Port Macquarie anf Hasting River

Leaving Port Stephens we continued our trek South along the East coast to Port Macquarie.The coastal drive from Port Stephens to Port Macquarie in 2009 would have been a scenic journey through some of Australia’s most picturesque landscapes, offering stunning coastal views, lush forests, and tranquil beaches.

As we passed  through small coastal towns like Forster and Taree, the vibe was laid-back, with surf shops, small cafés, and fish-and-chip places lining the streets. The towns feel sleepy in the afternoons, with locals strolling the beaches or sitting outside under shady verandas.

We arrived in Port Macquarie and sought out some accommodation.

In the late afternoon we wandered down to the harbour and booked an evening cruise out on the Hastings river, the wildlife we saw included sea eagles, pelicans and dolphins.

As the boat began its journey upriver, Port Macquarie’s town center slowly faded into the distance. The waterfront gave way to more tranquil settings, with sprawling riverbanks lined by mangroves and patches of eucalyptus trees that stretched towards the sky. Pelicans and seagulls swooped low, gliding effortlessly over the water.

Further upriver, the landscape grew more untamed. Rolling hills appeared in the background, their grassy slopes dotted with cattle or horses grazing leisurely. The riverbanks became wilder, with denser clusters of mangroves and native bushland, home to a variety of bird species.

The following morning we were  up early and heade over to the Tacking point lighthouse with its spectacular views overlooking the town and the mouth of Hastings River.

We then headed to the North Brother Lookout in Dooragan National Park with its Majestic views over the surrounding coastline.

Memories of Port Macquarie

On the road.Leaving Sydney for Port Stephens via Cardiff

In Sydney we packed up our bags and picked up our hire car and it was time to hit the road.

Leaving Sydney we headed South and we made the 2 hour drive to Port Stephens passing through the small town of Cardiff.

The small town of Cardiff was not on our plan, but we had to make a stop after a place named after our hometown in te UK.

 

Arriving in Port Stephens we booked a half day cruise out on Nelson Bay and we saw a number of dolphins.

The  boat trip around Nelson Bay, departing from Port Stephens  was an unforgettable journey across the crystal-clear waters of the New South Wales coastline. As you board the boat at the marina in Port Stephens, the salty breeze greets you, carrying the fresh scent of the sea .

As we headed deeper into Nelson Bay, the landscape opens up to reveal sweeping views of the coastline. Rugged headlands and sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, with small islands dotting the horizon. 

In the evening  visited the local golf club for a quick drink on the impressive club house balcony and as dusk fell a a troop of Kangeroos gathered around the 18th green to graze.

Arrving in Sydney - Australia

Leaving Hong Kong we arrived in Sydney, Austrlia to be met by 35 degree heat. The arrival hall at the airport was very busy, but a immigration officer called us out of the line, asked us a few questions and stamped our passports meaning we were through in quick time.

We jumped on a local train that took us into the heart of the City and dropped off our bags at the apartment we were staying in.

Our first stop was the bustling Darling harbour with its many visitor attractions.

As you arrived, the first thing that  struck us was the expansive waterfront, its shimmering waters reflecting the Sydney skyline, dotted with modern buildings and lush green spaces. The atmosphere was both lively and laid-back, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a full day of exploration.

The broad promenade along the water was filled with people—tourists snapping photos, families enjoying the day out, and locals unwinding after work. The buzz of activity was palpable, but it never felt rushed. The sounds of the harbour were a soothing backdrop: the soft hum of ferry engines as they pulled into the docks, the occasional seagull calling out, and the distant chatter of people enjoying the restaurants and cafés that lined the waterfront.

We took a ferry over to Watsons Bay passing the famous opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. The ferry from Darling Harbour to Watson's Bay was an iconic Sydney experience, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse of the city's blend of urban life and natural beauty. As we made your way to the wharf at Darling Harbour, the air felt alive with activity, tourists and locals alike bustling along the waterfront

 From Watsons bay we took the short bus ride to the famous Bondi beach. The bus stop at Watson's Bay is close to Robertson Park, with its expansive green lawns and views of the water. If you arrive early, you may see a ferry pulling into the small wharf.

As the bus winds through the narrow roads of Vaucluse, you pass grand, stately homes tucked away behind hedges, each offering a peek of luxury living. The bus stop is just a short walk from the iconic crescent-shaped beach, and when you disembark, you’d immediately feel the vibrant atmosphere that Bondi is known for. Surfers with boards tucked under their arms stroll barefoot across the street, while tourists and locals lounge in the nearby grassy areas, soaking up the sun.

The sprawling sands of Bondi stretch out before you, framed by towering cliffs on either side, with the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching beyond.

A visit to the Sydney fish market is a must for lovers of seafood, with a vast selection of fresh fish and cafe's selling ready prepared dishes of the daily catch.

Its a sensory-rich experience, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the world’s most bustling seafood hubs.

The market was a feast for the eyes. Piles of oysters, with their rough, jagged shells, lay next to trays of squid, octopus, and crabs, their legs and claws artfully arranged to entice buyers. Each stall was manned by vendors calling out prices or chatting with customers in their thick Aussie accents, offering tips on how best to cook their fresh catches. The air was filled with the low hum of conversation, the sound of ice being scooped, and the occasional splash of water as fishmongers rinsed down their counters

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Memories of Sydney

A trip to Hong Kong 2009

Leaving Cyrpus from Larnaca airport we flew to Bahrain airport and then onto Hong Kong. We have found Hong Kong to be an amazing City, with incredible views from Kowloon across the bay to Hong Kong Island.

As you strolled along Victoria Harbour, the skyline on both sides was breathtaking. On Hong Kong Island, the towering skyscrapers like the International Finance Centre (IFC) soared into the sky, reflecting the city's economic might. These gleaming glass towers contrasted sharply with the older colonial buildings scattered throughout, showcasing Hong Kong's historical legacy. Across the water, the Kowloon side presented a dense, sprawling expanse of residential and commercial buildings, punctuated by landmarks like the Peninsula Hotel.

We walked down to the harbour and joined the tour that sails around the harbour which gives great views of the Laser light show from the skyscapers either side.

A must for any visitor is a trip upto "The Peak" by means of a very steep cable car, the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

Visiting The Peak in Hong Kong via the funicular in 2009 was an unforgettable experience, combining a thrilling ride with panoramic views of the vibrant cityscape and the serene harbor below. The journey began at the base station of the Peak Tram, located near the bustling Central district, close to the harbor’s edge. The Peak Tram, one of the oldest funicular railways in Asia, has been operational since the late 19th century, but its smooth, mechanical charm in 2009 still carried the nostalgia of its storied past.

In the evening we caught the Metro system up to the market areas and strolled around looking at the colourful sights and boisterous noise of this unique area.

 The vendors, set up under their tarps and makeshift stalls, call out in Cantonese, trying to lure in customers with bargains on everything from clothes, watches, and accessories to quirky souvenirs and electronics

Memories of Hong Kong