THE ROAD TO RECOVERY : NSW Mid North Coast 

Need to shake the blues away from be over worked and under paid? Well, Borgy reckons this trip is the recipe to recovery

After months of navigating a gruelling work schedule, it was time to escape the daily grind and reconnect with nature. Our destination: the sweet serenity of Pebbly Beach in Yuraygir National Park, with a stop at the scenic Myall Lakes National Park along the way. This journey was more than just a getaway—it was a chance to get back to basics, rest, recuperate and most of all, recharge!

THE MAGIC OF MYALL LAKES NATIONAL PARK

Our first stop was Myall Lakes National Park, a place that’s so serene it makes a yoga retreat look like a rock concert. We set up camp and decided to explore a few of the park’s many campsites. Each one has its own charm, but for us, the ones tucked away near the dunes were the pick of the litter. There’s just something incredible about standing on top of a dune that overlooks an endless sea of other dunes, which coincidently stretch to the sea. 

But the real highlight was a little less sandy and little furrier. You see, Myall Lakes is also home to native Dingoes. As Myall Lakes National Park newbies, we weren’t away that this was the case, so you can understand the excitement when we first heard them at sunset and saw them wander through camp at sunrise! Oh, and here’s a tip; don’t leave your shoes out overnight, it turns out dingoes are quite fond of a size 11 work boot!

MIGRATING NORTH TO PEBBLY BEACH

With Myall Lakes behind us, we packed up our somewhat damp gear after a night of poor weather and headed further north to Yuraygir National Park. Pebbly Beach was calling our names, and getting there was half the adventure. Imagine driving along a beautiful stretch of beach, waves crashing beside you, the glow of the ocean to your right as the sun drops at dusk and then bang, you find yourself navigating a tidal estuary creek crossing. It’s kind of like the gate keeper to a hidden camping paradise.  Yep, timing is everything here—get it wrong, and you might find yourself having an unscheduled swim.

NATURE’S FOOT MASSAGE

There’s a reason why they call this site Pebbly Beach, and when we arrived the irony of it poked us in the foot, quite literally. You see, the beach itself is lined with trillions of pebbles, making for quite the spectacle. Walking barefoot here is like getting a free foot massage from Mother Nature herself. 

If you’re the type to go for a wander, the best part about this campsite is you’re right on the doorstep of one of the best darn hikes in the country, the Yuraygir Coastal Walk. For us, we managed the first few kilometres and were rewarded with stunning coastal views and the kind of peace and quiet that makes you forget you ever had a job. In fact, for the four or five hours we explored the trail, apart from witnessing a majestic wedge tail eagle saw high above, we never saw another soul, now that’s peace and quiet!

TRIAL BAY GOAL

Trial Bay Gaol is a fascinating step back in time. This historic site, perched on the picturesque coastline, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Australia’s past. Originally built in the 1880s to house prisoners who worked on a breakwater project, it later served as an internment camp during World War I. Walking through the preserved cells and exploring the ruins, you’ll feel the echoes of the past. In fact, you can literally read the writing on the cell walls from those who once inhabited the goal dated back almost a century ago. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the watchtower and the informative museum showcasing artifacts and stories. It’s a truly immersive experience, perfect for history buffs and those seeking a blast from the past. 

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

You know what made this trip such a special get away? The old KISS theory. You know, Keep It Simple Stupid. By that I mean, we had a camper trailer that was easy to tow and simple to use. Our tucker was kept straightforward too, with little more than a hot plateplaced over the fire and a few slabs of meat cooked to perfection. Heck, we barely even had a camp chair, it was just a sheet of canvas on the grass to lay on and gaze at the stars. With no city lights to compete with, just laying back and letting the universe put on a show is the aim of the game, and Pebbly Beach plays the game well!