Exploring Bathurst Harbour

After a night in Schooner Bay we headed off to Casilda Cove. A small but sheltered anchorage from the prevailing north westerlies. Nick and Sally walked up Mt Balmoral to enjoy the spectacular views of The Bathurst Harbour and Channel. A great night was had aboard The Secretary with Tom and Leanne- Beef Rogan Josh, Butter chicken, cauliflower and potato curry, pappadums and yes for dessert- ice cream and liqueur !

The next morning we departed for Claytons Corner. Lots to do and see and also a safe haven to ride out the forthcoming cold front. Not long after arriving we headed off to explore Melaleuca Inlet by dinghy. An hour journey upstream, navigated by a series of Melaleuca stakes to avoid the sandbars. We tied up at the jetty and took the Needwone Boardwalk, full of history of the local aboriginal tribe from times past. Beyond this is a track to the house built by the fabled King family. Further on is the airstrip, catering for around 5000 visitors per year- bush walkers and day tourists.

The next morning we headed to the jetty to explore the "Clayton's cottage and take the hike up Mt Beattie with fantastic views over Kings Inlet and Melaleuca Inlet, returning aboard to weather out the cold front- a busy afternoon with several boats dragging anchor and repositioning themselves.

Today we have made our way back down to Schooner Bay and plan to leave at first light for Dover with a favourable weather window.