Byron Bay – Coastbeat https://coastbeat.com.au Celebrating the best of life on the beautiful NSW North Coast Thu, 23 Sep 2021 05:40:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.6.2 Take the road less travelled on some of the coast’s best secluded walking tracks https://coastbeat.com.au/health-wellness/mental-health/take-the-road-less-travelled-on-some-of-the-coasts-best-secluded-walking-tracks Wed, 22 Sep 2021 23:15:00 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=16220 We know that time spent nature is good for our bodies and minds. A recent study from Griffith University even...

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We know that time spent nature is good for our bodies and minds. A recent study from Griffith University even put a dollar value on the impact national parks have on mental health! In the current climate of ever-changing COVID restrictions, we recommend you:  

  • Stay local. The firm advice from health authorities is to avoid unnecessary travel and stick to walking tracks close to home which helps avoid interaction with others.
  • Keep it small. Don’t organise a large group of friends or family.
  • Practise good hygiene and make sure you maintain 1.5m of physical distance from others around you.  
  • Don’t go if you’re feeling unwell – it’s safer for everyone if you stay at home. 

The NSW National Parks says where possible, walking tracks and low-traffic open spaces will stay open so the local community can exercise. Some popular sites will likely be closed, so head to quieter tracks nearby. National Parks and Wildlife Service Officers and NSW Police will be patrolling national parks to make sure visitors are complying with regulations. If a national park or other public space is too crowded to practice social distancing, it’s your responsibility to leave the area. With those conditions in mind, check out some of Coastbeat’s favourite secluded walking tracks of the north and mid north coast.

Three Sisters Walking Track – Broken Head

The reserve is just 4 kilometres south of Byron Bay. Follow the coast road and turn into Broken Head Reserve Road. The Three Sisters walking track – 1.6km return and 30-45 minutes longtakes you through the rainforest and along a scenic cliff top. The views are incredible – a stunning panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest. Don’t forget to take the time to learn about the Aboriginal story behind the Three Sisters.

Three Sisters Rocks, in the Pacific Ocean off Broken Head, south of Byron Bay

Goanna Headland – Evans Head

Venture along this 7.6km return walking track through the heath following the coastline. The Goanna Headland walk in the Dirawong Reserve will take you through scrub, across rocks and rock pools, onto pebbly and sandy beaches and up to the headland. It’s a special site for the local Bundjalung people who believe the Dirawong (a goanna) is the Creator Being who taught the people various aspects of Aboriginal culture and customs.

Solitary Islands Coastal Walk – Red Rock to Sawtell

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you set off on a three-day hike and cover this 60km stretch of golden beaches, rocky headlands, lush rainforest and charming villages in one go! Rather, pick one of the many access points to the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk and focus on the trail closest to your home. As well as appreciating the picturesque landscapes and local wildlife, be sure to seek out the indigenous and maritime history of your area.

Stunning aerial shot of Red Rock, photo by Square Up Drone Photography

Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track – Crescent Head

You’ll find the 1.4km loop Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track in the northern precinct of Limeburners Creek National Park, along Point Plomer Road. It starts out at the picnic area by the beach before winding along the headland. You’ll venture into rare coastal rainforest and meander through low heath vegetation as well. If you’re in the rainforest around sunset, be sure to keep an eye out for microbats flying overhead!    

Jack Perkins Walking Track – South West Rocks

If you want some of the best views in Hat Head National Park, take a walk along the short Jack Perkins track. It’s a downhill/uphill path that takes you through whispering she-oaks, rainforest and heathland. It should take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on whether or not you take a dip before you turn around. Oh, and don’t forget your binoculars as you may spot whales or a glossy black cockatoo with red wing tips!

