Bacon and egg rolls with a view of the eastern horizon.

Peter preparing mugs of hot chocolate.

Exploring the Oasis.

A unique outlook of North Head with Banksias and palm fronds framing the view.

The South elevation of the Oasis is like a billowing orange and white curtain.

A striking cantilever of aeoliated sandstone.

Pete looking north towards his home.

A falcon keeping an eye on us as the sky begins to close in.

Protected from the cold southerlies by tall cliffs the Oasis enjoys a north-facing micro-climate.

Climbing down in to a small canyon-like space.

Hanging rock.

Seal Rock.

Pete negotiating a turbelent exit from the Oasis ...

... and out to sea.

Jules survives the drop from the rock platform.

Phew!

Tony performs a seal launch ...

... but with fatal damage to his favourite paddle.

For unforeseen disasters such as this we always carry a spare paddle on our adventures.

A snap-shot of the sub-surface conditions at the Oasis. Next time that we return here it will be to explore with our snorkels, flippers and ...

... wetsuits - as the sea is cooling down towards its winter minimum.

With the weather threatening to turn on us we head for home with high spirits at having visited a special place that has slipped under the radar for most inhabitants of this busy coastline.

Reconnaisance of the Oasis

A gentle sea dawn this morning.

Illuminated cliffs.

The water's surface still, like dark glass, and yet to feel the sun.

A collapsed section of cliff face (above) has formed the Oasis, with palms and other plants growing amongst the rubble. Initial observation shows that in low swell conditions it will be possible to land here - with a natural ramp (to the right) allowing a number of kayaks to be brought ashore at once. An attempt was made to land this morning but the appearance of a set of waves sucking over the rock platforms and smashing on to the rocks made us think about waiting for another day (when we will return with provisions for an on-shore breakfast).

Peter and Alfred paddling over from Little Manly and Reef Beach.

With the sun climbing higher the cliffs take on paler tones.

Sunlight bouncing off the cliffs illuminates the underwater gardens.

Paddling back towards the north and leaving the Oasis behind for another day.

Exploring the Bradley's Head rock shelves

Midday, mid-week, mid-winter paddle.

With a low tide, an absence of wind and the sun at its apex for the day conditions were ideal for snorkelling.

"Swimming Anemone"

A fan-shaped sponge.

A nice Cowrie specimen.

The water temperature has levelled out at about 17 decrees Celsius.

Warming up toes.


Apparently the Harbour still supports some colonies of plump scallops.

Winter sunshine

Luke's comments: I've spent today at home looking after unwell wife & child. While they were having an afternoon sleep I dashed out for a quick paddle over to Bradley's Head.

Today's sunshine and soft breezes made for beautiful kayaking conditions.

The water temperature is still quite pleasant at about 18 to 19 degrees Celsius.

How nice it is to float over a sea garden.