SAND, SURF AND SOLITUDE

THE plover put on a classic performance. In the middle of a grassy patch adjacent to the Red Cliff lookout, she swooped, squawked, strutted and threatened anyone who went near her precious eggs.

It was day two of a four-day hike along the Yuraygir Coastal Walk on the NSW north coast and I soon realised it was not just the plovers protecting their turf.

I was regularly accompanied, or watched, by sand monitors, bearded dragons, snakes and wallabies. Mobs of kangaroos were always suspicious of any sudden movements, while there was an endless parade of humpback whales who joined us heading south. All the locals are extremely protective of their little stretch of heaven.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) ranger Mark Watt