Finally some fish!

Day 21  Port Macquarie to Booti Booti National Park

We left Port Macquarie and headed south along the highway in the general direction of Tuncurry-Forster.  Along the way we stopped at Crowdy Head, another gorgeous beach.

It sits opposite Harrington which is on the Manning River and was our lunch stop.

Driving through Tuncurry-Forster, the water looked beautiful, as good as we've seen.  Crossing the main bridge between the two towns over Wallis Lake looked so sensational we knew we would have to spend some time there. But not this time, we headed further south to Booti Booti National Park.

After checking out a few options for the night we settled on the Ruins Camp, a bush camping site which is quite popular and sits right next to the beach.   Once we were set up for the night, we headed to the beach for a swim. Unfortunately the beach was quite dangerous and unpatrolled so ankle deep was as far as we went.

It was time to try fishing again, the eternal optimists we are!  So we headed off to nearby Wallis Lake (it's a huge lake).  After trying a couple of spots, it seemed our luck was still out but the kids had fun throwing their lines in over the jetty edge.  Mitch fed the toad fish around the jetty,  Stewie just dropped his bait in and out of the water and Maggie has a float now and she's not allowed to reel in unless it goes under the water (otherwise she reels in constantly).  Even though the fish weren't biting, there was at least mud to play in (that's Stewie having a great time).

Day 22  Booti Booti National Park to Halliday Point

Today we backtracked north again to find some good surf and hopefully some fish.  The caravan park at Halliday Point looked good so we headed there.  When we arrived, the inital site they gave us was a nightmare as it had a huge slope, so we reallocated ourselves and got setup.  Then straight to the beach which was much better than yesterday and everyone had a great surf.

The beaches here are as I remember them as a kid (having spent the first 10 years of my life in NSW/ACT) - lots of rocks and consequently rock pools to explore.  They are quite different to Queensland beaches, but still beautiful.  I love rockpools and we've had a lot of fun discovering all sorts of creatures living in them. The day was finished with $10 pizza night at the local tavern - we've missed our pizzas!

Day 23

Steve and I declared today a rest day, so nothing too strenuous happened, apart from a quick shop and swim in the pool.  Even the kids enjoyed having a chance to just slow down a bit and potter around and do their own thing.  Here's a shot of the beach at Halliday Point:

Day 24  Halliday Point to Forster to Cessnock

Following a 'rest' day, today was always going to be a big one.  After packing up, we headed straight to Forster where we'd hired a boat for half a day to try our fishing luck on Wallis Lake.  Wallis Lake is filled with oyster leases...

and is truly spectacular water - clear, blue and full of sea life.  And guess what - today the fish were biting!  Happy days at last.  Everyone got a piece of the action and caught a fish, some bigger than others.  We initially used our new red fishing net to pull the fish into the boat, but it went the same way as our yabby net.  Again, thanks to Maggie, it disappeared into the blue beyond.  Here's the net on it's first and last outing...

Mitch caught the fish of the day, bagging a mighty flathead all by himself.  It was fantastic to watch his face light up as he reeled it in.  There is nothing like catching your first big fish and we have no doubt this catch sealed his 'fishing addiction' already inherited from both parents.  Here's his catch...

Maggie also chimed helping her Dad catch a flathead (a keeper) and pulling this one in herself (a bit undersized)...

Stewie caught a little beauty too. We're not sure what it was but we sent it back to grow up a bit more...

We could have stayed out on the water all day - with such beautiful weather and fish biting it was pure heaven for all of us.  However, we had to turn back eventually and driving the boat is serious business...

Once we'd cleaned our catch (total of 2 flathead), it was time to say goodbye to this part of NSW and head inland again.  Plus, the wine cellar is running low.  Hunter Valley here we come!

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Back to the beach

Day 17 - Sheba Dam to Nundle to Ellenborough Reserve

After a quick walk around Sheba Dam (there are two) and Steve quickly wetting a line (still no luck), we drove back down the hill to Nundle. 

Here we visited the Nundle Woollen Mill - an old style wool mill that still operates today (although it wasn't running for our visit).

It was lovely to see all the old fashioned wools and the many articles that can be made from it.  It's a rare thing these days, and after seeing the prices of garments in the shop, it is easy to see why 'real' wool is not so common these days.  Those merinos produce expensive wool!

Also in Nundle was a Gold Mine Museum, part of which was actually an old mine.  The area was established on gold mining in the mid 1800's and apparently when it was first discovered, lucky fossickers could find sizeable nuggest just sitting on top of the dirt.  It's not so obvious today but fossicking is still a popular pastime in the area.   We all enjoyed the museum which highlighted the equipment used by the miners to find gold.  As always, Mitch was fascinated by the gold guard and his gun...

Maggie and Stewie followed the rail line...

From Nundle we started towards Port Macquarie, stopping along the way at Apsley Falls (more heights to make me fill giddy)...

and Tia Falls and Gorge...

