Day 38, Jackadgery to Smoky Cape
Unfortunately there were a few inconsiderate noisy bogans at Jackadgery last night.
In the morning, storm clouds were gathering over the ranges further inland. Started to hear thunder so I packed up in double-quick time and got out of there.
5 minutes down the road it started to rain quite heavily.
The rain had made the decision for me about which way to go. Left to Glen Innes or right to Grafton and the coast. Glen Innes way looked very dodgy. I turned right.
It rained all the way back to the Pacific Hwy so I just kept going. By the time I reached Woolgoolga it had cleared up. I was sitting up at the lookout feeling a bit cold which was refreshing but vaguely unpleasant at the same time. I'm not sure if I'm ready for really cold weather.
Went straight through Coffs Harbour without stopping.
Turned off to Urunga, at the mouth of the Bellinger River.
Pulled into Nambucca Heads to grab some lunch.
Turned off to South West Rocks. A vague plan was forming. The road follows the mighty Macleay River. Just before South West Rocks is the turnoff to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and Hat Head National Park. There's a little campground at the base of Smoky Cape in the National Park. It's run on a first-come, first-served basis. Lo and behold there were sites aplenty. I scored one of the best.
In the morning, storm clouds were gathering over the ranges further inland. Started to hear thunder so I packed up in double-quick time and got out of there.
5 minutes down the road it started to rain quite heavily.
The rain had made the decision for me about which way to go. Left to Glen Innes or right to Grafton and the coast. Glen Innes way looked very dodgy. I turned right.
It rained all the way back to the Pacific Hwy so I just kept going. By the time I reached Woolgoolga it had cleared up. I was sitting up at the lookout feeling a bit cold which was refreshing but vaguely unpleasant at the same time. I'm not sure if I'm ready for really cold weather.
Went straight through Coffs Harbour without stopping.
Turned off to Urunga, at the mouth of the Bellinger River.
Pulled into Nambucca Heads to grab some lunch.
Turned off to South West Rocks. A vague plan was forming. The road follows the mighty Macleay River. Just before South West Rocks is the turnoff to Smoky Cape Lighthouse and Hat Head National Park. There's a little campground at the base of Smoky Cape in the National Park. It's run on a first-come, first-served basis. Lo and behold there were sites aplenty. I scored one of the best.
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| Smoky Cape Campground |
Finally I've found a secluded campground on the coast.
The wind is really picking up but it's nice and sheltered here in the campsite amongst the bush.
I might stay a few days.
I might stay a few days.
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| A bit stormy |