Year - 2026 · Size - 30 x 21 cm / 11¾ x 8¼ in · Medium - Ink on paper

At the northern end of Tathra Beach the Bega River meets the sea at Mogareeka, running out through a narrow channel at the base of Fords Headland — named after Noel and Mary Ford, who once lived up there. Conifers and exotic plants still thrive amongst the ruins, and a wonderful walking track winds through it all before ending at Moon Bay.

The little coves beneath the sandstone cliffs are full of driftwood deposited by the river in flood, one accessible only via a rope tied to a tree at the top to help navigate the steep descent. Within the sandstone folds there is a narrow cave, not the easiest to find. I was told that a wild man once lived there for a time — and when I saw it for myself I thought that must have been a difficult existence, but at times an incredibly rewarding one given the natural beauty of this astonishing place.