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Water’s Edge at Short Point
Blue skies, red rocks, and sapphire waters: just another beautiful day on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
I am very fortunate: I live in a beautiful little corner of the planet.
I am also a bit lazy, and aside from regular morning walks on my boardwalk (See: A Little Slice of Paradise), I tend to not explore my neighbourhood as much as I should. So, I’m always glad when someone else organises something, nudging me out of my inertia.
My local branch of the National Parks Association of NSW had to cancel their January bush walk because all our parks were closed due to fire danger. Luckily for us, the date of the March meeting fell in that very small window of opportunity between the catastrophic bush fires and damaging storms that followed, and the recent coronavirus lock-down. It was a brief interval during which we could still get together (although already without any hugs, cheek kisses, or any other physical contact) as a group of nature-enthusiasts, and go for a hike.
Our walk co-ordinator chose a short and easy stroll to give participants – most of whom are older, and some of whom are unwell – an opportunity to relax and socialise after what has been an exceptionally difficult summer. Clearly, it was a good choice: we participants spent as much time chatting, debriefing about individual fire experiences, and commiserating over derailed future travel plans, as we did admiring the flora, fauna, and vistas. It was a perfect Autumn day: warm, sunny, and clear.
Join our little group on the short but lovely Mundooi Walk along the Short Point Beach section of the Sapphire Coast:
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Entry to Mundooi Walk
Initiated by the local Lions Club, this lovely two-kilometre track is enriched by the interpretive signage funded by the Bega Valley Shire Council through project funding to the Tura-Mirador Landcare and Far South Coast Landcare Association.
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View over the Sapphire Coast
From the viewing platform, we can look east over Short Point Beach and the Pacific Ocean, north to Tura Head, …
View over Short Beach
… and south to the coastal communities of Mirador and Merimbula.
Gull on Short Point Beach
You could believe yourself to be all alone! However, the path follows the narrow strip of land between the beach and private housing.
Walkers in the Coastal Bushland
We follow the track into the thickly packed stands of bracelet honey myrtle (Melaleuca armillaris). The flowers are finished, but the bush still smells beautifully fresh.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
We hear the yellow-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus funereus) before we see them cracking seeds high in the myrtle branches overhead.
Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo
Blue skies allow a clearer view of another “cockie” nearby.
Ancient Dune
The dune on the foreshore here is said to have been formed over 8000 years ago when the sea level was lower. Still standing between 6-8 metres, it is held together by sea-grasses and long-established vegetation.
Back Lake
Back Lake is classed as an ICOLL – an “Intermittently Closed and Open Lake or Lagoon”. The mouth of the lagoon closes over when there is insufficient rainfall to flush the sand out.
Fishing in Back Lake
Back Lake is one of the many ICOLLs in this region, providing recreational opportunities for the community, but also raising environmental water-management issues for our local council.
Family on Short Point Beach
Short Point
The grassy lands of Short Point Recreation Reserve overlook the beach …
Rocks on Short Point
… and the tumbled rocks on the foreshore.
Walkers on the Cliffs
After lunch on the grass at the Short Point Recreation Reserve, some of us head down the rocky ledge below.
Short Point to Middle Beach
The rocks here are in ancient layers; the waters wash over them. …
Waters on Short Point
… or collect in pools.
Waters on Short Point
Rough and Rocky Textures
Salt is encrusted in the dried-out pockets in the rocks.
Sooty Oystercatcher
A sooty oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) prowls the rocky foreshore.
Sooty Oystercatchers
There are others on the foamy tide-line, looking for food.
Rock Fishing on Short Point
Across the sapphire waters, you can see Middle Beach, and the marks of aeons layered into the colourful rock-face beyond it.
Red Rocks on Short Point
Rocks along this coastline date back to the Devonian period. They are rust-coloured from iron oxide sediment caused by the rise in oxygen levels created by the world’s first forests.
Walkers on Short Point
We work our way back along the shelf, …
Nature’s Building Blocks
… past giant tumbled boulders, …
Lone Fisherman
… and leave the solo fisherman in the sea spray on his rocky promontory.
Whether it was the walk itself, the wonderful weather and beautiful scenery, or the chance to debrief with like-minded people, I returned to my car lighter in spirit.
Truly, it was a much-needed breath of fresh air!
Wishing you well as we all batten down.
Pictures: 15March2020
