Farewelled Byron Bay this morning and made the 60 odd km trip up the road to the Gold Coast via Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah. Nice little drive. Had lunch in Murwillumbah, which is on the Tweed River, and right in the heart of Sugar Cane country. From there we took the Currumbin Rd up into the hills and crossed the border in to Qld high in the hills behind Burleigh Heads.
I haven’t been to the Gold Coast for about 20 years and wasn’t really impressed with it then, so I wasn’t really looking forward to going there. Andrea had done some research and found a promising looking caravan park in Miami, so we booked in there.
Arrived at about 3 o’clock and found a real gem of a park. It’s situated on a 200m strip of land between the Gold Coast highway and the Miami Beach. The Miami Surf club is adjacent to the Park and the lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week on the beach.
More importantly, the Surf club has a very swish little café attached to the premises so in effect the Caravan Park has its own café. You beauty!!
Went to Dreamworld on Sunday (Mother’s Day). Had a great day. I haven’t seen the girls so excited about something for a long time. Liv and Rube about the rides and Jas & Daisy about Wiggle World. All that Daisy wanted to do was give Dorothy the Dinosaur a cuddle.
We did all the big rides. Tower of Terror…. Easyyyyy! The Big Drop…..I know why they call it that…. I nearly dropped something during that ride I can tell you.
Monday we spent at a very leisurely pace alternating between the beach and the shops and the camp.
Tomorrow (Tues) we head off to White Water World, which is part of the Dreamworld set up, for some serious water action. Have just found out that we are meeting some friends (The Reinbolts) from Melbourne there, so it should be a great day.
We are planning on pushing off from here on Thursday morning and heading for the Sunshine Coast.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Day 44 - 47 7.5.08…. Evans Head to Byron Bay.
Pushed off from Evans Head for the short trip up to Byron Bay today. All of us are excited about the prospect of staying at this almost legendary “Mecca” for surfers, hippies, alternative life stylers and just plain “groovy dudes and chicks”.
No need to go straight to Byron though as the trip is only about 80 k’s, so we take the scenic route through the Broadwater National Park to Broadwater and then across country to Lismore, which is back in the hills behind the coast. From here it’s N.E. towards Byron Bay.
Along the way we pass through numerous little towns including the village of Eltham and on to lunch at Bangalow about 15 k’s from our destination. Bangalow is a beautiful small “hinterland” town with old style shops with verandahs and lots of “knick-knack” and “new agey” type shops that are so typical of this area. It has a really nice calm feel about it.
Pete Murray the singer also lives here if that means anything to you!!!
The pub here also looks great, with 1930’s & 40’ décor. However, unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to sample the produce.
On to Byron after lunch and arrived by about 2.00 p.m. Luckily we were no later as there was very little accommodation available as everybody who is looking for caravan park accommodation seems to arrive in these places by about mid afternoon.
We secured a spot at the “First Sun” caravan park, just off the main street and right on Belongil Beach, which is next to the main beach. Our site by chance is directly above the beach with views towards the lighthouse to the east or along the beach towards the mountains to the west and north. The facilities at this park are probably the best that we have encountered so far, with an excellent camp kitchen & laundry facilities as well as showers, toilets etc.
The place is “backpacker central”. There are mixtures of accents everywhere which makes a welcome change from the “Grey Nomads” of which there are very few.
We can walk straight out of the park and be in the main drag or straight down the steps onto the beach. The older girls love it, with plenty of “eye candy” around and the younger girls just think it’s another place to stay that has a beach and a lighthouse….and it doesn’t get much better than that for them.
Turns out there is a big Olympic distance triathlon happening this weekend so the place is gonna get really busy.
The van park is not the cheapest one that we’ve encountered and so we had originally planned to stay only 2 nights. However we are having such a nice time and the weather and campsite is so agreeable that we have “shouted” ourselves another night of decadence.
Tomorrow we head off for the Gold Coast where we have booked a couple of nights at the Ocean View Caravan Park at Miami Beach.
Thanks to those folks who have posted comments on the blog, it's been great to read them and I hope you've enjoyed them.
No need to go straight to Byron though as the trip is only about 80 k’s, so we take the scenic route through the Broadwater National Park to Broadwater and then across country to Lismore, which is back in the hills behind the coast. From here it’s N.E. towards Byron Bay.
