Thursday 15 Dec – Sunday 18 Dec – “Big Lake, Big smoke, Big day out…”

Once we sorted out where everything was being packed away, now that we had the canoes, we were on the road to Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle.  Once again – we did not have a definite plan of where we were going to stay, however, our plans changed from a camp close to beach to a camp on the lake, so we could paddle, paddle, paddle!

After negotiating my way around the west of Sydney, (Can’t simply bypass via freeways – still have to ply your way through pennant hills built up area on sydney’s notorious narrow 3 lane carriageways) we were on the road up to the central coast, where we pulled up at the Belmont pines camping ground.   This is a council run park and it is immaculate and run the way a park should be.   It’s located on a ‘pimple’ of land that juts out into the lake and we snagged a primo sheltered spot right on lakes edge – perfect.    Tell you what – we have been jagging some good spots lately….it pays to just wing it a bit when travelling, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing since leaving Sth Oz a month ago.

We caught up with friends and went out on the lake in their boat for a look around, beached at a sand island for lunch before heading ‘home’.

That same day, Karen went to the shops for some supplies while I stayed back with the boys.    Then – ‘the phonecall’….   ‘Honey – someone’s just run into the back of me – the other cars a mess!”      Hmmmm – stay calm ‘are you ok…’    good.  ‘Is the ute ok….’  (heart pumping now…)    “yeah – there’s some damage”     By now, I’m not dealing with vagueness too well…..

Anyway, it’s all sorted with cops & insurance, and the damage is minimal  -  the rear bar on the ute is quite solid and not plastic, and saved major panel and light damage, so can be repaired when we get back to Cairns.  The other car (Suzuki swift) was a tow away job (insert evil laugh here)….

Sunday saw us take advantage of the Sydney public transport network by doing the ‘family funday Sunday’ where, for $2-50 each, we could ride trains, trams, ferries etc all day.   Soooo,  we trained into Sydney on the intercity (2hrs, tram to darling harbour, have pancakes for lunch, then ferry around to circular quay, then Manly ferry return trip, train back into town, tram around to Darling harbour for an early tea before the train trip back to Lake Macquarie.     I thing we got our $10 worth out of Sydney transit!    Slept well that night!

(photos coming....)

Wednesday 7th Dec – Thursday 15h Dec – “Where shall we go?????”

After Canberra we started researching NSW and realised we just did not have enough time to see and do all we wanted so we decided to head to the south east coast as we had heard many times it was a beautiful spot.  Picking anywhere, we ended up at a council park right on the beach at a small town called Dalmeny.  Prime spot, however, the weather was a little windy and cold.  The beach right at our door steps and too cold to boogie board, even for the boys in their wetsuits.  Great place to just relax and enjoy the view which is exactly what we did.  We only stayed 2 nights and then moved on up north.

Did we find another gem?  With the “Camp 6” book on my lap, we drove off while I started researching.  Not knowing where we should head I spotted this campsite on a river in the book located in Kangaroo Valley in the Southern Highlands – and once again we were told by someone that the Southern Highlands is a beautiful area.  Once we left the coast road, I think both Mark and I were so unsure what we were doing.  The road to Kangaroo Valley was steep, windy and narrow with 15km or hairpin corners.  At one corner we almost had to do a 3 point turn with the camper in tow.  Mark could not take the grin off his face.  We ended up at the Bendeela Camp Reserve on the Kangaroo river just a few k’s out of Kangaroo Valley.  It was a free camp and a prime spot.  We loved it there so much we stayed 6 nights, complete with resident wombats coming out every night – The buggers would get under the camper and scratch their backs on the axle and door step and shake the whole show…. 

We used Bendeela as a base camp and spent our days ticky touring around to all the cute little towns and markets in the local area.  And each day Mark was so excited because it did not matter which direction or road we took we had to travel over a narrow, winding range.  I think one of the best drives (without camper on tow) was the Macquarie Pass.  Boys just thought all the 15km hairpin turns were great and the “Brown Fudge Fridge” we found at a drive way in the middle of the range selling homemade fudge you just die for.  It literally was a self-service fridge parked at the end of a driveway in the rainforest.  What a brilliant idea!!!

