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)