By then, it was getting late and the drive was starting to get a little more difficult.  It was a winding, steep, dark road through rainforest that was very slow going with the caravan.  There were also lots of cautions "Falling Rocks", "Kangaroos", "Unfenced Road" and Roadworks but we pushed on to reach Ellenborough Reserve (after our GPS sent us down a dead end) in pitch black.  After a record time set up, the kids were bundled into bed and we finally got to catch our breath.

Day 18  To Port Macquarie

On waking we discovered we were actually in a very picturesque spot beside the Hastings River and would like to have had time to explore it further, but not today.  We set off early for Port Macquarie to enjoy some sunshine at the beach (after being washed out at Lennox Head) and recharge a little.  The caravan park is right on the Town Beach and next to a skate park - perfect for little people...

...and not so little people!

Day 19

Another beautiful day at Port Macquarie. After homework etc we headed to the beach for a swim.  The surf was perfect for the kids and they finally got to have a good surf on their boards.

After lunch we ventured south to have a look at all the beaches.  The whole coastline was quite spectacular and we discovered some gorgeous spots that we'd happily come back to any day. Here's a couple...

One of our favourites was North Haven which straddles the surf and river and is a good fishing spot (for those that can catch fish!).  This is a view from the river back to the mountains around the small township...

Day 20

For our last day in Port Macquarie, we headed in a different direction to see Ellenborough Falls.  These are the second highest falls in the southern hemisphere (of course Queensland has the highest)...

We thought the trip to the falls would be a couple of hours round trip, but again didn't count on the winding, dirt road, up a mountain and full of potholes.  We've decided to factor all trip time calculations by x1.5 to see if we can get our timing right.  Everything seems to take a lot longer than we anticipate, which can have its issues when there are 3 little people who get hungry every 2 minutes.

Despite the time it took to get there, it was well worth it.  The sheer power of the waterfall was breathtaking.  Here's the view from the top...

...and a little further down (a bit of video going on here).

There was an option to walk to the bottom of the falls, the only catch being it is very steep and there are 641 steps.  It was a unanimous decision to take the walk, we couldn't come this far and miss doing that.  It meant all those leg muscles that have been getting a work out were called on again, each doing a silent groan.  But we took it on and there were no complaints...

Once at the bottom you could appreciate the full force of the water.  This is where the falls hit the bottom and there is a constant screen of water spray...

Everyone made it to the top again OK.  Stewie used 'rocket' buttons on the Buzz Lightyear shirt he was wearing to power him to the top.  He was amazing and I couldn't believe it when he ran the last little bit to meet his Dad (Mum was still straggling behind).

From Port Macquarie we are heading south.  More on that next time.  Please say hello in the comments section below, we love hearing from you all.

Sam

Where are the fish???

Day 13 - Moree to Narrabri to Yarrie Lake

After another quick dip in the thermal pools we headed off from Moree via a quick stop at the 'Rocket Park'.  Impossible not to stop at a park like this when you've got kids.

From Moree the destination was Narrabri and there was quite a change in the scenery.  The land became much flatter and the road became long and straight.  Narrabri was a little disappointing as we had hoped to visit The Australian Cotton Centre, but it closed down last September.  Instead we stopped in a park by the river and had some lunch on fresh bread rolls.

We also stocked up on supplies, including a new pair of thongs for me.  Stewie had stepped on the back of my favourite Rivers thongs this morning and they snapped.  I just couldn't be without a pair of thongs (it seems there are prickles and mud outside the caravan wherever we go), so went in search of a new pair.

Unfortunately it seems Narrabri isn't big on thongs - none in any of the local supermarkets - so I had to got to a shoe shop that only stocked 'designer' thongs (a phenomenon I still don't quite understand) and coughed up $29.95 for a new pair.  Here they are, resplendent with 'jewels' and 'gold plated' branding - I'm a cut above as I stroll around the campsite now!

After this important purchase, it was time to head out of Narrabri via The Australian Telescope.  This series of telescopes is called the Compact Array and consists of 6 radio telescopes - 5 mobile and 1 fixed.  They make our caravan look small.

Apart from the telescopes, there was lots of interesting information at the centre about the solar system and sun - plenty to keep our budding scientists interested.  

Last stop for the day was Yarrie Lake, a 2km wide lake they think was formed by a meoterite (glad I wasn't around that night).  It's particularly popular for water sports and had been dry for 4 years until Christmas last year.

It's a gorgeous spot and it was a chance to try our new yabby trap out...take a good look because it only lasted a day before it 'disappeared'.

Someone (Maggie) threw it out and when we went to find it, it was gone.  Not sure if it was operator error or a really big yabbie that dragged it away.  In the short time we had the trap, we didn't get any yabbies but managed to get quite a few small fish, that Maggie instantly tried to turn into 'pets'.

We liked it so much we decided to make Yarrie Lake our home for the next two nights.  It was also a great spot for playing trains (of course)...

Day 14

Leaving the van at Yarrie Lake, we headed off for a day of exploring.  First stop was Sawn Rocks, the best example of 'organ piping' rocks in Australia.

After the walk up Bald Rock, this was easy and we got to see some fossils, big tadpoles and lots of other interesting plants and bugs.