The weather did not hold out for us on 2 days rainwise, however, it did not ruin our stay.  on one of the wet days, we decided to take the 2 and a half our train trip from Kiama to Sydney – along the coast - and go ‘shopping’ in the big smoke.  First time the boys have ever been into Sydney city centre and what a great time to go just before Christmas – with all the Xmas decs out and window displays.  We didn’t really shop – we just went for the train ride.

As usual, we were chatting away to other campers, and were quizzing one bloke about some canoes he just bought. Turns out he was put onto them by someone else camping, so we ended up making a trip in to Unanderra to get a canoe at a great price  Well, the boys could both go in it and manage it really well, so we debated about getting another so that I could go out with them…Another trip later, and we now have 2 canoes and with a bit of shuffling around, carry one on the camper and one on the ute.

(photos coming....)

Friday 2nd Dec – Wednesday 7th Dec – “Where our Tax Money Goes…”

What other city should we visit next then the capital city of Australia – a city we have never been to.  Even though it is the capital the population there is only about 300 000 and our choice of van parks was not wide.  We went to the only van park in the city “Canberra Motor Village” which was costly for what it was, however it was central.  And we knew our days here would just be jam packed as there is so much to see and do.  So the list for the next few days was

Ø      Questacon

Ø      Cockington Green Gardens

Ø      Australia Institute of Sport

Ø      Australian War Memorial

Ø      Parliament House

Ø      High Court

Ø      Australian Royal Mint

Ø      National Museum of Australia

Ø      Government House

Ø      Canberra Centre shopping mall

Ø      Old Bus Depot Markets

So we had just over 4 days to fit all this in and all the museums and buildings close at 5pm.  With some careful planning we were able to do it.  Sylvia, Mark’s Mum, joined us on Saturday – her first visit to Canberra as well.  So now our Jayco was sleeping 5.  Cosy and warm was good because the nights got down to a minimum of 4 degrees.

So all about Canberra.  We can now see where our tax payer’s dollars have gone to.  This city is immaculate, with no money spared in all the national buildings along with the most immaculate gardens.  The boys just loved Questacon – in one day they learnt they probably learnt as much as they would in about 7 years of science and so did Mark and I.  It was brilliant!!!  So great we went back a second day – helped Mark and I to retain what we had learnt through revision. 

The Old Bus Depot Markets was a great place to indulge.  You walk in and before you know someone is putting a tasting sample of whatever they are selling in your hands- olives (more olives), homemade dips, fudges, salad dressings, sauces, more fudge, - you name it, it was there.  Luckily we only have a camper with limited space otherwise I would have spent a fortune.

Then we went and tried out our sporting talents at the Australia Institute of Sport.  I think we will stick to our day jobs – oh that’s right – we don’t have one at the moment.  It was interesting to see the facilities for our sporting stars.  I think the boys were just so amazed, totally different to their local soccer club or running track at school.

Museums are museums.  You have go to be there to read all about it to get the drift.  And we didn’t find any money at the Australian Royal Mint.  The boys thought it was not quite right where you had to pay $3 to make your own $1 coin.  How does that work???????

So that was our whirlwind trip of Canberra!

(photos coming....)

Monday 28th Nov – Friday 2nd Dec - "A Little Gem"

(Karens blog)

After exploring Echuca we headed to somewhere????  We looked at the map and thought perhaps a place near Wodonga could be good (weather wise anyway….) So we drove on.  I did a bit of research in all the brochures I had at my feet in the car still had no clue where to camp.  I was not feeling the best so when we drove into a little town called Rutherglen, about 200kms east of Echuca, I just wanted to stop.  We found the caravan park sign, followed it and came to “A Little Gem” – a cute little van park called “The Rutherglen Caravan & Tourist Park” right on a little lake in a quaint little town and we got a  lake front spot in the park.  Perfect!

Tuesday 29^th Nov – time to clean, sort and wash and enjoy some quiet time and what better place to do this then right on a lake.  The boys were kept busy in the playground right next to the van park so all our tasks were done quickly. 

Wednesday 30^th Nov – time to have a look around so we spent half the day exploring the town of Beechworth and its surrounds.  Beechworth has a famous bakery called “the Beechworth Bakery” so of course we had to try some of its specialities (right up Mark’s alley).  Then I had a chance to look in some of the speciality shops and best of all, we found “the Beechworth Lolly Shop”, a British looking shop that totally confused the boys as there was so much to choose from.  And it had the most beautiful Christmas window display.   So at the end of the day there was a shop for everyone.

