You could argue that most of Innes National Park looks the same; shrubs, dirt, more shrubs, more dirt, and plenty of suburbians in their BCF shirts hanging to get a catch that will score them some extra attention from the boys.
But after multiple trips to what has affectionately become Pondies, there’s absolutely no place I’d rather be. The shrubs, the dirt, and even the quick ‘how ya garn’ chat as you stumble downhill with your esky all play a very important role in this favourable image.
Undeniably, the most incredible thing about this part of the world is the coastline; with every bay and every beach distinguished by a variation of nature-made qualities like the sand, rock pools and insane cliff faces. But more notably, each piece of coast can be associated with its own intangible qualities that you have to really experience to understand. It’s not until the moment you exchange a look with your mate that telepathically communicates ‘you get it, I get it, we get it,’ that you really do get it.
So, after recovering from: hitting a kangaroo, rocking up to the wrong campsite on the wrong night, struggling to assemble the swag with no sun left in the day and failing to light the gas stove—we were on. Sometimes it takes a quick pep talk to get back on track, but mind over matter is a valuable lesson any day of the week.
One of the highlights for us was Browns Beach. With sand that’s pure golden and so soft that it moulds beneath you (lucky, because the red wine did a number), Browns Beach is a stretch of coast that should be on everyone’s bucket list. You’re in the ideal position to catch both sunset and moonrise, and the salmon really kick-on close to the shore.
While parked up on the slopes with endless ocean views ahead, you become wholesomely aware of how small you are, and how insignificant your problems are in comparison to the free goodness that sits before you. All it takes is a small trek with the esky and the right people around, and Browns Beach quickly becomes the most incredible way to send off the afternoon before returning back to camp for some premium barbecued tucker and yarns under the stars.
Now, Pondalowie Bay is an absolute breeding ground for a bush doof, with vast vegetation that homes 26 campsites just a stones throw away from one another. But it’s not your usual social encounter, because you’re also confronted with a very welcome sensory overload created by the fresh air, open space, and the millions of fiery specs above that guarantee at least one sighting of shooting star.
If you’ve got a few days to work with, a few other noteworthy stops include:
- A trip to the Marion Bay Hotel, producing some of the best pub grub you’ll ever eat.
- Dolphin Beach, boasting crystal blue waters that create the kind of scenes you see on postcards.
- Shell Beach, which has mermaid spec. rock pools that absolutely demand a snorkel (but don’t tell too many people).
If you’re keen to continue on your journey before returning home, also drop into Berry Bay in Corny Point, where they host a number of annual surfing events for both amateur groms and professionals. It’s another story all together!
Brilliant! Would make a wonderful Coffee table book !! ♥️♥️♥️