Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Yikes! It's now December, we've been on the road for 346 days and covered 44,695kms .... that's definitely a lot more k's than we anticipated. But every detour and every wrong turn has been absolutely worth it. We are sort of edging into familiar territory now on the South Coast of NSW, but this just gives an excuse to explore even harder!

We hope you enjoy the tales of our last month....

The Central Coast

For the third or fourth time this year, we had a friend come and visit us just to make sure we were still sane and not ready to kill one another. My best mate Sammy met us just south of Newcastle and we spent the good part of four days surfing, hiking and talking rubbish. As I think we've said a few times, making new friends this year has been amazing, whilst catching up with old friends offers something special in itself. I don't think there was a silent moment between the three of us as we had plenty to catch up on! Places we visited included Merewether, Frazer Beach, Norah Head, Terrigal & Avoca ..... all offering something unique and charismatic to this great region between Newcastle and Sydney.

In addition to this, our friend Nat now lives on the Central Coast so we parked up at their place for a few days trying our hand at wakeboarding and wakesurfing, whilst also undertaking something more familiar and that is having a few drinks!! Like everyone this year, (and particularly in this chapter!) the generosity shown by her partner and family was overwhelming and we are incredibly thankful for the few days we spent at their place.

Frazer Beach

Wakesurfing

Sunset Session in the Grandstand

The Hunter Valley

What's the point of going to one of Australia's best red wine regions without Australia's best red wine drinking cousin!? Yes that's right another visitor from back home and this time it was my cousin Ash who took it upon himself to responsibly show us around the Hunter ... yeah right, I hear you say! 

We had an unreal weekend sampling the best the area has to offer, primarily in the form of shiraz grapes, but also plenty of cheese and cured meats. The best wine was probably the Silkman 2015 Reserve Shiraz which not surprisingly had just won a stack of awards at the Hunter Valley Wine Show; and there was also a delicious 10yr aged Tawny Port from The Little Wine Company that tickled our fancy.

And I'm sure you can imagine that there seemed like so much to catch up on, so much so that Ash's great friend Justine must think we are slightly crazy; I swear we don't normally talk that much Justine! Nevertheless the amazing weekend went far too quickly as has the entirety of this year.....

Tyrell's Winery

The Blue Mountains

The most frequent question that we get asked is "where is your favourite place?". It is a perfectly good question, but it is also incredibly challenging to answer. We both have favourite regions and places we'd like to visit again on holidays, but everywhere is so different. Our answer generally is The Kimberley but I think we can both honestly say that The Blue Mountains is now right up there.

This place honestly blew us away. The landscapes were mind blowing and the area is generally very accessible; yep only about 1hours drive from Sydney. We did some stunning walks including The Grand Canyon and Hanging Rock whereby everything seems to be put before you on a grand scale. The cliffs are huge and the backdrops look printed on a green screen. Similarly, due to my sisters love of native plants, we were able to have a great appreciation for what I would say is the greatest amount of windflowers I have ever seen .... I'll put some photos below.

Finally, we had put some pennies aside all year to have a day canyoning with a guide as we had heard great things. Fortunately we weren't disappointed as we had one of the best days of the trip jumping off waterfalls, swimming through caves and abseiling down wet slippery cliff faces. Sounds like madness, but we were honestly having too much fun to think about how crazy it seemed!

Canyoning

Safety First!!

Walls Lookout

Pierces Pass

Hanging Rock

A nightly occurrence in the Blue Mountains

Sydney

Completing the theme of catchups with family and friends, Maddy's cousin Ben and his wonderful family so very kindly offered us their house as a base to explore Sydney. We had a couple of nights at their place watching Toy Story, playing Star Wars lego, assisting in the kitchen and all sorts of other crazy activities that the minds of children aged 3, 6 and 8 can only offer! 

Clancy also parked himself up for a couple of days as we made the most of Sydney's great public transport system and explored the city by ferry, bus, train and by foot! We ticked off all the major sites - Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Bondi, Martin Place, The Rocks, Manly and thought we had done a pretty good job. At first we enjoyed being in a city again, but this quickly wore off as we soon started longing for some isolation!

Funnily enough, we also caught up with some friends in Bronte and crashed at their place after being cooked one of the best BBQ meals all year! Thanks Kiah and Jethro you legends....

