Norfolk Island is a tiny, external territory of Australia located way out in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies 1412 km (877 m) directly east of Evan's Head which is on our New South Wales east coast.
The first known settlers on Norfolk Island were East Polynesian people, but they had already departed when Great Britain settled it as part of their 1788 arrival to these lands.
Today, there are around 1800 people who call the island home.
Native to the island, the evergreen Norfolk Island pine is a symbol of the island and features on the flag. The pine is a popular ornamental tree here in Australia and now worldwide I believe.
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Tuesday August 30, I went for a walk through the forest down to my lovely local beach which stretches from Merewether, south to Glenrock lagoon on this part of the east coast. I had the place to myself on this late winter’s day and it was so beautifully peaceful and calming.
Looking south to Little Redhead Point.
Just to the right of the image off screen, is Glenrock lagoon - an intermediate fresh water small coastal creek, connected to the ocean by a tidal channel. The lagoon draws its catchment from Flaggy Creek within the Awabakal nature reserve and forest.
Behind me is Murdering Gully for which there are several notions as to how it got its name. One is from its steepness, the murderous climb back out and up from the beach. Secondly, that it was originally called Murmuring Gully due to the subtle, continuous sound made by Flaggy Creek. And thirdly, for the unfortunate discovery of a dead body there in 1933.
Link to image looking down to the beach from the cliffs: www.flickr.com/photos/112623317@N03/51867569595/in/photos...
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Tags: sand merewether beach glenrock lagoon oceanside peace solitude peaceful winter in australia tasman sea awabakal nature reserve glenrock beach murdering gully winter august outdoor photography hunter region australia nsw new south wales flaggy creek little redhead point blue sky beach scene scenery fresh water coastal creek nature natural world nature photography magic moment serenity serene tranquil seascape seashore special place seaside australian beach burwood beach idyll
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We were treated to this atmospheric and eerie scene one very early morning in winter on the Hunter River.
The Hunter is a major river in New South Wales. It rises in the Liverpool Range and flows generally south and then east, reaching the Tasman Sea here at Newcastle.
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Tags: meteorology scenery australia nsw newcastle wickham newcastle cruising yacht club hunter river water fog atmosphere weather winter early morning daybreak sunrise reflections boats yachts mist foggy scene eerie ncyc
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A short drive north from me, Fingal Bay is a favourite place to visit.
Most of Fingal Bay is included in the Tomaree National Park, which includes forested areas, coastal scrubland, beaches and most of the Fingal headland. Fingal Island can be seen on the horizon here.
The water is pristine and clear, the most gorgeous shades of turquoise, aquamarine and blue. The sand, a pale yellow to white.
And on this morning, just a handful of people.
I stood on the shore and it was truly idyllic. Silent, except for the breaking of the gentle waves and expansive views along the beach and out to sea.
How lucky we are, to be able to experience and enjoy these extraordinary gifts of nature.
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Tags: fingal bay australia nsw new south wales paradise seascape south pacific ocean summer in australia summer beach idyll australian scenery tomaree national park hunter region fingal island antipodean antipodea down under great southern land colours of the word beautiful earth ocean and sky sea and sky cirrus clouds blue composition turquoise water
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Lunch is served at Bistro Molines in the Hunter Valley, here in New South Wales.
The restaurant is owned and run by Sally and her chef husband Robert Molines, who is a French-born Algerian. They have lived in the Hunter Valley since 1973.
One can enjoy the vineyard views and the refined, authentic French food that is offered.
A provincial gem. Beautifully romantic and truly delightful.
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