CALLALA BEACH
A WEEKEND AWAY AT JERVIS BAY
Just a short 3 hour drive from Sydney, Jervis Bay is a wonderful ocean playground for Families, Couples, Schoolies, Retirees and Grey Nomads. The Magnificence of its harbour as Beautiful as Vigo harbour in Spain, but under developed . Having said that, this Holiday destination has many accommodation options to choose from, Camping, Caravans, Hotels, Apartments, Houses. I was staying at Callala Beach (not Callala Bay which is separated by a cliff on Callala Beach's southern end. I was invited to stay with some close friends at their holiday home. The Australian native flora such as Eucalypts, Proteas and Bottlebrush married with tropical palms and ferns enriched by Galahs, Rosellas, Cockatoos, Kookabaras and lesser known birds feed off the land and nearby Moona Creek. Kangaroos and Wallabies reluctantly approach the homes and roads around this area which is protected by untouched nature path to the beach is modestly hidden behind homes, modern to traditional brick, wooden, plasterboard and clad homes makes this a multi-decade, dreamlike suburb on the edge of the fertile ocean that surrounds Australia.
Clear turquoise blue watersleading to the darker deeper shaded waters dropping off this elevated white sandbank, where dolphins and whales can be seen frolicking from the beach and even closer with a Whale watching tour. The dolphins I saw were reflecting the suns rays like a mirror beaming morse code from the heavens. Fishermen with their rods dug into the sand, some with young children spending quality time fishing this vast, fertile ocean farm.
Watersports at Callala Beach
Whale and Dolphin Watching Eco-cruises
Sea Shuttles
Port Jackson Shark Eggs amongst abundant shells
The white sand of Callala Beach is a mix of soft ground easily indented by footsteps. Containing a mix of grasses, seaweed, exoskeletal remains of sea life including Port Jackson shark eggshells, dead stingrays, jelly fish and century old clam shells and other scattered shells sprinkled across this long stretch of bayside beach.
Paddle boards and one person kayaks can be hired for AUD$20 an hour, two person kayaks are AUD$30 an hour at the CAFE across the road from the discrete beach entrance bordering a round park and beach toilets and swings in the round reserve. Paddle boarding is best done on a quiet morning when the tide is still high and calm. Some mornings the Water can be as wild as the open ocean with waves hitting the native grasses that prevent the beachside homes from falling into this glorious beach.
My stay included an afternoon trip to nearby Huskisson and Vincentia. With free parking in the bustling main street of Huskinsson enticing us for Lunch at PILGRIMS, where the recommended BLISS BURGER was exactly what its name suggests, a Blissfull explosion of flavour with both a peanut and special sauce smothering the mixed grain vegetarian patty in a salad filled wholemeal bun combining alfalfa sprouts, avocado, grated cheese, tabouli and fried onion filling you up. Gluten free bread options also available. Those who prefer Seafood, well your dining options are endless. Indian and Asian inspired restaurants now form part of the Australian culture are also there for those who want to experience the finer restaurants to traditional Fish & Chips and Ice cream shops for families. Local liquor store. Shopping is also an eclectic experience, from boutiques to retro op-shop clothing & vintage jewelry. Everyone working and holidaying in this hamlet wore a glowing smile.
The Accommodation in these pictures is the servants quarters. I slept in the Executive suite. Where else would you expect the 21st Count of Andrade to Sleep