Bondi Beach

The House Of Opera

Big Bridge!

Royal National Park

Just south of Sydney is a wonderful paradise of secluded beaches and great bushwalking (except the ticks, yep first one all year!!). We walked from Garie Beach to Figure 8 Pools via Era Beach and were honestly so shocked something as beautiful and tranquil could be so close to Australia's largest city.

Just south in Scarborough we also visited what we considered one of, if not Australia's best beer gardens! It was this massive old pub built up on a huge cliff with striking ocean views - a must visit if you are ever passing through. And just round the corner was one of the coolest stretches of road we have driven on all year called the Sea Cliff Bridge. We are told that a heap of car commercials are filmed there and we did find ourselves with some degree of familiarity driving along it.

Looking towards North & South Era Beaches

Figure 8 Pool - An Instagram Phenomenon 

Yellow Tail Black Cockatoo

Not a soul insight

Sea Cliff Bridge

...

So the rains appear to have set in and yesterday we fast tracked a few things to find ourselves in Ulladulla. This was a plan all year to spend a week here with Maddy's Aunty as it is a special place for Mads having spent many childhood holidays here. It's a shame about the rain but as we keep saying all year; you get what you get, you don't get upset!

Next weekend we have a music festival just down the road in Berry and then after that we will work our way south to spend Christmas with my family in Pambula Beach. Not long to go now, so let's keep making the most of it!

Lots of love as always,

Maddy and Luke

(Chapter 11 written by Luke)

Chapter 10

This last month has gone so quickly that I can hardly remember anything we've done! I literally had to get out the diary and even then I was like "what was that place??". God help me when I have to go back to work...

Anyway, even though all the beaches and towns are starting to blend into one there were some definite highlights from Brisbane to Newcastle. And not just Byron Bay! Here they are...

The Tweed Coast

We decided to skip the Gold Coast as we've both experienced enough of Surfer's Paradise to last us a lifetime and instead headed straight for the border. Seeing that NSW sign was so surreal and there were a few mixed emotions going on inside Clancy. First we were a bit sad as that sign was a huge reminder of how close we were to home and the realisation that our trip was nearly over really sunk in. Then we arrived in Kingscliff and boy did our mood turn around! Such a cute little town, with trendy cafes and bars, right on a gorgeous beach with the sun shining. We stopped for a swim and some lunch and had one of those moments where we had to pinch ourselves. We still have another three months of this!

We decided to stay in Pottsville for a few days as the caravan park was right on the river mouth to the beach, where we could swim, surf, SUP and fish;  all of our favourite activities! We even caught up with our friends Vicki and Jamie again (they are definitely following us) and spent the best day in Brunswick Heads, the next little town south, swimming and watching the whales put on a show. This place really stole our hearts and we even looked up average house prices; just your lazy 1.2 million. So it's on the list of 'places to come back to for holidays'.

-> red beard and still happy

Byron Bay

We had organised to catch up with our friends here, Harvey and Leah, and explore the surrounding area with them in a campervan. The forecast however had different plans. With the prediction of 100ml of rain per day for the entire week, we decided to rent a house and do day trips in Clancy. This was probably the best idea Luke has ever had.

So the rain didn't stop us! We went inland to Killen Falls where we narrowly avoided falling on our asses and being covered in mud, climbed Mt Warning where we perspired enough to drown a cat, and found the best place to stay if we ever came back and didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for a caravan park - Broken Head. It was nice to come home from these activities, have a hot shower and dry off. It was even nicer spending time with friends from home, spinning yarns, playing cards and drinking too much as usual. If you're reading this Harvey and Leah, thanks for an epic time!

-> Killen Falls 

-> Most easterly point with a slight breeze

Yamba/Angourie

Of course as soon as our friends left, the sun started shining and we got to visit these places that have been on our list from the very beginning! Just like all the other towns we've been experiencing on the NSW coast, Yamba and Angourie were very quaint, picturesque places surrounded by crystal clear water that makes you want to jump in (despite having just showered for the first time in a week). The surf break at Angourie was a must visit for Luke and I was keen to check out the "blue pools". Unfortunately the swell was a bit junky and the blue pools were brown due to all the rain, but the sun was still out and we had a great time exploring this area. A little surprise beach we stumbled across here was Carindi; another place we had never heard of but loved more than the well known spots. It's amazing how this keeps happening on our trip and it makes us want to keep exploring.

