Camping with the kangaroos

It’s nearly two weeks ago that we went camping and over a year since we last went camping (in our backyard!). It was all a bit last minute, but we managed to get away for one night to test out our camping skills. The children were really keen to do it when we saw busy campsites at the Cotter and Woods Reserve during the Easter holiday long weekend. We were planning on going close to home but after Anzac Day hit, night time temperatures dropped suddenly. So we thought we’d head to the coast instead.

It was a good decision. The weather was perfect and the campsite was not busy. We left for South Durras Holiday Park on a Saturday morning. Stopped at the Braidwood Bakery for morning tea. Then drove into Batemans Bay for lunch. We ate fish and chips by the water at Innes’ Boatshed. It was such a beautiful and warm day.

We checked into our campsite in the afternoon. We were met by some kangaroos when we chose our first spot. The kangaroos were very tame – too tame for my liking so I wanted to move to another spot to avoid them. We set up the tent quickly and began to unpack the inflatable mattresses when I realised that I forgot to pack the batteries for the pump. So I drove back out in search for batteries while Phil took the kids to the pool. I bought the last pack of D size batteries at two petrol stations on the way back into town. All was good after that.

From Camping

Phil and I took turns going for a walk on the beach as the sun was setting. The kids wanted to stay in the pool until we convinced them it was time to build a campfire and cook dinner. Eventually we got a campfire going and Phil fired up the barbeque and cooked sausages. We ate in the semi-dark with a lantern until we discovered the picnic area had a light switch. Suddenly there was light! Roasted marshmallows were for dessert and we were later visited by a possum. We couldn’t convince the kids to go for a night walk on the beach. They were mesmerised and warmed by the campfire.

We had an earlier night than usual. After getting ready for bed and briefly telling ghost stories, we were all asleep by nine. The next morning we were up early. I had gone out of the tent first to use the bathroom. When I returned, the kangaroos had our place surrounded. One scratched on the tent when we were all inside. The kids were brave enough to pat a couple. When I tried to take a photo of one with my phone it scared me by jumping up and putting its paws on my chest. The same one had a brief go with Catherine and her toy. After ignoring them for a while, eventually only one was left, allowing us to eat our breakfast in peace.

We all went for a walk to the beach until we realised that we needed to check out soon. So Phil went back first to start packing up. It was another beautiful day at the beach. I was a bit sad to be having to leave so soon. We had to get back to Canberra for a birthday party. We drove without stopping until we hit Queanbeyan and grabbed lunch. Made it home in time for Phil and Nicholas to leave minutes later for the party. I think we all agreed camping was fun. Maybe next time we’ll go when we don’t have to rush and where there are less aggressive kangaroos.