The Story of The Bush Camp
A quiet space in a noisy world.
I bought this beautiful 100 acre property with amazing waterholes and access to river after the devastating fires tore through destroying everything in its path.
When my friend first asked if I was interested, I said no as I had seen how it looked immediately after the inferno had claimed it. However, after nearly a year and some decent rains I revisited it and could not believe how it had recovered.
The birds and wallabies were back, the trees that survived had sprung back to life and the river was flowing and clear.
I said yes on the spot.
Since then, I have had a dozer in as well as graders and rollers, re-done roads, firebreaks and carved out the site where main camp, and stone cabin will eventually be built. I've installed the 'loo with a view', built a shed, and am in the process of creating a beautiful fire pit space that will serve as the hub for The Bush Camp.
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The Woods
The answers will be found now in the rustle of the leaves of the tree
The lapping of waves on the shore and wind that whispers trust me.
Spoken by the songbird as the water runs over the pebbles at the river
The wisdom shared by the licking flames of my campfire and the stars in the night sky.
No more the words of men, no more the folly of the salesperson on the dark screen.
The unspoken words of kindred spirits and love lost.
The knowledge of the Earth my Mother and the power of silence
These are now my teachers and my comrades for I have grown weary and wary of all things spoken
I will close my eyes and hear the flowers growing and the grass will pay me no mind.
Your Host
A Bit About Me
Hey - I'm Darren Harrison, most people know me as Dazza or Daz.
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I've lived a pretty wild life at times and done a few interesting things over the years. One thing I have kept coming back to is connecting with the bush. I reckon it has saved me on more than one occasion.
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For 20 years we lived by dim lights, solar power and rayburn stove in a hand built cabin in rainforest country near Taree, NSW. Grew most of our own food, fruit and herbs as well as harvesting our own clean, fresh and chemical free water. Life was simple, slow paced and just flowed. The kids all grew up, took off and I was left sitting alone in our little cabin looking at the trampoline, toys, pushbikes and memories left behind. I ended up in the beautiful little town of Walcha in NSW and now have the privilege to caretake 100 acres that has become The Bush Camp.
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I'm a bit of a poet and photographer and find freedom on my motorbike. Of the random assortment of jobs and roles I've had, working with men and youth has been deeply fulfilling and shaped me as a person. Working in the mental health space with folks who have complex issues with drugs and alcohol is close to my heart. I'm also horticulturist by trade and love working with the land to grow food. Nothing tastes better than your own food. Especially cooked on a campfire!
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And now, my newest venture, The Bush Camp is my passion. Creating a quiet and safe space in beautiful surroundings, along with the night sky, fresh mountain air and open fire to help people take a break, clear their heads and perhaps even find themself. It is totally an honour to welcome people here.
Around the Fire
For thousands of years we have sat by the fire, cooked with fire and told stories around the fire.
I believe it is imprinted in our genetic makeup, instilled in our subconscious and an integral part of our collective history.
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Studies have shown that hypertension decreases significantly when sitting near a campfire. Being around a fire seems to command respect, allow comfortable silences and help us to relax and de-frag our thoughts.
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We seem to be able to talk about the things that matter, as though the fire holds this space for us to share at a deeper level. There is something ineffable about fire.
