What can I say about Herbertville, well it is one of my most favourite places to visit.  Gina & I have been there a number of times,  we live in Woodville so it isn’t too far for us to travel. Woodville to Dannevirke takes about 25 minutes and then about another 60 minutes to Herbertville.

It usually takes us longer because we have to stop for our coffee fix and if we have been really slack and haven’t made any lunch, it’s a quick stop at subway, as well.

Again Herbertville isn’t easy to find online unless you know what you are looking for. So a quick stop at the Dannevirke Information Centre wouldn’t go a miss. nor would a map.

Herbertville is a small settlement, they have  a  camping  ground,  so if you decide to go for a day trip or longer, you need to take food etc. There is a long expanse of beach and if you feel like a walk up the beach to Cape Turnagain  and the Fur seal colony, it will take you about 45 minutes.

If you visit at low tide, you will see the remnants of an old wool shed that used to sit on the rocks. Farmers used to bring the wool to the shed then it was shipped by boats, out to awaiting ships.

The Colony is a winter haul out, so the number of Fur seals increase quite a lot during the winter months. Although there are still a few around in summer. Breeding season takes place between mid November to mid January so the males maybe a bit more aggressive.

A few things to remember about fur seals,  don’t be fooled they can move quite quickly on dry land, Always give them the right of way, if you block their path to the sea, they will not be amused.  Don’t get too close and watch out for them under bushes and in the dunes. If have a dog and decide to take it with you,  on your day trip, it must be leashed and under control. There are two photos below, which I took at Cape Palliser of people with an off leash dog, their actions put everyone at risk, seals included.

Oh, I forgot to mention, fur seals  do bite.

The scenery at Herbertville is amazing, it’s a very peaceful place, if you are lucky you will see a number of different bird species there.  I have to say the funniest to watch are the oystercatchers.

I find, it is very easy to spend the  day at Herbertville, the hours go by too quickly and all too soon its time to go home. a good day out for anyone who loves the beach.

Photos copyright @ Brightchic Photography 2015