-> Woody Head campground

-> Angourie rock pools

Coffs Harbour

Two words - Big Banana! We went back twice for the 'Ultimate Banana Smoothie'. Get onto it people.

-> self explanatory 

Dorrigo National Park

We literally only went here because there was a free camp 10km away. But we're so glad we did! The 6.5km waterfall walk took us through luscious green rainforest and two pretty spectacular waterfalls (and we've seen some waterfalls) that you just would not expect in this area. Another thing I didn't expect was for Luke to catch his first Bass; the most delicious fish I have eaten, and he didn't even pay me to write that. We could've spent a few more days in this beautiful NP but the coast was calling us back... And for good reason.

-> Dorrigo Rainforest lookout

-> some sort of fat lizard

-> Tristania Falls

-> Crystal Shower Falls

South West Rocks

This is a big call, but we think this is our favourite spot on the whole east coast (so far). We booked into the Trial Bay Gaol, at the southern end of the bay, for one night and ended up staying three! The Gaol was such a cool spot to camp; green grass sites, on the shoreline of Trial Bay, with the remains of the Gaol towering on the hill. The bay itself was super protected with glassy blue water and whales coming through every hour. It was pure magic.

-> Trial Bay

-> Little Bay, just a short walk from the Gaol

-> Trial Bay

-> View of Trial Bay Gaol

Next on the list were a few spots recommended by locals...

Hat Head/Crescent Head/Point Plomer/Diamond Head/Seal Rocks

All of these are in National Parks located on pristine beaches with some pretty epic surf breaks. We were lucky enough to visit a couple of these places with our friend Wabbis and her boyfriend Trent who just happened to be camping around the area when we were too!  We were really surprised that these places existed on the east coast. We were preparing ourselves for packed beaches and expensive caravan parks all the way home but we have been pleasantly mistaken. Some of these beaches have been so deserted that even I have braved a few days tackling the surf.

Seal Rocks was the last place on the list before we hit Newcastle and it is a definite must visit for anyone who surfs, swims, or breathes. An absolutely stunning little spot with nothing around except a few cars and a lighthouse. The fact that this area hasn't been built up is a true miracle. 

-> Crescent Head bowlo 

-> Point Plomer's resident baby dingo

-> Wallabi Point

-> Queens Head, just around the corner from Point Plomer

-> Elizabeth Beach near Seal Rocks

We have now arrived in Newcastle and booked ourselves into a hotel for the night! We're due for five days of rain, but as we've recently learnt, the experiences you have are all based on the way you look at things. We could be upset that the sun isn't out, and we could be upset that the end date of our trip is looming ever closer, however, we still have a couple of months to enjoy this beautiful state and the rain just means more Harry Potter marathons!

Cheers friends! Until next time

Maddy and Luke

(Written by Maddy)

Chapter 10

This last month has gone so quickly that I can hardly remember anything we've done! I literally had to get out the diary and even then I was like "what was that place??". God help me when I have to go back to work...

Anyway, even though all the beaches and towns are starting to blend into one there were some definite highlights from Brisbane to Newcastle. And not just Byron Bay! Here they are...

The Tweed Coast

We decided to skip the Gold Coast as we've both experienced enough of Surfer's Paradise to last us a lifetime and instead headed straight for the border. Seeing that NSW sign was so surreal and there were a few mixed emotions going on inside Clancy. First we were a bit sad as that sign was a huge reminder of how close we were to home and the realisation that our trip was nearly over really sunk in. Then we arrived in Kingscliff and boy did our mood turn around! Such a cute little town, with trendy cafes and bars, right on a gorgeous beach with the sun shining. We stopped for a swim and some lunch and had one of those moments where we had to pinch ourselves. We still have another three months of this!

We decided to stay in Pottsville for a few days as the caravan park was right on the river mouth to the beach, where we could swim, surf, SUP and fish;  all of our favourite activities! We even caught up with our friends Vicki and Jamie again (they are definitely following us) and spent the best day in Brunswick Heads, the next little town south, swimming and watching the whales put on a show. This place really stole our hearts and we even looked up average house prices; just your lazy 1.2 million. So it's on the list of 'places to come back to for holidays'.