Along the way we pass through numerous little towns including the village of Eltham and on to lunch at Bangalow about 15 k’s from our destination. Bangalow is a beautiful small “hinterland” town with old style shops with verandahs and lots of “knick-knack” and “new agey” type shops that are so typical of this area. It has a really nice calm feel about it.
Pete Murray the singer also lives here if that means anything to you!!!
The pub here also looks great, with 1930’s & 40’ décor. However, unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to sample the produce.
On to Byron after lunch and arrived by about 2.00 p.m. Luckily we were no later as there was very little accommodation available as everybody who is looking for caravan park accommodation seems to arrive in these places by about mid afternoon.
We secured a spot at the “First Sun” caravan park, just off the main street and right on Belongil Beach, which is next to the main beach. Our site by chance is directly above the beach with views towards the lighthouse to the east or along the beach towards the mountains to the west and north. The facilities at this park are probably the best that we have encountered so far, with an excellent camp kitchen & laundry facilities as well as showers, toilets etc.
The place is “backpacker central”. There are mixtures of accents everywhere which makes a welcome change from the “Grey Nomads” of which there are very few.
We can walk straight out of the park and be in the main drag or straight down the steps onto the beach. The older girls love it, with plenty of “eye candy” around and the younger girls just think it’s another place to stay that has a beach and a lighthouse….and it doesn’t get much better than that for them.
Turns out there is a big Olympic distance triathlon happening this weekend so the place is gonna get really busy.
The van park is not the cheapest one that we’ve encountered and so we had originally planned to stay only 2 nights. However we are having such a nice time and the weather and campsite is so agreeable that we have “shouted” ourselves another night of decadence.
Tomorrow we head off for the Gold Coast where we have booked a couple of nights at the Ocean View Caravan Park at Miami Beach.
Thanks to those folks who have posted comments on the blog, it's been great to read them and I hope you've enjoyed them.
6.5.08:- Evans Head
For about 8th or 9th day straight we awaken to a bright and sunny morning. This is fantastic. The girls are happy! Andrea’s happy! I’m happy!, and Evans Head is happy too!!
It is another typical North NSW coastal town. It’s situated at the head of a big river (The Evans (surprise)). Bathed in sunshine, with a reasonably protected beach and a group of beaches that are more exposed and good for surfing. We have decided to say here for 2 nights. The park is again right on the beach, which runs uninterrupted for almost 30 k’s to the north. It turns out that this caravan park is the largest in N.S.W!! The facilities are very good with good sized camping sites and clean, modern amenities and it's one of the cheapest that we've been to @ $25 per night for the 6 of us. Very impressive indeed.
The locals were also very friendly and very willing to offer their advice about the best places to visit in the area.
We took a drive up to the headland to check the view. Sensational! Then onto a little local beach called Chinaman's Beach. Here there were a group of surfers doing so amongst a pod of about 10 dolphins. (Check photos).
Headed back into town for lunch and then spent and hour or so on the beach ourselves.
What is strange about spending time on the beach at this time of the year is that even though it is warm enough to do so and the water temp is still about 22 – 23 degrees it is very difficult getting used to the fact that the sun sets so early and that it is in fact dark at 5.30 pm. So different from when you spend time on the beach in summer down south and it is light until 9.00 in the evening.
Evans Head has proven to be another delightful gem on the Northern NSW coast.
It is another typical North NSW coastal town. It’s situated at the head of a big river (The Evans (surprise)). Bathed in sunshine, with a reasonably protected beach and a group of beaches that are more exposed and good for surfing. We have decided to say here for 2 nights. The park is again right on the beach, which runs uninterrupted for almost 30 k’s to the north. It turns out that this caravan park is the largest in N.S.W!! The facilities are very good with good sized camping sites and clean, modern amenities and it's one of the cheapest that we've been to @ $25 per night for the 6 of us. Very impressive indeed.
The locals were also very friendly and very willing to offer their advice about the best places to visit in the area.
We took a drive up to the headland to check the view. Sensational! Then onto a little local beach called Chinaman's Beach. Here there were a group of surfers doing so amongst a pod of about 10 dolphins. (Check photos).
Headed back into town for lunch and then spent and hour or so on the beach ourselves.
