FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Murramurang Ticks a Box

We would drive to Culburra Beach today to meet the Bahari Clan so decided to make the most of our annual National Parks and Wildlife pass and explore Murramurang National Park. The drive to Dark Beach was along a dirt road that we wouldn't tackle without a 4WD even if it is only a Mazda CX9. It was a beautiful road through a bizarre landscape of recovering sandy based rainforest. We were rewarded for our early departure by a new sighting - an echidna! At Pambula we were in search of echidnas because only Malcolm had actually seen one in the wild. It turns out that all we had to do was drive through the Murramurang National Park!

Dark Beach itself wasn't that dark (it has darkish sand) or that great a beach so we quickly moved on. We took a peek at Depot Beach before opting to jump in at Pebbly Beach where there was fresh water to wash the sand off prior to the remainder of the drive. It brought back fond memories of a trip we made whilst at university. Being in a national park, the beach remains natural and just as pretty.

We were a bit fish n chipped out so opted for Vietnamese rolls for lunch at Culburra which hit the mark. We were joined by the rest of the Baharis very shortly. We were all excited to catch up and grateful that this getaway was possible. The rental house was big, comfortable and had the most amazing uninterrupted ocean view with direct beach access to Warrain Beach. One could not ask for more...except for Asian parents! They had precooked a big batch of curry puffs much to everyone's delight and made Chicken rice for dinner. Yes!

With dinner sorted, we could all enjoy the beach with no time pressures. The surf was great, the beach patrolled, the visitors few, and equipment was provided by the rental point. The day kept on giving! Boardgames post dinner rounded up what was a fantastic day!