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track – Forster

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a combination of bush, beach and lake, then tackle all or a portion of the 7.3km Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track. Starting at The Ruins campground (Elizabeth Beach and Sunset picnic area are alternate approaches), up the northern side of Booti Hill, through the rainforest and onto the ridge-crest above Lindemans Cove. The last 3.5km follows the shores of Wallis Lake. There are plenty of places to stop and opportunities to swim. Be prepared to dig deep as there are short but steep climbs in some sections.   

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track headland lake
Wallis Lake walking track at dawn, photo by Cain Pascoe

Remember, if you’re keen to get out on one of these tracks, it must be with the primary purpose of exercising. Most playgrounds, picnic and barbeque areas, car parks and even toilet blocks will be closed so best to get there on foot, carry water and snacks and keep those legs moving. Happy hiking!

Dreaming of a camping trip once travel restrictions are lifted? Check out some of Coastbeat’s favourite local destinations.

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Life After Lockdown https://coastbeat.com.au/local-people-new/life-after-lockdown Fri, 10 Sep 2021 02:38:00 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=17350 We’re back in the thick of a lockdown no one expected. The last 18 months have been a roller coaster...

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We’re back in the thick of a lockdown no one expected. The last 18 months have been a roller coaster of emotions with the impacts of COVID-19 being felt locally, nationally and globally. As the world ground to a halt, one Mid North Coast woman found a silver lining. Free from distractions, Elize Strydom was able to reassess her life and work out what really mattered.

“And this is a pause worth savouring because the world will soon be complicated again.” – Jon McGregor, If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things

Life on the Roller Coaster

Early last year, I met up with a good friend to plan the workshop we were going to present to high school students the following week. We’d made a reservation at our favourite restaurant so that it felt like a fun catch-up rather than a work meeting. Esther apologised that she’d have to leave at 8 o’clock because she had to be up early the next morning to go to the airport. I told her there was no need to apologise as I too had an early start. 

“I’m busy all the time,” she sighed. “I find myself rushing from work to yoga to a birthday dinner and then squeezing in another hour of emails before bed just to get a head-start on the next day.” 

“Me too,” I lamented. “My to-do list is never ending!”

We didn’t come up with any solutions that evening, just agreed that our current lifestyles were unsustainable. I’m sure you can relate. A constant quest for scale, optimisation and hyper-productivity doesn’t sit well with many of us. Despite our best efforts, slowing down can seem impossible. It’s as if we’re riding a roller coaster – once it takes off, there is no stopping it. And so we hurtle through life, powerless to do anything but hold on tight and brace for the ups and downs.  

Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head by Elize Strydom
Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head by Elize Strydom

A New Normal

COVID-19 brought the world to a grinding halt, and I panicked. What about work? And that project? Could we keep overseas holiday plans? I wanted it over with as soon as possible and wished life would return to normal. But as the days passed and we all retreated to our homes, I eventually began to see the value in this global slowdown. After years on the go – cramming my life with more activities, more friends, more experiences, more trips and more work – I was forced to pause and reflect. When everything was stripped away, and innumerable distractions weren’t vying for my attention, I was able to acknowledge what was truly important to me and realise how I’d crowded it out my life.

When statewide restrictions prevented me from having a sunset picnic on the beach with friends or driving down to Coffs to go for a bush walk with my nieces, it became clear that what I valued most was off the table. As simple as it seems, I rediscovered that spending quality time with friends and family in nature is what adds meaning and pleasure to my life. This realisation was the first step in honestly assessing my lifestyle and the things that consumed my energy. Did my average week allow me to focus on what I really valued? What needed to change so that once restrictions lifted, I could spend more time with loved ones enjoying all that our stunning coastline has to offer?

Life After Lockdown

I allowed my mind to sift through its memory bank and recall special moments. Smiled remembering the first time my niece Oak rode a wave at Arrawarra. Reminisced about a camping trip to Black Rocks in the Bundjalung National Park with my girlfriends. I longed for afternoons at Lake Ainsworth in Lennox Head and mornings surfing in Byron Bay. Remembered traipsing over the sand dunes at One Mile Beach in Forster. I dreamt of relaxing on the rocks by the Never Never Creek south-west of Coffs. 

