Sydney bound and the weather is a little miserable as we climb the ranges of the blue mountains ( they would be Blue if it wasn't so foggy and wet )
We pulled into the Hydro Magestic hotel in Katoomba for morning tea, The place has changed a lot since Sue & I were there last when it looked a little run down. Now it is very upmarket and beautiful and I am sure the views would be just as Majestic behind the clouds. A nervous run down the mountain in the wet towing the van, at least it was all double lanes so we sat gingerly in the left lane as the masses passed by ( seems to happen a lot )
Rain is still persisting down as we arrive in Lane Cove National Park Sydney earlier than expected. Set up quickly and into Sydney on the train we went , Over the Harbour Bridge past the opera house and a big wet walk through Sydney for the afternoon. We stumbled across an opal museum and Ryan was delighted to look at the gemstones,onto the Queen Victoria building for an explore, afternoon tea then back to Lane Cove. We must say that Lane Cove is an amazing camp site in the heart of Sydney, $37 per night for all of us on a powered site. We explored all of Sydney's wonders over 7 days including the Rocks, The Heads,Bondi Beach ( freezing cold water and as rough and dangerous as your see it on the TV show Bondi Rescue !! ) the boys were happy that they go to see the boys from Bondi Rescue, but we were amazed that the life savers in yellow and red did all the work while the boys in Blue ( lifesavers not police) just sat back and had cameras and tourists swarm all over them !! We caught up with some great friends over the week we were there and reminisced over old times and new adventures in the big smoke. With our time done in the city we headed off and went bush to Morton National Park and a place called Gambells rest, peaceful park in the wonderful high bushlands of NSW. Wildlife abundant and bushwalks everywhere, a nice relaxing setting. School work each morning to the shear delight of the kids (NOT) but we are slowly wearing them down that school must happen. We ventured off for a day to Goulburn and found many wonders in Australias first inland city. Amazing old buildings and the towns memorial was very scenic, a bit steep and high, climbing the stairs had Sue and the boys holding the rails a little tightener than normal.
Now onto the ACT for a few days, we found a park after the first one was full of travellers and their dogs, the next was booked out and would have proved to be a reversing challenge for the most experienced, the 3rd and final was all we needed, somewhere to park up and explore Canberra all day then come home sleep and do it all again.
What an amazing and scenic capital city !! so beautiful and easy to get around with so much to see and do. We thought 3 days would do but needed a few more and we still haven't seen to all !! Questicon was maybe a couple of hours we assumed - but a day had gone in one place with it being the kids favourite ( and ours). Then we explored the War memorial, the Mint, Parliament House, The abortorium, and several other places of interest around Canberra. We had a wonderful afternoon with Phillip ( Blakes Brother) & his wife Sue, and then back to the school routine.
Next port of call is Batemans Bay.
We found a scenic National Park Camp at Depot Beach just north of Batemans Bay. As we drove in we felt tiny even with the van in tow compared to the tall trees lining the entrance to the park. A great camp site nestled in the bush which flows straight to the beach. Great place for walking and exploring the beach and massive sandstone cliffs at either end of the beach. Wildlife everywhere with local roos in residence and so many birds. We all saw our first Lyre Bird here as well. Stayed for a few days then we headed off a little further south.
Approx. 60kms we found another superb National Park called Mimosa Rocks ( just north of Tathra, a popular seaside township) We remote camped right on the beach front with nothing but the sound of waves all day. One of the best beaches we have ever visited, we walked up and down it every day and the kids headed down to play each afternoon. The waters are much cooler than QLD but we all braved them and swam a fair bit. Again wildlife everywhere with kangaroos on the beach with us and back at camp. During the sunshine of the day we were constantly shooing very large Goannas out of camp !! A few days of rain and clouds meant we had to up and go early on the last day before the kids started school as we were running out of power ( and generators in such a peaceful place just don't seem right !! )
Into Eden we go - searched up the wikicamps app and chose The Sapphire Sun caravan park on the south side of Eden. Rolled in and asked how much for a powered site for 3 days, and we were told it was $25 a day for all 5 of us !! We had to ask again if we heard it right ! $25 per day ? for all 5 of us ? Yep the lady repeated we are having a special on. Sold and what a beautiful place it is, lush green grass right on the calm waters of Twofold Bay, jumping pillow for the kids, excellent ensuite bathrooms with amazingly great showers. We met another family doing the same as us but in a different direction as they are from Perth. The " Rutlands on the Road" is their Facebook page and it was great to share some stories and favourite places with another family with 3 kids. we shall watch each others trips as we travel around OZ.
