Helen Moody
For three years Helen Moody and Mike Jefferis led walks and kayak trips to, past or around the 61 islands of the NSW south coast. There are 20 coastal islands and 41 in the estuaries, rivers and lakes open to the ocean. Now they have written the first ever book on the islands, to be published by mid-2023. This isn’t a book just for walkers and kayakers. It’s a book for south coast residents, visitors to this area, and anyone who loves nature and discovering wild places.
Nearly all the islands are small and uninhabited; some are mere specks on a map. Yet each has something special about it. Several are wildlife havens with significant biodiversity values. Some have ancient and ongoing spiritual significance to First Nations people. Some have fascinating connections to early explorers and settlers. A handful are privately owned. One has a superb native garden. You have likely never heard many of their names before; or even been aware of their existence.
The book is more than a travel guide. It tells of Aboriginal connections to the islands, the history of south coast exploration, and the arrival of settlers and convicts. It covers the geology, flora, lighthouses, shipwrecks, bird life and environmental values of the islands. With over 200 photographs, and maps and description of how to visit every island, whether on foot or by boat, it will be a substantial, colourful book.
Available May-June 2023 for $50 plus postage. Email southcoastislandsbook@gmail.com with your name and contact details to reserve a copy.
Many photographers have contributed to the book; historical societies and individual knowledge holders have provided information. Donations and grants from individuals and organisations have covered most of the production costs, so that all profit from book sales will go to environmental projects.
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