Once lockdown ends, I’ll be more determined than ever not to take these experiences for granted. Carving out time to soak up their beauty with friends and family by my side will be a priority.      

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About the Author

Elize Strydom is a writer and photographer who lives in Byron Bay. She grew up in Grafton, went to university in Lismore and worked as a local radio journalist before moving to Sydney to take up a position with the ABC. Elize returned to her beloved North Coast in 2018 to be closer to family and enjoy a slower paced lifestyle. She feels incredibly blessed to be able to live and work in paradise!  

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Byron Bay International Film Festival https://coastbeat.com.au/art-entertainment/film/byron-bay-international-film-festival Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:48:01 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=20821 The independent and creative spirit of filmmaking will be on display when the Byron Bay International Film Festival returns with...

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The independent and creative spirit of filmmaking will be on display when the Byron Bay International Film Festival returns with a special edition hybrid festival providing audiences with the opportunity to experience select cinema screenings of a collection of outstanding features, documentaries, shorts, surf and local films. The festival will open on Friday with the NSW premiere of ‘Firestarter – The Story of Bangara’, which was this week named winner of the Feature Documentary Award at the Adelaide Film Festival. The opening night is already sold out but ‘Firestarter’ will screen on other dates during the festival. Those unable to make it to Byron will have the opportunity to virtually sit under a full moon for a screening next to Byron’s iconic lighthouse in a magical 360-degree experience as BBFF offers a unique take on presenting a virtual festival.

When: Friday October 23 to Sunday, November 1

Where: Palace Byron Bay and Byron Theatre

Full details on the festival here.

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Take Me Higher: Treetop Accommodation on the North Coast https://coastbeat.com.au/outdoor-adventures/travel/treetop-accommodation-on-the-north-coast Sat, 19 Sep 2020 09:23:44 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=20211 If you were lucky enough to have a childhood treehouse, you’ll know how good it feels to climb up amongst...

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If you were lucky enough to have a childhood treehouse, you’ll know how good it feels to climb up amongst the branches and leave all of your worries on the ground below. Who didn’t want to rise above it all and retreat to their own little hideaway? For many, the desire to find a quiet and private space up high lingers but hijacking your little one’s backyard cubby probably won’t go down well. Thankfully, the North Coast has treehouses for adults and they’re a big step up from the plywood platforms and offcut outposts of your youth. If you’re craving a secluded getaway in a truly unique setting, you don’t have to go far. Plan a stay at one of these treetop abodes and you’ll be reliving joyful childhood memories within minutes.  

Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat – Laurieton

When Peter Johnson and Kerry McFadyen saw the large riverside trees on their beautiful Mid North Coast property, an idea began to take shape. They’d spent years rehabilitating their land at Laurieton and wanted to offer something special. Taking care to plan, design and construct mindfully, they erected Diamond Waters Treehouse Retreat to complement the natural surroundings. Peter says only a handful of trees were cut down to make way for the luxury accommodations, but more than 60 were planted to compensate. Thanks to Peter and Kerry’s commitment to environmental protection, the Treehouses have been awarded Dual Accreditation for Ecotourism and Climate Action Business through Ecotourism Australia. Late last year they added a wedding and events space called The Fernery as well as a 70-metre wetland walkway. 

Treetop accommodation at Diamond  Waters Treehouse Retreat at Laurieton NSW Mid North Coast

The River Room – Gleniffer

Minutes from charming Bellingen, on the banks of the Never Never Creek, you’ll find the idyllic River Room. This treehouse hideaway is part of a stunning three-part structure designed by celebrated Australian architect Richard Leplastrier. The River Room sleeps two adults in a king-sized bed and includes a lounge and desk. The main feature is a wall that can be rolled up to reveal the rainforest as well as the bubbling creek below. An elevated walkway connects the room to the bathroom and other spaces. Guests use words such as stunning, unique, extraordinary and relaxing to describe their stay in the River Room.

