Friday morning 19th February already. Days seem very long with daylight saving but the time has passed quickly all the same. Heading for Bendalong today; about 3 hours south and on the coast.   We are travelling down the coast's Princess Highway and the new roads are fantastic. We are quite high up and wind warning signs abound. The views of the coast to the left and the rolling hills with bush and lush pastures to the right, with the Great Dividing Range as a backdrop, is awesome.   Cow's packed lunches are strewn all over the farmlands to the left and right, the farmers have been busy baling.

More huge roadworks – a continuation of the fabulous highway we have been travelling on.   It is always amazing to see the work going on and who cares if you have to slow down or stop every now and then. The end result will benefit everyone.

We had thought of going to Sussex Inlet but bypassed that due to a big triathalon there.   So here we are in Bendalong, 2 hours drive south of Wollongong, on the coast and what a spot.    Booked in for 5 nights due to so much to enjoy here.

 Our site is a pleasant 150m bush walk to the beautiful beach which is quite protected and great for swimming and cooling off.   Plenty of other little beaches within walking distance and the main Bendalong Beach which is one of the surf beaches.    After walking around and getting our bearings in the park, we went for a drive to check out the surrounding area.   Wow!   Cunjurong Point and Green Island beaches are beautiful with a left hand rock break at Green Island, similar to Old Woman Island Sunshine Coast and Windang Island. Hopefully over the next days, Bill can catch a wave or three.

Up the road from Cunjurong Point, near Manyama we found Berringer Lake which looks fantastic for kayaking and fishing.

Such a hot afternoon we decided on a swim when we got back from our drive.    Quite a bit of kelp washed up, nice and fresh so not stinky.   Also a little on the waterline, but step over that and into clear turquoise water with fine white sand on your feet.  Bill takes up the story …..

An odd bit of kelp was moving on the bottom in the small wave surge as it approached the beach, wasn’t a worry unless it tapped you round the ankles when not expecting it. Water was great and I was standing in just less than shoulder depth water watching Sandy half float, legs hanging down.   A change in bottom shadow caused me to casually glance down (as old surfers tend to do!) to see a darkish shape move directly under Sandy a metre or so from me.   Focusing closer the shape emerges clearly as a large black stingray gliding through in the minimal space between Sandy’s feet and the bottom.   Could have been a panic point here but haven’t heard of many stingray attacks, other than the 'Irwin’, so not to panic Sandy and have her stand directly up on it’s back, I decided to say naught and avoid a reaction by the fish and the 100mm barb sticking out of it’s tail.  

A buzz I tell you!   This thing was around 2m wide and more than 3m long with an estimated weight of 100 to 150kgs on a good day. Once announced we watched in appreciation as it casually cruised the shallows within metres of swimmers.   To everyone’s surprise it appeared under us again a little later and circled around, sometimes with a wing curled out of the water, hardly noticing the swimmers who crowded around to get a look.

He says a buzz!   I couldn’t believe seeing this massive outline move away from me.   No panic, but then it had already glided under me at that point!   We have since visited this and one other, each day when they come into the bay.   The big one is easily hand fed and brushes against the legs of those nearby.   What an attraction, however thankfully, not one we found advertised.   It would be a shame to see hundreds of people flocking to touch it – could end in disaster.

When we went back to try and film the huge ray, we were amazed to find a second smaller ray, about 2/3rd’s the size of the big one, but disappointed when the big ray didn't show.   The smaller ray we call 'Stumpy’ as his tail has been bitten or chopped off.   I apologise for the huge video I uploaded. I hope you can all play it – watch until the end.



The park here is set on a point in amongst coastal ‘forest’.   Trees and bush surrounds the area as do many grey kangaroos!    They don't just surround the area, they are grazing or lying at your front and back door.   They are so used to humans they barely give you a glance.  

The funniest thing I saw was a group of about 7 campers, having set their chairs up in a circle and sitting there having a chat and a drink, and a kangaroo loping up and positioning himself in the circle, between two of the occupied chairs, as if he was part of the group.   They all looked a bit astounded initially, but kept on chatting whilst the ‘roo took it all in and eventually moved a metre or so back and lay down.   I suppose you had to be there, but it did look hilarious.    Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me! Dammit!

It is quite amazing at night, going to the loo in the dark, coming around a bend and finding yourself (almost) face-to-face with a big male grey bounding along to meet with his harem who are quietly picking away at the grass on the bend. Just love it!   They are in groups everywhere.