Brisbane to Sydney

From Straddie Island we headed south again, through Surfers Paradise, just stopping for a quick look, then stopping at Burleigh heads for a quick overnight and a swim in the surf in the morning. 

A morning on the beach at Burleigh Haeds with Surfers Paradise in the distance

Swimming in a old quarry at Angourie near Byron Bay

Then on to catch up with Tim and Laura at Bellingen just inland from Coffs Harbour. Tim and Laura moved from the UK to Australia 7 years ago and now have 5 kids. They very generously let us stay with them for a few days and the we and the kids had a very relaxing and fun time there,  eating
drinking, swimming in the river and catching up.

Tea for eleven at Tim and Laura's

Timmy, Laura, Emily,Ted(behind), Bill, Bobby, Tim, Sarah, Amber and Bob

Tim crossing the torent with Emily and Bobby



Bob and Ted

Two old men watching the kids from the middle of the river

From Tim and Laura’s place we headed in land further along the New England highway through Dorrigo and then  a two or three day drive to the Hunter Valley. On the way stopped at some wonderful  free campsites and the kids finally get to light some camp fires.

New England national park



Campsite ameneties were very basic



Kids always enjoy a campsite where we can light a fire

Most amazing sunset at the campsite at Chaffey Dam

In the Hunter Valley we stayed at a caravan Park in Cessnock and right next door there was the ‘ Cessnock Annual Show’ with fairground rides and stadium. Well we thought we may as well see what an Australian show is all about so we stayed an extra day to find out.

Well the programme included; Sheep dog Trials, Horse riding events, Vintage Racing cars , Demolition Derby and Motorcycle Speedway plus the usual tacky fairground rides (which Steve hates). All wonderful stuff but did feel a bit like an evening at a fairground in Hicksville USA.

And of course the obligatory tour around a winery (we chose Tyrells) and some lovely wine tasting too.


When will allthese grapes be ready to drink



Even the kids enjoyed the winery tour

Bob enjoying his prize at the Cessnock fair



Alf Garnett

We set off for Sydney from the wine region which only took just under 3 hours and met up with Giles and Nikki – more friends who now live and work in Oz and used to live in North London.  They are both looking great and they insisted we stayed with them for a few days too which was fantastic – they told us which buses, best pubs, best beaches and other must-do’s in the area.  Amber celebrated her birthday with a huge chocolate cake and prezzies in the morning and Bondi Beach in the afternoon – we wont forget that one! 



Amber, please cheer up its your birthday

Thanks

Sarah looking very pleased with something



12th birthday at Bondi beach