We were invited to lunch on the Central Coast and as it was a 2 hour drive, we decided to stay close by rather than drive home. If we were going to stay one night, why not two? Luckily winter made for good accommodation prices and we found a lovely studio apartment at The Entrance. It was a very enjoyable and relaxed lunch with some very old friends and then a short drive to our accommodation.
The next day we decided to play tourist in an area that we have not really explored before. We set off looking at the coast north of The Entrance and fell in love very quickly with some beautiful coastline. We were blessed with wonderful weather – cloudless sky, no wind, still ocean, and for winter, warm temperatures. The sea was so flat that we managed to spot whales at Norah Head Lighthouse. For a Monday, there were lots of others doing the same thing. It was amusing that no photographs were allowed here, except professional photographers. We thought they would be the ones not allowed to take shots.
To the north of the lighthouse was the Norah Head boat ramp, but in reality it was home to a beautiful scoop of beach and a large rock pool. Ideal for young grandchildren to play and swim. To the south of the lighthouse was Soldiers Beach – another lovely stretch of coast. The café under the surf club was open and we hate to think how they cope in summer. A coffee took 10 minutes! It didn’t matter too much as it was a good place to just enjoy the outlook.
We drove into a big development at Magenta that has a Pullman Hotel and golf course as part of it. They have provided access to the beach and the villas are set back from the last dune, so the development has not spoilt the beach. The hotel was 5 star and would make a great place to stay.
I had heard about Catherine Hill Bay some time ago – in relation to the residents resisting the development of the area. The map showed that it was quite a long drive into the bay from the north. Our GPS seemed to suggest it was closer than that. When the GPS told us to turn right at the traffic lights, we realised that this was a new road into the village. The road was obviously built by the developer and there is a huge subdivision taking place. Only 2 or 3 homes appear to be being built at this stage but the roads, street lighting and some landscaping is all in. The development spreads over several hills and look either out to sea or down to some untouched beaches. We took a turn to the north and came upon the original hamlet. The Catho Pub was at the top of the hill and down the road were small workers’ cottages, mostly the same in size and design, from some older era. The road wound down to the beach – a glorious sweep of beach. You can imagine how isolated and pristine this has been and how in the near future it will be a bustling town.
Catherine Hill Bay
Lunch called and we stopped at Budgewoi. We bought wraps and took them to Lake Munmorah. We found it by accident, down a dirt laneway that opened up to a reserve around the lake. We had the area to ourselves, apart from the hungry magpies who sat on the table watching each mouthful. The lake was home to more than 30 black swans, all just lunching on the lake. A pretty place to find.
Lunch with the black swans at Budgewoi
It was then time to check the beaches to the south. We found Crackneck Lookout at Bateau Bay – another great whale watching spot and plenty were doing that. The lookout gave views to the north, right up the coast past The Entrance. There was no wind but signs indicated that it was quite a hang gliding site.
We travelled up to Toowoon Bay, past Shelley Beach. Toowoon Bay is a lovely protected scoop of bay, and home to Kims Beach Retreat. We have stayed here twice, more than 20 years ago. It did look cold in the afternoon sun and perhaps not as we remembered it.
It was time to stop and have some reading time in our unit, before a walk at sunset along the waterfront. We set off from opposite our unit and walked under the bridge and to the west. It was a lovely time in the late afternoon. The birds were flying in, people were fishing, children were still playing in the park. The area reminded us very much of Forster. Signage explained how the 3 lakes – Munmorah, Budgewoi and Tuggerah – all flow into the ocean through The Entrance. Something it did say was that the water only changed 1% with the tide. This was meant to make people aware of pollution and the impact on the lakes. To us it seemed to warn you of the quality of the water.
Tuesday – another day and we had to come home, but it was a great example of how you can find so much enjoyment without travelling far. or spending a lot of money.
Jottings & Blottings 