There are only a few communities left along the New South Wales coastline, where human advancement is halted by nature.

The Camden Haven area is one of them. This makes this region a haven for wildlife and a heaven for locals who live here.

‘Why go anywhere else if you have everything you need here.’ John said upon my arrival.

‘Look around you. Look around and have a closer look. You never know what you might find’

This was 9 months ago and I am still looking, mostly with a camera or drone in tow.

The communities around the Camden River are a Haven for outdoor enthusiasts like myself.           A multitude of opportunities to keep me mentally and physically entertained.

This is partly due to vast amounts of water.

Lots of water.

Quiet waters which reflect on life.

And wild waters regenerate stagnancy.

Water is the source of life. And these waters are teeming with life.

The merging Upsalls Creek and Black Creek combine to initiate the Camden Haven River in the nearby Great Dividing Range.

The lowlands are evenly flat, which creates slow-moving tidal swampy areas.

Combined with several other creeks and the decent-sized brackish water of Queens Lake, it is a vital habitat for fish- and birdlife.

The oyster industry is a huge part of communal income. Fishing is one of the most practiced activities here.

Either on land or from a floating vessel, locals can target a huge variety of fish.

Kayak fishing is also very popular and largely successful, maybe a bit too much?

There must be at least a dozen boat ramps and fish cleaning stations along the main artery named Camden River.

I tried to cycle along and count them one day, but gave up after another popped up here and there.

These are constantly patrolled by the feathered fishos in black and white.

Surely it’s breakfast time somewhere.

The clear waters off the Pacific Ocean wash up on white sandy beaches.

At certain times of the year, Humpback Whales migrate either to or from the Antarctic. Depending on currents and therefore food sources like schools of baitfish determine how close they swim along the shoreline.

Mothers and their calves, which stay together for 2 years, are often seen close by in quieter and safer waters. While faster-swimming males sound their underwater overture and compete in jumping duels.

I believe that leaping whales signal a multitude of reasons. Mainly because they can. They are having a whale of a time on their travels.

Humpback Whales are best spotted and observed from higher elevated points like any off several headlands.

Multiple pods of dolphins call this area their home and territory. They are often seen a long way upstream of the Camden River and Stingray Creek.

Dolphins compete in surf lessons in and around the break walls. Go, Flipper.

Rarer and less likely spotted birds and animals are spotted if you look a bit closer.

While the usual suspects entertain themselves unusually.

Black and white cockatoos, correllas, galahs, lorikeets, kookaburras, swallows, peewees, and the entertaining lap-wing are seen in abundance. Eagles and ospreys nest along the riverbanks and are often seen soaring well above.

Plus many, many more bird species and animals. It is fascinating.

The floral display of dry heath is captivating.

Just as well as wetland areas dotted in black butts.

Numerous parks and resting areas dictate the pace of nature.

At sunrise.

Or sunset.

Even dragons patrol the Three Brothers. It is a spiritual region.

My favorite aspect of this region is the Mother Nature to People ratio.

More birds, more animals, and more trees. And less people.

At times it appears that there are more pelicans here than humans around the waterways.

This is the only fast food outlet in this region, which is an outstanding feature.

The people that do live here are primarily families that grew up in this area over decades. Combined with Mother Nature, it gives Camden Haven this charming aspect.