Cookie's Beach, South Durras.

by Dawn Simpson
(Batemans Bay)

Dreaming of Thailand or perhaps The Maldives???

Well, we have something much better to offer you ! After heading south of the Bay last trip, we headed north up the Princes Highway until we reached the Benandarah Service Station.
Almost immediately after you pass this very busy petrol stop, turn right onto the Durras Road and follow it in for 8 kms. Remember to enjoy the journey as well as the destination and this journey is a treat. The road wends its way through the dappled sunlight of the overhanging canopy of gums, looking great after the recent rain. The bush surrounds us on both sides, reminding us that we are so lucky to be living smack bang in the middle of the Eurobodalla Nature Coast. Take time to stop and browse at the Forest Gallery. Another hidden gem of the South Coast. Continue eastward thru a swathe of feathery ferns and ancient cycads; coastal Australia at its best ! Isn't it great to know that Murramarang National Park is protected ? No sign of drought here, almost an oasis! You could picture yourself in any wilderness area of the world and then suddenly around a corner and spread before you like a jewelled tablecloth or panoramic painting, is Cookie's Beach. A cry of delight would be a natural response! Jewellers trying to describe the colour of exotic jade, emeralds and sapphires would do well to visit this location. Here, the water is crystal clear, warm and oh so beautiful in colour. Turn right at Banyandah and follow the signs to Murramarang Resort but turn left just before the resort and continue down this road, avoiding any kangaroos .. and park in the carpark at the boatramp end of Cookie's Beach. We set up our scrabble table beneath the shade of a stand of sheoaks but it took us some time to settle to the game, we were so busy ooohing and aaahhing at our surroundings. A small flock of very large and very canny pelicans hovered at the boatramp waiting for fishermen to return with their catch of the day, hoping for leftovers, no doubt. After our game and our picnic, we strolled along the pristine Mill Beach and admired the very unusual colours in the rocks. Almost grey green in colour, in themselves a marvellous work of nature, almost as if the rocks had to be a bit special to be part of this special beach. Above us the sky was a clear blue with just one run of cirrus clouds overhead. Gosh isn't it great to live in such a fantastic area of Australia?

Today we picnicked on Potato Frittata and fresh fruit and oh, don't forget the thermos!
Location on our Cartoscope map from The Batemans Bay Visitors Centre is D 1.5 on the large map or refer to the smaller Map 5 in detail.

Potato Frittata.
5 minutes preparation + 10-15 minutes cooking
11 serves of vegies in this recipe

250g sweet potato, sliced
250g potato, sliced
2 rashers of bacon (fat removed)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bunch baby spinach, washed and drained
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat grill. Boil potato for 4-5 minutes until tender, or microwave on HIGH (100%) in a covered dish with 1 tablespoon water for 5-6 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Drain well. Heat oil in a non-stick frypan, add onion and bacon and cook for 2 minutes until golden. Add potato, toss to combine and brown.
Stir in spinach and stir-fry until wilted and moisture has evaporated. Mix eggs, cheese and nutmeg in a small bowl and pour into pan.
Cook over low heat until set. Place under hot grill for 2 minutes to brown the top. Can be eaten hot or cold.
Serves 4 or 2 if you are very hungry after exploring Cookie?s Beach!