Tweed Valley

We drove into the Tweed Valley and were amazed to see how suddenly the landscape changed from Urban to farmland to sub tropical rainforest.

The Tweed Valley, located in the far northern part of New South Wales, Australia, is an incredibly scenic and diverse region. Known for its lush rainforests, rolling hills, picturesque towns

We drove up to Mt Warning and took the Lyrebird Track crossing Breakfast Creek before winding some 200 meters through palm forest to a platform set amongst the lush subtropical rainforest. We stopped of to try out their famous pies and they were pretty good.

Coolangatta - on the Border

Leaving Coffs Harbour we drove along the Pacific highway and stopped off for breakfast at Ulmarra, a national trust village founded in the 1850's by cane planters.

We had intended to stay over in Byrons Bay but the place was teaming with backpackers and did'ent seem to have much charm, so we drove onto Coolangatta.

Coolangatta stradles the border between New South Wales and Queensland and there is an hours time difference between the two states making it a confusing place at times.

Coolangatta is a picturesque coastal town located at the southern end of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. One of the main draws of Coolangatta is its exceptional beaches. The region is known for its perfect surfing conditions and its range of beaches catering to different levels of surfers. Coolangatta Beach, with its golden sand and gentle waves, is ideal for swimming.

Crossing the road (and time zone) we went to the Twin towns club and watched a very entertaining show by the comedy show band " Frogs on Toast"

Memories of Coolangatta

Coffs Harbour and Trial Bay Gaol

Leaving Port Macquarie we continued our drive along the New South Wales coastline  until we reached the town of  Coffs Harbour via the resort of South West Rocks where we visited the Historic Trial Bay Gaol.

Trial Bay Gaol, located in the stunning coastal region of New South Wales, Australia, is a historic site full of character and dramatic scenery. Built in the late 19th century, this imposing structure is perched on the cliffs of Trial Bay, a picturesque spot within the Arakoon National Park.

Coffs Harbour has a lively, working harbour and some of the surrounding beaches are simply stunning. We picked Woolgoolga aka "Whoopi" and as with most beaches in this area it has superb beachside public facilities.

Coffs Harbour, located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, is a charming coastal town known for its stunning natural landscapes, laid-back vibe, and rich cultural history.

We stopped of for lunch at Coffs Harbour Marina which was hub of activity, with its assortment of cafes, seafood restaurants, and fishing charters. The vibe here was laid-back and friendly, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the bustling atmosphere.

The town also boasts the Impressive Guru Nanak temple which services the sizeable Sikh community.

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.