We collected our camping gear from East Coast Camping Hire and headed west to Tabulam.
Turning off Paddy's Flat Road we meandered down the gravel road that was at times quite steep, I wondered what this grand and glorious adventure would hold for us.
We had been told of the Clarence River Wilderness Lodge by an acquaintance who had enjoyed their family experience there. The gravel road led to a large and lovely green camping area beside the upper Clarence River, which Steve the lodge owner was currently mowing. We introduced ourselves and Steve answered our questions and gave us a well prepared information booklet on what was available to us and some of the history of the area. We drove off to the side of the large camping area which is often used for school groups for canoeing adventures, to a more secluded campsite.
As we had chosen to have our time away during the week, we were fortunate enough to be the only campers there at that time.
Oh! it was so quiet, so relaxing and so rejuvenating.
A lovely rain shower came over just as we had set up camp and when it stopped we watched the mists come over the somewhat sheer cliff face on the other side of the river.
We woke the next morning to the glorious chorus of bird song of many different sorts of birds, but not early enough to see the platypus feeding. All throughout the days when I allowed my mind to stop it's chatter and I listened there were birds singing and why wouldn't they sing living in this almost undisturbed wilderness area, that would certainly give them the happiness factor.
Choosing a morning walk along the river, we saw birds, birds and more birds. And oh! the butterflies, there were hundreds of orange ones, they flew in front of us along the track, they were so busy flitting from flower to flower and grass stalk to grass stalk. I did attempt to photograph them but they were too fast for me. There were blue speckled ones, white and black, and large black ones. I don't know the names that human beings call them, I was just enjoying their company.
Lunchtime and we were visited by a large grandaddy goanna, I suspect that he may have been interested in sharing our lunch, he left disappointed but did test out our shoes as he was leaving. After lunch we explored up river and did some rock climbing near some rapids and had a swim in the river. The nights were cool so we lit a camp fire, it was just lovely sitting by the fire chatting and being mesmerized by the flames.
Things that might be helpful ---
When booking check if there are going to be school camps on especially if you like peace and quiet.
An excellent place to wind down and do nothing.
If it has been raining, check what the road is like.
We had a 4WD which made the gravel road more comfortable.
Fire wood is available.
Canoes are available for campers
Check out their website, lots of activity ideas and info on the area www.clarenceriver.com
