Yaccaba Headland: a world away from Utrecht

FROM the canals of Utrecht to the rugged Myall Coast, two young Dutch travellers have discovered that Australia’s most memorable experiences lie far beyond the well-trodden tourist trail.

NOTA met the couple stretching their legs on the Yacaaba Headland walking track at Hawks Nest, following a scenic journey through Seal Rocks and the luminous waterways and sweeping sands of the Myall Lakes region.

“We flew into Brisbane and visited a friend in Gin Gin [Queensland] before heading down the coast, but it has been raining most of the time,” Stijn told NOTA.

“This is the first time we’ve had sun,” said Iris.

“It’s beautiful.”

And spring was certainly showing off on the mountain.

Delicate white wedding bush mingled with golden hibbertia, while bottlebrush grass trees displayed spectacular flowering spikes.

Nearby, a lace monitor lazed in the sunshine as a mother butcherbird patiently encouraged her fledgling to take flight.

Despite the track remaining closed beyond the mid-headland viewpoint for construction, environmental assessments, and visitor safety, there was still plenty to admire.

But it wasn’t just the scenery that caught the visitors’ attention.

“Is it a public holiday today?” inquired Iris.

“There are so many people at the beach.”

The couple did not know that Hawks Nest’s sizable retirement population could explain the sight of locals enjoying the uninterrupted sweep of Bennetts Beach midweek.

Then again, perhaps the rumours were true, and Australians really had perfected the art of making a working week look like a long weekend.

The contrast between Utrecht’s historic canals and the untamed Myall Coast could hardly be greater.

Here, towering headlands meet the Pacific Ocean and bushland tumbles towards secluded beaches.

For Stijn and Iris, bound next for two nights in Anna Bay, the journey south offered a perfect glimpse of the freedom, open spaces, and unspoilt beauty that make this stretch of the NSW coastline so special.

By Charlene RUSSOM