Discover Coastal Victoria: Back to the Beach
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With Melbourne's weather warming up, there's no better way to shake off those winter cobwebs than with the big open sea. Whether at
Bayside or the
west side or further afield around
Westernport , the
Mornington Peninsula , the
Bass Coast or the
Great Ocean Road , it's time to take a dip - or dip your toes in at least.
And don't tell me 'it's too far' as it's not for most. Even an hour or two at the beach, doing any manner of things can easily feel like a short holiday break. Here are some of my favourite things to do in, on or near our silky shores:
Sit in the car. Yes, not ideal, but better than sitting at your desk, in front of the TV or staring at the wall. This is the perfect option when the weather's not your best friend. Bring a book or simply stare out at the gradient blues of sea and sky. If you're lucky, some birds might wing by. Before you know it, your own inner horizons will have opened up and your world will look brighter too.
Walk - and I don't necessarily mean those concrete paths that are overly busy on weekends (though even those will do..). I mean feet on the sand, grit between your toes, exercising and stretching all those winter-sleepy muscles and ideas about what is really possible.
You already know the next step - literally, feet in the water. Go on, I dare you and feel like a million or two dollars afterwards. Of course, you'll also discover all manner of interesting things at your very toes and feet!
Rock scramble. This is easily one of my favourite activities - so venture to different beaches than usual if you have to. Whether rocky reefs with all sorts of sea life to explore (but do check your tides) or rock formations lining coastlines, you'll strengthen your balance, agility, flexibility and confidence. If conditions allow, shoes, thongs or sandals off - and let Mother Earth work her magic on you.
Swim (where safe), yes, indeed, again if you dare. If not ready yet, what about a walk in knee-deep water, gradually letting it climb up higher? While deeply cleansing our body from the inside, walking a little deeper is actually resistance training - and the views, little fish swimming by, bird calls and (little) swells sure beat a stinky ol' gym.
Nothing - and I'm working on this one - and I guess many of us are now unfamiliar with the concept. Of course, this means no phone (and why ever would you bring it when we need to connect with ourselves and nature? No wifi for god's sake - I, for one, have had enough!) Allow yourself to wander, do what you want to do - no set agenda. Can you? Just be still in nature? Even half an hour.
Or get creative. Find shells, sticks, leaves, anything nature has gifted, smooth out a patch of sand and make some ephemeral art . In other words, take what you find in nature and simply play and create. Use your fingers to make spirals and shapes to augment your work - no need to take a picture, you've already had the experience!
Watch the sunset - in or out of the car. While eating outdoors feels best, weather depending (and, shock horror, why not have a barbecue?), even a little special dinner (or simply rolls, cheese, prosciutto and olives) enjoyed by the water will make life and our part in it look a whole lot brighter.
Watch the sunrise - this one too, I'm still working on …
'No time', you say. Get off your phone!
#outdoor
#free
#daytrips
%wnmelbourne
292741 - 2024-09-03 07:24:17