A kilometre down the coast is Wattamolla proper. This is an inlet with a little beach on one side…
And a magnificent lagoon on the other.
I’ve spent many summer days in that lagoon. I can’t deny that it is a popular spot, but no matter how busy it gets on land, I’m always able to find a serene spot on the water to float away.
One of my favourite weekend drives has to be down the coast, past Kiama, to the villages of Gerringong and Gerroa. Gerringong is the bigger of the two, with a substantial surf beach, shops and rock pool. It’s what Kiama used to be 15 years ago.
But even Gerringong has its secret spots. I discovered Boat Harbour on a weekend stay.
It’s a secluded, little cove with its own colony of pelicans, cow pastures, and a cute little rock pool that’s wonderful on a summer’s morning.
It’s autumn now but the weather was still perfectly warm on the weekend. I went further afield for this installment, down past Wollongong, past Shellharbour, to Bass Point and the intriguingly named Bushrangers Bay.
I was introduced to this place by a friend in-the-know. It’s a secluded, sheltered little granite cove that’s a favourite among divers and snorkellers. The water is clear and even though I didn’t have proper snorkelling gear I still saw a few fish and coral. Unsurprisingly, the bay is an aquatic reserve.
I arrived early before the families came, and the place was very quiet – so quiet that I felt as if I’d stumbled on a secret pirate’s hideout. Maybe there is some truth in the name after all?
The forecast was for 29C on Saturday, but at 10am it certainly didn’t feel like it at Bonnie Vale. It was overcast and there was even drizzle. I really wanted a swim since I hadn’t had one for a few weeks due to the cooler weather. Bonnie Vale isn’t as nice as the other 3 spots I mentioned before, but it’s the most accessible of the lot. No walking, bar a 30 metre waddle from the car to the water. I waited patiently, and thankfully after an hour the clouds cleared, the sun shone bright and hot, and I was able to take a paddle in the cool water.
I only found this place yesterday, but it’s on my list of favourites already. Not ‘found’ exactly, since I’ve known about The Basin for ages, but I have never managed to rustle up a trip there until yesterday.
As with most natural still water swimming spots, access isn’t easy. To get to there one has to drive all the way to Palm Beach (that’s as far away from my place as you can possibly get in Sydney) where a 20 minute ferry ride across Pittwater into Kuringai-Chase National Park awaits. But the effort is worth it, because The Basin has to be one of the prettiest places in all of Sydney.
Now, I’ve always thought that Wattamolla was lovely, but this place is even more lovely and 10 times the size. Surrounded by bush, the lagoon is blue-green and goes for a mile or more. Because of its sheer inaccessibility (the only other way to get there is by foot via a 6km track), I don’t think it would ever get full. It is so pristine and calm and beautiful that I liken it to an Aussie version of The Blue Lagoon. Only without Brooke Shields.
Since the weather’s still damn hot with no sign of letting off, I’ve taken to exploring Sydney’s natural still water swimming spots. After Wattamolla, another favourite of mine is Karloo Pool. Karloo is a secret and cherished spot to people of the Shire and avid bushwalkers. It’s reached by walking 45 minutes into the valley from Heathcote Station to where Kangaroo Creek makes a lovely, deep, freshwater pool. It sure was a welcome sight on this year’s visit in 30C heat and humidity. The water was cool and refreshing and there were some rock platforms on which to sit and take lunch. Apart from other visitors, there were no other signs of civilisation though we’re only a mere 2-3 kms from the edge of Sydney. The uphill return trip was rather interesting in the heat, but the discomfort was worth it.
A couple of stinking hot days and I’ve only had one dip this year, so time to take a day off and enjoy a swim at one of my favourite places, Wattamolla.
Blue, blue sky
Green, salty water
I dive beneath
Into water warm
Burst the surface
Into sun I float
Gazing up at
Swaying gums
My blues washed away
On this lifegiving day
Static and Silence 