Southern Highlands

Day 43  Sydney to Moss Vale

After a lengthy packup, we had one last dip in the Narrabeen baths before turning the van south towards Moss Vale.  We had to negotiate the van through Sydney traffic which was a bit hairy at times, but we managed to get through it unscathed.

Once in Moss Vale, our destination was Shirley and Stan's place (Steve's Aunt and Uncle).  As soon as we got out of the car we noticed a definitely cooler temperature. 

Shirley and Stan kindly offered for us to stay a couple of nights and the temptation of a 'normal' bed, shower and toilet was too great to resist.  The kids were also happy to watch 'normal' television for a while too.  Here are our lovely hosts at the front of their beautiful home, (which seemed like a palace after living in a caravan)...

Day 44

A day of exploring the Southern Highlands and beyond.  We firstly headed out to Shellharbour via Robertson to look at the coastline.  From here, we wound our way down along the coast looking at various beaches and headlands along the way.   Here's a taste of what we saw:   Shellharbour beach...

...and Minnamurra Headland...

Kiama was our lunch stop overlooking the 'blow hole'.  Unfortunately there was no blowing going on today so we only got to see the hole...

From Kiama we headed back inland via Berry (a great shopping spot) through Kangaroo Valley.  Sometimes you just never know what you're going to find in the country, but we certainly didn't expect a brown fridge bearing yummy treats in the middle of nowhere...

Of course, we had to buy something and as I only had a $20 note it ended up being quite a few treats.

Our final stop for the day was Fitzroy Falls...

While walking towards the falls we actually got to see a lyrebird (sorry, too slow with the camera).

From the falls it was back to Moss Vale for a roast dinner.  Yum!

Day 45

After homework this morning, we headed into Bowral to visit the Bradman Museum.  Steve has been particularly looking forward to this for a long time...

Although it was smaller than we expected (they are currently extending it), there was lots of great exhibits and information.  A favourite was a replica dressing room, complete with cricketer...

...and the chance to dress up in all the cricketing gear (even if your shoes are on the wrong feet)...

Tonight we had dinner with my Aunty Irene (my Mum's sister) in Mittagong.  It was great to see her and see her house for the first time.  Lots of love Irene...

Day 46   Moss Vale to Canberra

This morning we had to bid farewell to Shirley and Stan, but not before we played a spot of piano...

...cuddled our new best friend...

...and got a group photo...

Time to travel to Canberra.  A lot of the journey this time was along highway roads.  As we got close to Canberra however, the winery signs started to appear and we made a quick stop at Lerida Estate on Lake George (which is actually a dry lake).  Here we saw the biggest pumpkins and cucumbers ever...

...and some wind turbines off in the distance...

...plus stocked up more wine.

When we finally arrived in Canberra, lunch was way overdue.  We thought that we'd just stop at the first shops we saw, but in Canberra, the shops seem to all be hidden away.  They don't line the roads like they do in other capital cities we've visited and the few we saw, didn't have enough room to pull up with a caravan on the back.

After driving in circles, getting very frustrated and almost starving to death, we finally found a chicken shop - it was now around 3 pm!

Once fed, we found our caravan park (we had trouble finding one with a vacancy because of school holidays) which we didn't like from the minute we drove in.  Something to do with the onsite tavern and steakhouse with lots of 'workers' out the front, plus a few 'odd' characters wandering around the park.

In all, it wasn't a great introduction to Canberra, but I'm sure it will get better from here.

More of Sydney

Day 38

As can be expected, when you buy fish, you will catch one.  And that's what happened this morning.  Steve and Mitch went fishing early this morning and caught a nice flathead.  After that effort, we went for a swim in the Narrabeen Baths.  We love these saltwater pools that are all over Sydney, but I must say, it was quite fresh and took a little while to get used to.

For the first time we took our car for a drive today and ventured further north along the Northern Beaches.  They are all beautiful and it is easy to see why people love Sydney.

At dusk we all went for a fish and it was my turn to get a piece of the action.  I pulled in a nice whiting so we ended up with a complete meal for the day.

