For some, to recharge means stress-free someplace tranquil. For Explorer Sophie, her final weekend of recharging means diving with sharks at South West Rocks.
We acknowledge that this journey is positioned on Djangadi Nation, the normal lands of the Djangadi individuals who have occupied and cared for this land and water for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Some folks may not discover being surrounded by sharks a second of ‘tranquillity’, however for me, being underwater offers me uninterrupted, absolute readability. My drive up the coast from Newcastle to South West Rocks was dotted with uncountable attractive locations and alternatives to interact with the ocean.
I had three days to play with a model new rechargeable, 100% electrical Jeep Avenger and man, did I spend these days properly. I knew coming again to actuality after this weekend was going to be powerful!
If you recognize me, you’ll know the very first thing I want in my life is saltwater. My very first toy was a 90s Ocean Mates Scuba Barbie, and ever since I’ve been constructing my life and job across the ocean.
I selected this stretch of coast for its richness of journey, from snorkelling, scuba, and freediving, to superior surf and secret rock swimming pools the place the water is vibrant aqua blue.
So why the recharge? I spend many hours in entrance of a display screen enhancing and dealing, as many do. It’s essential for my psychological well being to set time for out of doors immersion and self-care the place I can apply rejuvenation and be current with myself.
Right here’s what that appears like for me!
Scuba Diving the 125m Cave at Fish Rock
This was a tear-jerking bucket record second for me. This dive web site attracts in scuba fanatics from all around the globe for its protected biodiversity and likelihood to swim by way of a surprising 125m cave right into a marine haven of a whole lot of Nurse sharks.
The vary of coral and fish life is astonishing and I virtually got here again with my air tank full as my breath was taken away so usually. The staff at South West Rocks Dive Centre host a double-dive on the rock and it’s tremendous straightforward to ebook an all-inclusive package deal with them.
The Gray nurse sharks are the principle attraction, however you’re more likely to spot turtles, large Eagle rays, lobsters, octopus, and perhaps even newly hatched Clownfish! On uncommon days (round 1% of tourists) get to witness swarms of Hammerhead sharks.
We weren’t so fortunate this time, however all of the extra cause to return!
Learn extra: Keep in mind to depart no hint
Exploring South West Rocks on Foot
South West Rocks itself is such a hub of life and has all of the hallmarks of a basic coastal city that I’ve at all times adored. We parked our Jeep Avenger by the bridge at Again Creek and plugged it into the general public charging station.
Many of those stations price subsequent to nothing to recharge your automotive, this one simply occurred to be utterly free! So while our automotive was regaining its power, we did the identical by having fun with the native cafes, gem outlets, and eating places. I like to recommend Malt & Honey as a one-stop store for excellent meals and low.
If you happen to’re courageous sufficient, there’s a platform on the Again Creek Bridge to leap off for a enjoyable freefall into the deep river under!
Freediving Trial Bay & Horseshoe Bay
These seashores and bays (many inside strolling distance of the charging station) are every so dazzling, it was onerous to decide on the place to leap in. After parking up and plugging within the Avenger, we grabbed our fins and masks and ventured into the ocean to navigate our means across the reefs and rocks – Ocean Barbie mode totally activated at this level.
We noticed rays and dove deep to spy on a sleeping Inexperienced sea turtle. I like to recommend diving round Bait Reef shore dive, a very simple freedive or snorkel, or making your means round the best till you discover ‘the gutter’.
Learn extra: Staying Protected on Coastal Rock Platforms
Freediving offers you loads of freedom to discover the ocean extra deeply, however at all times contemplate your skill and the circumstances of the water earlier than leaping in, and by no means dive alone.
I’m fortunate my cousin Maddie is my good mate and dive buddy and I can simply coax her into adventures with me!
If you happen to’re not skilled sufficient in freediving, you may at all times snorkel or simply discover the rock swimming pools round Path Bay Gaol that are INSANELY picturesque, and as soon as in a blue moon the surf is top-tier too.
Trial Bay Gaol Campground, positioned proper by the gaol ruins is without doubt one of the greatest areas you may get; go to sleep to the sound of the waves and get up to the odor of salty water calling your title.
Many folks catch their dinner by spearfishing and diving off the rocks proper close to the campground. Talking of…
Catching Breakfast
Meandering again down the coast on our means dwelling, we stopped alongside the shoreline of Limeburners Creek Nationwide Park. The Jeep Avenger has a ‘sand’ mode which I used to be very excited to take a look at, so we had been in a position to drive up the seaside on compact sand and benefit from a totally crowd-less dawn.
However my accountability was breakfast and our little tummies had been a-rumblin’. After a fast free dive off the rocks, I used to be stoked to snag a healthy-sized lobster prepared for our brekky.
We thanked the lobster for giving its life to feed myself, Maddie, and some hungry on-looker locals with a dangerously good lobster scramble on sourdough, recent from the ocean. A little bit of chilli and a squeeze of lemon juice, and we had been in flavour city! I couldn’t consider a greater strategy to finish the journey.
Psst! Don’t overlook you want a NSW Fishing License to go spearfishing
Loosen up, Recharge, Replenish
I designed this journey to disconnect from my common day-to-day and submerge myself within the peace and variety of the ocean. I’m completely grateful for the chance to dive and be underwater the place my head noise may be soothed for some time.
The drive was straightforward and charging stations have gotten extra commonplace, making longer journeys like this extra accessible. My complete invoice for operating the automotive for 3 days, travelling 4 hours north and again, was lower than $80. This was a welcome change from my regular $400+ diesel invoice for my Land Cruiser, and meant more cash put in the direction of pizza, pasta, and good espresso!
I perceive that for a lot of, being in a darkish cave with an oxygen tank and sharks isn’t the epitome of rest, nevertheless it’s a second I shared with my greatest mate and cousin that I’ll always remember. So in case you’re tied down with deadlines, sick of sitting at your desk or the mind fog is getting slightly heavy, take into consideration how one can take time to recharge your self. What makes you’re feeling alive and in contact with the skin world? What fills your cup and offers you area to breathe?
No matter your good journey appears like is as much as you, nevertheless, that is your signal to do it!
