That entrance again but this time from Winda Woppa Beach, near Hawks Nest.
The plan was to travel around the bay, through Tea Gardens to Hawks Nest, famous at the holiday choice of former Prime Minister John Howard, before the media packs hunted him out. These are attractive towns, the former on the lower reaches of the Myall River and the latter between the river and the ocean.
The twin headlands of Port Stephens are clearly visible to the south east of Hawks Nest beach, and the scene
Hawks Nest Beach
is further improved by mountainous offshore islands that spread northward along the coast. From these river mouth towns we drove along the narrow strip of land between the ocean beach and the Myall River and soon were within the Myall Lakes National Park. There are several camping places along this road and we had thought that we might spend the
The north headland of Port Stephens (right) and off lying islands. The large island is Broughton Island
night at one but they were all crowded on this weekend when it seems that everyone was out and about.
After about 20 km the road swings west to a narrow part of the lake system where a small punt carries traffic across to Bombah Point.
There has been a tourist operation here for many years. Almost 70 years ago my parents brought the family here to a guest house
Bombah Point Punt
operated by the Legge family. In the early 50’s our family had several holidays here, camped under the shady Banksia and She oak trees that grow along the shore of the lake. About 45 years ago, returning on a trip from Melbourne to Cairns with my parents we camped here as Brother Ivan was here on holidays. Today a modern caravan park stands on the sight. We couldn’t
Right at the waters edge.
just drive past.
We have spent the afternoon in the shade of our awning, sitting about 20 meters from the water. It has been quite warm but there is a cooling breeze. Ruth is reading. I am alternatively reading and remembering. We expect a quiet night. There is a 40th birthday party at the other end of the park but we don’t expect that it will interrupt our rest.
The view as we read.
I had forgotten the private mini beaches.
A house boat off Mungo.
There were lots of friendly ducks.