River Room accommodation at Glennifer on the NSW  Mid North Coast
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Azabu – Byron Bay hinterland

This Zen-inspired property can be found nestled in the subtropical forest just minutes from the busy streets of Byron Bay. Azabu has five suites available, each designed as a simple open plan studio. French-style doors open out onto a private balcony overlooking the native hoop pine forest, home to trees that can live up to 450 years. Choose from a king room or queen spa room then relax and enjoy minimalist design with a focus on stylish appointments. 

The treetop view from a room at Azabu Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast

Byron Oasis Treetop Holiday Houses – Byron Bay 

The Byron Oasis Treetop Holiday Houses are a stone’s throw away from the stunning Tallow Beach, set on six acres of native bushland. It takes around five minutes in the car to get to Byron’s boutiques, restaurants and the main beach. Groups of up to six people can choose a Treetop House featuring bush or ocean views and several even have a heated spa on the deck for that added holiday indulgence. Guests have their own fully equipped kitchen and access to a shared pool, spa, sauna and gym.  

Byron Oasis Treetop Holiday Houses at Byron Bay on the NSW North Coast

When booking your next holiday, why not reconnect with your inner child and relive those wonderful treehouse experiences…albeit with a little more luxury!

Need to slow down? Read our story on the benefits of mindfulness through meditation. 

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The Curious Case of the Horses’ Birthday https://coastbeat.com.au/community/culture/the-curious-case-of-the-horses-birthday Sat, 01 Aug 2020 02:05:02 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=19332 Did you know? Even if they are not born on the same date, Thoroughbred horses in the Southern Hemisphere, including...

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Did you know?

Even if they are not born on the same date, Thoroughbred horses in the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, have the same birthday on August 1st. In the same way, Thoroughbreds in the Northern Hemisphere share a birthday on January 1st.

These might seem a bit unusual, but to horse owners and enthusiasts, this is not news.

A universal birthday

The reason for making these horses share birthdays is for organisations committed to regulating the breed to easily keep track of the horses’ bloodlines. With the lack of historical records of their actual birthdays, it was then decided that they are given the same date of birth.

Having a universal birthday for the Thoroughbred also makes it easier to classify which ones are fit for racing. Thoroughbred races are generally not open to fillies (female horses under the age of five) and colts (male horses under the age of five) until they reach the age of two. Some races, like in the US, do not allow horses to race until they reach three years old.

It goes way back

What may look like an odd occasion but this universal birthday goes back all the way to 1860. August 1st is close to the start of spring when the weather is starting to warm up. During this season, there is also plenty of good pasture; it is the perfect time for mating and for broodmares to produce good milk to nurse their young.

Celebrate Horses’ Birthday

Horses are among the most sensitive animals in the world. They are even said to have empathy for humans, as they can understand and react to facial expressions. With this kind of bond, it is no wonder owners and racers take good care of their animals not only to maintain their overall health for racing but also to prolong their life. They are, indeed, great riding companions. On their special day, spoil your favourite animal with a Pony Party full of treats and a gathering of your fellow equestrians. Celebrate their life and friendship by treating them extra special on August 1st.

If you are inspired by this story and felt like you needed a weekend escape, check out this piece we wrote about the Zephyr Weekend Escape Mustercamp and enjoy a weekend with the horses.

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Recipe – Blueberry & Lime Raw Cheesecake https://coastbeat.com.au/food-eateries/eat/recipe-blueberry-lime-raw-cheesecake Fri, 12 Jun 2020 02:38:05 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=18612 Sandy Cleary from Blushing Blueberries in Macksville has been kind enough to share with us her yummy cheesecake recipe as...

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Sandy Cleary from Blushing Blueberries in Macksville has been kind enough to share with us her yummy cheesecake recipe as well as her blueberry pancake recipe. The award-winning Blushing Blueberries’ products such as their organically certified blueberries, tasty sauces, and delicious jams are available at Fresco Marketplace in Coffs Harbour.

