LIVING STRONG NATURE JOURNALING - Bundabah
Nature journaling is a mixture of scientific observation, creativity and immersion in the natural environment. Using words, pictures, numbers, collage and whatever else our individual creativity allows to document, explore and experience the natural environment These experiences allow us to slow down, observe, notice patterns and imprint the natural environment and our experiences within ourselves. Come and enjoy nature journaling with Living Strong! Stroll through the bush to gain knowledge of local plant and animal species, local bushfoods and medicines. Create your own nature journal page to help you connect and remember your experiences.
Who are we: Scott is a naturalist and aboriginal artist and Liesl is an ecologist and educator.
Email - livingstr8ng@gmail.com
Facebook - Living Strong Nature Journaling
Brochure - see here
MYALL LAKES NATIONAL PARK
The park features one of the state’s largest coastal lake systems and a Ramsar wetland of international significance. With 40 kms of beaches and rolling sand dunes it is one of the most visited parks in NSW. The lakes and beaches are perfect for all kinds of water activities.
The park supports a diverse range of animals that are typical of this coastal, forested environment. Of the 41 species of mammals recorded, the dominant species include kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, native mice, rats and bats. An endangered koala population lives around the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest area and extends into the southern area of the park. Other threatened species include the Spotted-tail Quoll and the Eastern Chestnut Mouse.
The park is Ramsar listed and protects significant populations of birds. It provides habitat for many migratory species. Commonly seen birds include: black swans, ducks, egrets, herons, white-breasted sea eagles, whistling kites and pelicans.
NOTE: Pets are not permitted in the park.
Vehicle Entry Passes - Penalties apply if you do not have a pass
Daily Passes and a range of 1 & 2 year passes are available from the Tea Gardens Visitor Information Centre and Hawks Nest Newsagency.
The park also has coin-operated 'pay and display' machines at Mungo Brush. NPWS fee collectors regularly visit camping areas to collect camping/vehicle entry fees.
Camping in National Parks
All campers must book and prepay for a campsite. Reservations can be made 12 months prior to arrival.
For online Bookings go to www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/bookings or Phone: 1300 072 757 or Email: parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au.
All reservations incur a booking fee of 2.5% in addition to the total amount payable.
For more information: Myall Lakes National Park
DOGS - PERMITTED/RESTRICTED AREAS
Please follow the link below:
-
Providence Bay, Hawks Nest
-
Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest
-
Bennetts Beach/Yacaaba Peninsula, Hawks Nest
You are responsible for the collection and removal of your dog's poo and you may be fined if you are not adequately controlling your dog.
LOCAL HISTORY, ARTS & CRAFTS
Tea Gardens History Walk
A stroll along the Marine Drive waterfront at Tea Gardens from the Singing Bridge, a left turn into Hough Street and down Witt Street to Maxwell Street, then to the waterfront can provide 26 points of historical significance and 2.8kms of exercise.
♦ Boat Shed 1934 to 2000 when the Café/Restaurant was added
♦ 73 Marine Drive was Holbert’s “Avoca” Restaurant
♦ Tillermans Restaurant (1903 was Bob Bee’s Busy General Store)
♦ Police Station & Courthouse 1912
♦ Tea Gardens Racecourse was located on the moor behind Tea Gardens School
♦ Original Anglican Church built 1910
♦ Original Oyster Hut pre 1973 (shed only) was rebuilt to become the present day Oyster Hut Restaurant
♦ Bus Shed in Jacob Street is an original structure previously located opposite the Oyster Hut
♦ Aden Cook residence was second Post Office - 177 Myall Street
Arts & Crafts
Arts and Crafts have been an integral part of our community since 1978. The Hut Art Group was the first group to form and was located in a hut on the golf course, it disbanded in 1992. The Myall Community Art & Craft Centre began in 1991. It holds an Annual Art Exhibition of local art and craft on the 2nd weekend in January and an Open Day on Easter Saturday.
The U3A Art Group began in 1993. It has an Annual Art Exhibition, held Saturday & Sunday of the long weekend in October at the Hawks Nest Community Hall, showcasing the work that members have done during the year.
The longest serving craft group is the Wednesday Craft Group which has operated since 1986 in the Hawks Nest Community Hall.
Galleries in the Gardens Inc., a group of local artists, has its home and major display space at The Gallery, 81 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens. Works are also displayed in local businesses.
Myall River Art Walk features over 25 art works celebrating the historical, environmental and social aspects of our area and can be seen in Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest. Along the Marine Drive waterfront, over the bridge and up the walk/cycleway to Hawks Nest shopping centre then on to Bennetts Beach.
DAY TRIPS
Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest make an ideal base for those wishing to explore the splendour of the Great Lakes and surrounding areas.
Broughton Island
Archaeology indicates that the Worimi people inhabited Broughton Island for at least 2000 years and Aboriginal middens, evidence of their existence, can still be found on the island. The island offers the spectacle of sparkling waters, excellent snorkelling, scuba diving, great fishing, walking tracks and breathtaking scenery.
Morpeth Historic Village
Situated just a few km from Maitland along the banks of the Hunter River. You can walk the cobbled streets to see colonial sandstone buildings housing modern and inviting cafés, pubs, boutiques and galleries.
The Hunter Valley
Australia’s oldest and best known wine region where you can taste wines, visit boutiques and galleries and enjoy a sumptuous meal in one of the many cafés & restaurants.
