Cranky Rock Nature Reserve

Following our night and morning in Warialda, our plan was to venture out to the Cranky Rock Nature Reserve, have a look around in the afternoon and then head off the following morning.

We travelled east from town and then turned down a smaller road.  The view over the river flats was beautiful.

When we arrived we discovered a rather lovely, peaceful campground, complete with several powered sites.  We found one and set ourselves up.

Once we were set up, it was time to go for an explore.  On the way to the actual rock, you have to cross a suspension bridge. 

Then, you can either go down to the swimming hole on the creek or up to the look out.  

We opted for the creek first.

How nice is that.  The reflections were stunning.  If you look to the top of the rocks, that is where the lookout is.

Next, we went up the path towards the lookout.  The granite boulders are rather impressive.  You have to love a balancing rock.

There is a viewing platform on top of the rocks, looking out towards the north and west.

Legend has it that in the late 1800s a “cranky” Chinese man jumped off this rock into the creek, while being chased by police, after having murdered a local woman.

There used to be a fenced off nature reserve in the area, hence the name, but the animals have since been released.

Back at the campground, there is a large aviary with galahs and red browed finches.

I had read on WikiCamps that there were chooks roaming around.  It wasn’t long before they came running over to see if we had any food for them.

They were very friendly and we did enjoy their company.

A couple of lambs were wandering around too.

When the afternoon closed in it was time to light our little camp fire.

We really enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the area and decided to stay for an extra day, as the weather was forecast to be nice.  A day of doing nothing at all, just relaxing.  Not something that is normally on our travel agenda.

The view out of the bedroom window first thing in the morning was rather pretty.

This is when I set up my little sewing machine outside and completed my June RSC blocks.  Mick enjoyed reading a book.

In the late afternoon, we returned to the lookout to watch the sunset.

However, despite not putting on much of a show, it was still nice to see.

And so ended our time at Cranky Rock Nature Reserve.  I can see us calling in here again one day, just to spend some nice quiet time.  Aren’t we glad the caravan park in town was full when we rang up.

More soon.