I Recharge Best Under the Surface Alongside Sharks and Turtles

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Djangadi Country, the traditional lands of the Djangadi people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Some people might not find being surrounded by sharks a moment of ‘tranquillity’, but for me, being underwater gives me uninterrupted, absolute clarity. My drive up the coast from Newcastle to South West Rocks was dotted with uncountable gorgeous places and opportunities to engage with the ocean.

I had three days to play with a brand new rechargeable, 100% electric Jeep Avenger and man, did I spend those days well. I knew coming back to reality after this weekend was going to be tough!

If you know me, you’ll know the first thing I need in my life is saltwater. My very first toy was a 90s Ocean Friends Scuba Barbie, and ever since I’ve been building my life and job around the ocean.

I chose this stretch of coast for its richness of adventure, from snorkelling, scuba, and freediving, to awesome surf and secret rock pools where the water is bright aqua blue.

So why the recharge? I spend many hours in front of a screen editing and working, as many do. It’s crucial for my mental health to set time for outdoor immersion and self-care where I can practice rejuvenation and be present with myself.

Here’s what that looks like for me!

Scuba Diving the 125m Cave at Fish Rock

This was a tear-jerking bucket list moment for me. This dive site draws in scuba fanatics from all over the globe for its protected biodiversity and chance to swim through a stunning 125m cave into a marine haven of hundreds of Nurse sharks.

The range of coral and fish life is astonishing and I almost came back with my air tank full as my breath was taken away so often. The team at South West Rocks Dive Centre host a double-dive at the rock and it’s super easy to book an all-inclusive package with them.

The Grey nurse sharks are the main attraction, but you’re likely to spot turtles, huge Eagle rays, lobsters, octopus, and maybe even newly hatched Clownfish! On rare days (around 1% of visitors) get to witness swarms of Hammerhead sharks.

We weren’t so lucky this time, but all the more reason to return!

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Exploring South West Rocks on Foot

South West Rocks itself is such a hub of life and has all the hallmarks of a classic coastal town that I’ve always adored. We parked our Jeep Avenger by the bridge at Back Creek and plugged it into the public charging station.

Many of these stations cost next to nothing to recharge your car, this one just happened to be completely free! So whilst our car was regaining its energy, we did the same by enjoying the local cafes, gem shops, and restaurants. I recommend Malt & Honey as a one-stop shop for great food and coffee.

If you’re brave enough, there’s a platform on the Back Creek Bridge to jump off for a fun freefall into the deep river below!

Freediving Trial Bay & Horseshoe Bay

These beaches and bays (many within walking distance of the charging station) are each so dazzling, it was hard to choose where to jump in. After parking up and plugging in the Avenger, we grabbed our fins and masks and ventured into the ocean to navigate our way around the reefs and rocks – Ocean Barbie mode fully activated at this point.

We spotted rays and dove deep to spy on a sleeping Green sea turtle. I recommend diving around Bait Reef shore dive, a very easy freedive or snorkel, or making your way around the right until you find ‘the gutter’.

Read more: Staying Safe on Coastal Rock Platforms

Freediving gives you a lot of freedom to explore the ocean more deeply, but always consider your ability and the conditions of the water before jumping in, and never dive alone.

I’m lucky my cousin Maddie is my good mate and dive buddy and I can easily coax her into adventures with me!

If you’re not experienced enough in freediving, you can always snorkel or just explore the rock pools around Trail Bay Gaol which are INSANELY picturesque, and once in a blue moon the surf is top-tier too.

Trial Bay Gaol Campground, located right by the gaol ruins is one of the best locations you can get; fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to the smell of salty water calling your name.

Many folk catch their dinner by spearfishing and diving off the rocks right near the campground. Speaking of…

Catching Breakfast

Meandering back down the coast on our way home, we stopped along the coastline of Limeburners Creek National Park. The Jeep Avenger has a ‘sand’ mode which I was very excited to check out, so we were able to drive up the beach on compact sand and make the most of a completely crowd-less sunrise.

But my responsibility was breakfast and our little tummies were a-rumblin’.  After a quick free dive off the rocks, I was stoked to snag a healthy-sized lobster ready for our brekky.

We thanked the lobster for giving its life to feed myself, Maddie, and a few hungry on-looker locals with a dangerously good lobster scramble on sourdough, fresh from the ocean. A bit of chilli and a squeeze of lemon juice, and we were in flavour town! I couldn’t think of a better way to end the trip.

Psst! Don’t forget you need a NSW Fishing License to go spearfishing

Relax, Recharge, Replenish

I designed this adventure to disconnect from my regular day-to-day and submerge myself in the peace and diversity of the ocean. I’m utterly grateful for the opportunity to dive and be underwater where my head noise can be soothed for a while.

The drive was easy and charging stations are becoming more commonplace, making longer trips like this more accessible. My total bill for running the car for three days, travelling four hours north and back, was less than $80. This was a welcome change from my usual $400+ diesel bill for my Land Cruiser, and meant more money put towards pizza, pasta, and good coffee!

I understand that for many, being in a dark cave with an oxygen tank and sharks isn’t the epitome of relaxation, but it’s a moment I shared with my best mate and cousin that I’ll never forget. So if you’re tied down with deadlines, sick of sitting at your desk or the brain fog is getting a little heavy, think about how you can take time to recharge yourself. What makes you feel alive and in touch with the outside world? What fills your cup and gives you space to breathe?

Whatever your perfect adventure looks like is up to you, however, this is your sign to do it!