We then headed back into Narrabri to visit the Gaol Museum.  This was used as a real gaol until 28 years ago.  Although they've now filled a lot of it with historical pieces from the area, the original layout including steel bar doors, cells, exercise yards and kitchen are still in place.

All the old memorabilia was fascinating including an old poker machine...

old fire engine (Stewie's highlight)...

...old guns (Mitch's highlight)...

and old kitchen utensils, ingredients and machines (my highlight)...

After another big day, everyone was happy to relax around the campfire (Maggie was still looking for the yabbie trap)...

Day 15 - Yarrie Lake to Gunnedah to Lake Keepit

After setting out early from Yarrie Lake we headed to Gunnedah, a town that makes the claim of being Australia's Koala Capital.  However on this particular Sunday, they were all sleeping in.  We tried hard to spot them, but to no avail.  We headed up to the local lookout for a last attempt before heading towards Tamworth.

On the way we made a detour to Lake Keepit and decided to stay the night as we'd been told there were fish there.  It was hot, dry and there was no shade...

We tried our hardest despite the weed and saw plenty of fish activity in the water.  They just didn't find their way onto the end of our rods.  Here's the kids waiting to be attended on with their fishing rods etc...

...finally the rods arrived...

...and if there's no fish, there's always trains!

Day 16 - Lake Keepit to Tamworth to Sheba Dam (Hanging Rock)

Up and off again today into Tamworth.  After stopping for a few supplies, including better fishing tackle (and hopefully tangle free) for children, we did a quick look around the town.  Including a stop at the lookout...

...and a mandatory stop at the Golden Guitar...

To be honest, we couldn't get out of Tamworth quick enough.  It was just another town which we felt was over commercialised around the whole country music attraction.  Not a lot grabbed our interest so we headed slightly south, passing through a quaint old mining township called Nundle, towards Sheba Dam.  The dam is near a place called Hanging Rock (not the same one as the movie) and we were told it had trout and other fish in it.  Yeah right!

The dam was a lovely little spot and we had another night 'bush camping'.

The generator got it's first work out tonight as the battery had died - we'd been pressing (or rather not pressing) a few wrong buttons.

Jelly Legs

Day 10 - Bald Rock National Park

This was a big, big day for little (and big) legs.  After doing homework and toasting some hot cross buns in the fire, we headed off to walk up Bald Rock - about a 3km round trip.

The walk up was a a bit of a climb through lots of beautiful bush and past many different sizes of granite boulders.  Here's a typical boulder formation we walked through:

Some people required a piggy back and it was a bit slow at times.  However, it was worth it when we got to the top - it was just spectacular.

Bald Rock is an enormous granite rock that is relatively smooth and steep.  Here's some information:

(Click on the photo and you'll get an enlarged view).

At the summit, we were greeted with a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside.  Getting right to the summit (which not all of us did - it could have ended in disaster), was a little treacherous and not great for people who don't like heights (me), as there are a few steep drops either side to get there. This photo should give you an idea:

On the walk back we decided to take the 'steep' climb which was straight down the face of the rock.  It was a bit wet and slippery so we had to take it slow.  This was one of those walks that leaves your legs feeling like jelly at the end.  When we reached the bottom our legs were all wobbly and hurting.   Steve and I were extremely proud of the kids, they complained very little and really embraced the opportunity to see and do something quite unique.  Here's a view looking back up the rock we climbed down:

After the walk, we just relaxed at camp for the rest of the afternoon.  As always there was time for trains:

Maggie decorated the caravan:

And I got to cook in my camp oven for the first time (a sort of salmon pie that ended up a little over done but very tasty):

Day 11 - Bald Rock N.P. to Inverell

Back on the road today, first stop Boonoo Boonoo Falls (pronounced Bunna Bunoo).  A lovely spot although the water in the swimming hole was murky from the recent rain, so we didn't take a dip.  We did however spot a huge goanna who headed up a tree after checking us out.

The rest of the day was spent mainly in the car with a brief lunch stop in Glen Innes.  Our overnight stop was a caravan park at Inverell where we opted for an ensuite site as we desperately needed showers after our bush exploring of the last few days.

Day 12 - Inverell to Moree

After a quick look at Lake Inverell, we headed straight out of town towards Moree.  Cranky Rock Reserve was our only stop.  It's called cranky because apparently a 'cranky' Chinaman jumped to his death off the high rocks.  It's a small gorge with steep granite boulders overlooking a creek.

We got to walk over a suspension bridge - very exciting for Stewie as these are everywhere on Sodor Island (Thomas the Tank Engine's home) - to view the gorge from above.

We could also get to the creek below and have a look up.  Here's the view:

Once in Moree we settled into the van park then headed straight to the thermal pools.

There were 5 pools in total - 4 heated (35, 36, 37 and 39 degrees) and a 'cooler' non-heated pool.  The minerals in the water are meant to cure all sorts of ailments.  I don't know how true this is, but it definitely didn't go astray on our still weary muscles from the Bald Rock walk.   The water was also very refreshing, even though it was warm.

More to come in the next couple of days so say hello in the comments section below.