The New South Wales coast south of Sydney is known as the Sapphire Coast and I feel that we haven’t spent enough time in this area, probably because it isn’t far enough from Melbourne. If that makes sense.

Eden, NSW

Eden is situated on the deepwater harbour of Twofold Bay and the Whaling Museum is a little different. I toured the museum many years ago (while Woody looked for lunch) and learned that land-based whaling stopped here in 1930 when ‘Old Tom’ the Killer whale died. He used to herd the Right whales in close to shore so that the men could come out and harpoon them. The men would then put marker buoys on the carcasses and leave them for the Killer whales to have their fill (usually the tongues and lips, hmm tasty). The following day the men would haul the catch ashore to process it. The museum has Old Tom’s bones on display. I think there’s a moral in this story…

Pambula, NSW

Pambula, you can’t go past this town without sampling the delights at Wild Rye. Bread, pies and their own roasted coffee. Run in and waddle out with an armload of goodies. You won’t be disappointed.

Gillards Beach

A few years back our mate Toothless and his missus, Mrs. Doubtfire led us on a merry dance up the NSW South Coast, the first stop being Gillards Beach a National Parks campground that hugs the sea. We had a large grassy site overlooking the beach and were visited by wallabies, kangaroos and goannas. I should mention that large goannas sound something like a knight in armour when they walk. A variety of birdlife and there’s something rather special about having fairy wrens flitting into the drop toilet while you’re contemplating nature. The beach here is stunning and there are coloured sands further north a few hundred metres. Best of all though, was a mother kangaroo teaching her joey to box right in front of us. What a spot.

Wallaga Lake

Wallaga Lake, near Bermagui is a peaceful spot and just a short drive from town. We stayed at the Ingenia park on the lake.

Mystery Bay

Mystery Bay is a charming little overnighter. It’s basic with a long drop toilet but the location is magical. Set in a grove of trees overlooking the beach, sunrise is rather special. I see that they now have a camp host, to keep an eye on the campground, that’s good for everyone.