Day 39

This morning was wet and drizzly so we took the opportunity to check out a few shops and pick up a few things.  By the afternoon it was fining up so the kids went for a play down by the lake.  They were having a great time until Mitch climbed up the bank and sliced his foot open on a piece of timber...

The cut was deep enough to warrant a medical visit so Steve took him to the Mona Vale hospital which is right near the van park (the staff at the park first sent him to a medical centre that has been closed for a year!).  Luckily, it didn't need stitches but being on his foot, it's an awkward place to keep clean and dry when you're at the beach.

Day 40

Originally when we planned the trip we were going to go to the Easter Show in Sydney.  However, after looking closely at logistics (parking is non existent and it would have been 2 hours travel each way) and cost, we decided to have a family vote - Easter Show or Luna Park.  The latter was chosen unanimously as we all felt it was something unique to Sydney that we couldn't do at home.

So off to Luna Park we went.  Another round of bus, ferry and then ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point (home of Luna Park).  Of course this meant we got to go under the bridge again, this time in the water, another bonus.

Right from the start Luna Park was a big hit.  The beauty of it is you can go on the rides as many times as you like - it's unlimited.  I decided to abstain for the day and do the photography etc, plus I no longer find the nausea and dizziness associated with the rides enjoyable.  Must be an age thing.  I was quite happy to take in the sights and watch everyone else have a great time.  The attractions included the carousel...

ferris wheel - with a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge...

Skywheel...

...funny mirrors...

...Luna Bob and Luna Belle...

and fire engines...

It was a really fun day that we'll remember for a long time.

Day 41

There were more relatives to catch up with today.  This time it was Steve's cousin Sandra and her husband Frank who we met at Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell for a picnic lunch.  It was our first trek across Sydney's city - or rather under it via the tunnel - and the car satellite navigation system (Tom Tom) came into its own today guiding us safely to our 'destination'.

Our arrival was timely as we drove into the park at the same time as Sandra and Frank.  After lunch and a catch up, we went for a walk around the visitors centre then the Captain Cook Monument.  There were more history lessons for the kids as they learnt about Australia's settlement.  Here we all are...

After saying goodbye to Sandra and Frank, we headed to Bondi Beach for a look, it was busy as always...

and then we drove around the eastern suburbs for a bit of a look at some of the little bays and gorgeous houses.

To finish the day off, we decided to actually drive over the Harbour Bridge.  Given that is was peak hour on a Friday afternoon, we were soon wondering how wise that decision was.  We were guided right through the middle of the city by Tom Tom and although it was mayhem, the kids had a ball looking up at all the tall buildings and seeing the heart of the city.

Once through the city, we were guided under the bridge, not over it, so had to make a few extra twists and turns to end up going in the right direction.  Eventually we got onto the bridge and as it was right on dusk Luna Park was lit up for the night as were all the lights of the bridge and city.  Magic.

Day 42

Today was our last full day in Sydney and we decided to have a closer look at Manly.  We'd only been to the ferry terminal and wanted to see a bit more, including the beach.

We had a lovely swim on the main beach before getting some fish and chips for lunch (we miss our crumbed fish and chips - it's all batter here).  It certainly is a lovely spot and extremely popular.

Late in the afternoon we headed down to Narrabeen beach for our last family fish.  It was a very successful outing - 1 flathead (Steve) and 2 whiting (Mitch and I).  Maggie had a bit of a fish before heading off to play with Stewie, who had been playing trains in the sand...

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Easter in Sydney

Day 34  Good Friday

Today was family picnic day.  For the first time, in a long time, my sister and I got to see our cousins and aunt Sue from my Dad's side of the family.

We had a great day and set up in front of the van park with our rugs and chairs to chat and catch up on 15-20 years of life.  The kids did a spot of fishing, but Anna and Stewie had to work out this tangle first...

Stewie, Maggie and Darani did their best...

...but there were no fish caught.  I think it had something to do with the fact that we ran out of bait and were using cheese (or more specifically camembert!). 

Here's the family group shot...

It was a wonderful day and a big thankyou to Anna for organising it all.  We've all agreed to make sure it's not so long before we see each other again.  Love to you all.