We headed into Eden to visit the "Killer Whale Museum" which had some great stories of the whaling industry in Eden and heaps of displays - The kids had hoped there was a real Killer Whale in a big pool to see - but seemed to enjoy everything else. Wander around the fishing wharfs and back to camp.
From Eden we headed to Lakes Entrance for a few days, the Caravan park was packed and full of families, the kids quickly met other kids and had a great time riding around and playing on the Jumping Pillow. We met another family on their way home from their trip and had a great chat talking about places to see and miss. We wandered around the fishing village explored the shops and went on a cruise to Metung Island gently motoring along the clear blue waters from the entrance into the tannin stained upper lakes. Walks along 90 mile beach and more washing to be done. Only a short stay here as we couldn't wait to head to the bottom of Australia
Wilsons Promontory - And what a stunning place it is. To date this would have to be our most favourite destination. We arrived on a Sunday as people were meant to be packing up and leaving but the mid 30 degree temps for the day keep them all in the cool waters. So we managed to find a spot to fit the van into and we then headed off for a short 5km walk to Squeaky Beach. Named due to the sand being high in quartz which squeaked under your feet ( no other beach near by squeaked ) Into the southern most point of Australia's oceans we dived !! absolutely perfect and refreshing. Back to camp to find almost everyone gone and we have the place nearly all to ourselves for the next 3 days.
School the next morning then out to explore again - the weather turned and wasn't playing the game so we explored in the car for a few hours discovering Emus, Echidnas, Kangaroos and more stunning views from every turn we took. Next day we headed Norman Beach with its tidal river gently flowing us out to sea. Another day in paradise swimming and exploring. We were told that the wombats were everywhere and will rub themselves against the van at night. So off on a mission to find one I went, I didn't need to venture far at 9pm to stumble across the first Ive ever seen in the wild. I ran back to get the kids and Sue to come and see it, When we returned to find it we found another one, then another one and so on. So yes they were everywhere. Morning meets us and some neighbours have moved in and began setting up a very large camp kitchen, he wandered over to lets us know that tomorrow 140 year 8 kids will be setting up tens all around us !!!! lucky for them we were heading off the next day :) We ventured over to Whisky Bay beach and had the place all to ourselves, majestic rock formations everywhere and so many places to explore. This place will remain one of the most memorable of many to come.
With the impending invasion of year 8's we were off heading to Phillip Island. We stayed just over the bridge at the big 4 and we were greeted by rabbits, lots of rabbits as well as Purple Swap Hens. Setup headed into town for some supplies and started to plan what to see on the island ( other than the bike track) Next day after schooling and 2 loads of washing we headed out to explore, firstly a quick look at the Bike Track then off to the headland with the tourists to have a look, we saw some penguins sleeping in there man made boxes around the rugged cliffs. And again stunning views looking over Bass Straight. We booked in of the penguin Parade and we upgraded to the small group of only 190 VS the big group of over 2000 !!!!! and right on Que. at around 8:15pm the fairy penguins waded out of the dark seas and paraded on past. They were beautiful to watch and they just kept on coming for the next 2 hours. The kids loved it all but it was late and time to head home !! Luke need his sleep as the next day was his 12th Birthday and we needed to make a cake and prepare. Luke announced he wanted a car cake to which Sue had to remind him we were in a caravan and not everything was that easy -- off to the shops for supplies and ingredients - and if you scroll through the pics you will find the car cake that Luke wanted !! well done Sue - Perfect. For Lukes Birthday I took him go cart racing at the track, wet and we were the only ones there !! Brilliant, we slid all over the track racing each other and spinning out on most corners. I know Luke had a grin from ear to ear - But I reckon mine was bigger !!! Soooooo MUCH FUN !!! we also said to Luke that another present will be going to the F1 in Melbourne !!! YAY ( for me as well ) Steak for dinner for the birthday boy as well as a day off school ( NO NE SHOULD HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL ON THEIR BIRTHDAY )
Next day we ventured out for another 5km walk to Wollamai Beach, another stunning part of the world with the view out over Bass Straight and the Pinnacles were huge, penguin burrows everywhere and horse flys !! We stopped into the Chocolate Factory on the way home for a look and grabbed a few chocolates, at $58 for the tour we decided against it and headed home for our last night on the Island. and that concludes February as we are headed for Melbourne so keep an eye out for our Victorian Adventures under the March heading
