SHORT BREAK - Bungawalbin Nature Reserve (January 2022)

 

Saturday 22 January 2022 - Bungawalbin Nature Reserve

 After the very wet few days earlier in the month at Cutters Camp, we were looking for another Short Break and hopefully some dry weather to take Nate camping before the end of the holidays.  Unfortunately, all the National Parks are booked out so we decided to try a Hip Camp spot at Bungawalbin (inland from Woodburn and south of Coraki).

The "so-called" nature reserve is on private property with lots of water around (including one large dam).  We had intended to park near the creek and do some kayaking but that area is much too wet for camping at the moment and we ended up on a dry, level, grassy (a bit long) open spot up near the house.  The house used to be where the owner used to live but he now lives in Lismore and it is rented out to a pleasant lady and her daughter.  Lots of chooks in the pen not far away, resulting in a donation of 3 eggs for our breakfast.

I say "so-called" nature reserve as there is no sign that it has been developed as a nature reserve. Not even a sign.   Certainly, the large dam near our campsite and house is a haven for ducks, with a lot of wood duck plus a pair of plumed whistling ducks (which was exciting) - also a pair of non-natives which were probably Campbells.  The site is also fairly popular for kangaroos which visited evenings and mornings.

    

There was plenty of wood for a campfire which was nice.

A game after dinner - Mexican Train dominoes.

Sunday 23 January - Bungawalbin Nature Reserve

After a walk and breakfast this morning we went for a drive to locate Neiley's Lagoon, which from all accounts, would be a good spot for the kayaks.

We didn't find the lagoon but had a nice drive exploring the area.  Lot's of swamp, farmland and tea tree plantations in the area. 

Back to camp and a lazy afternoon followed by sausages and vegetables for dinner.

Monday 24 January 2022 - Bungawalbin Nature Reserve

 Went for a walk around the property this morning.  It's dried out quite a bit so didn't get inches of mud caked on our boots.

Set off about 11 to the boat ramp on Bungawalbin Creek (just down the road) for a paddle.  Jill & I in the double kayak and Nate in a single.  We have only just purchased the double and we've decided that it was a good investment.  The water was very brown and a bit 'wooshy' in places but it was a pleasant paddle.  We travelled upstream so that it was an easy paddle on the way back.

Another restful afternoon, a campfire and yes, marshmallows.

Tuesday 25 January 2022 - Bungawalbin Nature Reserve

 Home again, home again .......

Would we go back?  Probably not.  Like a lot of Hip Camp places, Bungawalbin was very expensive for what you get.  No facilities and the place could do with some tender loving care.  Quite a bit of "junk" around including a 'dead' car. You would think that when one is paying $158 for three nights that the grass at least could have been a bit shorter.  National Parks are much better value.