Day 35

We actually set the alarm this morning, which was a rude shock when it went off.  The reason being we wanted to get an early start on what we knew would be a big and exciting day.  The best part was the kids had no idea of what was ahead of them.

The first leg of our journey was a bus trip from Narrabeen to Manly.  At the bus stop...

This is in itself was exciting as it was the first time on a public bus for the kids (we normally travel by train at home)...

At Manly, we caught the ferry and headed towards Circular Quay.  Our ferry looked like this one...

As we sat up the front, the kids were complaining of the cold but we convinced them it would be worth it if they stayed out front - we knew what was coming.

When the ferry turned the bend towards Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge came into view, their jaws hit the ground.  They were so excited - it was a priceless moment.  As we got closer and they got bigger and bigger it was even better.  Here's what they saw...

Mitch got quite emotional stating "I've been waiting all my life for this day and it's finally here".  He has wanted to see these two icons for a very long time.  This is mainly due to the fact that our good friend Michael has written a book about them both and he kindly gave us copies.  As a result, Mitch has always been interested and often would talk to Michael about them.  It was only fitting that once we arrived at the Opera House, we gave Michael a call to let him know where we were...

Here we all are enjoying the view...

...and one for (my) Mum and Dad...

After arriving at Circular Quay we walked around to the opera house and explored it from all angles, marvelling at its beauty and size...

Then it was time for a little walking around the botanical gardens to Mrs Macquaries chair.  Along the way we got to see Cranky the Crane in the naval docks...

All the time we kept looking at the bridge and opera house, it's hard to take your eyes off them...

Finally we arrived at Mrs Maquaries Chair...

Now it was time to head back the way we came and find somewhere for lunch.  We decided to visit The Rocks and when we arrived the markets were in full swing.  It was very busy, but we managed to find somewhere to sit and eat.

After lunch we walked down to the end of the rocks and under the bridge.  It really gave us a true feeling of it's size and what a marvellous structure it is...

It was now time to turn towards home so we trekked back to Circular Quay, got on the ferry, boarded the bus then walked to the van park.  What a big, exciting day.

Day 36 Easter Sunday

After such an exciting day yesterday, today was a little more subdued.  However, the Easter bunny did come overnight which of course was met with great excitement.  Chocolate was on the menu for the day...

We actually got to see some real live bunnies as there were quite a few jumping around the caravan park during our visit.

It was time to farewell Sissy today and after a lunch with Anna (cousin) and Sue (aunt), we kissed her goodbye.

Day 37  Easter Monday

Out and about again today starting with the bus and ferry again.  However, when we arrived at Circular Quay this time, we boarded a double decker train to take us to Central Station.  Here's the view inside...

...and outside...

From central station we caught the tram (or light rail) to Darling Harbour to check out the sights.  The first stop here was the Australian National Maritime Museum...

This was another one of those places you could spend a lot of time, but with three young children, the stay needs to be limited.  The displays and information in the museum were first class.  While we were there, a special exhibition of Mythical Creatures was showing, including lots of mermaids, serpents and dragons...

Outside the museum there was an opportunity to see a submarine, naval ship and tall ship...

Once we'd finished at the museum we headed around to the main part of Darling Harbour where the "Hoopla" festival was in full swing.  There were lots of acrobats and gymnasts strutting their stuff.  We saw a show by Miss "Yvonne Cosmetics" which featured juggling and hula hoops, plus it was very funny...

Chinatown is right next to Darling Harbour and that was our lunch destination.  We had a first class Yum Cha that would be the best we've eaten.  Unlike Brisbane where the trolleys come around for selection, you select your dishes from a menu.  Yum.

From Chinatown, we hopped back onto the tram...

and headed to the Sydney Fish Markets...

 

I only wish we had a place like this in Brisbane.  Not only is there a fantastic range and variety of fresh seafood to choose from, the prices are cheap.  It actually makes eating fish affordable.  We bought ourselves some wonderful fresh oysters, prawns and rainbow trout before heading back to Narrabeen (via tram, train, ferry then bus) for a feast.

There's more of Sydney to come so stay posted.  Love to all.