Your next weekend get away
07 Apr 2011 Leave a Comment
in Environment
Green Patch, Australia
The cultural experience of camping is treasured amongst almost every Australian. As far back as I can remember camping was all part of growing up. In the midst of city life, for those of us who do live in suburban areas, sometimes it’s hard to see the green through the high rises, but if you’re in need of a quick getaway there are so many places just outside Australia’s capital cities where one can get back to nature and perhaps relive their childhood.
Green patch, N.S.W is one of those places, only about 3 hours south of Sydney this little slice of Australia is sure to please. Recently I was able to visit this cosy little camping ground, which lies within the Booderee National Park along the South East Coast of Australia. ‘Booderee’ is an Aboriginal word from the Dhurga language meaning ‘bay of plenty’ or ‘plenty of fish’, and to the boys delight this turned out to be true. Catching and throwing back fish is all part of the experience, though for myself I enjoyed the crystal clear waters from below, snorkeling between schools of fish and the rocky sea floor.
The land is owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and has always been a significant place for Koori people, bush walking tracks are often sign posted with information on the significance of the land, which gave us a certain reverence for the beauty which surrounded us.
The calm waters, white sands, rock pools, fresh water streams and rich variety of habitats in Booderee National Park offer visitors a wide range of things to explore. With over 200 species of birds, 30 species of land mammals and 180 species of fish – Booderee National Park is a fantastic place to meet and greet Australian flora and fauna. Whilst there I encountered the fury and not so fury, from possums and kangaroo’s to octopuses and snakes, it is truly a memorable place. The park is also home to the endangered Bristlebird, which we were able to encounter on a few occasions.
Aside from the peaceful beaches there are some fantastic look outs to be found. I was able to visit Cape St George light house on my camping weekend. Construction of the Cape St George lighthouse began in 1854, and the elegant structure was completed in 1856. Sadly the lighthouse was built in the wrong spot, and it came to be regarded as a navigational hazard, resulting in its partial demolition in the early 1900s. If you’re up for a short drive and a bush walk you can visit the light house and read information about its eerie history and maybe spot a pod of whales or dolphins passing through on their way into the bay.
The Jervis Bay and Wreck Bay areas are thriving with environmental and cultural experiences to be had, and they’re just on Sydney’s doorstep! The drive to and from Sydney is also a treat, with Kiama’s blowhole and the famous Berry donut van those little stop offs along the way make for a full and fantastic weekend. For more information visit www.australia.com
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