APRIL 2013: Murramarang National Park, NSW
School holidays so a good chance to escape Sydney for a few days. We ended up heading to Depot Beach at Murramarang National Park. I now know why this is a popular place with its beautiful calm waters, lovely camp site and plenty to keep the kids occupied.We spent 4 days of not doing much which is always great. For those that have not been there Depot is approximately 4 hours south of Sydney between the towns of Kiola and Batemans Bay. The camp sites are nestled amongst the imposing spotted gums. The locals are very friendly with eastern grey kangaroos and brushtail possums trying to make their home in the camper.
The kids had a great time on the beach. I also managed to sneak out in the early morning for some photography. While we were in the area we spent the day in Morton National Park and a walk up Pigeon House Mountain. The walk takes approximately 4 hours but the first 800 metres are STEEP!. The last bit of the climb sees you clambering up steep ladders and steps to reach the summit with magnificent panoramic views of the Clyde River on one side and the coastline on the other. If the walk won’t leave you breathless the scenery certainly will. A Great few days away.
At the end of this i have written a little more on our trip.
Murramarang National
Park - A trip so close to home
We often forget how lucky we are living in this great
country of ours. The day to day hustle
of living in the city can overload the senses leaving you longing to escape and
clear the mind. Luckily we are spoilt
for choices with so many options just a short drive from the big smoke.
And so it was with this in mind that we packed the camper
for a few days escape to Murramarang National Park on the south coast of NSW. Murramarang
National Park is approximately 4 hours south of Sydney between the towns of
Kiola and Batemans Bay. The National
park hugs the coast line protecting over 11,000ha of wooded forest, unique
coastal rainforest, rugged headlands and white sandy beaches.
There are several camp sites to choose from but for us Depot
Beach was ideal, nestled amongst the imposing spotted gums with access to hot
showers and facilities a short stroll away. If you are seeking that extra bit
of comfort there is even 9 powered sites available.
The days were spent exploring the nooks and crannies of the
rock shores, the kids playing on the beach and splashing in the calm bay and walks
though the various tracks that explore the Park. The locals are very friendly with eastern
grey kangaroos lounging around the camp site and brushtail possums exploring
every part of your camper hunting for any food that you may have left out.
While there is plenty to do around Depot Beach to keep
everyone occupied for days, we decided to do something more strenuous and
tackle Pigeon House Mountain. North of Murramarang you eventually reach the
turn off from the highway and then travel 30km along a scenic well graded track
that meanders through the Morton National Park.
Unless there has been a lot of rain there is no need to slip the car in
to 4WD, but it is a pleasant trip non-the less.
Named by Captain Cook in 1770 as Pigeon House Hill, I think
the original Aboriginal name of Didhol, meaning Big Mountain is more
appropriate. The walk takes approximately 4 hours but the first 800 metres will
get you wondering if it possible to walk vertically. The last 500 metres sees you clambering up
steep ladders and steps to reach the summit with magnificent panoramic views of
the Clyde River on one side and the coastline on the other. If the walk won’t
leave you breathless the scenery certainly will.
After 4 days of crisp clean air and the sounds of waves
lapping the beach the fog that previously had enveloped the mind lifts. What remains is a heightened sense of wonder
of this beautiful coast line and how lucky we are to be able to experience this. While it wont take long for the hectic city
life to once again consume us it is always good knowing that this can all be
healed with a camper, fourby and a few spare days.
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