Best Kept Secrets

Newcastle Herald

Thursday August 20, 1998

By BONNIE GRIFFIS and AMANDA CARRAL

`YOU'RE from where?'

That's the response we get a lot when we tell people where we're from.

Well, we're from Bulahdelah, a small town about halfway between Newcastle and Taree.

The only reason some people remember it is because the town is a place on the highway where you have to slow down to 60kmh.

The township of Bulahdelah originally got its name from the nearby mountain.

The name was derived from a local Aboriginal dialect and is said to mean the meeting place of two rivers.

The district had a slow start in the 1830s when Crown land was surveyed to determine whether or not the area was suitable for sheep farming.

Between 1833 and 1853, when it seemed Bulahdelah would never be a large farming area, the timber industry really took off and many timber grants were taken out all across the area.

It wasn't until 1857 that the first real settlement started to appear.

By 1868 Bulahdelah was flourishing, supported by booming timber and boat-building industries.

But the was had limited facilities.

As the town prospered it became evident that a trade route between Bulahdelah and Newcastle was needed to bring the town supplies like material, household goods and food delicacies.

Around 1878, as the timber industry continued to kick on, it was discovered that Bulahdelah mountain was a large and viable source of alunite (the largest in the southern hemisphere, in fact).

Mining of the mountain started in 1878 and was mined periodically until 1950.

Although Bulahdelah will never be a Mecca for tourists, we believe it has some of the best kept secrets in NSW.

Bulahdelah is recognised as the gateway to the Myall Lakes.

It has licensed clubs, general stores, sporting facilities, a range of accommodation including houseboat and cruise hire, restaurants, and food/fuel outlets.

Close by is the beach, the lake, the river and the mountain ? all ideal for a quiet, relaxing getaway.

Seal Rocks is only a half-hour drive from Bulahdelah. It is known for the 1992 whale rescue.

The caravan park is across the road from the beach.

You can bring your caravan or tent, or hire a cabin if you prefer to have electricity.

Seal Rocks has excellent surfing areas and beach fishing.

There are views from the lookouts near the lighthouse, which can be accessed by a walking track.

You can spot the dolphins, whales and ships out at sea.

The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but you can get into the grounds to have a good look around.

Seal Rocks is a great holiday place for families to swim, boat, snorkel, scuba dive and just relax.

Also nearby is the Myall Lakes National Park, which stretches from Seal Rocks to Hawks Nest.

The lakes are separated from the sea by a series of sand-dunes and fine beaches.

Broughton Island is also part of the National Park found off the coast at the Little Gibber.

Of course, water is the main focus for activity.

Sailing, fishing, canoeing, sailboarding, windsurfing and skiing are all popular within the lake system.

The National Park has a variety of wildlife, vegetation and land forms.

Kangaroos, wallabies, possums, koalas, echidnas, goannas and a wide range of water birds can be found in the area.

Camping is popular within the National Park with developed facilities at several camping areas, but fees do apply.

The Myall River at Bulahdelah provides luxury houseboats for hire and cruises, which are great for holiday or quiet weekends away.

You're sure to see a range of wildlife, such as goannas, lizards and birds, while travelling down the river.

The Alum mountain towers over the town of Bulahdelah.

It's great for bush walking and spotting wildlife.

There are picnic areas with barbecues provided for people who love the outdoors.

It has caves where bats choose to live at certain times of the year.

Lookout platforms are provided at several areas to view the town, countryside and rivers.

Myall Lakes is the perfect spot for families, couples, outdoors and wildlife lovers, or people who just like to lounge around and relax.

© 1998 Newcastle Herald

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