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| Gillards Beach NSW |
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| Mallacoota |
Leaving Genoa was a bit of a wrench, I have to say. But I
had always wanted to see Mallacoota and needed to stock up on the munchies
anyway. I was surprised that the road to
Mallacoota (there’s only one!) was such a winding, rough ‘C’ road, considering
the amount of caravans that go there. And that was the problem with Mallacoota,
for me! Beautiful place, friendly people. BUT. Caravans- everywhere. I know that should be no
bad thing for someone who
travels, like me. But I don’t like caravan parks! I
prefer natural settings, hence my Grey Chihuahua being self sufficient.
Everyone is so cramped together. It’s like living in suburbia- something I
wanted to get away from. Plus it was the most expensive place to shop I have
found. So I didn’t spend long there but got back on the A1, and went across to
NWS, to Eden.
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| Eden |
And believe me Eden IS Eden! It was a beautiful paradise. I
loved it, though getting there meant travelling through high hills with narrow
twists and turns. Which was, essentially, Eden too. Even the old worldy, main
street is set on a high hill, so a good motor is a must. The Grey Chihuahua is brilliant!
She took the twists and turns with no effort, and found the most stunning
vistas and great spots. Like the Wharf there. It reminded me of a lake I had
visited in
Switzerland once. You can park right at the front where the fishing
boats and whale watching boats go out from. There are lovely little cafes at
the back and blue painted seats and tree protectors to the front. It is the
most beautiful harbor, sheltered in the distance by tall mountains. Then there
are the wide beaches of long golden sands on the other side of Eden. In fact
virtually anywhere you go is picture perfect. It even has hot showers at the
wharf and local Swimming Centre. And a friendly, helpful Information Centre. The
one and only downside that I could find was- nowhere to camp. Caravan Parks-
yes (and the Eco Village was great , offering a non powered site for only $20),
but no where to camp.
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| Tathra |
And so a journey through Perambula (lovely) and Merimbula (huge and too touristy for me)and
Tura (not a lot there). To Tathra. Which I did like. The old part of the town
is like stepping back in time, Especially the awesome Navy Memorial sat at the
top of the highest hill, as you enter the town. It has a sense of serenity
about it, and gives you a feeling of deep respect as you walk the path of the
fallen to the lookout there. And the view from the lookout is beautiful. But I
still had not found where I wanted to stay. I was looking for kangaroos, nature
and peace.
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| Gillards Beach |
And I found it on Wikicamps at a Place called Gillards Beach.
Have to admit the name did not inspire me as visions of the previous prime
minister popped into my head. But I figured not all Gillards had to be the same.
Besides this place sounded perfect. Part of The Mimosa National Parks of NSW,
which is just beautiful to drive through, if somewhat demanding, as many of the
National Parks are on the South Coast, being very hilly (in fact mountainous!)
and tightly twisting and turning. But also magically, densely populated with
sky high, white gums and
other native trees. Then I saw the turn off for
Gillards Beach. Or should I say the single dirt track! Now, I have to be fair,
it did say something about best done with a 4wheel drive, though motorhomes had
been known to get there. But it also held the promise of a sighting of a
potoroo. And I wanted to see a potoroo! I said I was very sorry to the Grey
Chuhuahua, who had done so splendidly so far, and started down the track. We’ll
just see what it was like, I said. We can always turn around, if it’s too
difficult, I said. 
Well she is an AWESOME little chihuahua! That track wound
for 20km through that forest! Up and down hills, through deep ruts, and large
sharp grit. And she made it! Was it worth it? 100% YES. This is one of the most
fabulous places you can go to ever! There’s plenty of little campsites, just
behind the wide, white sands of this perfectly serene beach. They nestle in
nooks and crannys, sheltered and from the sea winds by the native bush. You can
only fit about two or three small motorhomes or tents into each, which gives
privacy and a feeling of being surrounded by nature. You also get to share them
with the amazing and abundant wildlife there. I had kangaroos and wallabies
munching the grass around my site every day, patently ignoring me, and
obviously hoping I would do the same for them There were many birds and Goannas too… but
alas, no illusive potoroo. But no
matter. I spent my days on that tranquil beach, with its warm waters and long
sandy walks. Or slyly taking pictures of the kangaroos and wallabies, trying
not to let them see me. It was a bit like stalking a celebrity, I would think, as
once they know you are doing it they move away in disgust! But I enjoyed my time there, so much. Even when the ranger came to collect the $10 per head per night of most National Park camping grounds in the NSW. And the
long drop toilets, reminiscent of the Dunny of my youth (though these were
actually MUCH cleaner and nicer!), with the stone camp fire were a great
experience. And the nights laid listening to the waves lull me to sleep as I
looked at the starry night sky through my windows- sheer magic.
Till Next Time- Enjoy the Magic in your Life.
The Grey Chihuahua
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