their lunar orientation, or perhaps text their
life coach midway.
The Sunday markets showcased Byron’s free and easy side but
the markets were actually full of quality items as well, but the food was sadly lacking compared to
Noosa a week ago. The long and short of it
is, don’t go to Byron on a weekend, and avoid the main town centre if you can. The roads out of Byron Bay wind through
beautiful hilly countryside with a huge variety of food crops including
macadamia nut, mangoes, avocado, sugar cane, and many other vegetables. The scenery was very special.
Yamba is a beautiful small town on the spectacular Clarence
River. We only spent one night there at the Calypso Park right in town. Easy, relaxed, not crowded, clean, surf and
great scenery is what Yamba is about. Unfortunately we only stayed one night but
Yamba goes high on the ‘yes, we could
live here list’. Unlike rivers and creeks in the Northern parts of Australia,
rivers like the mighty Clarence are very accessible for safe swimming, boating
etc (ie. No crocs). We had a lovely meal at the tavern on Sunday only to find out that if we had come on Monday, kids eat free and Mum and Dad get a
free drink. It’s all about timing!
One of the lovely beaches at Yamba
The next day we drove to Crescent Head another beautiful
town on the coast. It is famous for it’s surf break ideal for longboards.
Unfortunately during our two night stay the winds were blowing from the
north-east ruining the surf break. Still, we had a lovely riverside camp 150m
from the beach and with a skate park in view, everyone was pretty happy. On Melbourne Cup day we spent the day
relaxing. Jordy and Jim had a game of
golf, Kurt and Will spent a few hours at
the skatepark, Chrissy and the boys
spent some time on the creek and on the
fantastic public exercise gym equipment (another letter to write to Albany City
Council, along with Will’s letter to them re: revamping the BMX track) and we all even had an afternoon lie down. Lovely spot, could easily spend a week here in
the right weather.
No surf at the point on this day
Down the road 260km to Nelson Bay which is part of the wider
Port Stephens area. The rivers in Northern New South Wales are big, wide and
interesting to cross along with the large lakes and estuaries along the coast. They
make boating a very popular pastime in this part of the world. At Nelson Bay we
stayed at the Halifax Bay Caravan Park which is in a lovely sheltered location.
On arrival it was a bit windy but
comfortable for a change. The park was
unusually full of rabbits which were a source of amusement but they had
obviously outstayed their welcome as the poison signs were up. On the Thursday we awoke to still conditions
and decided to make the most of them. We
went out on a kayak tour not far from where we were staying. The conditions were very still and on the way
we saw dolphins and turtles and had a wonderfully relaxing yet challenging
outing. Nelson Bay is a great place to relax
and hang out and no doubt this is why lots of Sydneysiders head here every
weekend. For the third park in a row we
caught up with Paul and Karen from Kingston in Tasmania who we have shared regular 5 o’clock
appointments for the past few nights, as you do! The extra day here has been a blessing after a
few very busy weeks but Sydney town awaits us tomorrow.
Jim and Will
Will off the Jetty
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