Serves 12

Ingredients

For the Base

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup desiccated coconut
  • Pinch salt
  • 12 dates, pitted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 cups raw cashews
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts
  • 1 x 400ml can coconut cream
  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • 1 avocado if small, otherwise ½ large
  • 1 cup agave syrup** (see note 2 below)
  • 1 ½ cups coconut oil, melted

Topping

  • 1 cup frozen Organic Blueberries
  • ¼ cup Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries (whole or ground)
  • 1 cup macadamia nuts
  • 150ml coconut cream
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • 1 tbsp agave syrup** (see note 2 below)
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted

To decorate

  • Fresh Organic Blueberries, Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries, Blushing Blueberries Dessert Sauce
  • Passionfruit, dragon fruit or whatever you like
  • Ground nuts – pistachios, walnuts, etc.

Method

For the Base:

Put the almonds, coconut and salt into a food processor and run until a fine crumb is achieved. Then add the dates one at a time and process until the mixture comes together. Press the mix into the base of a lightly oiled 25cm round tin* (see note) with a removable base and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm. Add a little water or coconut oil to bring the ingredients together into a ball when pressed together. 

For the Filling:

Put all the ingredients except the coconut oil in the food processor and mix until smooth. Add the coconut oil and blend for 2 minutes or until smooth and well mixed. Pour over the set cake base and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.

For the Topping:

Put all the ingredients except the coconut oil in the food processor and blend until smooth. Add the coconut oil and mix for 2 minutes until smooth and incorporated. Pour over the chilled filling layer and refrigerate. Leaving the cheesecake to set overnight is best and will give a better result than leaving it for just an hour or two.

To Serve:

Remove the Cheesecake from the tin decorate with Fresh or Frozen Organic Blueberries and whole or crushed Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries and other fruit if desired and scatter with ground pistachios.

Serve with Blushing Blueberries Dessert Sauce or a splash of our concentrated Blueberry Shrub Cordial for a delightful taste sensation.

Keep cake refrigerated.

Blushing Blueberries Dessert Sauce. Image courtesy of Nambucca Valley Tourism

* Note:  This makes a BIG cake, use a tin no smaller than 25cm and with tall sides if you can.

**Note 2: To make this cake Diabetic friendly substitute the Agave Syrup for Monkfruit Sweetener with Erythritol (available in most supermarkets).

For more info find Blushing Blueberries online and on Facebook 

If you’re looking for more recipes, visit our recipe section here.

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Gowings Whale Trust: Protecting The Coast’s Majestic Mammals https://coastbeat.com.au/environment-sustainability/conservation/gowings-whale-trust-protecting-the-coasts-majestic-mammals Thu, 04 Jun 2020 23:58:17 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=18420 Stop what you’re doing and hotfoot it to your nearest beach or headland: whale watching season has officially begun! From...

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Stop what you’re doing and hotfoot it to your nearest beach or headland: whale watching season has officially begun! From now until mid-August you’re pretty much guaranteed to see majestic humpback whales frolicking along our coastline as they migrate north. While we can all enjoy spotting these magnificent mammals performing all manner of acrobatics, we must not take them for granted. Director of the Gowings Whale Trust, John Gowing, says the fight to protect whales is ongoing. Coastbeat spoke to John to find out more about the charity and what it’s doing to preserve these stunning creatures.  

Coastbeat: Hello John! Please tell us about yourself – where do you live and what do you love about it?

John Gowing: My wife Miriam and I live on the coast at Pacific Palms. I love being near the beaches and the lakes for surfing, fishing and barbecuing. When I was growing up in Sydney, we had a house at Newport Beach overlooking Newport Reef. Every now and then, you saw whales but it was very rare. That was 40 or 50 years ago but times have changed, and now we’re blessed to witness the massive annual migration up and down our coast. You can see whales from all of our headlands and often just from the beach, too.

