Located in the Booti Booti National Park New South Wales, Shelly Beach is a beautiful sandy beach accessed via a 650m walk from Boomerang Crescent.
After parking on Boomerang Crescent, we walked 10 minutes to the beach along the well maintained bush track. This takes you through coastal rain forest filled with gum trees and ferns. We even got to see two lace monitor lizards, each around 1.5m long as they crossed the track.
At the beach it’s important to remember that the left hand (south-west) side is a clothes optional beach. A sign at the track’s end reminds you of this.
Although we visited during school holidays, not many people were there and it was very relaxing. The walk to the beach may put people off, but the almost deserted beach makes it worthwhile.
So if you don’t mind the 10-minute 650m walk, it’s a great place to visit.
Trail to the beachLace MonitorBeautiful sandy beach and Booti Booti National ParkLooking over Elizabeth BayRocky end of beach
Standing over 70m tall, The Grandis is the tallest known tree in New South Wales. Only a 20-minute drive from Bulahdelah on the NSW mid-north coast, it’s easy to get to, although some of the access is over dirt road. A small parking area is located next to a small picnic area and toilets. Just past these a very short walk takes you to the tree.
Driving there takes you through the Myall Lakes National Park and coastal rain forest which makes for a beautiful trip. Although not the tallest tree in Australia, that record belngs to Centurion, a Eucalyptus regnans or Swamp Gum (called a Mountain Ash in Victoria) which is over 100m tall, however it is still impressive.
The surrounding forest comprises younger Eucalyptus grandis, (commonly known as the flooded gum) as the area was logged in the 1970s. They are much thinner than Grandis, but at least the area is regenerating. Fortunatley this tree remains for us to see what once filled the area.
The road in to see the treeSurrounding re-growth forestRemains from previous tree-felling in the areaGrandis
Located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve is a scenic reserve offering breathtaking views of the harbour city and bridge. Winding tracks through regenerated native bushland let you experience the Australian bush without leaving Sydney.
History
The reserve was named after Henry Lidgbird Ball, who was a Royal Navy officer and the captain of HMS Supply during the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788.
During the 19th century, the area was utilized for quarrying and later for shipbuilding purposes. The remnants of the quarrying activity are still visible within the reserve. To the north of the reserve, Balls Head Coal Loader was an important export point for coal. The coal wharf and load out tunnels are still present and make a great addition to a visit to the area.
Getting there
Getting to Balls Head Reserve is relatively straightforward. We used the train and walked through Carradah Park and Balls Head Coal Loader before going to the reserve.
By public transport: Take a train to Waverton station and then enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through the picturesque streets of Waverton to reach the reserve. Alternately, walk through Carradah Park for more views of the harbour and see the rehabilitated BP site.
By car: It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot because there is limited street parking available.
Remember to check the current public transport schedules and any restrictions in place before planning your visit.
Balls Head Reserve
We entered the reserve through the tunnels from the old coal loader. This is a great way to enter the reserves because you walk from an industrial area to a rehabilitated bush environment. Although the tunnel is well lit the walkway is rough, so watch your footing.
Following the narrow track around the headland, we had some amazing views of the harbour. Several lookout provide great places to relax and take in the views. One even has a weather shelter carved from a large boulder. We brought some snacks and drinks, so this was a great place to stop and refuel while admiring the views. We were lucky to be there when one of the sailing ships went past, returning from one of its day trips.
The track varies from a wide shared roadway to narrow dirt tracks, so it’s a good idea to wear good shoes if you want to see the whole area. Several picnic spots with tables benches and toilets make it a great place to spend a few relaxing hours.
Coal Loading TunnelCoal Loading Tunnel Retaining WallWalking TrackOld Industrial RemainsShelter area at one of the lookoutsSydney Harbour BridgeView of Sydney, The Harbour and a sailing shipSailing ship on Sydney Harbour
