Located in Narooma, (a five-hours drive from Sydney or 3 hours from Canberra), Australia Rock is an interesting geological feature bearing a resemblance to the shape of the Australian continent (without Tasmania). The shape is the result of thousands of years of erosion of the ancient chert and shale headland.
We parked at the Bar Rock Lookout carpark, which gives spectacular ocean views over the breakwalls and out to Montague Island. You also get a lovely outlook over to Bar Beach and the Wagonga Inlet.
Near the carpark is a memorial plaque to the Lady Darling, an 895-ton iron steamer that sank in thirty metres of water off Mystery Bay on 10 November 1880. It was on a voyage from Newcastle to Melbourne with a cargo of coal, and struck rocks about four miles south of Montague Island. Attempts were made to reach the shore but the Lady Darling filled rapidly and the crew abandoned ship. All made the safety of the Island.
From the lookout, stairs lead down to the break wall and Australia Rock. If you don’t want to take the stairs, you can drive down as there is a carpark.
An interesting place with some great views. Worth the visit is you are in the area.
Lady Darling Memorial on Bar Rock LookoutSeal Rocks from Bar Rock LookoutAustralia RockLove Locks on Bar Rock Lookout
Located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Gan Gan Lookout gives amazing views over Nelson Bay, Tomaree National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. There are also great views over the Katich River and out to both Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.
Getting there is only a five- minute drive from Nelson Bay where a narrow track takes you to the lookout. At the top of the track, is a small car park. To the right of the car park, a small viewing platform gives views towards Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are visible in the distance surrounded by Australian coastal forest.
To the left of the car park, a track leads to the main viewing area with excellent views over the surrounding area. Binoculars mounted at both platforms (which need to be paid for to use), let you get a better view of distant objects.
Because of its elevation, several large communication towers are also here. Although not most people’s idea of an attraction, there are still interesting because of the numerous transmitters and receivers covering them.
Looking towards Tomaree and Yacaaba HeadlandsView towards the Stockton Sand DunesView towards the Stockton Sand DunesTelecommunications Tower on Gan Gan Lookout
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
With a population of under 100, the small village of Seal Rocks on the NSW mid-north coast is a wonderfully relaxed beach and surfing paradise. At a little under 2 hours’ drive from Newcastle, it’s a popular holiday spot and can become crowded, during summer and school holidays. Part of the charm has been the residents’ opposition to commercial development, leaving the area untouched.
Surrounded by the Myall Lakes National Park and beaches, it’s an excellent place for camping, bush walking and surfing. If you have a boat, the appropriately named Boat Beach has boat-ramps onto the sand.
Looking down on Boat BeachLooking along Boat BeachRocks and cliff at the end of the beachLighthouse Beach from Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.
The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.
The Walk
Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.
If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.
Sea Cave
Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.
Sea CaveSmall Rocky Inlet
Path to the Lighthouse
On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.
Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
The Lighthouse
Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before returning to our car.
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