-> red beard and still happy

Byron Bay

We had organised to catch up with our friends here, Harvey and Leah, and explore the surrounding area with them in a campervan. The forecast however had different plans. With the prediction of 100ml of rain per day for the entire week, we decided to rent a house and do day trips in Clancy. This was probably the best idea Luke has ever had.

So the rain didn't stop us! We went inland to Killen Falls where we narrowly avoided falling on our asses and being covered in mud, climbed Mt Warning where we perspired enough to drown a cat, and found the best place to stay if we ever came back and didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for a caravan park - Broken Head. It was nice to come home from these activities, have a hot shower and dry off. It was even nicer spending time with friends from home, spinning yarns, playing cards and drinking too much as usual. If you're reading this Harvey and Leah, thanks for an epic time!

-> Killen Falls 

-> Most easterly point with a slight breeze

Yamba/Angourie

Of course as soon as our friends left, the sun started shining and we got to visit these places that have been on our list from the very beginning! Just like all the other towns we've been experiencing on the NSW coast, Yamba and Angourie were very quaint, picturesque places surrounded by crystal clear water that makes you want to jump in (despite having just showered for the first time in a week). The surf break at Angourie was a must visit for Luke and I was keen to check out the "blue pools". Unfortunately the swell was a bit junky and the blue pools were brown due to all the rain, but the sun was still out and we had a great time exploring this area. A little surprise beach we stumbled across here was Carindi; another place we had never heard of but loved more than the well known spots. It's amazing how this keeps happening on our trip and it makes us want to keep exploring.

-> Woody Head campground

-> Angourie rock pools

Coffs Harbour

Two words - Big Banana! We went back twice for the 'Ultimate Banana Smoothie'. Get onto it people.

-> self explanatory 

Dorrigo National Park

We literally only went here because there was a free camp 10km away. But we're so glad we did! The 6.5km waterfall walk took us through luscious green rainforest and two pretty spectacular waterfalls (and we've seen some waterfalls) that you just would not expect in this area. Another thing I didn't expect was for Luke to catch his first Bass; the most delicious fish I have eaten, and he didn't even pay me to write that. We could've spent a few more days in this beautiful NP but the coast was calling us back... And for good reason.

-> Dorrigo Rainforest lookout

-> some sort of fat lizard

-> Tristania Falls

-> Crystal Shower Falls

South West Rocks

This is a big call, but we think this is our favourite spot on the whole east coast (so far). We booked into the Trial Bay Gaol, at the southern end of the bay, for one night and ended up staying three! The Gaol was such a cool spot to camp; green grass sites, on the shoreline of Trial Bay, with the remains of the Gaol towering on the hill. The bay itself was super protected with glassy blue water and whales coming through every hour. It was pure magic.

-> Trial Bay

-> Little Bay, just a short walk from the Gaol

-> Trial Bay

-> View of Trial Bay Gaol

Next on the list were a few spots recommended by locals...

Hat Head/Crescent Head/Point Plomer/Diamond Head/Seal Rocks

All of these are in National Parks located on pristine beaches with some pretty epic surf breaks. We were lucky enough to visit a couple of these places with our friend Wabbis and her boyfriend Trent who just happened to be camping around the area when we were too!  We were really surprised that these places existed on the east coast. We were preparing ourselves for packed beaches and expensive caravan parks all the way home but we have been pleasantly mistaken. Some of these beaches have been so deserted that even I have braved a few days tackling the surf.

Seal Rocks was the last place on the list before we hit Newcastle and it is a definite must visit for anyone who surfs, swims, or breathes. An absolutely stunning little spot with nothing around except a few cars and a lighthouse. The fact that this area hasn't been built up is a true miracle. 

-> Crescent Head bowlo 

-> Point Plomer's resident baby dingo

-> Wallabi Point

-> Queens Head, just around the corner from Point Plomer

-> Elizabeth Beach near Seal Rocks

We have now arrived in Newcastle and booked ourselves into a hotel for the night! We're due for five days of rain, but as we've recently learnt, the experiences you have are all based on the way you look at things. We could be upset that the sun isn't out, and we could be upset that the end date of our trip is looming ever closer, however, we still have a couple of months to enjoy this beautiful state and the rain just means more Harry Potter marathons!

Cheers friends! Until next time

Maddy and Luke

(Written by Maddy)