Summer 2023-2024 at Sunnyside North
My first visit for this summer season found Sunnyside North being enjoyed by over 80 people including around half-a-dozen women. The sun was strong and the water felt nice, even with the reported temperature of 15.4C/60F in 27C/80F air, although I only went in waist deep to the water mid-tide. Saw a couple of jellyfish in the water as well as a number of washed-up ones on the sand.
The sand itself is reasonably well distributed now from the southern point to the small creek (which had flow all the way across the sand - first time I saw that) and the northernmost part was mostly rocks, although passable. Beyond the northern point onto Moondah Beach, there's also good sand at the moment if you like that area.
The apprach from the Sunnyside carpark was partly sandy and partly very rocky, although that impression may be more about my unconditioned feet at this time of the year. Wear shoes if you're sensitive, but getting in is 'normal' from the carpark and slightly difficult from Moondah.
The carpark is unchanged and news reports of metered parking are yet to come to fruition. The carpark was quite full when I arrived (with some cars on the approach road) but I found a spot on the gravel section. It was busier when I left with more people squeezing onto the dirt section and more cars up the road. There were a few textiles at Sunnyside proper at the carpark which may have added to its congestion.
The weather forecast, with blustery wind, chance of storms and overcast conditions, probably led many to not bother spending time at Sunnyside North. The few that did had a nice time as the weather only impacted by sending white caps to play in that were almost to Alexandria Bay standard. So play I did, along with walking the coastline and taking in the sun that was there but even under cloud it was pleasantly warm and the could provided relief for those otherwise in the full sun. A high tide combined with the wind meant less sandcthan usual but there was plenty for everyone. Cameras are still not mounted to the pole, so cannot say if the parking restrictions are being policed.
Going by the weather forecast you may have decided not to visit today, Tuesday 12th December. Those who looked at conditions and heeded them in preference to the forecast were well rewarded. Relatively quiet (including the campground not hosting any li'l ones) but sunny and calm. The water was also nice and I see it's almost 19C, so no wonder. Bliss.
A glorious day in Melbourne even if it did take a little while to get going. Those who decided it may just be good enough to spend time at Sunnyside North were rewarded with pleasantly-warm sunshine, gentle waves (the biggest ones from passing jetskis) and clear, warm water. A great mix of people enjoying their time.
As usual, the sand and some rocks have moved around little since my last visit, probably due to recent storms. Some areas that were attractive for laying a towel (or just a bod for the minimalists who don't mind getting sandy) are now back to being rocky. Still plenty of room, but location choices were definitely more concentrated. It's good we all get along. :-)
The paid parking was well patronised, probably validating the council's hunch that charging visitors up to $20 per day would be worthwhile. While I saw no-one waiting for a spot within the parking area and didn't check the unpaved area (in the free era it was often full of creative parkers with just enough room to get in and out), almost every spot seemed taken. One couple said they initially resisted the idea but now live with it and, comparing the charge to life's other items, are happy to pay to save the walk up the hill to the street-side parking near the campground. Last year, you could be parking there anyway due to capacity constraints, so my assessment is that many just stump up the fee (residents of the council area don't have to pay, of course), some walk it to save the charge and perhaps a few hold out by not visiting (but what's their alternative?). Assuming the council is making revenue and not having to chase too many non-payers with the licence-photograph-website-payment option they've taken, I expect it may be here to stay.
Today may not have been the hottest day of the week, but it was nice enough for me. The sun was shining through a slight haze but the day was plenty warm enough and the water was clear and mild. A smaller crowd (perhaps they're thinking of tomorrow for a visit) but everyone seemed to be enjoying it. My highlight was the inflatable aubergine raft a lady brought to float on in the water. Hilarious. Otherwise it was the usual mix.
The rocks and sand have moved again so the northern end is sandy beyond the sign in contrast to the start of the season. We had a big storm roll through Melbourne a week ago causing lots of fallen trees and branches along with blackouts, but it still amazes me how nature can just keep shuffling those big rocks to and fro in the right conditions.
The carpark is still running the pay system with some accepting it and some accepting the additional walk that comes with parking along the approach road. As I was leaving Mr Plod was removing some sort of trailer mounted surveillance system. Not sure what that was for. With schools bsck, the campsite was in operation and gathering at the textile section of the beach near the carpark. A few watercraft were also around, fishing or enjoying a run on their jetskis. A typical day. :-)
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