What is strange about spending time on the beach at this time of the year is that even though it is warm enough to do so and the water temp is still about 22 – 23 degrees it is very difficult getting used to the fact that the sun sets so early and that it is in fact dark at 5.30 pm. So different from when you spend time on the beach in summer down south and it is light until 9.00 in the evening.
Evans Head has proven to be another delightful gem on the Northern NSW coast.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
5.5.08: Day 42:- To Evans Head
Day 42 once again dawned an absolutely glorious day. A quick pack up and we’re ready to leave by 10 o’clock. Of course just as you’re ready to go everybody wants to talk to you, so by the time we leave the C.park it’s about 10.40 a.m.
We Millennium Pajero idles slowly out of town and we are reluctant to leave the town that has been a haven for us for the past 6 days. Of course we make sure that we pick up a couple of take away coffees and treats from the heritage café and a roast chicken for lunch whilst on the road.
Before long we’re on the Pacific Highway once again and heading for Coff’s Harbour. Before getting there we take a short detour to Sawtell, which is about 10 k’s south of Coff’s and almost a suburb of it. It is right on the beach and has a one of the most striking main streets that I have seen in quite a while. The 2 lanes of the street are separated by a median strip that has some of the largest Moreton Bay Figs that I have seen. These spread their canopies al the way across the street from kerb to kerb. Hence most of the street is covered in shade. A very pretty sight. You probably had to be there though.
Continued very quickly through Coffs. A big town and appropriately busy. We did however manage to take in the "BIG BANANA”. I personally was a bit disappointed in this. I think that it could have been bigger. It should be renamed “The quite big banana” or “The Bigger than usual banana”.
I suppose technically it is a big banana…….. But how long is a piece of string??????
After Coff’s we took the alternate route to Grafton, through the hills and had lunch at “Historic Nana Glen”. This is a tiny hamlet about 30 k’s from Coffs and very pretty it was. We found the local park after looking without luck, for things around the town that may have been historical. We decided that the most historical thing about Nana Glen was actually the signpost that welcomed us to the town and looked as though it had been purposefully polished in anticipation of our arrival!!!!
Anyway we opened the back of the “Chariot of Love” and raided the fridge for stuff to add to our chicken rolls.
After lunch we were back in the wagon and on towards Grafton. It was now getting late in the afternoon and we realised that we were not going to make Ballina before dark so we headed for Evans Head, which is about 30 k‘s south of the above.
We rolled up at the park once again at sunset (5.05 pm) and proceeded to set up once again amongst the “Grey Nomads”, who apparently had moved back into the C.park en-masse after the school holidays had finished. As per usual we were set up, fed and the youngin’s were in bed by about 7.30 pm.
We Millennium Pajero idles slowly out of town and we are reluctant to leave the town that has been a haven for us for the past 6 days. Of course we make sure that we pick up a couple of take away coffees and treats from the heritage café and a roast chicken for lunch whilst on the road.
Before long we’re on the Pacific Highway once again and heading for Coff’s Harbour. Before getting there we take a short detour to Sawtell, which is about 10 k’s south of Coff’s and almost a suburb of it. It is right on the beach and has a one of the most striking main streets that I have seen in quite a while. The 2 lanes of the street are separated by a median strip that has some of the largest Moreton Bay Figs that I have seen. These spread their canopies al the way across the street from kerb to kerb. Hence most of the street is covered in shade. A very pretty sight. You probably had to be there though.
Continued very quickly through Coffs. A big town and appropriately busy. We did however manage to take in the "BIG BANANA”. I personally was a bit disappointed in this. I think that it could have been bigger. It should be renamed “The quite big banana” or “The Bigger than usual banana”.
I suppose technically it is a big banana…….. But how long is a piece of string??????
After Coff’s we took the alternate route to Grafton, through the hills and had lunch at “Historic Nana Glen”. This is a tiny hamlet about 30 k’s from Coffs and very pretty it was. We found the local park after looking without luck, for things around the town that may have been historical. We decided that the most historical thing about Nana Glen was actually the signpost that welcomed us to the town and looked as though it had been purposefully polished in anticipation of our arrival!!!!
Anyway we opened the back of the “Chariot of Love” and raided the fridge for stuff to add to our chicken rolls.
After lunch we were back in the wagon and on towards Grafton. It was now getting late in the afternoon and we realised that we were not going to make Ballina before dark so we headed for Evans Head, which is about 30 k‘s south of the above.
