The residents of bushfire affected tourist regions should visit each other’s stamping grounds on recreational trips in 2020. 

Coastal rocks between Narooma and Bermagui [© Christine Davies]

Here are some impressions of a February 2020 trip through a region with plenty of tourist accommodation intact.  

New Zealand fur seal – the type that feature in the Montague Island “swimming with the seals” tours. [© Christine Davies]

Approaching the Eurobodalla Local Government Area from Nowra or Clyde Mountain, there are many burnt areas but there is epicormic growth on the gums and, in some places, green Burrawang cycads below.  After recent rain, the cattle pastures look very lush.  

100-year-old electric powered launch tours the shores of Wagonga Inlet.            [© Christine Davies]

The villages around Murramarang National Park have generally been saved.  Bawley Point residents are still having their lawns mowed by Eastern Grey Kangaroos. 

the big mountain overlooking Wagonga Inlet, Narooma  [© Christine Davies]

While the waves crash and foam around Kioloa Beach and Brush Island, the dune vegetation provides a dull green backdrop.  Volunteers are planting new shrubs beside Durras Lake.  

forest of Spotted Gums [© Geoff Dernee]

The tourist meccas of Central Tilba, Tilba Tilba and Bodalla are trading their usual attractive wares.  So is Mogo, unashamed of its fire scars. 

Catherine at Surf Beach [© Geoff Dernee]

In Eurobodalla National Park, the pelicans float on Lake Corunna with multiple shades of green on the slopes behind.

 © Christine Davies and Don Morison 

 

Silhouettes at sunrise on coast near Batemans Bay [© Geoff Dernee]

Anne, Catherine and Liz with Skippy at Pebbly Beach [© Geoff Dernee]

Spotted gum (Corymbia maculata) in Murramarang NP [© Geoff Dernee]