Coastbeat: Where did your interest in whales come from?

John Gowing: I have a love of the ocean and the environment. Whales are the biggest creature in the ocean so they’ve logically become the focal point. Gowings, the company that sponsors the Whale Trust, used to have a large menswear store in the middle of Sydney, on the corner of Market and George streets. When we renovated that store in the nineties, I wanted to have something eye-catching in it that everyone would remember, especially children. We hung a giant model of a whale from the ceiling and people certainly never forgot that. The idea came to me when reading about department stores in the United States that had models of grizzly bears at their front doors. I thought a whale was relevant to us, as the lives of Australians are very much centred around the sea. The ocean is so important for everyone. Without a clean ocean environment, none of us will continue to exist.

YouTube video

Coastbeat: Why was Gowings Whale Trust established?

John Gowing: We recognise that whales work relentlessly to maintain our ocean ecosystem, regulate the flow of food and help to rectify the damage that us mere mortals do. The Trust was established because whales deserve ongoing protection. It was founded in the nineties and has evolved with Gowings. Since then, we have sold the business and building in Sydney, and now Gowings owns shopping centres and other investments along the coast.

Coastbeat: How does the Trust work?

John Gowing: Gowings Whale Trust is a registered charity and people can make cash donations or buy our merchandise through the shopping centres or through our surf business, FCS. Gowings administers the Whale Trust at no cost, so every cent that goes into it, stays there. Periodically, we look for groups or actions that align with our aims and the Board of the Whale Trust makes a decision to award a grant. The last big grant was used to purchase the Ocean Warrior, the Sea Shepherd chase boat which is used to fight illegal whaling activities off Antarctica. The Trust funds projects focused on the life, habits and preservation of the majestic Humpback Whale. That could be research, for example, or organisations focused on getting rid of plastic from the ocean. Public education is a big part of our focus as well.

Coastbeat: June has been declared Whale Month. Why is that?

John Gowing: June is the month that comes to mind when people think about whales making their way up the coast. You should be able to see whales from just about any Mid and North Coast beach this month. Throughout June, we want to highlight the fact that the Whale Trust exits and promote all that we do.

Coastbeat: How can people support Gowings Whale Trust?

John Gowing: We have t-shirts, bags and books available for purchase either in the shopping centres or from our online store. We’ve also created ‘Whale Futures’ – a certificate that acknowledges any donation made towards further research and conservation of the Humpback. Donations are tax-deductible. It’s still so important to keep fighting for the whales and the ocean. Our Humpback population is one of the lucky ones. Populations that swim to Tonga and Fiji have suffered almost complete annihilation and won’t come back.

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Photo Gallery of MAGNIFICENT Humpback Whales https://coastbeat.com.au/environment-sustainability/marine-life/photo-gallery-of-magnificent-humpback-whales Wed, 03 Jun 2020 22:28:23 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=18425 Whale-come! We’re glad you stopped by. Humpbacks are one of the most easily recognised of these giants of the sea...

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Whale-come! We’re glad you stopped by. Humpbacks are one of the most easily recognised of these giants of the sea as they spend a lot of time near the surface of the water. From early June thousands and thousands of humpbacks make their way from the Antarctic along the NSW coast to breed in warmer waters, before returning with their calves throughout September and October. You may also occasionally see Southern Right Whales, Sperm Whales and Minkes.

Want to learn more?

What are Whales?

The whale is the largest animal on Earth and is fairly evenly distributed in every ocean. These massive mammals can range from a 280 kgs dwarf sperm whale to the colossal blue whale, which can weigh more than 180,000 kgs and stretch up to 30 metres long. 

Whales – humpbacks, in particular – emit some vocalisations that can be heard for miles underwater. These “songs” are a combination of moans, howls, and cries that may continue for hours. The sounds are produced when whales push air around inside their heads and then amplify the sound through a blob of fat that perches on the top of their jaw.

