Driving along Betka Road we pass over a single car bridge and transition from bitumen to unsealed road. We look behind us as an orange hued trail of dust follows us into the bush.

The journey down to Secret Beach is taken via a timber staircase that leads to a winding dirt trail. Low ferns line the path and you can’t help but let your eyes flicker left to right, it is hot and red bellied black snakes like it here. The bush begins to clear and we are met with fine white sand, the blue ocean awaits in the distance. Waves crash into the shore and sea foam spreads quickly along the sand and slowly recedes back, leaving traces of its journey upon the sand.

At the northern end of secret beach sits a sea cave which can only be accessed at low tide. It is a thrill to rush through the cave, jagged rock overhead. You land at the other side of the cave and a stretch of beach awaits you.

Sea Caves south of Bastion Point at Mallacoota provide habitat to the Common Bentwing and Eastern Horseshoe Bat, the sea caves are important roosting sites for bats. I’ve never seen bats roosting at the secret beach sea cave, likely because the cave fills with water at high tide.

The exposed rock formations of the cave are a historical record of the earth, leaving traces of geological events that unfolded long before humans roamed our planet. Secret Beach is aptly named due to its remoteness and can make you feel even for a moment as though there is nothing else beyond it.

In retreat of the scorching sun, we pitched our small beach tent in the shade of a banksia tree south of the sea cave and gazed out to the glistening blue waters.

Croajingolong National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. We acknowledge the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.