These conveniences could be ANYWHERE, right? Anywhere with tropical vegetation and killer blue skies, that is. But that doesn’t narrow it down much. Nor does its proximity to a beach and picnic and barbecue areas!

Unlike many of its tropical counterparts, however, this public loo at Neds Beach on gorgeous Lord Howe Island has no predators such as snakes; the barbecues are free and already stacked with wood; and it’s surrounded by many features worthy of much closer inspection.

Like the resident population of endemic and uncommon bird species – White Tern and Flesh-footed Shearwater (aka ‘Mutton’ bird) en route; Sooty Tern, Common Noddy and Black-winged Petrel at the other end of the beach below.

And its outlook under towering Malabar hill with a sheer 209 metre drop to the ocean – named for the Malabar native who fell from it to his death from it many years ago while collecting Red-tailed Tropicbird feathers. Now these amazing birds soar above – and acrophobics* like me don’t look down …

Also en route are two tempting local bakeries, as if I needed another reason to slow down given I’d already claimed the hotly contested ‘world’s slowest cyclist’ title.

What a shame the topographic map we studied before our arrival gave us the mistaken impression that all the roads were flat!

And what an even bigger shame – for the locals – I hadn’t ridden a bike in well over 20 years …

Swim amongst mullet chasing food scraps at fish feeding time; and the kingfish chasing the mullet!

Oh … and what’s that chasing the kingfish? Yep, a (small) shark! Those barbecues are starting to look mighty attractive – and stick around after dusk to see the Mutton birds return from a day of hunting at sea … what a shame Pilchard was too wary of their great hooked beaks to pick one up for a photo!

And if that doesn’t narrow it down enough, the fabulously picturesque Ned’s Beach is often overshadowed by the staggering – but instantly recognisable – view on the other side of magnificent Lord Howe Island.

AND Public Toilet #15, previously claimed (by me!) as Australia’s MOST scenic!

The best thing? It REALLY DOES look like this! Sigh … maybe this IS the best amenities block after all!

At virtually a year to the day since we last visited magical Lord Howe Island, it’s clearly been WAY too long …

Gotta go back.

If only to decide which is the better scenic public toilet.

Who’s coming with me?!

Want MORE?

• Lord Howe Island
• My Lord Howe Island Triathlon (spoiler – it’s not a real one!!)
• Flickr – more Lord Howe Island photos
• Australia’s Scenic Public Toilets

 

 

*Acrophobia= extreme or irrational fear of heights (although mine’s NOT irrational … and Pilchard doesn’t share it …)

The post Australia’s Scenic Public Toilets #24 – Ned’s Beach, Lord Howe Island, NSW appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.