Magical Myall

A week or so ago, I explored Myall Lakes National Park, south of Forster. I found a coastal wilderness with massive sand dunes opening onto a vast beach. There were a few people around, but the whole scene was beautiful and tranquil. The dunes were quite large and, as dunes usually are, surreal.

The sea was a deep aquamarine, with offshore islands containing Aboriginal archaeological sites. The color contrast was very fine. Australia is filled with beaches like this; elemental, vast, gorgeous, and virtually deserted. While I enjoy exploring the rainforest, going out bush, and enjoying the city lifestyle, Oz for me is really all about the beaches. I realized that more on this trip than on previous visits. If you're a beach person, Australia is easily the best place in the world!!

It's rounding into summer down under, and almost every day clouds build up over the Great Dividing Range to the west of the New South Wales coast. Some days they stay over the mountains; on others, they move toward the ocean and we get thunderstorms at the beach. Either way, they add drama to the scene.