We rolled up at the park once again at sunset (5.05 pm) and proceeded to set up once again amongst the “Grey Nomads”, who apparently had moved back into the C.park en-masse after the school holidays had finished. As per usual we were set up, fed and the youngin’s were in bed by about 7.30 pm.
Day 38 - 43:- 30.4.08 – 5.5.08…… South West Rocks
After having encountered some relatively unstable weather whilst in Sydney and also while travelling to S.W. Rocks we are pleased when we wake up on Wednesday morn and the sun is shining. Cling & Clang (aka Jazzy & Daisy) are in the habit of awakening at around 6.30 a.m, so by 6.45 we are up and about.
The Arakoon Reserve camping ground is set in the precincts of the now abandoned Trial Bay Gaol, which was constructed in the 1880’s. and was later used as an internment camp during W.W.1., for citizens of German descent, before being “decommissioned” in the latter part of that war. The camping ground itself is about 5 k’s from S.W. Rocks proper, at the opposite end of Trial Bay and is very tranquil with a small stream that flows out on to the beach next to the campground. The beach itself is clean and very safe. Unfortunately there was no surf as such but the kids still loved it, as the water temp was about 22 degrees.
There’s heaps to do at this spot with walks through the bush, swimming, relaxing, tours of the gaol museum and fishing.
This place is a fisherman’s paradise with a substantial number of commercial as well as recreational fisherman using the area.
I went for jog along the beach one morning at about 7.00 and there was a group of blokes with their 4wd trucks parked on the beach and they were sorting through the fish that they had netted that morning. There must have been at least 500 fish in the nets. I jogged on a little further.
On my return trip I decided to have a chat to the bloke who looked the most friendly. They had caught this lot in the bay just off shore a few minutes earlier so they were still flapping about. Anyway he gave me a few to take home with me! So I continued my jog along the beach with a mullet in each hand. Needless to say I did get some rather curious looks from others who were on the beach, but I really didn’t care…. I couldn’t eat my lollies for giggling!!!! We could only get a booking at this site for 3 days, so we decided to book 2 more days at the Horseshoe Bay C.park in town which then became 3 days.
So we packed up our gear and travelled 5 k.m’s from Arakoon in to S.W. Rocks township and set up once again.!!!
This park is right on the foreshore in front of the main street. The main beach (Horseshoe Bay), is right in front of this street also. A very pretty spot!
Our camping spot is literally 50 metres from the beach and 50 metres in the other direction to the main street. The girls are just loving it!!!
The area is “retirement central” and the “Grey Nomads” are out in force. There are probably about 100 sites in this park and I reckon 90 – 95 of them are occupied by couples over 60 years of age. Of course they love the little girls and are particularly amused when Jasmine and Daisy walk around in their “Cinderella” & “Snow White” outfits.
Went to the Surf Club for dinner this evening (Sunday 4th). No meals over $12.00… you beauty!!!
We got there at 5.30 pm after having booked a table at 7.30 this morning. There was a choice of 4 meals. Lamb Roast; Chicken Schnitzel; Lamb Shanks; Shepherd’s Pie.
At 5.30 there was only 1 meal left to choose from… Shepherd’s Pie…and they were serving meals until 9.00 pm?!?!?!?..Work that out ????..So we had Shepherd’s Pie.
We found out later that people actually “pre-book” their meals. Some one had cornered the market on the lamb shanks so I wasn’t too happy about that. It’s an interesting way to deal with your catering needs though eh?!
The only slightly negative experience that we had which was rather funny anyway, was one morning when Andrea and I dropped into a café for a mid morning “latte” and we had little Daisy with us. We left Daisy at the table eating a “Freddo Frog” that we had purchased from the newsagent, whilst we went to the counter to order. I did notice that the lady serving who was also the owner was pursing her bright orange coloured lipstick lips while staring past me, as we approached her. Bright orange lipstick is always an alarming signal at the best of times. After we had made the order the lady alerted us that there were signs situated in the café pointing out that products purchased from other stores should not consumed on the premise. She also let us now that it was disrespectful to do so, blah, blah, blah….. Andrea then very politely asked the lady if she would like us to leave. She wasn’t too happy with this question and repeated the “lack of respect” line again. To which I pointed out that “the girl (Daisy) is only 3 years old and is simply enjoying a Freddo Frog for God’s sake”. She then pointed out that I should behave like an adult. After this, having noticed that there was a sign in the shop that the business was for sale, I suggested that it was a good thing that she was selling the business because you obviously don’t know how to treat customers. I don’t like your chances of selling though, with an attitude like that. Don’t worry about the coffees we’ll go elsewhere. Which we did.
