Driving down through the twists and turns along the road past Fitzroy falls, heading into Kangaroo Valley, I told the kids to keep a look out for a turn off. I really had no idea of where I was going, even though I have travelled along this road many many times over the years, it was the WikiCamps app, that led me to the Bendeela Reserve. Finally we found it, a right hand turn before the majestic Hampton bridge, followed by another turn, and a few more twists in the road, taking us further into the valley. By now I had lost phone reception so I was hoping my instinct was correct, and thankfully it was.

We arrived at a security guard check point. It was the Christmas holidays so I was expecting there to be a large amount of people and being turned away, because of crowds, wouldn’t have surprised me, but after “checking in” we were told that there was room and that we could pitch the tent anywhere we wanted.

It was crowded. Very crowded. It was tent city, some with large elaborate set ups, looking like they had been or were planning to be there for weeks. We took our time, driving around the expansive park, trying to find the ideal spot, one that wasn’t going to have us “living in someone’s back pocket”, one that would allow us to have room to spread out a bit. We came to an area at the back end of the reserve, an area that seemed to have more space than anywhere else ….. and it was close to the toilets! I instantly wondered what was wrong with it, it seemed to good to be true. Then I saw a sign that read ” family zone, alcohol free”, how lucky we were a “family!” and we weren’t planning on holding a beer fest this weekend! Quickly we staked our claim and rushed to put up the tents before the convoy of cars that were coming in behind us got down this end of the park!

As soon as he could, Jay grabbed his bike and took off, we had set some clear ground rules for exploring, ones that allowed him some freedom but also boundaries to keep him and others safe. Later he showed us a dirt jump he had discovered down near the river, one that the kids challenged themselves on, to career down as fast as they could, taking the jump and skidding to a halt at the end. The river became a haven to us, a spot we could escape the crowds and find a quiet spot to read, rest and listen to the sounds of the kayakers as they dipped their paddles into the water, making their way further up the Kangaroo river. Some had been brave enough to swim across to the other side, enticed by a rope, which they each took turns to swing on, like Tarzan, before letting go, to splash down into the depths of the water below.

But the highlight of our time here, was the Wombats. The area is populated by wild wombats that roam freely, rubbing up against cars and caravans, rocking the vehicles vigorously as they pushed their bodies to satisfy an itch. Sitting, enjoying our dinner we were surprised as a curious fellow made himself known to us, walking straight through our campsite. Unfortunately he had mange, a disease that effects many of the Wombats here and causes them to scratch so much that they lose their fur and develop sores. His appearance caused  hoards of other campers to come running towards him where they proceeded to surround him, blocking his path. Understandably spotting a wild animal out and about is exciting, but observing from afar and leaving them to their business is the best policy, surely anything else just leads to distress for the animal. Lucky for him he found a gap in the crowd and made a run for it (they are fast!) escaping the onlookers, and finding solace behind a wire fence.

Bendeela reserve was a beautiful place to set up camp for a few nights on our journey further down the Coast, listening of a night time to the Wombats wander freely around our tent is one that I will not forget!

Where: Bendeela Reserve Kangaroo Valley

How to get there: Along Moss Vale road, take turn off at Bendeela road than second left turn marked “Bendeela picnic area”

How Much?: FREE!

What you need to know: There is very limited phone reception, there are no showers only toilets, there is drinking water, please read pamphlets that you are given about the Wombats (for your safety as well as theirs), bring your kayaks / canoes / fishing rods or you can hire canoes, close by to Kangaroo Valley and Fitzroy falls for visits, avoid school holidays if possible!

Safe travels!

Kerrie