Exploring the natural beauty and discovering hidden gems.

As the relentless heat and humidity beats down on the North Coast in February, our clients love to escape the heat by hopping in the car and cranking up the air con. With the cool breeze flowing and the promise of adventure ahead, we set out to explore some 4WD accessible beauty that the region has to offer.

Venturing off the beaten track, we navigated through the rugged terrain of Yuraygir National Park and Barcoongere State Forest, feeling the thrill of the unknown around each corner. The 4WD allowed us to access remote locations like Station Creek, Pebbly Beach and the fascinating Slovenski Monument. The sights and sounds of the natural world enveloped us, there was always something new to look at and there was some friendly competition on who would spot the next goanna!

Connecting with Nature

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, national parks stand out as sanctuaries of stunning beauty and tranquillity. However, the experience of wandering through these natural wonders is not always accessible to everyone. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the value and importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to partake in these enriching experiences. By embracing inclusivity and making national parks more accessible, we can open the gates to a world of benefits for both disabled and abled folk. I was very pleased to note wheelchair clients could indeed camp at Station Creek campground, the camping is very basic but there are toilets and the ground is flat and the paths at ground level, no step ups.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, immersing ourselves in nature provided a much-needed respite. The serenity of the great outdoors allowed us to disconnect from the busyness of the modern world, pause and reconnect. Nature has a unique way of transcending differences, bringing people together in shared awe and appreciation. By creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to immerse themselves in the beauty of national parks, we not only provide them with a sense of freedom and independence but also pave the way for meaningful connections and relationships to blossom.

Enhancing Physical and Mental Well-being

The benefits of exploring national parks extend far beyond the boundaries of the physical landscape. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a host of positive effects on both physical and mental well-being. For disabled folk, who may not get these opportunities, and support workers, the chance to breathe in fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, and listen to the sounds of the wilderness can be incredibly therapeutic. It offers a reprieve from the stresses and challenges of everyday life, promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and a sense of shared adventure.

The Magic of Exploration

As we traversed through the untamed wilderness, each discovery felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. The thrill of exploration fuelled our spirits, reminding us of the magic that comes with stepping outside of our comfort zones. A highlight was finding the statue of Jonaas, I had been wanting to visit for years, having heard so many stories of him, he was almost an urban myth, except I knew there was a geocache out there and I wanted to find it. When we found him many of the stories were corroborated and others were not. I learned Jonaas Zilinskas was born in Lithuania on January 27, 1919, one of 23 children in the Zilinskas family, recognised at the time as the largest Lithuanian family on record. We spent a bit of time out there trying to imagine his life and he is even more fascinating to me now. I love a character and an adventure.

In the heart of a hot and humid North Coast February, our decision to get out there and explore the great outdoors proved to be a rewarding experience. There are many more trails to explore out there and we will be back.

We are truly blessed with the bush, the mountains, the rivers and the coast that surround us here and now summer has thankfully finished its a great time of the year to get out and discover the animals, the characters, the history and the raw beauty of it all .