Throughout this, darling Daisy is sitting at the table quietly munching on her Freddo Frog, completely oblivious to the commotion, but as happy as a sandboy!!!!
So if anybody is keen on purchasing a coffee shop in S.W. Rocks there’s one going there and it could be quite cheap as I suspect that there is very little “goodwill” attached to the business!!!!
Anyway tomorrow we push on again up the coast. We’re hoping to get close to Ballina or Byron Bay. Here we can prepare ourselves for the onslaught known as “The Gold Coast”. I think I’ll just hold my breath and hope for the best….
The Arakoon Reserve camping ground is set in the precincts of the now abandoned Trial Bay Gaol, which was constructed in the 1880’s. and was later used as an internment camp during W.W.1., for citizens of German descent, before being “decommissioned” in the latter part of that war. The camping ground itself is about 5 k’s from S.W. Rocks proper, at the opposite end of Trial Bay and is very tranquil with a small stream that flows out on to the beach next to the campground. The beach itself is clean and very safe. Unfortunately there was no surf as such but the kids still loved it, as the water temp was about 22 degrees.
There’s heaps to do at this spot with walks through the bush, swimming, relaxing, tours of the gaol museum and fishing.
This place is a fisherman’s paradise with a substantial number of commercial as well as recreational fisherman using the area.
I went for jog along the beach one morning at about 7.00 and there was a group of blokes with their 4wd trucks parked on the beach and they were sorting through the fish that they had netted that morning. There must have been at least 500 fish in the nets. I jogged on a little further.
On my return trip I decided to have a chat to the bloke who looked the most friendly. They had caught this lot in the bay just off shore a few minutes earlier so they were still flapping about. Anyway he gave me a few to take home with me! So I continued my jog along the beach with a mullet in each hand. Needless to say I did get some rather curious looks from others who were on the beach, but I really didn’t care…. I couldn’t eat my lollies for giggling!!!! We could only get a booking at this site for 3 days, so we decided to book 2 more days at the Horseshoe Bay C.park in town which then became 3 days.
So we packed up our gear and travelled 5 k.m’s from Arakoon in to S.W. Rocks township and set up once again.!!!
This park is right on the foreshore in front of the main street. The main beach (Horseshoe Bay), is right in front of this street also. A very pretty spot!
Our camping spot is literally 50 metres from the beach and 50 metres in the other direction to the main street. The girls are just loving it!!!
The area is “retirement central” and the “Grey Nomads” are out in force. There are probably about 100 sites in this park and I reckon 90 – 95 of them are occupied by couples over 60 years of age. Of course they love the little girls and are particularly amused when Jasmine and Daisy walk around in their “Cinderella” & “Snow White” outfits.
Went to the Surf Club for dinner this evening (Sunday 4th). No meals over $12.00… you beauty!!!
We got there at 5.30 pm after having booked a table at 7.30 this morning. There was a choice of 4 meals. Lamb Roast; Chicken Schnitzel; Lamb Shanks; Shepherd’s Pie.
At 5.30 there was only 1 meal left to choose from… Shepherd’s Pie…and they were serving meals until 9.00 pm?!?!?!?..Work that out ????..So we had Shepherd’s Pie.
We found out later that people actually “pre-book” their meals. Some one had cornered the market on the lamb shanks so I wasn’t too happy about that. It’s an interesting way to deal with your catering needs though eh?!
