Cape Conran

Posted on by Frida

Evenings at Cape Conran Banksia Bluff camp ground are a gorgeous thing. As the sun sets, fires dot the campsite and campers sidle up to the fabulous BBQ plates that swing out over glowing fire pits. The smell of cooking permeates the air and a feeling of peace settles even the rowdiest of kids.

We were fortunate on our first visit to Cape Conran to score a windless, sunny Autumn long weekend. Sitting outside late into the night was idyllic to say the least.

The beach is not particularly safe for swimming, but many were trying to fish, and surfers bobbed in the waves. Wet suits are needed for the bracing chill of the water. This beach provides a beautiful walk for those who are not enticed into the furious waves. East Cape beach is a little less ferocious and there were quite a few families in the water, although still mostly in wet suits. Definitely boogie board and body surfing territory.

Banksia Bluff camp ground is divided into dog friendly sites on the right and no dogs on the left. Families seemed to have congregated mainly in the centre area and the left end seemed to have mainly childless groups and couples, although this may have been a coincidence at the time we were there. There were very few caravans, this is very much a tent camp ground, vans would struggle to fit unless small and easy to manoeuvre. There is no power, and no fresh water, only bore water not suitable for drinking. BYO clean water! Toilets are septic and flushing, which is a bonus, but showers are outdoor cold bore water only.

  • Showers.

The atmosphere for the four nights we were there was friendly, relaxed and quiet. No loud music or screaming kids. Every one was happily chilled out. Perhaps having no mobile coverage or internet worked magic and people chatted and snoozed around their fires.

Beach walking from Banksia Bluff camp ground.

Early morning joggers messing up the sand.

Sailors Grave has a boardwalk with views of rocky coastline. Although not a taxing walk, it is not suitable for those with mobility issues. There is a bit of rock hopping and the lower steps are quite steep due to erosion.

Low tide.

Salmon Rocks at low tide provides opportunity for clambering over boulders and peering into rock pools. The beach here is relatively safer and much more populated. Wear good gripping shoes if you intend to climb. I fell off a rock and bruised more than my ego.

Endless photographic opportunities.

Shells. Shells. Shells. Skipping stones.

Yeerung River estuary has a calm swimming area. Great for families. Lots of Esky’s and blow up floaty toys and canoes scattered the sand and water, a colourful scene reminiscent of a work place picnic. You have to drive to this location and parking is limited.

Inverloch…Andersons Inlet

Posted on by Frida
Totally amazing at low and high tide. Andersons Inlet.

I had heard about Inverloch for years, but never ventured to this incredible place. After one visit to Andersons Inlet, I was hooked and it is now a regular place for time out. Even more so, for being an easy drive and reasonably close to Melbourne.

The first time I checked out Inverloch/Andersons Inlet, we stayed at the Big 4 caravan park. Now, while this is a great park for families with young kids due to the amazing water park, it was a bit noisy and crowded for us middle aged empty nesters, so we stay at the foreshore caravan park, run by the Big 4 office, but much quieter, with new amenities. Beach access is easy from this area. And the grassy sites are beautiful.

I love this water wonderland. The low tides allow for miles and miles, (or kilometres for the young people) of walking. In the heat of summer, at low tide groups of people lounge in shallow pools between sandbars in bath water warm clear water. High tide means easy swimming. The sand is clean, no rocks and very little seaweed. You really have to see for yourself. This is a great environment for all ages.

I have been told by locals and regular visitors the pier is used for jumping in to the sea at high tide, and that there are heaps of sting rays reside below. I don’t think I could be persuaded to fling myself in…

High tide at the pier can be a little scary.

Townsend Bluff estuary walk is an easy stroll. So beautiful. We did the walk along the path and then hit the beach for the return.

Take a moment to stop on the bridge and look in the water. We saw jelly fish in the seaweed and spent ages watching them.

The massive expanse of sand at low tide had billions of little crabs scuttling about and there is no shortage of birdlife in the area.  

Dotted along the beach, everyday there were new drift wood constructions appearing. So cute.

Bakery Bliss! Paul the Pieman had really good bakery products. I walked into town everyday, and came back with a bag of yummy cakes, bread or pastries. Not good for weight loss, but it sure put a smile on our faces. And the IGA had ridiculously good homemade salads.

I can’t help myself. I love taking photos of stairs.

Low tides are amazing.

Beautiful sunrise.

And incredible sun sets.

Patterns in the sand. It really is a stunning place. I love patterns.

Only 13km’s away, Cape Paterson offers a great walk with rock pools and incredible rock formations. Well worth a day trip, and there a few stops along the way with viewing platforms. Get out and have a look. It’s worth it. Some of the views are as impressive as the Great Ocean Road.

  • Rock Pool at Cape Paterson

Walking along the coastline Cape Paterson. Wear good shoes as the rocks are really sharp.

Scary!

From Venus Bay you can access Andersons Inlet from the opposite side. A short pretty walk takes you to the waters edge, which is more a fishing area than swimming. The coastal flora was blooming and beautiful and strangely we saw a fig tree on the path.