Saphire Coast

The Saphire Coast was exactly as promised. The white sandy beaches are nearly deserted, so that there's nothing to distract from the sound of lapping waves rolling off the endless blue ocean.

A faint menthol scent wafts down from the eucalyptus forests on the cliffs above. Inside the forests, there are giant termite mounds and exotic plants. The canopy is full of Kookaburras, perhaps the most famous of Australia's birds, and their laughing call echoes through the trees. Best of all, there were Kangaroos everywhere.

The wildlife in Muramarang National Park was extraordinarily tame, with big Eastern Grey Kangaroos and sleek Bushy-Tailed Possums all around our rented cabin. One big momma Kangaroo practically chased me home, an oversized joey hanging halfway out of her pouch. Later I spotted some teenage girls feeding them lettuces while patting them.

In the morning we found Wallabies frolicking on the beach. Black Cockatoos swooped along the cliffs making striking silhouettes against the rising sun. Within the forest, Exotic little birds like the Spotted Pardalote and Eastern Spinebill flitted among the trees, chirping happily. It was glorious.

Birdlist from Muramarang National Park and the Sapphire Coast