Torquay's Little Secret

Driving into Torquay, I couldn't help but notice tiny painted Willy Wagtails appearing everywhere. Perched on letterboxes, front gates and tucked along walking tracks, they popped up so often it felt like the universe was quietly reminding me to slow down and pay attention. I had no idea what they meant, but I was feeling hopeful I'd find out.

Before checking in, I ran straight into the ocean for a cold plunge. The kind that steals your breath and sends a thousand needles dancing across your skin. The salty air filled my lungs and by the time I climbed out I felt completely alive. It was insanely fresh, my friends!

My bungalow was exactly what I needed. An architecturally designed timber beauty with an open plan layout, a cloud like bed wrapped in crisp linen, a cosy reading nook and thoughtful touches throughout, including some welcome chocolate. Simple, modern and oh so deluxe! Outside was where the real magic lived. An outdoor shower with steaming hot water became the perfect way to wash away the salt from the sea while breathing in the fresh coastal air and looking out across the native garden. Sadly, not a Willy in sight though.

As evening settled in, I lit the outdoor fire, poured a glass of red wine and watched the flames crackle while ribbons of smoke drifted into the night. Somewhere between the firelight and the stars, my busy creative mind finally became still.

The next morning, rain gently tapped across the roof while I made brunch and coffee to enjoy from bed. The warmth of the mug between my hands, the smell of fresh coffee and the soothing sound of rain made it impossible to be anywhere else. My soul had been craving a morning exactly like this and girl was one happy bird!

By afternoon the skies had cleared, so I wandered down to the local dog café by the beach for some quality dog watching. Between pats for every passing pooch, I struck up a conversation with a local and finally asked about the mysterious Willy Wagtails. He explained that a local artist had started painting them simply to spread joy. What began as a small community project had since found homes all over the world.

As I shared how they had followed me all weekend, he smiled and said, "That's exactly what they're meant to do."

We grabbed coffees and wandered along the shoreline together while the waves rolled in beside us. He kindly snapped a few photos of me soaking up the ocean before disappearing to his car and returning with an entire stack of painted Willy Wagtails. I couldn't believe my eyeballs! "Willy's for everyone!" I laughed.

"So you can keep spreading the joy," he said.

Safe to say my heart was absolutely overflowing.

That evening the rain returned, making the decision easy. Tea, television and an early night tucked beneath warm blankets while the weather did its thing outside. The next morning arrived slowly. One last cup of tea, a flick through the collection of surf books and a long hot shower before it was time to leave. I came to Torquay for a quiet coastal escape. I left carrying a little reminder that joy doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes it lands softly on a letterbox and quietly follows you home.