The best way to discover hidden gems of the Sapphire Coast

Explore. Discover. Immerse yourself…

Imagine walking around a corner and finding something that makes your heart sing.

It had been a busy fortnight of unpacking and the faithful mutt was fed up. Her mournful chocolate eyes followed me relentlessly as I dealt with boxes and belongings. Today, the reproachful stare was enough to move me into action.

I followed the unfamiliar road in the early light, careful to avoid the kangaroos. The dog, grateful for her release, sprinted joyfully down the beach, her grin becoming wider each step. The beach was hard packed white sand, making walking easy.

Following the murmuring shoreline I came across a mound of red rocks. And then I made the discovery.

A few steps further on was a natural beach, about 10 metres wide, protected by a cliff and surrounded by water. On one side – the mouth of the Pambula River and the other, the ocean. It’s a favourite spot for local paddle boarders and sharks.

Mesmerised by the colour of the water, I turned to see Old Man Rock. His features, clearly seen by the rising sun which also heightened the orange tones of the rock. I sat on the sand, throwing the ball occasionally to keep the dog happy, and took in the ambience.

Peace. Serenity. Alone.

Sometimes the best gems are found when you just let life happen.

No research, no planning, just let it be.

 

3 mistakes not to make when moving to the Sapphire Coast

How to find your serenity when surrounded by removalist boxes

It’s no secret that I’m an organised person. Well I like to think that but I can leave out crucial details. Essential details. Like spelling out the correct address that you want the removalist to take your beloved belongings to. You can imagine the chaotic phone call I received …

“You are where?” I screeched.

“It’s okay,” I reassured my husband who was driving the car packed full of the essentials including one teenager with very long legs and a doped up cat who still managed to complain.

Frantically, I texted the address with a map link, praying they would make it to our new home.

Two days later I had not come up for air. Why? I didn’t supervise the unpacking of the truck. I had been warned to stand at the bottom of the stairs to direct the boxes. I didn’t feel comfortable with what I perceived as an authoritarian stance. I assumed the removalist guys would read the large lettering and place the boxes accordingly. The lesson – don’t assume, otherwise you will find half of your kitchen dumped in the spare bedroom and you have to make umpteen trips up the stairs to rectify this.

Finally, remember the benefits of moving to the Sapphire Coast. After a few days of frantic unpacking, the teenager begged me to take a break. We drove three minutes away to the most gorgeous spot, which is still my favourite place. Our eyes feasted on the aqua colours of the Pambula River bordered by national park which, I imagined, looked the same for centuries. It was here, at the Pambula River mouth that I remembered to breathe and appreciate the beauty surrounding my new home.