Our first stop today was the Barramundi Farm which is about 15km away. This farm produces 1,000 kilos of live and freshly chilled fish per week. This commercial operation is extremely efficient, and supplies restaurants around Australia (plate-sized fish are put in a plastic tank full of salt water and transported to restaurants throughout NSW). Their food pellets are imported from Chile, and the fingerlings come from South Australia at 3 for $1.00. and are transported by plane to Newcastle Airport in plastic bags inside polystyrene boxes. Fish must be moved into salt water for flavour development before going to market. The primary concern to protect flavour is to ensure that a fish does not become stressed.
We then drove to the world-renowned sand dunes, followed by a trip up to the Gan Gan lookout for an amazing 180 degree view for many km.
The restaurant at the Barramundi Farm.
The tanks holding barramundi in one of the production sheds.
When pellets are thrown into the water, the fish tank erupts in a frenzy.
The hydroponic vegetable garden which is watered with filtered water from the fish tanks. Our salad at lunch was almost exclusively comprised of greens from this garden.
This is the sandscape at Stockton Bight. It is 32km of the longest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. They reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees. One can explore the area by 4 x 4, quad bike, sand board, horse or camel. Fishing and surfing are also popular, as are organised tours.
This view is from the Gan Gan lookout at Nelson Bay. The point on the left is Yacaaba Headland, and on the right is Tomaree Head. The view looks over the town and over Shoal Bay.
The attractive pool at the Landmark Resort where we are staying. Today was a sunny 24 degrees, but a bit cool for swimming!!
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