Jun 21, 2010

POINT PLOMMER

Point Plommer is located right on the pristine coastline between Port Macquarie and Crescent Head of NSW, this untouched piece of paradise is a must see on any ones top 10 camping destinations. The road from either Port or Crescent is a well maintained dirt road that links the two towns as it hugs the coast line.

 Around each corner and over every rise a new view awaits those who are on the lookout for a piece of untouched coastline. From Crescent Head wander south along the Point Plomer road. It starts with around 6km of tar as it leaves the small farms behind scattered throughout the area. The road drops to dirt so drop your speed and enjoy the drive. Wandering wildlife will cross infrequently so be on the lookout for anything from roos, birds or even the odd dingo that breed in these areas. 

As you head along here you have a choice of stopping at any of the many headlands to catch a wave or simply marvel at the fantastic view. There are several camping spots here on the north side such as Delicate Nobbys. Here you have the choice of either stopping at the local caravan park or just across the road at the National Park camping area. Fees do apply here for camping and of course you should have your National Parks Pass.

Further along the road you will come across Melaleuca Camping Area to the right. This is a great camping spot beside a natural water way alive with birdlife, from swans, pelicans, cormorants and many more. Full grassed areas with pit toilets, there is a spot for everyone here. If you base your self here, there is a National Parks trail that wanders for 1.4km around the headland that showcases what this area has to offer. Also just across the road there is a great beach for the kids to splash around in. Just keep in mind that this beach is not patrolled.

Travelling south from here you will wander through thick rainforest alive with palms, vines heading towards the sunlight and thick undergrowth full of gasses decaying timber and much more. Just a few kilometres down the road you can enter Point Plomer camping area to the left. Here after you pay your fees ( $10 per adult, $5 per child ), you have a great choice of spots where you can camp. There are no power sites here, just clean grassy areas, where most have ocean views that are shaded as well. Fire pits are provided, but you must either purchase your own wood or it is available at the office. 

Cold fresh water showers, rubbish bins and flushing toilets are available, nice comfort at the end of a long day. After setting up camp, you have a wide range of choices to choice from, ranging from a short hike up to the top of Point Plomer where you can see the hi rise of Port Macquarie to the south, Crescent Head and South West Rocks to the north. The coast line here has many rocky out crops that are great for fishing, diving or great for a bit of beach combing. Several beaches hide amongst the out crops, and with the many formed paths along here access is pretty easy. Dolphin and whale spotting is almost a daily occurrence here as you can see for miles out to the vast blue ocean.

The main beach at the front of the camping area is available for boat launching, swimming or you can easily wander north along the beach for a great beach walk. The waves can be that perfect on some days that several local surfing competitions are held here each year. Around the campsite wildlife will freely scrounge around for scraps, so be wary of the odd dingo, resident goannas and birdlife that have made this area their home.

Back in 1943 a North coast steamer- the ‘’Wollonber’’ was heading south towards Sydney when it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. Only 5 out of the 37 crew survived this tragedy as the ship quickly disintegrated and sunk. The wreck is around 20km north east of Point Plommer.

Heading south from your campsite here either walking or a short drive you will come across Queens Head picnic area. Great spot to spend the day ( no overnight camping ), either gazing from the top of this amazing headland that towers over the beaches to the south. 4wd beach access is permitted just near here but check local tide times. Upon the top of Queens Head there are several informal walking tracks that lead around the top, be careful as the drops are pretty scary right around the front of the headland. 

National Parks do a great job here maintaining these areas with mown grass tracks and several bench seats. Point Plomer can be your base for activities like day trips to Port Macquarie, bike riding through out the National Park, chasing those elusive pelagic fish, or just to unwind for days on end.

Heading further south from here it is a short 14km drive to the thriving Mecca of Port Macquarie. After you cross the ferry it will land you just near Settlement City, Ports major shopping complex. This camping destination can be done from the north, south or just as a day trip if you are holidaying nearby. A wonderful pristine spot located so close to several major towns, easy to see why the locals keep it a secret. I travelled down here with my beautiful partner Lesley, we both thoroughly the time down here and will be back.

DESTINATION
Point Plomer is situated on the East Coast approx 14.4km north from Port Macquarie or 37km south east of Kempsey. From either direction the destination is accessible by 2wd. Cold showers, flushing toilets are available.

TIMING
A great destination all year round.

FUEL AND SUPPLIES
Port Macquarie to the south is a major shopping Mecca; Crescent Head to the north has fuel and groceries.

HIGHLIGHTS
Great snorkelling, fishing, bushwalking, swimming beachcombing for the whole family. Limeburners Creek Nature reserve is a haven for all creatures great and small. Temperate rainforest scattered throughout the area. Stunning scenery.

USEFUL MAPS
Port Macquarie State Forest..........1;125,000