The only slightly negative experience that we had which was rather funny anyway, was one morning when Andrea and I dropped into a café for a mid morning “latte” and we had little Daisy with us. We left Daisy at the table eating a “Freddo Frog” that we had purchased from the newsagent, whilst we went to the counter to order. I did notice that the lady serving who was also the owner was pursing her bright orange coloured lipstick lips while staring past me, as we approached her. Bright orange lipstick is always an alarming signal at the best of times. After we had made the order the lady alerted us that there were signs situated in the café pointing out that products purchased from other stores should not consumed on the premise. She also let us now that it was disrespectful to do so, blah, blah, blah….. Andrea then very politely asked the lady if she would like us to leave. She wasn’t too happy with this question and repeated the “lack of respect” line again. To which I pointed out that “the girl (Daisy) is only 3 years old and is simply enjoying a Freddo Frog for God’s sake”. She then pointed out that I should behave like an adult. After this, having noticed that there was a sign in the shop that the business was for sale, I suggested that it was a good thing that she was selling the business because you obviously don’t know how to treat customers. I don’t like your chances of selling though, with an attitude like that. Don’t worry about the coffees we’ll go elsewhere. Which we did.
Throughout this, darling Daisy is sitting at the table quietly munching on her Freddo Frog, completely oblivious to the commotion, but as happy as a sandboy!!!!
So if anybody is keen on purchasing a coffee shop in S.W. Rocks there’s one going there and it could be quite cheap as I suspect that there is very little “goodwill” attached to the business!!!!
Anyway tomorrow we push on again up the coast. We’re hoping to get close to Ballina or Byron Bay. Here we can prepare ourselves for the onslaught known as “The Gold Coast”. I think I’ll just hold my breath and hope for the best….
Friday, May 9, 2008
Day 37:- 29.4.08...Raymond Terrace to South West Rocks
Brrrrrrrrr!!!!!………. It’s a cold one this morning. A cool change has blown in over night and although it’s sunny there is a very cool breeze pushing away any heat that the sun is generating. We got moving early this morning.
The c.park (Bellhaven) is quite pleasant looking, with plenty of trees and grassed areas, but the place stinks!!!
I think the septics need to be pumped coz they are really on the nose. The sooner out the better eh.
At 10.15 we fire the Millennium Pajero up and we are ready to fly. The “Chariot of Love” is still attached from yesterday’s trip from Sydney, so it’s all systems go.
Straight out on to the Pacific Highway heading for…… we’re not sure.
Let’s just see where the road takes us.
First stop after about 50 minutes is Buledulah, a little hamlet about 70 k’s up the highway, for some morning tea, (coffee & hot chocs).
After this we take the coast road which once again is spectacular and picturesque in places and head for Forster / Tuncurry via Pacific Palms and the Myall Lakes National Park. Pacific Palms looks absolutely beautiful and very tempting, but we push on.
Lunch is at Forster/ Tuncurry which is about 25 k’s further on and is the home of the Australian Ironman Triathlon Race. Nothing much to report here. A bit too commercialised for my liking with 8/9 storey flats next to the lakes and the beachfront and a population that appears to consist of Lawn bowls playing retirees. The twin towns are actually quite large, but because the place is primarily set up for holidaymakers, it looks deserted in the non-holiday season.
We all have lunch in a local park next to the bridge that joins the 2 towns and the girls (all 4 of them), burn off some energy on some play equipment whilst Andrea and I decide where we are going to head for the evening. I manage to talk Andrea into pushing on to South West Rocks, which we have heard is a beautiful beach town about 100 k’s south of Coff’s Harbour.
We pass through many smallish towns on the way including Taree and experience a few hold-ups along the way due to the road improvement works that are occurring on along various stretches of the infamous Pacific Highway. At the largish town of Kempsey, on the Macleay River we turn off and head once again for the coast and our destination which is about 35 km’s to the north-east. At approx 5.00 p.m, we arrive at the Arakoon Conservation Area camp ground just as the sun is sinking towards the horizon. We have managed to travel about 320 k’s for the day, which is our record!!!
By 7.30 pm that evening we have set up, fed the kids and ourselves and the younger girls are in bed, asleep.
Not a bad effort. We sleep soundly knowing that in the morning when we awake we have at least 3 days to spend at this beautiful place.
The c.park (Bellhaven) is quite pleasant looking, with plenty of trees and grassed areas, but the place stinks!!!
I think the septics need to be pumped coz they are really on the nose. The sooner out the better eh.
At 10.15 we fire the Millennium Pajero up and we are ready to fly. The “Chariot of Love” is still attached from yesterday’s trip from Sydney, so it’s all systems go.
Straight out on to the Pacific Highway heading for…… we’re not sure.
Let’s just see where the road takes us.