Check out these Humpback Whales

So, now for the fun part, let’s check out some photos. 

humpback high five

Breaching is one of the humpback’s most spectacular manoeuvres – if you’re lucky later in the year you might see a mum showing her calf what to do

We spy, we spy, a gentle giant in the sea!

gowings whale trust

This humpback whale is “spy-hopping” next to a boat. Whales can be such curious giants.

When the light captures your good side. Such a majestic and beautiful beast!

whale trust australia

Mother and calf photo sesh!

protect the whales

A humpback whale “lobtailing” – smacking its tail hard on the water. Possibly another form of communication, this is such a great sight. Did you know whales’ tail markings are unique, just like our fingerprints?

humpback whales
whale trust fund

Touchdown!

whale swimming

If we love seeing these majestic animals, we need to protect them – and all ocean life – at all costs.

Love whales? Visit Gowings Whale Trust Shop for available merchandise. 100% of proceeds will go to fund selected research for the preservation of these gentle giants.

Discover the best vantage points on the NSW North Coast for whale watching from this article.

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Corned Beef & Corned Beef Hash Recipe https://coastbeat.com.au/food-eateries/eat/quick-and-easy-corned-beef-recipes Tue, 02 Jun 2020 22:09:29 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=18232 Corned beef is generally silverside that has been cured with salt to preserve the meat. It may be viewed as...

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Corned beef is generally silverside that has been cured with salt to preserve the meat. It may be viewed as old fashioned due to its enduring association with the two world wars but when made properly it is absolutely delicious and makes great leftovers. This is a childhood dish that conjures up memories both of the times it was done right and when it was done wrong, nonetheless I still make it regularly to this day.

For corned beef, the only way to do it is to cook it in water. You could use just plain water but for the best results it pays to add a few aromatics; herbs, spices, and vegetables to give it extra flavour and to stimulate the appetite. For the aromatics, any dried or fresh herbs will work such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or bay leaves. For the spices, add anything you like but whole spices are best – I usually use peppercorns, cloves, and star anise. Vegetables to add include onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and turnips. You could even add greens like beans, peas or broccoli towards the end and cook them in the same liquid. Finally, it pays to add some white vinegar (of any kind) and sugar or honey to the water too, this will reduce the salinity of the corned beef and balance the flavour. 

The traditional gravy that goes with corned beef is white sauce which might not be to everyone’s tastes, however, I will still include how to make it in the recipe. To sum it up it’s made in the same way as gravy but instead of using stock, milk is used, hence white sauce.

Leftover corned beef is one of the best things to have in your fridge. It makes for great toasted sandwiches and of course corned beef hash. 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1-1.5kg corned silverside
  • 2 carrots cut into large pieces
  • 1 onion halved
  • 1 whole bulb of garlic halved
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 star anise
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 tbsp of peppercorns
  • a pour of white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp of sugar or honey

For the white sauce:

  • 1 tbsp of flour
  • 50 g of butter (the same amount as the flour)
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 tablespoon of mustard, or horseradish cream
  • salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Put the corned beef in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the vegetables, spices, herbs, vinegar, and honey. Cover and bring to the boil on a medium heat then turn the heat down and simmer for 2 hours or until tender to a fork.

Once cooked take the beef and vegetables out and cover in foil to rest, everything else can be discarded.

Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Heat the butter in a small saucepan, add the flour and cook for a minute or so while whisking till combined. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, bring to the boil then lower the heat and simmer till the sauce starts to thicken. Add the mustard or horseradish and seasonings.

Slice the silverside and serve with the carrots, steamed or boiled greens (you can do this in the same pot if you like). I also like to have baked potatoes with it to have something with a crunchy texture.

Corned Beef Hash

If you made too much corned beef this is a great way to use the rest of it, unless you were keeping it for sandwiches. It’s a simple hearty dish that combines the leftover beef with onions, garlic, and potatoes topped with a fried egg for good measure. This is very far from health food, but life is for living as they say.

