Port Kembla, Industry and Beach

The inviting sun tantalised me into detour towards the coastline on my way south. Through the industrial architecture of Port Kembla, so aesthetically interesting and simple in its functionality as a working port, that in itself is the picture of the industrial machine.

Steeped in history with evidence of modernisation everywhere. Although now it is clean. I guess everything is relative so it is cleaner than you can imagine.

Emerging from the geometrical steel angles you’re suddenly at this pristine coastal landscape that beckons with its aqua iridescent spaces below the water. My mind was immediately transported to my newly acquired snorkelling mask. The dream of skimming the depths of this incredible colour – right there in this clean ocean. Within the turquoise, my novice snorkelling fear emerged. How cool is that! Within the prize is the obstacle and it is projected by me. Wow.

The fear is easy to see. You know the shark or the dangerous creature from the deep. That’s fine! I want to start slowly. Desensitise myself to the new and inviting environs. So, on the other side of Hill 60, the vista encompassing Port Kembla to Bass Point with all the gems of Warilla beach, north and south Shellharbour beaches, clear to see. I spotted a snorkeller putting on full body gear and of course only at the last minute did he don his flippers. And then he’s in, completely invisible, only a plastic bottle bobbing on the surface was testament to his presence below.

I negotiated the rocky way down to the expansive shelf of rock and peered over it into those iridescent aqua spaces beneath the surface. I took full advantage of the desensitisation exercise and imagined myself quietly floating over the top of it. “I’ll start in the shallow water” but I know the gems are out there deeper. It was only 3pm and the storm didn’t come so I popped into Port Kembla beach.

It would have been against the spirit of the day not to have gone for a wave. Beautiful crystal clear water with gentle predictable waves moving like green glass walls, the quietest of breezes. Down the path from the easy carpark I put my togs on on the beach, magic mask and flippers in hand and straight in. Clear vision through the magic mask, relax into the motion of the ocean. I’m desensitising, it’s great! But these are really good catchable waves. Off with the mask. Body surfing. Great joy. Easy rides with flippers.

A quick walk and I’m done. There is such value in getting the sun and the ocean. I must remember to take every opportunity..

a wee bit more ....


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