Hidden Gems Of The South Coast - NSW

The mid South Coast of NSW is just a hidden, and underrated gem of Australia.  It boasts the whitest sand beaches in Australia (due to its high silica content) and is so far and ideally untouched by human habitat, compared to other tourist destinations in Australia.  The many National Parks and wonderful small villages interspersed among the many small bays with the cyrstal clear waters being such a highlight.  

My favourite of these is the small village of Hyams Beach - a place I used to visit with my two favourite Aunties, many years ago.  If only we had taken the opportunity to buy that old holiday house then - we would have made a killing.  One of the many things I like about Hyams Beach is the councils decision to not approve development applications that will spoil the villages quaint atmosphere - its very charm. Browsing the real estate pages, one can buy a reasonably ordinary house in Hyams Beach for a neat $700,000!   We had our picnic lunch on the beach at Hyams Beach before heading off further down the Road to Governors Head.

Hyams Beach

Picnic at Hyams Beach

Sail Away

Umbrella

If Only!!! - Wonder if we Get a Family Discount??

Jervis Bay, came into prominence in 1909 when Canberra was selected as the best city site for the proposed Federal Capital. In 1915 the southern arm of Jervis Bay became part of the Australian Capital Territory due to a Parliament act in 1908, defined the site for the Federal Capital as having an ocean access.In 1919 the Navy opened its training quarters here, which still operates today as HMAS Creswell. 

The imposing entrance to Jervis Bay is dominated by the massive cliffs of Pt. Perpendicular in the north and Governor Head to the south. The sheer cliffs not only tower above the sea to a maximum of 135 metres north of Steamers beach (the highest in N.S.W.), but also plunge to a depth of up to 40 metres straight down with no intervening rock platform.

A Large Cuttlefish Washed Up on The Beach

From The Rocks Overlooking Steamers Beach

Jellyfish

The Huge Cliffs of Steamers Beach

Waves of Steamers

Old Ships Rope

The Long Walk Back

Just Made It!!

"As a landscape these walls are geologically unique with a complex combination of structural warping and faulting of Permian rock strata, followed by post glacial flooding by the ocean. Caves, steep sided gorges, sea stacks, arches and rocky headlands fringed by wave cut platforms complete an environment which provides a fantastic day walk for those interested in dramatic scenery or geology." (taken from the Jervis Bay Tourist site).

Our visit to the area was highlighted by a visit to Booderee National Park - and included the walk down to Steamers Beach.  On our previous day we visited Governors Head, a very imposing sight, and only a fairly gentle walk, as in comparison to that of Steamers Beach.  

When National Parks describe a walk as "easy" you cannot believe them~!!!, but after a lot of effort we made in down without too much trouble, making it in about 40 minutes - after strolling along the beach for what seems like ages (time is so easily whittled away when near the water) - but then for the climb back up - yes well that took us about 1 and half hours!  My husband really must learn to read the brochures properly - especially where it says "very steep climb to the top'"- even so it was well worth the visit and one I will remember for many years to come.  As you walk the trail through the canopy of huge blackbutts and mahogany trees the sun filters down on the heath and grass trees. The walk highlighted by the large number of wildlife, including about 5 different species of crimson Rosella's and lots and lots of little swamp wallabies

The remains of the old lighthouse is a short and 'easy' walk and comes to a vista that one should not miss.  The lighthouse built in the 1840's was a lighthouse full of controversy, due to its poor architectural design and placement (later replaced by Point Perpendicular lighthouse.  Even after 39 years of operation, they placed a large amount of explosives inside the light house! and what you see today is a result of that.  Even after it was replaced, the lighthouse caused much controversy, as on nights of full moon, the lighthouse glowed in the dark, causing navigational nightmares, for those at sea.

St George Cape Lighthouse

Lookout From The Lighthouse

Booderee offers many hours of interesting and wonderful delights to those that choose to visit, and one we are pleased to have seen for ourselves.  The Park charges a Daily pass at $10 (which turned into a 2 day pass) and the many camping sites within the park are very popular right throughout the year.  The usual astonomical NP charges apply.

Rosella

Rosella

Rosella

Swamp Wallaby

Giant Fungi

Rosella

Lorikeets Looking For Some Action

Huskinson and Vincentia -  The Gateway to Jervis Bay - the towns were first settled in 1842, when Governor Phillip sent 70 convicts to build a track from Braidwood to Jervis Bay - called the Wool Track, and was used to transport wool so that it could be shipped to Sydney, instead of using the terrible roads through Goulburn.  This road today is almost fully sealed all the way to Braidwood and  a stop off at the Bark Tree Hotel is a must.

Today these towns are a thriving tourist destination, but still with the sleepy beach side village feeling.   A highlight being the Husky Pub - and no - we didn't go there as it was 10.30 in the morning.  Beautiful old building and one we will have to come back and visit in the future.

have some of Barrys photos to edit and will put them in here when I get them done - so stay tuned for the update.

Oh how wonderful is this magical part of Australia - more to see yet.