Bateman’s Bay, New South Wales
Batemans Bay, south coast of New South Wales
We only stayed the one afternoon and evening in the lovely seaside town of Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. I would like to come back here sometime in the future and spend a week or so exploring not only the town but the hinterland as well. On the drive down the escarpment from Canberra we passed through some truly spectacular mountain country. this needs further exploring. We briefly gathered a few materials from the well stocked Visitor Centre. this indicates several major national parks and other natural features in the immediate district.
The photo below shows my wife (on the left) and my daughter having afternoon tea in one of the parks. They were debated the relative merits of a book they had both just read. I forget the title.
Meanwhile, I stretched out on the grass near the beach letting the gentle sea breeze waft over me. I was so inspired I pulled out my notebook – normally reserved for making lists of the birds I see – and wrote three poems.
Life doesn’t get much better than that.
My wife and daughter enjoying afternoon tea at Batemans Bay
Strange birds at Bateman’s Bay
Australian Pelican, Bateman's Bay
One of the most unusual sights I have seen was at the waterfront in Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.
Not one – but about a dozen Australian Pelicans were standing or sitting on the light covers in the street. I’ve never seen them perching like this before and it was so unusual in my opinion that I had to stop and take a photo.
Bizarre.
Bateman's Bay, south coast of NSW
A short visit to Bateman’s Bay
Bateman's Bay, south coast NSW
After our short stay in Canberra during our holiday last year we drove the short distance to Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.
The first half of this part of our journey was through rolling hills and open farmland. It was a beautiful part of the country but it was rather dry because it was the middle of summer.
The last half of the road from Canberra to Bateman’s Bay drops dramatically down a very sharp escarpment. It is a spectacular drive and has many twists and turns with many sharp hairpin corners. I had no opportunity to stop and take photos. It was a warm day and not surprisingly several cars had stopped on the up track due to overheated engines.
This was our first visit to this beautiful seaside town. It is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for tourists and especially those into water activities, especially fishing.
Bateman's Bay, south coast NSW
Picnic at Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
During our day trip to Leura and Katoomba we stopped for afternoon tea in the picnic grounds at Govett’s Leap in the Blue Mountains. We had bought some nice goodies to eat from a local bakery.
During our picnic I made a list of the birds heard or seen in the surrounding forest, while my daughter caught up on a little reading.
My daughter catching up on some reading
Govett’s Leap, Blue Mountains
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW
After our visit to Katoomba we drove on to Govett’s Leap. On the way we bought some goodies from a local bakery for afternoon tea. At Govett’s Leap there is a very pleasant picnic ground complete with picnic tables. The scenery from the lookout is truly spectacular.
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW
Govett's Leap lookout, Blue Mountains, NSW