Day Eight: July 14th, 2013
Port Macquarie
Up early to make the most of our day today (Elliot's idea - I enjoy a snooze). We left the campsite by 10 and took the path down to Nobbys Beach with the allure of seeing some whales. There was a small path cut out on the side of a hill leading up to a monument. We tackled it and weren't disappointed - from the top we could see some puffs way out to sea: whales! The monument had a few plaques on the side - sadly it bore witness to two deaths in the cave below. School teachers who had drowned, one trying to save his friend. A lovely place to be remembered.
We meandered down the hill and started along Kennys Walk. Only a few meters in, we saw a very large humpback breach right out the water close to the shore - spectacular! We had been on a whale watching boat with Elly's mum in Manly when she came out to visit late last month, and now we're always on the lookout for more whales. Definitely one of the best experiences I've had so far in Aus - even if it seems 'touristy', go for it. It will be a boat ride you won't forget!
We continued on to Shelly Beach where there were a few art sculptures. Reading a bit more about it we discovered they are dedicated to Harry Thompson, who turned up at Shelly Beach in his caravan in the 60s, and never left. He became the custodian of the beach, picking up flip-flops and putting them on his 'thong tree', and called the bush turkeys that roam the grassy area his chooks. The council tried to move him on, but with a strong petition from the locals, was allowed to stay and became the unofficial mayor of Shelly beach, and was voted citizen of the year in 1983.
We then joined the Costal Walk which took us up to Tacking Point lighthouse, spotting a few more whale puffs and kookaburras as we went. The lighthouse was really cute, painted blue and white perched at the top of the hill with spectacular views. We saw some more whales and a pod of 5 dolphins very close by, cruising the bay in no real hurry. We had our sandwiches in the sun and made our way back to the campsite, seeing a large lizard at Shelly Beach, and passing Harry's Lookout at the top of a hill. Clearly Harry is well remembered and represented in his corner of the world.
We took a quick drive around Port Macquarie, and headed back to the campsite. All in all the walk was a 10km round trip with a lot of sun. This left me with a bad headache, so while I took a nap in the tent (my favourite pastime), Elly went for a cycle (his favourite). It takes a lot to keep up with Action Man, and sometimes it's best just to lie down ad admit defeat.
Popped out for some ingredients (sweet potato, spinach, mushrooms and some prawns) and cooked our dinner in the camp kitchen. Early to bed and early to rise - hopefully tomorrow the koalas will appear.