Once again our timing was just right.  We got back to our camper to find out that there was “The Christmas Markets and Shopping night” happening in the town tonight so off we trotted to see what bargains we could find.  The shops – a whole of about 8 – had discounts on but more importantly some of the local producers were showcasing their best and we picked up the most sweetest cherries for just $8.00 a kg so we were in cherry heaven.

Thursday 1^st Dec – we decided to stay another day because we just loved it at Rutherglen.  Today, we ventured to another part of the country side where we stumbled upon some wineries – as this area apparently has some of the best so we found out, sampled some fine wines &  local cheeses at All Saints Winery, Cofields & Indigo Cheese Co, chocolates at Corowa Whisky & Chocolate Factory.  And then, much to the boys’ delight, we visited Gooramadda Olives farm which is usually closed on Thursday however the owners invited us in anyway.  Well, lucky our “Red Roo” (Mark’s ute) stands out because before we knew it the little shop was filled with other people so it was a great day for sales for the olive farm owners.  The boys just loved it –now they know that olives grow on trees and there are more varities than just stuffed green and kalmata black ones.  We sampled tapenades, dukas and real cold pressed olive oil made right on the farm.  So now our camper is slowing filling up with lots of little deli treats to enjoy when we get home.

Friday 2^nd Dec- We had to move on from our little slice of heaven and step up the pace a bit, so it was off to Canberra…..

(photos coming..)

Friday 25th Nov – Monday 28th Nov – “The Gold Rush”

Friday 25^th Nov – time to look for gold so off to Ballarat we went all ready to seek our fortune and to freeze our ass’s off.  First though we had to take a detour into Geelong where the boys caught a glimpse of “Skilled Stadium” (the boys favourite Oz rules team home ground so we found out).  Now the big job of finding a reasonably priced van park in Ballarat.  After making lots of calls we settled for “Shady Acres” park which allowed pets but was not so kid friendly so we found out. The first words that came out of the managers mouth was “we don’t have any facilities for kids” and even the games room had a big sign on it “NOT FOR THOSE UNDER 10”.  He also advised that ‘we cater for dogs, not for kids’.  WTF?!  “yeah, whatever buddy” Anyway we ignored all the warnings, ensured the kids didn’t crap on the grass and set up!

Saturday 26^th Nov – our day in Sovereign Hill.  This we absolutely loved.  It was cold and wet the whole day which we felt was to our advantage as it kept the crowds away – and this it did.  The boys had their ponchos, we had our brollies and so it was a great day.  Mark and the boys went on the underground mine tour (another one), we all had a go at “olden-day” bowling (Scott called it), did a little panning, watched gold being poured and the rest of the day was spent exploring the village.  It was a great place and definitely worth the money.

Sunday 27^th Nov – typical Victorian weather.  The day started out wet then by lunch time our camper was all dried out and we were able to pack up.  Before heading off we had to check out the lake and gardens and go for a ride on the tram that only runs on weekends so to our luck, we just happen to be in Ballarat on Sunday.  The boys checked out the tramway museum as well.

We left Ballarat mid afternoon and headed north to Echuca, about 3 hrs away (as this was where the weather was going to be good according once again to Mark).  Our original plan was to go south-east, down to Lakes Entrance and along the coast but unfortunately the weather was not permitting this so plan B – head to Echuca and see what happens.  So we ended up bush camped on the Murray river about 5kms from Echuca.

Monday 28^th Nov – we spent the morning exploring Echuca.  The boys were cranky with us at first because they thought there would be nothing to do in Echuca but…..once they saw the paddle steamers – it all turned to fun.  Of course we had go have a ride on one so we chose “PS Pevensey” which happened to be the famous paddle steamer used in the mini-series “All the Rivers Run” and it was kept just like that so we sat on wool bales during our ride.  Scott of course was so fascinated that he spent his whole time going around the steamer trying to work out how it worked.  The wharf was good to see with the buildings kept just as they were back in steamer days.

So after Echuca…where to next? I guess Mark should just check out the weather first….

Sovereign hill township - a working 19th century gold rush town in Ballarat

Metal foundary

Making a real 24ct gold bar - $170k worth...

in school - 1854

Olden day bowling

watch out for the Shetland ponies draggin carts around

Boys didn't quite find enough gold to feed us that night!

