We had finally reached the coast of northern New South Wales and with it a more temperate climate than that in Victoria. We stayed at the Beaches caravan park. Great, generous sites for caravans with big trees to offer shade during the day. All day the brush turkeys we scratching around and running for bits of bread that were offered, clucking at each other. The next few days were spent at Byron Bay. Dawn needed some rest and recuperation. So she had some pampering done for a few hours and promptly had a very quiet next day.
Our caravan
Byron Bay these days is over commercialized and this has spoilt the feel of this once great place. The charm of previous years has largely evaporated. You have to pay even to park at the beach. Looks like the demon of greed and money has beaten the spirit of Chill Out. The big shark that hangs around the surfing spots and eats a surfer every 3 months is not helping the appeal of the town either. Having said that, the caravan park was great and provided access to the beach.
Whilst Dawn was having her pampering I went to scout out Brunswick Heads, a village just up the coast. This was a pleasant surprise! It reminded me of the surfing towns of old. Relaxed, nice cafes and reasonably priced. There is a river running through the town into the sea with plenty of fishing and surfing to be had. There is a surf lifesaving club with good facilities and showers for the public for when they come off the beach. They even have free camping in the reserve.
We left our caravan at Beaches caravan park whilst we went to visit our son at Gold Coast. We were able to stay with him and had some good family time. Needless to say, mother spoilt her boy. He cooked both evening meals. Turns out he is quite a good cook; certainly better than his dad. On the last day we visited some friends from back home (Trentham) that were also staying at Gold Coast. We had some good time together before returning to Byron Bay for the evening.