The recipe for corned beef hash is said to have been brought to the USA by a recently arrived Irish immigrant but who can say for sure, either way, it is a quick and tasty and great for a mid-week family feed.

See our recipe for corned beef as this is a supplement to that dish.

INGREDIENTS

  • Whatever amount of corned beef you have leftover cut into cubes
  • The same amount of potatoes cut into small 2cm pieces
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic diced
  • Butter and oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

Heat the oven to 200’C fan forced, dice the potatoes and place them in a baking tray drizzled with oil. Add some salt and pepper and put into the oven for 20 minutes or so, checking to shake and make sure they don’t burn.

Put a saucepan on medium heat and add the butter and oil. Once bubbling gently fry the onions, stirring when needed till they are translucent and cooked. Add the garlic to the pan and fry for a minute or so while stirring.

Next, add the diced beef and fry till lightly browned. The potatoes should be cooked so remove them from the oven and add them to the saucepan, lightly season and remove from the heat.

While it rests add a small amount of oil to the same pan and fry an egg for everyone who is eating. Season with salt and pepper and enjoy.  

Follow this link for more recipes!

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Favourite Australian Road Signs https://coastbeat.com.au/outdoor-adventures/travel/favourite-australian-road-signs Sat, 30 May 2020 23:20:50 +0000 https://coastbeat.com.au/?p=18309 As travel restrictions start to ease around the country, it’s time to look forward to catching up with far-flung family...

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As travel restrictions start to ease around the country, it’s time to look forward to catching up with far-flung family and friends, revisiting favourite haunts and discovering new ones.

Along with the scenery and occasional wildlife, some of our road signs are worth a second look too. (And of course, those “big things” – in Coastbeat territory we have The Big Axe at Kew, The Big Bowl at Lake Cathie, The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour and The Big Knight at Knockrow. While some of these attractions are still closed you can still get your photos with the giant sculptures).

Roman Road Signs

As the Ancient Romans were the first civilization to construct roads, it makes sense they were the first to create road signs – or at least “markers”. These 2,000 kg stone slabs serve as intervals along the 100,000 kilometres of roads leading to the nearest Roman village or town. 

The rest, as they say, is history. We’ve come a long way since then and the Australian sense of humour plays a large part in some of the weird and wonderful signs you’ll see today.

Outback Oz

While we might not be travelling that far afield for a while, it’s hard to beat the Australian Outback for unusual signage. Take Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The local pub serves a mean feral mixed grill featuring kangaroo steak, emu fillet mignon and camel sausage. And rest assured, it’s not roadkill.

Meanwhile, in Queensland, enormous cows apparently eat cars for breakfast.  Be warned!

Also in Queensland, this picture certainly paints a thousand words. Shame on you if you fail to slow down and keep an eye out for the giant flightless cassowary. The last thing we need is more speed bumps.

Along the North Coast of NSW, you may be more likely to see koala and kangaroo warnings, while further afield, watch out for those camels “and other beasts”.

Tasmania might be one of Australia’s smallest states but the wallabies and kangaroos there are huge! The kangaroos grow so big and strong they can obviously lift cars using just their toes. You’re given fair warning when travelling near Freycinet National Park. 

None of us should need reminding that drinking and driving don’t mix. However, this sign is all over Victoria and has been around since the 1990s. Although there are divided opinions about the use of language, it certainly leaves no room for confusion.

For those not born in this great southern land, this sign is a useful reminder. It can be seen along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

So those are just a few of our favourites – share your photos or memories of your own favourite signs from travels Australia-wide so we know what to look out for.

If you’re looking for a road trip guide, read this article about The Top 10 Australian Destinations for 2020.

And to accompany you on your road trip, here’s Coastbeat’s Road Trip Spotify playlist. Yes, we got you.

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