In Her Element: Returning to the Rock Platform with Kara

Some places don’t arrive in a single defining moment, they form us slowly, over years of returning. For Kara, that place is the rock platform she grew up on, watching whales surface and move up the coast, counting starfish in tidal pools and popping Neptune’s necklace at her brother. *We'll post a video of this on socials- it's fun!

“I’ve always felt more connected to country and to myself by the sea,” she says. “My people are saltwater people — I definitely feel most in my element here.”

The sea might be calm, messy or raw- but it’s always honest.

“I love how it’s always different. You just appreciate nature for what she’s doing, country for what she’s doing.”

Kara’s rituals are simple and consistent. Whenever she’s out on country, whether by the beach or in the bush, she takes a moment to acknowledge these places, name where she is, introduce herself, and journey in. A walk, a swim- a saltwater reset.

Her approach to beauty reflects the same philosophy: uncomplicated and grounded. No elaborate routine- just sun protection, regular ocean swims and keeping things balanced.

“I’ve never been one to have a big routine. I keep it simple.”

There are only two essentials she is never without: her binoculars, to watch for whales and birds, and her cosies. 

For anyone wanting to deepen their connection to place, Kara offers one clear starting point: "know where you’re standing."

“It’s really important for people to recognise what country they’re on and interacting with. If people know what country they’re standing on, that can deepen your connection to where you are.”

Sometimes the most powerful rituals aren’t loud or structured- they’re the ones that bring us back to ourselves, again and again, with salt on our skin and the sea doing whatever she needs to do.