Hungry Head Rest Stop

There is an un-signed picnic area along Hungry Head Road that follows the coast south from Urunga in a little loop back toward the Pacific Highway.  We stopped on a whim to stretch our legs and get a first view of the ocean.

We were very interested in this tree with knobby and papery bark

A well-established Strangling Fig

There are picnic tables under the trees and a lookout over the beach, and following the road as it loops around to the exit we found the Hungry Head Surf Club.  There is also a large lagoon, stained dark brown with the tannins from tea trees.

What looks like an island to the south is (I think) just the coast line
that curves around 50km to the south, Arakoon NP.

Reid in his classic Australian striped shirt

The view to the North, Muttonbird Island just visible in the distance

The lagoon on the other side of the beach

The growing lagoon is affecting the beach access, not just for visitors but for the Surf Club's lifesaving volunteers.  Because of the lagoon, emergency services are unable to respond quickly.  It is also less convenient for surfers to get to the beach, and I read an article that stated many are opting to go to other unpatrolled beaches instead.

The beach on the other side of the lagoon