North Brother Mountain, Captain Cook and Bob Hope.

I would like to acknowledge the Biripi, the traditional owners of this land past and present.

What do Captain James Cook and Bob Hope have in common?

I couldn't get excited about photographing sunrise this morning, although amongst the thick cloud  there was a couple of minutes of a bright red ball on the horizon.
Click on images for a larger view.

Around 9am I drove around to the Little Bridge at Lake Cathie and noticed a a large group of assorted water birds including Pelicans chasing a school of fish up into a creek. I caught this Great Egret as he was returning to the main estuary.  

I decided to have a look at some local forest trails and came across these two signs on opposite sides of the road, only 5 metres apart. Hmmmm I thought, the result of the Shooter's Party holding the NSW State Government to ransom.

Thought I would then go onto Queen's Lake, but after a wrong turn somewhere, I ended back out on the Pacific Highway near Herons Creek. (Baz Luhrmann the "Australia" film director was raised in Heron's Creek and his father ran a petrol station and the Laurieton Movie Theatre.) Ok I thought an opportunity to head towards Laurieton and visit one of the best scenic views on the coast-

North Brother Mountain in the Dooragan National Park.

It was an overcast day with a few spits of rain, but the air was clean and I was able to take a few shots. When I asked the lady at the kiosk if she had seen any wildlife her reply was a Koala the day before, but on a windy day like today he would be sheltered away somewhere. This view is looking south over Watson Taylor Lake towards Taree and out of sight to the left is Crowdy Head to Foster.

Looking down towards Laurieton below, this location is often used by local hangliders for taking off.

When Captain James Cook sailed up the east coast of Australia he named the three brothers mountains, which although a great distance apart, are the remnants of the rim of one giant ancient volcano. Coincidentally, Aboriginal storytelling of the three mountains, was about three brothers. There is North Brother, Middle Brother and South Brother Mountains. The image above is a composite of The Endeavour Replica and Diamond Head near Laurieton. 

This is a three photo stitch encompassing the view north from the Lookout.

The car parking and facilities on top of North Brother Mountain designed by mid north coast Landscape Architect Rupert Milne-Home. 

The road down the mountain is around 5kms but not to steep. Regardless it is best to take it slow.

Burrawong cycads and Eucalyptus trees overlook Queen's Lake on the Western side.

Tree Ferns line the edges of the road at several points.

Looking back towards Laurieton and North Brother from Northaven. Laurieton's main claim to fame was during The Second World War, when a plane carrying a group of entertainers including Bob Hope, made a forced landing nearby after engine trouble.

Next stop was Grants Head at Bonny Hills. The beach here is affectionately known as "Sharkies" by local surfers, and for good reasons. From Bonny Hills its just a few more minutes back to Lake Cathie and another twenty minutes on to Port Macquarie.

 

My SLR Camera Tip for today is make sure your battery or batteries are charged before heading out. Guess who got caught today Ha!!

Fair Dinkum!!