BALLINA BEACH - February 5-6, 2005

Early Saturday morning with the promise of a fine weekend ahead, I set off for Ballina and the beach. I enjoyed the easy drive down the Gold Coast Highway and the luxury of four lanes. As I crossed the border, I passed Christine Barry in her recently acquired L Series, and we continued on together, our speed kept in check by the numerous speed camera signs, until we hit Ballina. Besides saving time and distance, the new highway is an impressive feat of design and engineering.

We rendezvoused with the following team at the Big Prawn-

David Martin and Big John McKenna in the Brumby , Ron, Glenys & Wade Penfold - Challenger , Don & Maureen Watt - Brumby, Philip & Caleb Woods - Forester, Peter Stokes - X-Trail, Will Spelta (Backyard Boys) & team – L Series Wagon, Rob & Vicki Noble - Brumby, Christine Barry – L Series Turbo Wagon, Bryan Johnston – Forester, Greg (Curlie) Ah-Quee - L Series Wagon, and myself in the Forester.

Click on the thumbnails below to see the full size photos

Photos by Don Watt and Maureen Clelland SC525

Dave Martin took the lead with Ron Penfold as tail end and we all set off for the Burns Point ferry to South Ballina. A quick trip on the ferry and on to a dirt road which gave way to very soft sand. The track was obviously leading to the beach and just as I rounded the corner I lost momentum and beached. Several attempts at being pushed backwards failed, as the car just seemed to belly out on the sand. Ron came up behind in the mighty Challenger and snatched me back around the corner to the start of the track. After further tyre pressure adjustment, and a good run up, my second attempt was successful. It was then that I was told I had qualified for completing the trip report. Rob & Vickie Noble also had a few problems and had to be snatched. A lift kit would have been an advantage for both of us.

The tide was running in by the time we hit the beach but the sand was firm and we made good progress negotiating the first lot of the coffee rocks, however the second lot were extremely difficult. David and Curly managed it ok, but after Peter Stokes had a really rough time getting through in the X-Trail, some of the cars decided to go around through the soft sand and rocks and the incoming tide. Phil in the Forester and Ron in the Challenger had no problems. However, Bryan Johnston in his Forester took a different approach, going a little too fast, hit a pothole and some rocks and bent the right hand side control arm. Christine Barry in the L Series had a repeat performance, but the damage didn’t appear to be as bad.

The rest of us cringed at the thought of getting through safely, but thanks to Glenys Penfold who stepped out the route through the potholes we had no problems. I was particularly grateful to Glenys as I had been awarded the Water Intolerant Award for 2004, and I certainly didn’t want to win again.

We stopped for lunch while the beach mechanics went to work. After an unsuccessful attempt at fixing Bryan’s car, Ron shadowed him down to Evans Head where the NRMA tilt tray trucked his car to Lismore. Bryan was able to continue the trip with Curly. Christine had good news; the L-Series could be fixed.

While all the attention was directed at the sick cars, Will and his team were having fun with a video camera and had quite a few laughs. Making a video must have been very thirsty work, because when we finally left the beach they had to call in to Broadwater for more supplies.

The campsite at Bunjalung National Park is at the end of a very dusty road, which winds its way towards the coast and is set behind a ridge of sand dunes. David had informed us that a fire had raged through the park some time ago, but this area is now covered with low scrubby saltbush. We set up camp, and although we knew there was no water on site, only bush toilets, we were surprised to see gas barbeques.

An early evening swim was wonderful after the long day and as we climbed back over the sand dunes we were greeted with the sight of a beautiful sunset. Drinks and dinner over and we were all ready for an early night. The only wildlife around was a bandicoot scratching in the scrub.

Sunday morning after packing up we all went for a swim at Jerusalem Waterhole – again surprised to see a modern boat ramp leading to the water. Although the water was a deep golden colour, I suspect from tea trees further upstream, it was crystal clear. Driving back we found some other good campsites which were suitable for large groups. Peter Stokes came to say good-bye to us all, as he had decided to head off early to catch up with his daughter in Byron Bay.

We set off along Woodyhead beach, but the weed was starting to build up, and when we found a sign saying that we couldn’t continue along to Iluka, we turned around and headed back to a clear area for a game of beach cricket.

Will and team organised the game and soon it was well under way with every one having fun, even Caleb Woods who is only 6 years old showed us all how to bowl. Well done Caleb!! It was reported later that Will had twisted his knee and is still limping - must have happened when he took that fabulous catch.

After the game we headed out through Bunjalung National Park and to the town of Woodburn for fuel, air and lunch. At this stage some of the group were heading off and those of us who were left had a quick lunch and said our farewells. The drive home through the beautiful hinterland was made more enjoyable by the lovely view of the sea.

An interesting observation was that I couldn’t find a decent underbody car wash on the South or Gold Coast, but the up-market hyperwash at Albany Creek was well worth the wait.

Thanks to Dave Martin for the adventure. I enjoyed going south to the beach for a change, and look forward to more camping trips in the Northern N.S.W. area.

Jan Watts SC545