IN 2006, when Lara Bingle emerged from crystal clear water on to an idyllic strip of white sand in Tourism Australia’s “Where the bloody hell are you?” commercial, most people assumed the ad had been filmed in the Whitsundays, Queensland.

It had been in fact filmed in our own backyard at the beautiful Fingal Bay Spit.

The long sandy spit connects Fingal Island to the Mainland.

It has for years been the site for avid photographers as well as countless Facebook and Instagram check in’s.

In our Blue Water Paradise, it has become a draw card to tourists and locals alike.

The Spit however is very deceiving as it disappears after low tide and is surrounded by deep channels and exposed to currents and sudden waves that have killed at least 15 people since the late 1800’s.

“At low tide it is very alluring, inviting tourists to come across the white sandy strip,” Mick Jones a local fisherman, told Bay News Of The Area.

“Unfortunately when you least expect it the tide comes in and the current can knock you off your feet and this is how many people have lost their lives or get in trouble,” Mr Jones said.

In November 2013 a Sydney man, was swept away and drowned while crossing across the spit.

“On a good day at low tide it’s beautiful but you have to be aware of the dangers involved,” Mr Jones told News Of The Area.

Fingal Bay was originally known as “False Bay” because it was easy to mistake it for the entrance to Port Stephens.

The name “Fingal Bay” first appeared on a map in 1845 drawn by Captain Phillip Parker King.

The best and safest way to visit Fingal Island and the Spit is
on one of the cruise boats that depart from D’Albora Marinas, Nelson Bay.

See more on Tourism Australia’s “ Where the Bloody Hell are ya ?” commercial at https://youtu.be/rn0lwGk4u9o

 

 

By Jewell DRURY