Manning point. Stop three.

When I was writing this the web site didn't recognise Manning point as a destination and I had to try to imput where it was. I couldn't work this web site properly and when I'd finished putting the details it put Manning point somewhere inland of NSW. Manning point is on the Eastern coast in the middle of NSW. Manning point is a small island that can only be reached by crossing another island called Michell island first. Both of the islands are very sparsely populated and quite isolated in appearance.

When we arrived it was about 3/4pm and we were greated by a really friendly receptionist who went through all the usual park regulations. We then drove to our site, with Crikey drawing the usual stares, and set up our gear.

Going to Manning point was well worth while diversion from the main route.

It was mid week and so the place was very quiet apart from the permanent residents, who mainly seemed to be retirees. As a matter of a fact the whole area outside of the caravan park seemed to be popualated by people 50 +. It reminded me a little of the South Coast of England. Once we'd washed up, put the laundry in and completed the usual range of chores we set off to explore this sleepy retirement zone.

I know that we've not been going that long (about 700km/less one week out of Sydney) but it appears that everybody male, and a far number of females, fish. I was speaking to one fisherman who told me that recreational fishing is one of the largest industries in Oz. Fishing is as Australian as Kangaroos, boomerangs and home and away, from what I've seen. This said I found one of the most perfect fishing spots I've ever seen. It was just so serine and peaceful. I had the whole estuary to my self and I could hear the sound of birds flapping their wings 1/2 a mile on the other side of estuary. I'm sure at the weekend a lot of the guys from the surrounding area flood in to spend time in the area fishing to their hearts content. The estuary is packed with with fish as well. Every time I put the rod in the water something bit.

The beach was just the one of the best beachs I've every been on. We walked from the caravan park to the beach and when we got there we were the only people on this beach, which seemed to stretch for about 4-5 miles in each direction. Apart for a bloke doing a bit of beach casting with his dog and another couple walking together about a mile away we had the beach to ourselves. I think it was conditions that made it so good. The surf was crashing onto the beach. The sun was starting to set in the West and turning all the clouds peaches and pinks. In the East all the sky was all the colours of blue I could think of. And in the South there was a storm coming in over the Pacific Ocean. In the far distance we could see flickers of orange lightning through the black storm clouds and forked lightning streaking through to the surface of the ocean.

Going to Manning point was well worth while diversion from the main route.