On any given day you can still see "the hopeful" drive toward Pilot Beach before veering up the hill to stop and prop at the end of Camden Head Road, adjacent to the entrance to Kattang Nature Reserve. They are attempting to check out the surf or bar conditions at our only accessible headland.
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Bergalia Crescent local, Robyn Chidley has watched with interest these drivers over time. Firstly looking out their windows to then getting out of their cars to, more recently, climbing on the top of their vehicles to get a view.
Nowadays it is not really possible to ascertain the state of the bar or the surf from this once prized vantage point above the historic Pilot Station buildings. The bush has been allowed to encroach so much on what used be a breathtaking open vista that you are hard pressed to see a few waves rolling into Washhouse Beach from the narrow viewing corridor.
Most people are not aware of the hidden secrets of the Camden Haven because they are too hard to access. The overwhelming sight of the morning sun hitting Lewis Rock at the end of a 200 metre goat track into Dunbogan Beach from Tuckeroo car park or the pristine nature of Kylie's Beach after a long trek, can only be enjoyed by the able-bodied even if they know where to look.
So why has this breathtaking and informative seascape at Camden Head been allowed to deteriorate into a straggly obscured lookout?
On this site 50 years ago, the pilot could see out to sea from this now historic and cultural site and the remains of an old gypsy camp were to be found closer to Kattang. Thirty years ago horses grazed in an open paddock inside the old fence line at the edge of the walkway. The view down the hill was uninterrupted and spectacular as these early photos will attest. Today there is little to excite the eyes.
There is something about the dramatic and changing nature of a land meets sea scene that captures, lifts and sometimes restores the human spirit. Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and Port Macquarie all boast these scenic opportunities.
In our community, many are unable to access the beach or negotiate the unpaved paths to appreciate such vistas. It would be lovely for our neighbours and visitors to enjoy such scenery, with improved amenities, to sit and relax for a while.
The photographs say it all. The council might consider the restoration of this unique headland site to recreate a spectacular panorama above the old Pilot Station that we can all appreciate anew.
Cathy Rushton
Camden Head