We pulled into the Hydro Magestic hotel in Katoomba for morning tea, The place has changed a lot since Sue & I were there last when it looked a little run down. Now it is very upmarket and beautiful and I am sure the views would be just as Majestic behind the clouds. A nervous run down the mountain in the wet towing the van, at least it was all double lanes so we sat gingerly in the left lane as the masses passed by ( seems to happen a lot )
Rain is still persisting down as we arrive in Lane Cove National Park Sydney earlier than expected. Set up quickly and into Sydney on the train we went , Over the Harbour Bridge past the opera house and a big wet walk through Sydney for the afternoon. We stumbled across an opal museum and Ryan was delighted to look at the gemstones,onto the Queen Victoria building for an explore, afternoon tea then back to Lane Cove. We must say that Lane Cove is an amazing camp site in the heart of Sydney, $37 per night for all of us on a powered site. We explored all of Sydney's wonders over 7 days including the Rocks, The Heads,Bondi Beach ( freezing cold water and as rough and dangerous as your see it on the TV show Bondi Rescue !! ) the boys were happy that they go to see the boys from Bondi Rescue, but we were amazed that the life savers in yellow and red did all the work while the boys in Blue ( lifesavers not police) just sat back and had cameras and tourists swarm all over them !! We caught up with some great friends over the week we were there and reminisced over old times and new adventures in the big smoke. With our time done in the city we headed off and went bush to Morton National Park and a place called Gambells rest, peaceful park in the wonderful high bushlands of NSW. Wildlife abundant and bushwalks everywhere, a nice relaxing setting. School work each morning to the shear delight of the kids (NOT) but we are slowly wearing them down that school must happen. We ventured off for a day to Goulburn and found many wonders in Australias first inland city. Amazing old buildings and the towns memorial was very scenic, a bit steep and high, climbing the stairs had Sue and the boys holding the rails a little tightener than normal.
Now onto the ACT for a few days, we found a park after the first one was full of travellers and their dogs, the next was booked out and would have proved to be a reversing challenge for the most experienced, the 3rd and final was all we needed, somewhere to park up and explore Canberra all day then come home sleep and do it all again.
What an amazing and scenic capital city !! so beautiful and easy to get around with so much to see and do. We thought 3 days would do but needed a few more and we still haven't seen to all !! Questicon was maybe a couple of hours we assumed - but a day had gone in one place with it being the kids favourite ( and ours). Then we explored the War memorial, the Mint, Parliament House, The abortorium, and several other places of interest around Canberra. We had a wonderful afternoon with Phillip ( Blakes Brother) & his wife Sue, and then back to the school routine.
Next port of call is Batemans Bay.
We found a scenic National Park Camp at Depot Beach just north of Batemans Bay. As we drove in we felt tiny even with the van in tow compared to the tall trees lining the entrance to the park. A great camp site nestled in the bush which flows straight to the beach. Great place for walking and exploring the beach and massive sandstone cliffs at either end of the beach. Wildlife everywhere with local roos in residence and so many birds. We all saw our first Lyre Bird here as well. Stayed for a few days then we headed off a little further south.
Approx. 60kms we found another superb National Park called Mimosa Rocks ( just north of Tathra, a popular seaside township) We remote camped right on the beach front with nothing but the sound of waves all day. One of the best beaches we have ever visited, we walked up and down it every day and the kids headed down to play each afternoon. The waters are much cooler than QLD but we all braved them and swam a fair bit. Again wildlife everywhere with kangaroos on the beach with us and back at camp. During the sunshine of the day we were constantly shooing very large Goannas out of camp !! A few days of rain and clouds meant we had to up and go early on the last day before the kids started school as we were running out of power ( and generators in such a peaceful place just don't seem right !! )
Into Eden we go - searched up the wikicamps app and chose The Sapphire Sun caravan park on the south side of Eden. Rolled in and asked how much for a powered site for 3 days, and we were told it was $25 a day for all 5 of us !! We had to ask again if we heard it right ! $25 per day ? for all 5 of us ? Yep the lady repeated we are having a special on. Sold and what a beautiful place it is, lush green grass right on the calm waters of Twofold Bay, jumping pillow for the kids, excellent ensuite bathrooms with amazingly great showers. We met another family doing the same as us but in a different direction as they are from Perth. The " Rutlands on the Road" is their Facebook page and it was great to share some stories and favourite places with another family with 3 kids. we shall watch each others trips as we travel around OZ.
