Friday 14 September 2012

Bonny Hills Sunrise

Thought I would take a drive south to Bonny Hills for Sunrise early this morning.

 
The village is only about 10 minutes comfortable driving from Lake Cathie.
 
From Lighthouse Beach Port Macquarie to Bonny Hills is a thirty kilometre stretch of beach and was discovered by the surveyor John Oxley back in the early 1800's.
Standing on the headland at Bartlett's Beach offers a great panoramic view back to Lighthouse Beach.
Below the headland is a rocky coastline with reefs that produce great waves for large wave surfers.
The headland is dotted with Casuarinas' and Banksia trees. It appears that some native grasses and a new walkway have been part of recent beautification program.
There was quite a strong south westerly wind blowing this morning, perfect for this protected north facing headland and waves on the adjacent Rainbow Beach.
 Bartlett's Beach had a very serene mood at this time of day. I believe John Oxley may have camped nearby as he found a freshwater spring at this location.
The Casuarinas' (She Oaks) sitting amongst the rocky shoreline created a great scene at sunrise, worthy of another visit when the colours in the sky are more dramatic.
Back on the headland looking out along the rocky coastline.
A recently built walkway offered another scene from the headland.
As the sun cleared the horizon, Bartlett's Beach came alive with colour and beautiful soft light.
Back towards the road I could'nt help but notice the severe die back in these Melaleuca Trees, and wondered what forces of nature caused this. Perhaps some human hands may have assisted for views.
From Bartlett's Headland I headed for the main beach called "Rainbow Beach". This beach historically has a great influence by the town and people of Wauchope (The Timbertown some twenty five miles away) as a weekend and holiday destination.
A lone Pandanus sits majestically on the dunes alongside the many coastal Casuarina Trees.
The foliage of the Casuarina beautifully back lit in the early morning sun, also whistles in the slightest breeze possibly giving rise to it's common name of She Oak.
There were a few early morning surfers out and the viewing platform is a great place to watch and catch up with mates.
An early morning fitness group was in training, adjacent to the recently completed Bonny Hills Surf Club. The club has  a large membership from Nippers through all ages. Rainbow Beach is often the chosen location for competing Surf Club events. It is also very popular with local board riding clubs and has been the site in recent years for the Australian Longboard Titles.
Last stop on the way home was a visit to see the Kenwood Drive mob at Lake Cathie.
 
My SLR Camera tip for today is try shooting without filters on your lenses. Compare the difference!
 

Fair Dinkum!!

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