The attractions of Eden kept us only a short while. We headed on up the coast, stopping first at Merimbula.
This is a very "tourist" town set on the bank of a lake and its main industry seems to be whale watching. We spent some time in the National Parks and Wildlife office getting a local bird list and other information before driving north on the Sapphire Coast Way.
A diversion to Wallagoot Lake provided an ideal stop for lunch. There is a protected colony of Little Terns on a sandspit in the lake and the trees around the picnic ground were ringing with the call of Bell Miners.
We stopped for the night at Tathra Beach, of which more will be reported tomorrow.
It being some time since we had washed clothes and with the weather threatening to be sunny, we decided to stay another day at Tathra.
The highlight of a visit to Tathra is the "Historic Wharf" which is over a hundred years old. Originally a terminal for coastal shipping when that was the most convenient way to reach such places, it had fallen into disrepair. Someone realised the potential in todays tourist led world and refurbished it and set up a shop, cafe and museum in the old building on the wharf.
The wharf is quite large and higher than most out of the water which makes is a fine gathering place for both fish and fishermen. The water is exquisitely clear and one can while away a considerable amount of time just watching the various sea creatures, including on particularly venturesome prawn, going about their business.
It is said that both sea lions and penguins visit the wharf at times.
We visited the Mimosa Rocks National Park and lunched on the banks of the Bega River before returning to the caravan park to take in the washing