First stop after about 50 minutes is Buledulah, a little hamlet about 70 k’s up the highway, for some morning tea, (coffee & hot chocs).
After this we take the coast road which once again is spectacular and picturesque in places and head for Forster / Tuncurry via Pacific Palms and the Myall Lakes National Park. Pacific Palms looks absolutely beautiful and very tempting, but we push on.
Lunch is at Forster/ Tuncurry which is about 25 k’s further on and is the home of the Australian Ironman Triathlon Race. Nothing much to report here. A bit too commercialised for my liking with 8/9 storey flats next to the lakes and the beachfront and a population that appears to consist of Lawn bowls playing retirees. The twin towns are actually quite large, but because the place is primarily set up for holidaymakers, it looks deserted in the non-holiday season.
We all have lunch in a local park next to the bridge that joins the 2 towns and the girls (all 4 of them), burn off some energy on some play equipment whilst Andrea and I decide where we are going to head for the evening. I manage to talk Andrea into pushing on to South West Rocks, which we have heard is a beautiful beach town about 100 k’s south of Coff’s Harbour.
We pass through many smallish towns on the way including Taree and experience a few hold-ups along the way due to the road improvement works that are occurring on along various stretches of the infamous Pacific Highway. At the largish town of Kempsey, on the Macleay River we turn off and head once again for the coast and our destination which is about 35 km’s to the north-east. At approx 5.00 p.m, we arrive at the Arakoon Conservation Area camp ground just as the sun is sinking towards the horizon. We have managed to travel about 320 k’s for the day, which is our record!!!
By 7.30 pm that evening we have set up, fed the kids and ourselves and the younger girls are in bed, asleep.
Not a bad effort. We sleep soundly knowing that in the morning when we awake we have at least 3 days to spend at this beautiful place.
Day 36 - 37; 28th - 29th April; Raymond Terrace
28.4.08………. Sydney to Raymond Terrace.
Having spent 16 days in the superb company of the Sydney chapter of the McKenzie Family (aka: Andrea’s brother Mark his delightfully gracious wife Sarah and there beautiful children Chloe, Jamie, Max and baby Tia), we have managed to drag ourselves away to head further up the coast.
After finalising a few unanticipated “hiccups” in relation to the car we packed, bade our farewells to the rest of the family, which also included Andrea’s parents and left Sydney at approx. 2.20 pm.
Our original thought was to head for the Forster / Tuncurry area above Newcastle. However due to the later than anticipated departure time, have only managed to reach Raymond Terrace, which is about 30k’s north of Newcastle. Have travelled a total of about 190 k’s today.
We arrived at the campground at about 5.20, just on sunset, having missed the turnoff for the actual township whilst travelling along the Pacific Highway.
Haven’t seen much of the caravan park as a result, but it is a neat and tidy one from first impressions. We planning to move on up the coast quite early tomorrow.
The girls are suffering from shock trying to get back into the swing of the camping routine, having just spent over 2 weeks in Sydney being indulged and spoilt by their Uncle Mark and Auntie Sarah. In fact so am I!!!!!
That’s all for now…. Cup of tea beckons.
Having spent 16 days in the superb company of the Sydney chapter of the McKenzie Family (aka: Andrea’s brother Mark his delightfully gracious wife Sarah and there beautiful children Chloe, Jamie, Max and baby Tia), we have managed to drag ourselves away to head further up the coast.
After finalising a few unanticipated “hiccups” in relation to the car we packed, bade our farewells to the rest of the family, which also included Andrea’s parents and left Sydney at approx. 2.20 pm.
Our original thought was to head for the Forster / Tuncurry area above Newcastle. However due to the later than anticipated departure time, have only managed to reach Raymond Terrace, which is about 30k’s north of Newcastle. Have travelled a total of about 190 k’s today.
We arrived at the campground at about 5.20, just on sunset, having missed the turnoff for the actual township whilst travelling along the Pacific Highway.
Haven’t seen much of the caravan park as a result, but it is a neat and tidy one from first impressions. We planning to move on up the coast quite early tomorrow.
The girls are suffering from shock trying to get back into the swing of the camping routine, having just spent over 2 weeks in Sydney being indulged and spoilt by their Uncle Mark and Auntie Sarah. In fact so am I!!!!!
That’s all for now…. Cup of tea beckons.
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