Live near Brissy, like camping but hate crowds? You might have a problem… Here’s the solution – you’ve just gotta be prepared to drive that little bit further than the next bloke.
Up north, past Rainbow Beach should get you out of trouble, or in this instance, a sneaky mission south below the border is in order.
Northern NSW is where it’s at for epic offroad coastal getaways, minus the crowds. But we’re not talking the big name tourist spots. Leave Byron’s rental van-choked street malls for the Finnish backpackers and delve a little deeper to score the real untrodden gems.
Here’s a free one for you – Bundjalung National Park. There’s some cracking beach drives to be had, as well as a handful of top shelf fishing spots in close proximity.
Just quietly, now’s an exceptional time of year to be wetting a line in this neck of the woods, with big jewfish patrolling the beaches and breakwalls and a few thumper pelagics still in close riding out the last of the warm current.
Do yourself a favour and factor in a little weekend mission down to Bundjalung, roll out a swag at Woody Head or Black Rocks Campground, you’ll be wondering how a spot this good stays off the radar.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Ten Mile Beach is the spot for a relaxing arvo beach cruise. Shark Bay is your best bet for access. There is another access point near the Black Rock campground, but this has been closed due to storm damage, so best to check for updates prior to visiting.
FISHING: With the warm water at this time of year, it’s as good as it gets. Stake out an isolated gutter while cruising Ten Mile Beach and you’re in with a chance of hooking up to a big beach jewie, or at least a haul of tasty whiting. Otherwise hit any of the deeper headlands at dawn and cast chrome slugs for a shot at bonito, mackerel and longtail tuna or even a big Spanish mack.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: 250 kays south of Brisbane, you’ll make it here in three hours on a good run.
CAMPING: Black Rocks Campground has a heap of space for camper trailers and even caravans and is equipped with picnic tables, barbeques and toilets. Fees of $24 per night apply for two people, plus an additional $12 per night per extra adult and $6 per night per extra child.
FUEL is available at Evans Head, Woodburn and Yamba.
MORE INFO is available online at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
