SHORT BREAK - Black Rocks Campground, Bundjalung National Park (May 2021)

Just the two of us off to Black Rocks Campground in Bundjaling National Park for a minibreak.

Wednesday 12 May 2021 - Black Rocks Campground

Set up in Campsite 24 - just perfect, close to a walking track to the beach as well as: a firepit (although we had brought one of our own to christen); picnic table; bush on three sides so can't see any other campers; nice and flat and plenty of room.

After setup, we went for a walk to the beach to get our bearings (it's been quite a few years since we have been here)  Just love those "coffee" coloured rocks.  The road is still closed to the beach (and has been for some time) so no driving access although you can still drive up from Woody Head.

Lit the fire to cook fish (no we didn't catch it!) which Jill had wrapped in parcels with salt onion and lemon juice - but oh no! we couldn't find the tartare sauce that we bought in Woodburn on the way.  Must have left the bag with the tartare and bananas at the cafe where we had our gluten-free pie lunch on the way.

Walked up to the top of the nearby dune to watch the sunset - very speccy.  

Thursday 13 May 2021 - Black Rocks Campground

A morning walk.  Thought we would try the Emu Walk although someone had said there was water over it.  They were right! - lots of water.  We walked around one huge puddle but then found that just around the next corner that the track was completely flooded.  Oh well!!

The banksias are in full bloom at the moment and there is such a variety.

Black Rocks is an interesting spot as it is next to an RAAF bombing range connected to what was then an RAAF air base at Evans Head during World War II.  There are still a number of concrete bunkers around.  Some actually in the campground and another along the Emu Walk.

As we couldn't complete the Emu Walk we came back to Jerusalem Creek where we plan to do some kayaking tomorrow.  

Back to camp for breakfast and then another walk to the beach followed by a nice lazy day.

Friday 14 May 2021 - Black Rocks Campground

We were up for dawn over the Pacific Ocean this morning and then we went for a walk along the firetrail at the back of the campground.

Back to camp for breakfast and then it was off to Jeruselum Creek for that kayak.  

It's such a lovely peaceful spot to kayak - at least it was until we were buzzed by an airforce F/A-18.  It was just so loud.

We were pretty exhausted by the time we got back to camp so another lazy afternoon followed by another amazing sunset.

Saturday 15 May 2021 - Black Rocks Campground

A longer walk this morning along the fire trails inland from the campground.  Quite open heathland back here.  Still lots of banksias and also lots of Xanthorrhoeas (grass trees).

After breakfast, it was pack up and we were on our way home.