For so long I have wanted to go back and drive round the Hawkesbury River, just as I remember it as a child. Yes, on all our trips to Sydney we travel the freeway, but not the same as my memories.
Finally, we found the time so in August we set out.
First stop was a couple of nights at Brooms Head. The Caravan Park there is just perfect. Absolute beach front, with the northern end open for dogs, so the perfect place to spend time with Koby.
We moved on from Brooms Head and spent the night in the Coopernook State Forest, a delightful place to be.Sat round the neighbours "SnowPeak" fire. These fires are fantastic. I know because I have had one for over three years and it has never been out of the van tunnel boot. Too much trouble for Poo to get it out and light it. Even carried wood on a few trips, still no go.
Our base then for five nights was the Caravan Park at The Entrance. It worked out the perfect place to allow us to do day trips.Shame it coincided with the worst winds Sydney had seen in 10 years.
First day trip was to drive down Galston Gorge. To start our trip we drove round the old Pacific Highway, and it was very much how I remembered it. Of course the towns along the way have grown so much. We drove down and over the Peats Ferry Bridge and stopped and enjoyed the most wonderful brunch at the Estuary Restaurant takeaway. Best takeaway ever. Sitting outside with Koby and what a view.
The beautiful Peats Ferry Bridge
Looking out to Brooklyn
We then drove to Berowra Waters and crossed on the ferry before continuing down Galston Gorge
On the way back up the highway we stopped in at the other side of The Brooklyn Bridge.
Old Mooney Mooney Ferry site at Mooney Mooney Point
Our next day trip was to see the Wiseman Ferry area. Another place on the list. A beautiful drive and the first stop was the sleepy village of Spencer.
Then across on Wisemans Ferry
We then crossed on the Webbs Creek Ferry and made our way thru beautiful scenery to St.Albans, where the quaint old hotel was the perfect lunch stop. We enjoyed a beautiful meal of lamb shanks , sitting in the sun with Koby.
Then some hours of more delightful driving thru the Yengo National Park and Bucketty before getting us back to the Old Pacific Highway and "home"
After a rest day, we did the drive right round Lake Macquarie. Another relaxing day
Then a stop off at Norah Head Lighthouse
Time to leave , head west then north. We had a stop at Merriwa then Meendooran. So much nicer there since our last visit. Not so many people and mowed grass. Meendooran is a great free stopover.
Poor Koby. He was dropping his coat and he had to be groomed. Only table suitable at the Coonamble Showground was a 44gal drum and the seat base from the Nova . Does he care . No, all in his stride.
Couldnt help but laugh at the signs at Walgett.
Thallon has joined the latest idea of having painted silos. Very good and great that a freecamp is right there. Only, being a working silo, you can' get up real close.
In the morning light
Then a return stopover at Nindigully
Was this a working Mr Whippy. we don't know, but last thing you expect to hear at Nindigully is Greensleaves.
Last nights stop was Millmerran. Then home, another enjoyable trip.
Map of the trip.