Historic Stroud
Established in 1824, Stroud was planned by the Australian Agricultural Company and overlooks the picturesque Stroud Valley. Stroud is home to many fine buildings; Stroud: Stroud House (1827-32); St John's Church (1833) and Quambi School House (late 1830s).
Karuah
is a pleasant optional detour on the way to Stroud with recreational activities, a riverside park & tidal pool by the Karuah River.
Travel north along Mungo Brush Road from Hawks Nest, stop at Dark Point to traverse the giant sand dunes, then Hole in the Wall to view the panorama of Broughton Island, the vistas along the dunes to Seal Rocks and south towards Yacaaba. You may even spot dolphins or whales.
At Bombah Point, cross the Broadwater on the vehicular ferry and continue to the historic town of Bulahdelah on the upper reaches of the Myall River.
North of Bulahdelah, turn right onto the Lakes Way, to explore The Grandis, the tallest known tree in NSW. The tree is 84.3m high and It is estimated to be about 400 years old.
Continue around Myall Lakes on to Seal Rocks and make the 700m walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. The heritage listed cottages and lighthouse were constructed in 1875 and offer fantastic views.
To the north of Smiths Lake lies Pacific Palms a small coastal township with six sparkling white beaches, vast areas of state and national parks, subtropical rainforests and some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery.
Don't miss The Green Cathedral at Tiona. This iconic open air chapel on the waters of Wallis Lake was constructed in 1922 and is a popular spot for weddings.
Booti Booti National Park is made up of an 8km peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Wallis Lake. The walk to the top of Cape Hawke Lookout is a must with 360° views of the area from the top of the tower.
The bustling twin towns of Forster and Tuncurry are the gateway to Wallis Lake; home to mainstream and boutique shops, a huge variety of award winning cafes and restaurants, and oysters galore. Forster is the largest producer of Sydney Rock Oysters in Australia.
On the Pacific Highway lies the village of Nabiac where you will find the National Motorcycle Museum.
On your return, stop off when driving through Coolongolook for a bite to eat or if wine is more your thing, Great Lakes Paddocks at Wootton.
RIVER ADVENTURES
The extensive waterways of the Myall Lakes system offer an excellent range of boating opportunities. The Myall River provides boat access to the lakes from Port Stephens and Bulahdelah and is suitable for most craft.
Major boat-launching facilities are located at Mungo Brush, Violet Hill and Nerong. Unsealed ramps are also located at Hearts Point (Neranie) & Korsmans Landing. On the lakes there are wharves at Violet Hill, Korsmans Landing and Bombah Point, as well as wharves on the lower Myall River at Tamboi, Engels Reach & Black Oaks. Designated boat-based camping areas around the lakes allow for extended trips and water-craft tours.
There are also plenty of opportunities for canoeing and kayaking throughout the Myall Lakes waterways.
Keep an eye on the weather conditions as the lakes can become very rough in windy weather.
FISHING
You'll find many excellent opportunities for coastal, lake and river fishing. The best way to fish the lakes and river is by boat but you can also try from the bank at a camping or picnic area or from the wharf facilities. A number of the National Park's beaches are open to 4WD vehicles - check for details from the Visitor Information Centre.
Myall Lakes National Park falls within part of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park and is subject to restrictions on permitted fishing activities. If you're going fishing anywhere, you will need a fishing licence.
Hawks Nest Fishing Charters, MV Argonaut. Bookings and Enquiries 0427 942 103
Boatshed Boat Hire, 100 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens. Phone 4997 0307
WALKING TRACKS
It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and take bottled water on any walk.
Yacaaba Walk: 7km return (3hrs) (Hard)
Walk from Bennetts Beach or Jimmys Beach to the top of Yacaaba Headland. Yacaaba rises 218m above sea level.
River Mouth Walk: approx. 2km return
From The Boulevard, Winda Woppa to the short cut channel, Myall River. Return via beach and Barnes Rocks.
Mungo Brush Rainforest Walk: 2km return (30 mins) (Easy).
From the northern end of Mungo Brush camping area there is an easy walk through paperbark, cabbage tree and palm rainforests. The track ends back at the camping area.
Spring Flower Walk: 1 to 2 hrs
Best in August/September
From the end of Kiewa Ave, Hawks Nest, follow the track on the western side of Mungo Brush Road. Cross Mungo Brush Road south of Quarry Rd and continue to Pipers Creek. A spectacular display of wild flowers in Spring.
Little Gibber Walk: 2km return
Track begins on right, 8.3km north of the National Park boundary. Walk over the dunes to Little Gibber and get a closer look at Broughton Island.
Mungo Track Nature Walk:
Track begins on left, 0.6km north of the National Park boundary. Abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Mungo Brush to Tamboi: 8km return.
Track is signposted from Mungo Brush south to small fishing village of Tamboi at the mouth of the Myall River. Village accessible only by boat.
Koala Reserve:
Koalas may be found in the reserve on the left after crossing the Singing Bridge to Hawks Nest. Check out the Swamp Mahoganies that border the reserve.
NATURALLY AMAZING ADVENTURE TOURS
Run by Christian Patteson, the tours show off the lakes, islands, river, headlands, port, dunes, beaches and wildlife to nature lovers. His tours change to fit with the vibrant and changing moods of nature.
Phone: 0409 993 470
Email: chris123stormy@yahoo.com.au