We headed into Eden to visit the "Killer Whale Museum" which had some great stories of the whaling industry in Eden and heaps of displays - The kids had hoped there was a real Killer Whale in a big pool to see - but seemed to enjoy everything else. Wander around the fishing wharfs and back to camp.
From Eden we headed to Lakes Entrance for a few days, the Caravan park was packed and full of families, the kids quickly met other kids and had a great time riding around and playing on the Jumping Pillow. We met another family on their way home from their trip and had a great chat talking about places to see and miss. We wandered around the fishing village explored the shops and went on a cruise to Metung Island gently motoring along the clear blue waters from the entrance into the tannin stained upper lakes. Walks along 90 mile beach and more washing to be done. Only a short stay here as we couldn't wait to head to the bottom of Australia
Wilsons Promontory - And what a stunning place it is. To date this would have to be our most favourite destination. We arrived on a Sunday as people were meant to be packing up and leaving but the mid 30 degree temps for the day keep them all in the cool waters. So we managed to find a spot to fit the van into and we then headed off for a short 5km walk to Squeaky Beach. Named due to the sand being high in quartz which squeaked under your feet ( no other beach near by squeaked ) Into the southern most point of Australia's oceans we dived !! absolutely perfect and refreshing. Back to camp to find almost everyone gone and we have the place nearly all to ourselves for the next 3 days.
School the next morning then out to explore again - the weather turned and wasn't playing the game so we explored in the car for a few hours discovering Emus, Echidnas, Kangaroos and more stunning views from every turn we took. Next day we headed Norman Beach with its tidal river gently flowing us out to sea. Another day in paradise swimming and exploring. We were told that the wombats were everywhere and will rub themselves against the van at night. So off on a mission to find one I went, I didn't need to venture far at 9pm to stumble across the first Ive ever seen in the wild. I ran back to get the kids and Sue to come and see it, When we returned to find it we found another one, then another one and so on. So yes they were everywhere. Morning meets us and some neighbours have moved in and began setting up a very large camp kitchen, he wandered over to lets us know that tomorrow 140 year 8 kids will be setting up tens all around us !!!! lucky for them we were heading off the next day :) We ventured over to Whisky Bay beach and had the place all to ourselves, majestic rock formations everywhere and so many places to explore. This place will remain one of the most memorable of many to come.
With the impending invasion of year 8's we were off heading to Phillip Island. We stayed just over the bridge at the big 4 and we were greeted by rabbits, lots of rabbits as well as Purple Swap Hens. Setup headed into town for some supplies and started to plan what to see on the island ( other than the bike track) Next day after schooling and 2 loads of washing we headed out to explore, firstly a quick look at the Bike Track then off to the headland with the tourists to have a look, we saw some penguins sleeping in there man made boxes around the rugged cliffs. And again stunning views looking over Bass Straight. We booked in of the penguin Parade and we upgraded to the small group of only 190 VS the big group of over 2000 !!!!! and right on Que. at around 8:15pm the fairy penguins waded out of the dark seas and paraded on past. They were beautiful to watch and they just kept on coming for the next 2 hours. The kids loved it all but it was late and time to head home !! Luke need his sleep as the next day was his 12th Birthday and we needed to make a cake and prepare. Luke announced he wanted a car cake to which Sue had to remind him we were in a caravan and not everything was that easy -- off to the shops for supplies and ingredients - and if you scroll through the pics you will find the car cake that Luke wanted !! well done Sue - Perfect. For Lukes Birthday I took him go cart racing at the track, wet and we were the only ones there !! Brilliant, we slid all over the track racing each other and spinning out on most corners. I know Luke had a grin from ear to ear - But I reckon mine was bigger !!! Soooooo MUCH FUN !!! we also said to Luke that another present will be going to the F1 in Melbourne !!! YAY ( for me as well ) Steak for dinner for the birthday boy as well as a day off school ( NO NE SHOULD HAVE TO GO TO SCHOOL ON THEIR BIRTHDAY )
Next day we ventured out for another 5km walk to Wollamai Beach, another stunning part of the world with the view out over Bass Straight and the Pinnacles were huge, penguin burrows everywhere and horse flys !! We stopped into the Chocolate Factory on the way home for a look and grabbed a few chocolates, at $58 for the tour we decided against it and headed home for our last night on the Island. and that concludes February as we are headed for Melbourne so keep an eye out for our Victorian Adventures under the March heading