Can you feel it? Driving along the Pacific Highway, this song played on my iPod shuffle.
Empty beaches @ Scott’s Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
With a lot less traffic on the roads, taking Troopy on a road trip already felt awesome. But I didn’t anticipate that.
Regeneration in Progress @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Even though the corona virus pandemic is an economical disaster for humans, flora and fauna are the clear beneficiaries.
Blooming future @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And that is great news for all nature lovers.
Full moon rise over Terrigal, Central Coast New South Wales, Australia
As bad as it is, and I truly am sorry for anyone being heavily affected by this virus, Mother Nature needed a break from human interactions. I, as an avid outdoor enthusiast, have noticed a huge difference in nature’s response.
Calm and sunny @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This is particularly evident in places, which are normally overcrowded with human vacation activity. The small community of Hat Head is heavily dependent on holiday makers for exactly those reasons.
Mom and Joey @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This pure wildlife haven is a draw card for people near and far. I have visited this already hidden jewel many times over the years, as it is already a natural treasure. But there was a different feel to my recent visit to Hat Head.
Serenity @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
It often felt like the earth stood still and I was the only one on this planet. There was no noise pollution, just pure bliss. Only the gentle sounds of ocean waves added to birdlife chirping.
My favourite beach, empty! @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There was no one else here. The beach was empty.
Caravan park borderline @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A fabulous caravan park is outlined by a perfect white sandy beach in pristine waters.
Watchmen @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The southwestern border runs along the shallow, but tidal Korogoro Creek. Pelicans usually guard these tidal waters.
Rock fishing platform @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The Hat Head Headland reaches out far to Korogoro Point, one of the best rock fishing platforms in Australia.
Korogoro Headland @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Steep and slippery most times. Not today.
Empty spaces @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This bay would circumstantially be dotted by fishing boats within such calm conditions. Not today.
Diving seabirds @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Dozens of gannets, terms and seagulls joined tailor and bonitos on the chase for baitfish. It is quite a spectacle, watching them diving into the waves.
Dolphins in touching distance @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
It didn’t take long for larger fishmongers to follow. I spotted two dolphins chasing mullet in very shallow waters near the beach.
Dolphins in playful mode @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
They enjoyed themselves immensely, splashing and jumping around like no tomorrow.
A spectator of a different kind @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A referee critically watched this gala.
No boats today @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The creek entrance is usually the getaway and entry point for fishing boats heading out to sea. Not today. The birdlife was just as fascinating. Eagles, Ospreys and Brahminy Kites soared the blue skies above.
Lorikeet feeding station @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Lorikeets took every opportunity to fuel their high octane flight-style.
Colourful frenzy @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This flock didn’t care too much if I was near to snap a few cute photos or not.
What’s that? @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Every now and then, one of them glared at my lens. A reflection in the glass?
Sharing is caring @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
I didn’t really care as this gave me another great opportunity to capture these playful clowns up-close and personal.
Another colourful bird @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Another parrot appeared to join the party. Rosellas are very rarely seen in the wilderness.
Rosella Family @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The more I was surprised when I spotted this young family foraging through the high grass near the picnic area. Their rainbow colours stood out like a beacon.
Rosella youngster @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The youngster’s colours weren’t quite as flamboyant as his parent’s,yet.
The grass is greener on this side @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And they were just happy to eat the grass on the greener side.
Perfect nesting spot this time @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This pair was nesting within the caravan park in a hollow tree trunk.
Honey, I am home! @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This is usually a busy traffic intersection.
A rare Australian parrot @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
En route to the southern end of Hat Head National Park, I spotted these two very rare parrots. A pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos enjoyed a drink from swampy waters. Unfortunately, they flew off as I got my camera ready.
Glossy Black Cockatoo @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But not too far. Wow, this just keeps getting better!
Big buck @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
A big male kangaroo greeted me at my destination at Kemps Corner.
Not a boomerang @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This boomer stood as tall as myself.
A roo block @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The rest of his mob weren’t too far off either.
Who goes there? @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Youngster wasn’t quite sure what to think of me. His mom behind him looked almost just as surprised.
A roo lineup @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Maybe they really haven’t seen any people for a while? They do look pretty cool in a line-up though.
Cousin Joe @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Cousin Joe meanwhile enjoyed the greenery.
Roo Headland @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This windy headland is an oasis for this bunch of kangaroos.
Mix and match in sepia @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And they fit in flawlessly over the unusual calm ocean waters.
Best mates @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
New friendships were made as well.
Looking for the unknown @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Well, anyone that knows me, knows that I look for excluded hidden places anywhere.
Happy vibe @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But, there really is a totally different vibe amongst nature.
Jump around, jump around! @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
And it feels great.
Can you feel it? @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Look a bit closer! Can YOU feel it?
The signs are clear @ The Entrance, Central Coast New South Wales, Australia
The signs are clear, let’s hope everyone can read them.
Calming waters @ Terrigal, Central Coast New South Wales, Australia
We need to look out for this blue planet, it’s the only one we survive on.
Act today for tomorrow @ Wiseman’s Ferry, Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Today, for tomorrow!
Natural composition @ Wiseman’s Ferry, Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia
Besides, it’s the only world with chocolate.
Travels with Ben 