Narooma, NSW Australia

Narooma was a delightful coastal town surrounded by the ocean, lakes and rivers. As I strolled along Wagonga Beach, shaped like a graceful fan, I was mesmerised by the twinkling, azure waters flowing between the breakwaters into the ocean. 

Venturing to the opposite side of the beach, I walked to the hilltop lookout, letting the soft breeze brush my face and ruffle my hair as I breathed in the warm, salty air. At the bottom of the lookout was a rock formation naturally carved in what seemed like the shape of Australia, which, unsurprisingly, was called Australia Rock. But it was the lively inhabitants of Seal Rocks that truly stole my heart as I watched the local seals bask in the warm sunlight, playfully frolic in the water, and engage in friendly sparring, each vying for their spot to laze upon the sun-drenched rocks. 

 Eager to explore the waterways of Narooma, I hopped on a boat ride to enjoy the tranquility of Wagonga Inlet and the native greenery lining the shores. As the boat glided across the inlet, I imagined casting a line into the water. Reeling in a nice catch would have made for a terrific barbie, as they say in Oz (BBQ for most folks), with a squeeze of lemon and a Mediterranean marinade of garlic, paprika, cumin, tomatoes, onion, and capers. Hmmm, finger-licking good.

Instead, binoculars in hand, I scanned the skies and the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of herons or ibises, and I was rewarded with an osprey. Have you ever seen them swoop above the water to catch their prey? From heights as high as 100ft (30m), they pluck the fish from the water with their curved claws, then cleverly carry them headfirst to minimise wind resistance.

However, the highlight of my journey was a short side trip to Montague Island, where hundreds of fur seals frolicked among the island's granite rocks. Eager to swim with them, I donned my snorkeling gear and jumped in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. To my delight, the playful seals were not shy at all. They came in droves, curious to investigate me, a strange creature in their midst, with arms as flippers and legs as fins. It was a truly magical experience, made even more special by the wonderfully sunny day that bathed the underwater world in bright, clear light.

Eventually, as the day drew to a close, I reluctantly bid farewell to the seals and Narooma. With my heart filled with cherished memories, I continued up the coast toward Moruya.