The gems in our backyards
It's so easy to forget about our own backyards and how beautiful they can be. Exploring Bushranger Bay and jumping rock on the Mornington Peninsula reminded me just how worthwhile it is.
With social media always surrounding us and photos of far off destinations always making us dream of travel, it's only becoming easier to focus on things that are out of reach. We spend so much time gazing at magazines and instagram that we forget a really simple but important thing- our backyards can be just as beautiful.
The amount of friends and people I know who claim to love adventure but have never ventured into local parks and hiked close to home always amazes me. It seems so contradictory and backwards. So when, just a few days ago, I set out to properly explore some local gems, the realisation of how amazing my own backyard is only inspired me to love my home even more.
Adventure 1- Bushranger Bay
Despite being a place I had visited multiple times before, Bushranger Bay still took me by surprise. (adventure can be found here: https://www.theoutbound.com/au...)
The pools of bushranger bayA relatively easy hike (despite a small scramble along the rocks), I had truly forgotten how great it is to set out with some friends for an adventure close to home. With little worries about supplies or camping or permits, the simplicity of it all made for a stress free day packed full of fun.
Hopping along the rocks like a 5 year old and jumping between rock pools under the heat of a 30 degree day, the absolute peace of an isolated coast truly allowed for a fantastic adventure- only 30 minutes from home.
Adventure 2- Jumping rock (Blairgowrie)
Although by no means a hidden gem, the quite popular and well known jumping rock at Blairgowrie back beach is still without a doubt a great spot to visit.
A true summer spot that's both great fun for jumping, views and scenery, the key to jumping rock is simply fun. It's no hard slog hike or daring adventure, but it is worth it all the same.
BacckkkffliippppssssDespite being a tad busy during the day, our visit near sunset was empty- leaving just us and the beach.
Rockhopping down to the waters eachI think sometimes we forget how good we really have it. We forget that there are others gazing at our backyards as potential travel destinations. Instead, we tend to think that more exotic, remote locations must be more fun, when in reality our homes and local gems can be the best fun of all.
Instead of reading about far off adventures and scrolling through feeds of photography, sometimes we just need to step outside and go for a walk.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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