blissmass in the bush / blog #003
“the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
The countdown was on, awaiting for the arrival of our family as we prepared to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the bush. Days earlier were spent exploring the Clarence Valley. We really loved it, but were equally excited to carry on our adventure.
A few hours down the coastline we arrived at our next campsite - Yuraygir National Park, Yaegl Country. A beautiful coastal camp rich in wildlife and views that took our breath away. The sound of the ocean echoing from the short scroll from the sores, up to camp - we were in paradise.
Red Cliffs, Yuraygir National Park on Yaegl Country
We were greeted by families of kangaroos, spotted a few snakes and there were birds and butterflies perching in the trees that surrounded us. We enjoyed a walk along the headland and down to the nearby campsites. A real beaut spot, that we booked out of a whim to beat the holiday rush.
It wasn’t long until our family arrived, we were so stoked to see one another and for what the next for weeks had in store for us, out in nature spending quality time together. Unplugged from the noise and tuned into the environment around us.
We spent our days at camp, by the waters edge, adventuring to nearby coastal towns (Brooms Head, Yamba and Minnie Waters) and exploring the beaten tracks in between.
Blake and I enjoyed some quality time exploring the headland and the magnificent Redcliff nearby our camp. A real artwork made by nature sparkling with deep rich red ochre in the midst of never ending ocean views.
We had a few windy days and a touch of rain but our spirits were happy, riding a high. It wasn’t long until we were packed up and headed to our next destination. West from the coastline, just a few hours inland we followed the Clarence River / Mann River all the way to Gibraltar Range National Park, Bundjalung, Gumbaingirr and Ngarrabul Country.
Boundary Falls Campground on Bundjalung, Gumbaingirr and Ngarrabul Country.
The drive was one of our favourites yet, we followed the windy and long road along the river, the view of the sand banks, valleys and mountains were something like a dream. Beautiful outback country side, flowing water in the distance and big gums shading the path ahead. Up the mountain we went, the road leading us to into the range and lush forests.
We arrived to camp and set up where would be our home for the next week or so. Tucked away in a canopy of tall trees, deep in the rainforest near by the magnificent Boundary Falls. From beach to bush, what a beautiful transition.
It’s here we spent our Christmas. A simple celebration with those we love. We made a tree out of fallen branches and trinkets from our cars, enjoyed campfire pancakes for breakfast, went for a hike to the falls and had a candle lit roast. It couldn’t have been more perfect. It was slow, stress free and one to remember.
Over the next coming days we spent our time exploring the National park and seeing nearby water holes and falls as well as visiting Mulligans Hut. There are so many beautiful campsites and things to see, we hope to visit again in the future.
Blake and I spent one of our days going on a day hike to Duffer Falls, then to Grassy Creek. We hiked for 20km and didn’t see another face for 7 hours. A real highlight for us, as we spoke for weeks about challenging ourselves to a big nature walk. Despite getting a blister and walking one way with one shoe and all the way back up hill with only socks on, we had one of the best days together. The visit to the falls and dense bush walk felt like we were in a real life fairy tale. The whole experience has inspired us to get out and explore on foot more often.
We spent our last stint with our family at Lilydale near Winegrove on Yaegl Country, a free camp that hugs the Clarence River. A spot we stumbled across and spent sometime there previously, we knew they would love it too. We had a quiet New Year and felt in every sense grateful to be alive.
Our time together was peaceful and our pace was slow and relaxing, but somehow the weeks flew by so fast and soon it was time to say our goodbyes. But it’s not ever really a true good bye, just a see you next time. The feeling still bittersweet. The comfort of family is truly like no other.
The memories we made on our holidays are the ones that will last a lifetime. Capturing moments to look back on years down the track, reminiscing on the good times. Nothing really can compare then living and experiencing the magic together.
Watch out first vlog here and be sure to like and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to follow along our journey 🌾