Almanac Travel: Colac to Yamba – a winter sojourn

 

 

After four days on the road from Colac we finally arrived at our destination of Yamba where our winter sojourn commences.

 

The drive from Colac was a relatively good one in terms of long drives. They are usually tedious and arduous, in this case it was not quite as bad as long drives tend to be. I was more than pleased with the manner in which the faithful Pajero committed itself to the journey. Travelling approximately 1700kms on mainly freeways and motorways with a speed limit of 110km the Pajero hummed along beautifully. Diesel fuel consumption ranged between 6 – 8 litres per 100km so I was more than satisfied with that result.

 

Looking across the Clarence River towards the Great Dividing Range

 

The only issue driving wise occurred from Forster to Yamba when we experienced heavy non-stop rain all day requiring more concentration and wherewithal about myself and the conditions was quite mentally challenging and draining – and to think we were heading north to be away from this weather! The rain had eased by the time we arrived, thankfully it was not cold.

 

The Great Dividing Range

 

 

Towards the town centre

 

From our apartment we have fantastic views across to the Great Dividing Range, the Clarence River, and the main township from our elevated position near the headland and main beach. It is a very comfortable apartment.

 

The weather today (Thursday) is all we are hoping for. With blue, clear sunny skies, a slight breeze – though a chill in the air at times, the temperature hovered around 20? so it was not surprising to see people in shorts, t/shirts and thongs, though jeans and jumper for me.

 

After breakfast I wandered down to the main beach to check out the beach and the ocean swimming pool, and to hopefully discover a decent coffee.

 

 

Early morning sun on the sea at Main Beach

 

The ocean swimming pool looking towards the Yamba Surf Club

 

A good surf was running and some fine exponents of the surfing craft displayed their skills ripping the waves up. No-one was swimming in the pool. I’ve brought my swimming gear with me hoping to get a swim or two in but I think the weather needs to be warmer before that happens! I do have my wetsuit with me so that may encourage me to swim.

 

 

 

Coffee called and soon I was enjoying my first decent coffee since leaving Colac.

 

When visiting new destinations I like to get a feel for the place by spend time cruising the main drags checking out the shops. Like many coastal holiday, retirement resorts Yamba has a familiarity about it; plenty of food and coffee options, lots of clothing stores mainly surf related, and some more up-market catering for the female market.

 

However, after a coffee, the first thing I do is go in search of a bookshop, fortunately Yamba has quite a good second-hand one, and after delving into a few nooks and crannies came up a couple of books that interested me, one a selection of essays by Manning Clark, and another book of essays from Virginia Woolf. I’m planning to spend time on the balcony soaking up the warmth of the day catching up on some reading in the next few days.

 

I’m surprised by the number of boats moored in the Clarence River, obviously fishing and open water sailing is huge in the area. Some very expensive boats among the many.

 

The forecast for tomorrow is around 20? again so more exploring around the coastal areas around the town is planned, some beach walks, and maybe that swim, hopefully all before lunch!

 

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

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