Riding on a 100yr old Tram at Ballarat

A few hours later, bush camped on the Murray

Next morning on the Murray

 On the P.S Pevensey at the Murray River, Echuca

Monday 21st Nov – Friday 25th Nov – “Great Ocean Rd, Great Otway Park”

Well, after enjoying the serenity of Mortlake, the weather is right to go ….just right according to Mark – good wind level – no more gale warnings on the coast, no rain showers and an ok temperature, all was good to begin the “

Great Ocean Road

”.  This I had been looking forward to since starting the trip so I really hoped I was not going to be disappointed.  But first we had to do some kid stuff so we called into to Warrnambool to get some supplies and let the boys run loose at Lake Pertrobe playground and to also buy a portable fan heater for the camper.  Can you believe..no-one sells them this time of the year (dah!  It is still getting down to 4 degrees at night but the calender says it is almost summer so we don’t need to stock them any longer!!!!)  I guess we will just have to freeze!

It was after 3pm before we started along the famous coastal drive and conditions were perfect (according to Mark again – who is forever on his phone checking out the BOM site).  So today we did all those touristy things – saw the 12 “obstacles” (is what Trent called them), London Bridge, the Arch, Bay of Islands and the Grotto.  These were amazing although we had to battle with the tourist bus loads of Japanese to get some good photos. (Mark enjoys “bumping” into them on occasion…..)

I think, however, the boys were more amazed at the surf and were entertained by waiting to watch the big swell and the waves to follow.

Anyway after half a day (remember daylight saving so the sun does not go down until after 8pm) of driving and being a real tourist we had to set up camp…so once again the big decision.  We ended up settling in at the Aire West camp ground in the Otway NP – camping on a river bank with the sound of the ocean not far away.  It was quite a peaceful place until the mozzies came out.  So our plan to stay a few nights had changed by the end of the night.

Tuesday 22^nd Nov – weather was not looking the best so we were undecided what to do and if you know Victorian weather – it can change in just minutes.  Today we headed into Apollo Bay to visit the Info centre and get more brochures.  One thing we have found is there is a wealth of info for us tourists everywhere we go!  We then visited Cape Otway Light Station (lighthouse) and the multitude of wild Koalas in the trees on the way! By the time we finished checking out the Cape, the sun was out and we were able to pack up our camper and find a better spot to camp up for the night.  This time we headed into the highlands and set up camp at the Dandos in Otway NP, via some narrow winding dirt tracks, in fact, we wondered if we were on a road at some stages, much to Marks delight…There was a more conventional road to get there, but Mark had a route already picked out, and I suspect he sort of knew the type of route, but kept it to himself.

The highlands off the great ocean road were absolutely beautiful.

Wednesday 23^rd Nov – today was a day for “tiky-touring” and we decided to follow the food and wine lovers tourist route.  This took us to Colac, a great volcanic town, then Biregurra, Deans Marsh  and Forrest.  The berry farm at Deans Marsh was closed, Forrest was for sale (or the pub, café and lots else was) and Biregurra had a small speciality shop with fine foods that were definitely tourist prices.  All Mark and I wanted was a decent cup of coffee but we had no luck.  Anyway, the day was not wasted as the scenery was great.

Thursday 24^th Nov – we continued along the road to head to Anglesea for our next stop.  This part of the drive reminded us of going to Port Douglas although a lot longer.  So all of you up in NQ – appreciate what a scenic drive our local trip to Port is.  Again, every time we wanted to stop to try and take a great photo we were beaten by a tourist bus.  We arrived at Anglesea just on lunch, pulled up at the van park on the foreshore to charge up, wash & fill water tank. We then enjoyed the sun, sea sound and the little shops near by.  Of course the boys spent their time on the jumping pillow and in the games room playing table tennis !



The first stop on our ocean road trip - the ocean is slowly claiming the land

'London Bridge' - until recently, was connected to the mainland...

 Us at the 12 Apostles - maybe mum & dad will open their eyes next time....

 shoved past a jap tourist to get this shot of the 12 'obstacles' !

Driving along the eastern side of the great ocean road


 One of the many Koalas on the way out to Cape Otway lighthouse

 Mark & the boys up in the lighthouse

Our top looking rig, leaving the 'Aire west' camp area  - Cape Otway N.P.

 Our next camp in the hills in Cape Otway N.P (about an hour from Aire west)

 The boys cooking the 'buffet' dinner that night

They arranged the buffet, so they go through first...!