Waking up in the rural town of Moorland in Mid-Coast NSW felt like a delightful embrace from nature itself. The first rays of dawn filtered through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow in my room. It was a gentle awakening, far from the jarring blare of city alarms or the hum of urban life. Instead, I was greeted by the unmistakable, joyous laughter of a kookaburra right outside my window.

The kookaburra’s call was a symphony of chuckles, rising and falling with a rhythm that felt both ancient and immediate. It sounded like nature’s own alarm clock, perfectly timed to welcome a new day. As I lay in bed, listening to its laughter echo through the quiet, early morning air, I couldn’t help but smile. There was something incredibly sweet and endearing about this natural wake-up call, a reminder of the simple pleasures that rural life offers.

Peeking through the window, I could see the kookaburra perched on a nearby branch, its feathers ruffled slightly by the morning breeze. The scene outside was bathed in the soft light of dawn, with the dewy grass sparkling and the trees gently swaying. It was a picture of tranquility, the kind of serene beauty that seems almost too perfect to be real.

In that moment, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for being in Moorland. The town, with its rolling hills and expansive farmland, offered a stark contrast to city life. There, life moved at a slower, more deliberate pace, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and appreciation of nature.

As the kookaburra continued its morning serenade, I realised that this was more than just a pleasant way to wake up. It was a connection to the environment around me, a gentle reminder of what we often overlook in our daily rush. The kookaburra’s laughter was a song of the earth, a joyful proclamation of a new day filled with possibilities.

From the moment we arrived yesterday, our Airbnb hostess Jenni welcomed us with kindness and genuine hospitality, making us feel at home. Jenni’s property was a charming farmhouse surrounded by a lush, green landscape that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction.

One of the most delightful aspects of Jenni’s property was her free-roaming chickens. These feathered friends strutted about with an air of independence, pecking at the ground and clucking contentedly.

(Dana Knight photography)

Adjacent to Jenni’s property were expansive paddocks where cows grazed lazily. They moved slowly through the fields, munching on the lush grass and occasionally raising their heads to observe the occasional passerby. Their presence added to the serene and pastoral atmosphere.

(Dana Knight photography)

Walking through this verdant landscape was a sensory delight: the rustling leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant mooing of cows created a symphony of sounds that was both soothing and invigorating.

(Dana Knight photography)

Staying at Jenni’s Airbnb was an immersion into a way of life that celebrates simplicity, nature, and community. Jenni’s warmth and the serene, green surroundings made our stay in Moorland, a retreat that nourished our souls.

We decided to spend a bit more time getting to know Moorland, so we stopped at the Moorland Cottage Cafe for morning tea. My absolute favorite was the passionfruit slice.

This charming cafe is housed in the original Moorland bakehouse, built in 1922, when a 2lb loaf of bread cost 5 pence and a meat pie was 3 pence. Bread was baked there for over 40 years.

As we left the charming town of Moorland behind, the road ahead wound through rolling green hills and lush pastures. The countryside was dotted with quaint farmhouses, and we often saw grazing cattle lazily munching on the rich grass.

The change in the trees has been subtle but noticeable since getting further away from Victoria. Some of the trees here are adorned with climbing green vines, a sight we rarely see in Victoria. These vines add a touch of lushness to the landscape, weaving their way up the trunks and branches with a vibrant green hue.

Upon arriving in Port Macquarie, our first stop was the historic Roto House, which not only served as a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life but also housed a small cafe.

Next door to the Roto House was the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. Visiting there was one of the most heartwarming experiences.

The hospital shelters injured koalas, each with its own unique story. Some have suffered dog attacks, others have been injured in car accidents, and some have been rescued from bushfires. While some will eventually be released back into the wild once they’ve recovered, others will remain at the hospital permanently.

Dana and I embarked on a mission during our visit—we set out to adopt a koala, contributing to the remarkable work of koala rescue. Volunteers bustled about, their passion for wildlife conservation evident in every action. We talked to a knowledgeable guide who explained to us about the koalas and the work of the recue hospital.

In the end, we reached a decision. We chose to adopt Baz. During the height of the 2019/2020 bushfires, a team from National Parks and Wildlife stumbled upon a small, burnt koala sitting beside a trail. They carefully wrapped him up and transported him to the Koala Hospital, where the staff gave him the name “Baz,” after one of the firefighters.

(Photo courtesy of Port Macquarie Koala Hospital)

His injuries were severe, with partial to full-thickness burns covering his hands, feet, and nose. His fur was singed, giving him the appearance of a dark brown ball. The extent of his burns has left him with permanent loss of claws on his hands and feet, as well as scar tissue on his digits and chin. As a result, Baz, known as Ruins Way Baz, is unable to climb high into the trees, though he can manage small trees slowly.

We observed him happily munching on eucalyptus leaves as the guide shared stories about how he now leads a contented life at the rescue hospital. Thanks to our adoption, we’ll receive quarterly updates on his progress from now on.

The staff informed us of the location where little Baz was rescued, prompting us to drive to the area to see it for ourselves.

Excited about our adoption, we headed towards the sandy shores of Port Macquarie beach. Dana sat quietly beside me in the car until we approached the vicinity of the ocean.

Suddenly, like a bear awakening from hibernation, she perked up. As soon as I parked the car, she made a beeline for the beach, exclaiming something about its beauty. Before I could fully grasp what was happening, she had already kicked off her shoes and socks and was walking barefoot in the sand toward the ocean. I thought to myself, “Alright, I’ll join you!” So, I followed suit and removed my shoes and socks as well.

With each step, the warm grains of sand massaged the soles of my feet, creating a soothing sensation that instantly relaxed me. The sand was soft and fine, shifting beneath my weight as I moved, leaving behind imprints of my footsteps. Walking barefoot on the warm sand, it was difficult to believe that winter was just a week away. The day was as stunning as the most beautiful of summer’s days.

As I approached the water’s edge, the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air. With a deep breath, I stepped into the cool, refreshing water.

(Dana Knight photography)

The sensation of the gentle waves lapping against my ankles was invigorating, sending a tingling sensation up my legs. The water was crystal clear, allowing me to see the sandy bottom beneath my feet.

As I made my way back to the car, two kookaburras perched on a nearby tree and burst into laughter. It seemed like a day tailor-made for kookaburras! We continued our journey feeling refreshed, renewed, and grateful for the opportunity to experience such simple yet profound moments of bliss.

It also brings me joy to witness Dana embracing our road trip and admiring the beauty of Australia.

(Dana Knight photography)

We made a brief stop at the local cafe to grab takeaway chais before continuing our journey to Coffs Harbour, where we picked up dinner.

Before long, we were back on the open road once more.

The journey from Coffs Harbour to Kremnos was a scenic adventure through the picturesque landscapes of New South Wales. As we left the coastal town behind, the road stretched out before us, winding its way through lush green hills and sprawling farmland.

While driving, we encountered banana plantations and breathtaking views. The landscape transitioned gradually as we journeyed inland, with gentle hills transforming into distant, rugged mountains. Throughout the journey, we were enveloped by the beauty of the Australian bush.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we arrived at our Airbnb for the night—a charming rustic farm accommodation nestled in the heart of the Australian bush. Surrounded by the vast expanse of nature, it truly feels like we are in the middle of nowhere. Our hosts greeted us with warmth and hospitality, adding to the sense of excitement as we prepared to spend a night on a genuine Aussie country farm.

The night sky here is unlike anything we’ve seen in the big cities—it’s adorned with a canopy of bright stars. Stepping outside into the cool night air, I’m captivated by the intriguing symphony of sounds emanating from the bush.

Our travel map for the day: