3 Decades of Travel
AUSTRALIA - Aussie Adventures
4th February - 9th April 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Arrived in Perth, WA from Singapore. We saw the town before picking up the motorhomes and seeing Monkey Mia, Carnarvon, Rottnest Island & the adorable quokkas, Margaret River, Cape Leeuwin, Albany, Northam, Wave Rock, the wheat belt and a whole lot more before picking up the wonderful Indian Pacific railway to Adelaide, flight to and from Alice springs before picking up a 2nd set of motorhomes to see the Barossa Valley and more. We crossed over into Victoria from South Australia at Portland where we saw a Koala crossing the main road right in front of us. We headed around the coast taking in the fab Great Ocean Road, London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, The 12 Apostles to name but a few sights before crossing into New South Wales just above Mallacoota. We saw a lot of wildlife in Victoria especially at Kennet River where once again the Koalas obliged. Once in NSW we headed up for family time in Sydney, oh and Tassie for K&A. In Sydney thanks to Allyson we saw the wonderful spectacle that was Carmen in the harbour.
"From Carnarvon in Northern WA, On the Indian Pacific Railway, Thru the Red Centre and then around the Coast Adelaide to Sydney, Plus Popping over to Tassie & Rellies"
Our 39th Wedding Anniversary at the Shag Inn, Perth #haha
Desert Park, Foothills of the Gap, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
BBQ at our place in Beacon Hill, Sydney, NSW - April Fools Day (who knew?) haha
Roadhouse Blues, Western Australia, halfway between Geraldton and Carnarvon
2017 Australia with Pals
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£10 Poms return to Connor's landing, Freo, Western Australia
Australian Ad Campaigns - so much better than ours
2008
2017
Australia has never been shy about shaking drivers awake, and two of its most memorable campaigns hit harder than a rogue kangaroo on the bonnet. In 2008, the anti‑speeding ad “No one thinks big of you” used a tiny finger‑wiggle gesture to mock macho drivers, turning bravado into national embarrassment overnight. Then in 2017 came “Hey, you tosser!”, a gloriously blunt litter‑shaming campaign that called out roadside rubbish‑dumpers with the subtlety of a megaphone. Both ads worked because they were bold, funny, and brutally direct — classic Aussie public‑safety messaging that sticks in your head long after the drive is over.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
4th - 27th February 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Includes Perth (3 days), Freemantle (Freo), Ledge point, Pinnacle National Park, Cervantes, Thirsty Point, Jurien Bay, Indian Ocean drive, Greenhough hanging tree, Geraldton, Northampton, Nerren Nerren, Billabong & Overlander roadhouses, World heritage drive, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Shell beach, Denham, Carnavon, Nanga, Hamelin Pool (where the desert meet the sea), Space Museum, Gascoyne River, Port Denison, Badgingarra, Moora, Brand Highway, Avon River, Northam, Crossing the flooded road nr Hyden, Wave Rock, Kalgarin farm stay, Wheatbelt, Snake, Blue tounged skinks, Tin Horse highway, Kulin, Dumbleyung, Bluebird, Mens Sheds, Railway, Farming, Boot fences, Kojonup - possibly the best campsite in the world NOT!, Rosellas, Mount Barker, Porongurup, Albany Highway, Castle Rock at the Porongurup National Park, Brig Amity, Princess Royal harbour, Middleton beach , Scenic drive Wilsons bay, Denmark, Greens pool, Elephant Rocks, Parry beach (for lunch) and the hippy in the van, valley of the Giants red tingle trees and tree top walk, Quokka on the path, Northcliffe eco park and roos plus roos jumping across road at dusk,Pemberton, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin and lighthouse, Leeuwin-Naturaliste national park,Margaret river, cape Mentelle winery, Lenton Brae winery plus tour and ladies picture of a family house in Lenton, Nottingham, we will try and find it, cheeky monkey brewery, Cowaramup, Busselton and the pier / jetty, Bunbury and Koombana bay , plus non dolphin watching, although in fairness Chris & Allyson did see one on their walk. Mangrove board walk, sub tropical flowers, Lechenault inlet and estuary, swimming in the site pool, sunbathing, chilling, intersting sub tropical birds, Avalon beach, Mandurah, Rockingham, Penguin island, seals, little blue penguins, board walks, conservation areas, Freemantle or Freo, Ferries, Van bumps, Rottnest island, Quokkas again, cycle rides, swims, guided tours, walks in the sun, history, lunch, cafes, ice creams, friends, fun, rocks, boats , blowholes, blue seas and skies and ice creams , royal perth hotel, lucky shag bar and aqua bar for our 39th wedding anniversary in perth
SEE THE FULL WESTERN OZ EXPERIENCE, 1hr 19mins
Gold Class Ale across the Nullarbor
One small step, about to enter Apollo 11
"From Perth to NASA at Carnavon"
Album cover, Busselton pier
Make like Quokkas, Rottnest Island
And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well!
2017 Western Australia with Pals
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🌞 The Great WA Ramble: A Humorous Chronicle of Two Travellers, One Van, and Several Quokkas
We began in Perth, easing into the adventure with three days of sunshine, city strolling, and the smug feeling that comes from knowing you’ve remembered your sunhat. A quick hop to Fremantle (Freo) gave us coffee, markets, and the first of many moments where the van made a noise we pretended not to hear.
Then it was north — Ledge Point, Pinnacles National Park, and Cervantes, where we admired the limestone spires and tried not to think about how many snakes might be admiring us. At Thirsty Point we were, indeed, thirsty. At Jurien Bay, the Indian Ocean sparkled like it had been Photoshopped.
We cruised the Indian Ocean Drive, stopping for the Greenhough Hanging Tree (a tree that looks like it’s had a very long day), then on to Geraldton, Northampton, and the legendary roadhouses of Nerren Nerren, Billabong, and Overlander — each one a reminder that civilisation is optional in WA.
The World Heritage Drive took us to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, and Denham, where dolphins turned up for everyone except us. Shell Beach dazzled, Hamelin Pool impressed (“where the desert meets the sea”), and Nanga and Carnarvon kept us fed, watered, and slightly sunburnt. We even squeezed in the Space Museum, because nothing says holiday like contemplating your insignificance in the universe.
Southbound again: Gascoyne River, Port Denison, Badgingarra, Moora, and the Brand Highway, which delivered us to Northam and the Avon River. Then came the flooded road near Hyden, where we bravely crossed like pioneers… except pioneers didn’t have rental insurance.
Wave Rock waved, Kalgarin Farm Stay hosted us (along with a snake and several blue‑tongued skinks), and the Wheatbelt rolled on forever. The Tin Horse Highway at Kulin gave us comedy sculptures, and Dumbleyung gave us Bluebird history and a reminder that Australians will race anything.
We admired Men’s Sheds, railways, boot fences, and then reached Kojonup — “possibly the best campsite in the world… NOT!” The rosellas were lovely though.
Onward to Mount Barker, Porongurup, and the mighty Castle Rock in the national park. Albany brought the Brig Amity, Princess Royal Harbour, Middleton Beach, and a scenic drive to Wilsons Bay that made us consider buying a drone and pretending we were travel influencers.
Denmark, Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, and Parry Beach delivered postcard views and a hippy in a van who looked like he’d been there since 1974. The Valley of the Giants gave us towering red tingle trees and a treetop walk that tested our bravery and our knees. A quokka even appeared on the path, clearly moonlighting away from Rottnest.
At Northcliffe Eco Park, the roos greeted us politely, then later jumped across the road at dusk like they were auditioning for a wildlife remake of Fast & Furious. Pemberton, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin, and the lighthouse kept the coastal drama going, while Leeuwin‑Naturaliste National Park and Margaret River added wineries to the mix — Cape Mentelle, Lenton Brae, and a photo of a house in Lenton that we now apparently need to track down in Nottingham.
Cheeky Monkey Brewery lived up to its name, Cowaramup gave us cows (of course), and Busselton gave us the famous jetty. Bunbury and Koombana Bay offered dolphin‑watching… except the dolphins didn’t get the memo. Chris and Allyson saw one though, so we’re counting it.
We wandered the mangrove boardwalk, admired sub‑tropical flowers, and enjoyed the Leschenault Inlet. There was swimming, sunbathing, chilling, and bird‑spotting — all very civilised.
Then came Avalon Beach, Mandurah, Rockingham, and Penguin Island, where we met seals, little blue penguins, and enough boardwalks to close our daily step rings twice over.
Back to Freo for ferries and van bumps, then across to Rottnest Island for more quokkas, cycle rides, swims, guided tours, sunshine, history, lunches, cafés, ice creams, rocks, boats, blowholes, blue seas, blue skies, and — did we mention? — ice creams.
Finally, we wrapped it all up in Perth with drinks at the Royal Perth Hotel, the Lucky Shag Bar, and Aqua Bar, celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary with style, views, and the knowledge that we’d just completed a trip worthy of a book, a documentary, and possibly a sitcom.
Then it was up early in Perth to get a taxi out to the Indian Pacific Railway station for our wonderful train journey across the Nullarbor to Adelaide between the 26th and the 28th February, magical travels!
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
28th February Plus 3rd - 9th March 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Arrived by Indian Pacific Railway to the Adelaide Parklands station, we to BIG4 campsite, C&A started their cricket ground tour. Pool, beach, swimming, relaxing, reading. Adelaide airport, lockers,off to NT for a few days in Alice springs. Glenelg,Oyster bar, sunset walk, Tram, Fringe, Marina pier, Collect the vans, Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass, Stockwell, Angaston, Rowland Flats, Jacobs Creek, Hahndorf, Pioneers Park, Rubble,Everything Germanic, McLaren Vale, Tintara estate, Hardys, Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, Milang, White cockatoos or Corellas, South Australian Light railway museum, Wellington chain ferry, Charles Sturt, Lake Albert, Salt marshes, Meningie, Chinese cigars, Birdman of the Coorong, Kingston SE, Rosetown, Larry the lobster, Cape Jaffa historic lighthosue, Norfolk pines, Robe, 9 mile beach, circular town walk, Customs House, Matt Flinders,Chinese memorial, Flag hill, Harbour, Marina, Ray, Arthur Fennell Way, Pier, The Obelisk, Millicent for lunch, Mount Gambier, Blue Lake, Crater Lakes - leg of mutton (empty), valley (green algae), Hentys Monument, Wildlife park, Centenary Tower,Limestone sculpture, Pukeko or Australian swamphen,Town centre, Cave gardens, Sink Hole, Northumberland point, Port MacDonnell, Border crossing into Victoria
SEE THE FULL SOUTH AUSTRALIA EXPERIENCE, 18 mins
Outside Jacob's Creek Winery, SA
Cheers, Oyster Bar, Glenelg
"South Australia fun times, Glenelg Oyster bar, Hats in Hahndorf & walking Robe(s)"
It's gum nuts, you numb nuts haha
The Langthornes at Langhorne Creek
Cool hats in Hahndorf, larking about
Larry the Lobster, Kingston SE, Naff Icons
2017 South Australia with Pals
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And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well!
🍷🦞 The Great South Australia Wander: A Humorous Chronicle of Lakes, Lobsters & Light Railways
We rolled into Adelaide Parklands Station courtesy of the mighty Indian Pacific Railway, feeling very trans‑continental and only slightly crumpled. Straight to the BIG4 campsite, where C&A immediately launched into their personal mission: visiting every cricket ground known to humankind. We, meanwhile, heroically tested the pool, the beach, and the art of doing absolutely nothing except reading.
A quick detour to Adelaide Airport to stash bags in lockers, then off we flew to the Northern Territory for a few days in Alice Springs — because why not add another climate zone to the itinerary.
Back in SA, Glenelg welcomed us with the Oyster Bar, a sunset walk, the tram, the Fringe, and the Marina Pier — basically everything except a marching band. Then came the big moment: collecting the vans, our trusty chariots for the next leg.
Into wine country we went: Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Wolf Blass, Stockwell, Angaston, Rowland Flat, Jacobs Creek — a tour so full of vineyards we’re amazed we didn’t start photosynthesising. Then Hahndorf, where everything is Germanic, including the souvenirs, the sausages, and possibly the pigeons. Pioneers Park offered rubble, history, and the sense that early settlers were made of sterner stuff than us.
Southward to McLaren Vale, Tintara Estate, Hardys, and then Strathalbyn, Langhorne Creek, and Milang, where flocks of white cockatoos/Corellas screamed overhead like feathery car alarms. The South Australian Light Railway Museum delighted the inner trainspotter, and the Wellington chain ferry carried us across the Murray with all the drama of a slow‑motion action scene.
We passed Charles Sturt country, Lake Albert, salt marshes, and Meningie, where we discovered Chinese cigars (don’t ask) and the legendary Birdman of the Coorong, who may or may not be a myth, depending on how much wine you’ve had.
At Kingston SE, we met Larry the Lobster, a giant crustacean who looks like he escaped from a 1970s tourism fever dream. Rosetown, Cape Jaffa lighthouse, and rows of Norfolk pines led us to Robe, where we tackled the 9‑mile beach, the circular town walk, the Customs House, the Matt Flinders connections, the Chinese memorial, Flag Hill, the harbour, the marina, Ray, Arthur Fennell Way, the pier, and the Obelisk — all before lunch.
After a refuel in Millicent, we reached Mount Gambier, home of the Blue Lake, the crater lakes (one empty, one green, one dramatic), Henty’s Monument, the wildlife park, Centenary Tower, limestone sculptures, and a pukeko/Australian swamphen who strutted around like it owned the place.
We explored the town centre, the Cave Gardens, the Sinkhole, and Northumberland Point, before cruising to Port MacDonnell for a final blast of sea air.
And then — with a flourish, a cheer, and probably a van rattle — we crossed the border into Victoria, leaving South Australia behind with full hearts, full cameras, and a strong suspicion we’d eaten our bodyweight in oysters, wine, and bakery goods.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
1st - 3rd March 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Flying from Adelaide to Alice Springs over the Simpson desert and the red centre outback, MacDonnell ranges, salt lakes, dirt tracks, Elkira motel, pool, heat, humidity, flies, cockroaches (poor Allyson),Court house, The residency, Queen & Prince Phillip, Heritage area, RFDS-Royal Flying Doctor Service, Aboriginal Art, Anzac park, Anzac Hill lookout, Red Ochre Grill, Todd River & boat race, Alice springs desert park, Bush Bird display, Nocturnal red centre animals, Dingoes, Many Birds, the town of Ghan, MacDonell Ranges, Great talk from Margaret on bush tucker and medicines, Cinema experience, Roo at the Red Ochre and Pizza , Shuttle to and from airport, Airport displays, Desert scenes and clouds, close up on Adelaide and the shores.... and back in South Australia
See the full Northern Territory experience, approx.. 8 mins
Near the Royal Flying Doctor Service
"Flew into Alice for a few days, Desert Park and all, Red Ochre Grill but no Didge Show"
Flying over the Simpson desert, Adelaide to Alice Springs, NT
My all time favourite Aboriginal art by Helen McCarthy Tyalmuty
2017 Northern Territory, Australia with Pals
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Desert Park views, just outside Alice
A Humorous Summary of Our Alice Springs Adventure
Flying from Adelaide to Alice Springs felt like we were being dropped onto Mars — if Mars had salt lakes, dirt tracks and a motel pool we could dive into fully clothed. The Simpson Desert and MacDonnell Ranges stretched out below us like someone had tipped a giant bucket of red paint across the outback.
We checked into the Elkira Motel, where the heat, humidity and overly friendly flies greeted us like long‑lost cousins. Cockroaches also made an appearance — much to poor Allyson’s horror — proving even insects enjoy a good getaway.
Alice Springs rolled out its full cultural carpet: the courthouse, The Residency (complete with Queen & Prince Philip history), the heritage area, and the RFDS where we learned how heroes fly doctors across half a continent. Aboriginal art, Anzac Park, and the Anzac Hill lookout added proper gravitas… before the Todd River boat race reminded us that Aussies will race anything, even a dry riverbed.
The Desert Park introduced us to nocturnal critters, dingoes, and birds that looked like they’d been designed by committee. Margaret’s bush‑tucker talk taught us which plants heal us and which ones probably don’t.
Evenings meant cinema trips, Roo at the Red Ochre Grill, and pizza — because nothing says “authentic outback experience” like a good slice. The airport shuttle whisked us past desert scenes and clouds, before the plane carried us over the coastline and back into South Australia.
A trip full of heat, history, wildlife, and just enough insects to keep us alert.
VICTORIA
9th - 19th March 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Entered Victoria from South Australia just after Mount Gambier near Portland, Koalas, Non Fish & Chips, Speeding fines, Frightened waitress, "Kind" man who disconnected my electrics, Cape Breakwater, Discovery bay, Petrified forest, Coastal Walkway, Wind farm, Port Fairy, Poor pies, 41st Folk Festival, busy busy, Flagstaff hill, Warrnambool, Logans beach, no whales but surfers, The Great Ocean Road including Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, The Grotto, London Bridge, 12 Apostles, Apollo Bay, Scenery and then some, bank holiday weekend, Princeton DOC, Giltbrook river, failed campsites then the 5* motorway service station outside Geelong, Echidnas, 3 Koalas at Kennett River, Snakes, Rock wallaby, Mt Macedon, The hump, Hanging rock, Reserve, Summit, Picnic at Hanging rock, Historic Woodend, Coburg, Melbourne, Federation square, Heritage Trams, MCG, Rod Laver arena, Olympic park, Shane Warne sadly passed aged 52 in 2022, there is an image of us posed by his statue at the MCG, the Don , Dennis Lillee, Greek Quarter, Chinatown, James Squire brewery , Busy drive out of Melbourne, Mornington peninsular, St Kilda, Brighton, Luna Park, Elwood (keefs old home in pine avenue), Beach and pier at Mordialloc, Chris for a swim, Lunch at Mornington, Shopping in Frankton, Drive to Traralgon BIG4 on Princes Highway, Historic Port of Sale, White cockatoos, Lakes Entrance lookout, Lakes entrance connecting Gippsland lakes to the Bass Straits, 90 mile beach, Wood carvings, Fishing trawlers, Wood carvings, nice walks, Orbost, Snowy River, Marlo, Sammy the seal, Where the snowy river meets the bass straits, Banjo Paterson, Quirky Hats, Dredging, Sailors grave beach, cape Conran, Steps, Mackenzie river rain forest walk, Gypsy Point, Roos, Boats, Mallacoota, Pelicans, Harbour, Nasty brown snake warning, Koala at campsite, Lucy's for brekkie, Shady Gully walk and nice plants, Tasman sea lookout, boats and more, Double Creek in the Croajingolong National Park fairly near the border with New South Wales.
SEE THE FULL VICTORIA EXPERIENCE, 22 Mins
Picnic at Hanging Rock , Macedon plus a hand break turn by a very tall roo, mid run
"Victoria, my many homes as a child in suburbs of Melbourne, home of the Great Ocean Road"
The best place to find Koalas, Kennett River
Iconic, my home area destination station for quite a few years, Lalor to Flinders
And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well!
Time for a rest, vans parked up at Portland
2017 Victoria Australia with Pals
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🌊🐨🚐 Our Wild & Wonderful Wander Through Victoria 🇦🇺✨
We rolled into Victoria from South Australia just after Mount Gambier, cruising toward Portland with the confidence of seasoned travellers and the diet of people who thought they were getting fish and chips… only to discover they were getting “Non Fish & Chips,” a culinary mystery best left unsolved.
Koalas lounged in trees like they owned the place, while we collected speeding fines like they were souvenirs. A frightened waitress fled from us (we swear we were polite), and a “kind” man helpfully disconnected our electrics — because nothing says welcome to Victoria like accidental sabotage.
Cape Breakwater and Discovery Bay gave us windswept drama, the Petrified Forest looked like a set from a sci‑fi film, and the coastal walkway tried to blow us into the ocean. The wind farm waved at us with every rotation. Port Fairy offered charm but terrible pies, and the 41st Folk Festival was so busy it felt like half of Australia had turned up with a banjo.
Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill was brilliant, Logan’s Beach promised whales but delivered surfers, and then came the big one: The Great Ocean Road. The Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, Loch Ard Gorge, The Arch, The Grotto, London Bridge, the Twelve Apostles — scenery so spectacular it made us forget the bank holiday crowds and the fact we were basically living out of the car.
Princetown DOC, the Giltbrook River, and a series of failed campsites eventually led us to the unexpected luxury of a 5‑star motorway service station outside Geelong. Honestly, it felt like the Ritz.
Wildlife kept us entertained: echidnas shuffling around like spiky vacuum cleaners, three koalas at Kennett River doing their best “don’t care” faces, snakes slithering about, and a rock wallaby posing like it wanted a modelling contract.
We climbed Mt Macedon, tackled The Hump, wandered Hanging Rock, and debated whether we’d vanish mysteriously like in the film. Woodend charmed us, Coburg bustled, and then Melbourne swept us up in its energy: Federation Square, heritage trams, the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, Olympic Park. We posed by Shane Warne’s statue — bittersweet knowing he passed in 2022 at just 52. The Don and Dennis Lillee watched over the cricketing faithful, while the Greek Quarter, Chinatown and James Squire Brewery kept us well fed and watered.
Escaping Melbourne’s traffic required nerves of steel, but the Mornington Peninsula rewarded us: St Kilda, Brighton, Luna Park, Elwood (Keef’s old stomping ground in Pine Avenue), and Mordialloc where Chris bravely went for a swim. Lunch in Mornington, shopping in Frankston, and then off to Traralgon BIG4 on the Princes Highway.
We explored the historic Port of Sale, admired white cockatoos, and took in the Lakes Entrance lookout where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Bass Strait. Ninety Mile Beach stretched forever, wood carvings popped up everywhere, fishing trawlers bobbed in the water, and the walks were gorgeous.
Orbost, the Snowy River, Marlo, and Sammy the Seal greeted us where the river meets the sea — Banjo Paterson would’ve approved. We admired quirky hats, watched dredging, wandered Sailors Grave Beach and Cape Conran, and tackled rainforest steps on the Mackenzie River walk.
Gypsy Point brought roos and boats, Mallacoota gave us pelicans and a peaceful harbour, and a nasty brown snake warning kept us alert. A koala at the campsite supervised us like a furry park ranger. Breakfast at Lucy’s was perfect, the Shady Gully walk was lush, and the Tasman Sea lookout reminded us how far from home we really were.
We finished at Double Creek in Croajingolong National Park, not far from the New South Wales border — tired, dusty, happy, and full of stories.
Victoria had given us scenery, wildlife, mishaps, pies of questionable quality, and memories we’ll laugh about forever.
NEW SOUTH WALES
19th March - 4th April, then 8th-9th April 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
A Potted History
Entering New South Wales (NSW) from Mallacoota (Victoria), Eden, harbour & whale museum, Old Tom, Ben Boyd , Whale lookout, Twofold bay, Pambula beach, fishing, roos, birds, Rosellas, Brewery (closed), Farm stores, Horse food, Merimbula, Tura beach, Tathra wharf and beach, Catching flatheads, plaice and salmon (well almost), Bermagui, Dalmeny, Central Tilba Historic Village (went there in 2007-8 but had forgotten its name), Borrell, Meeting up with Steve & Laura, Forsters Bay, Wagonga inlet, Narooma, Wagonga princess, Sexist jokes (not good!),Eurobodalla NP, Mill Bay boardwalk, Rays, Rain (lots), Overpriced fish & chips by campsite, Mogo, Batemans Bay, Kings Highway (B52), Great Dividing Range - no pics too scary driving,Braidswood, Bungedore,Bywong,Goulburn, Marulan, Mittagong, Rural NSW, Balmoral, Buxton, Thirlmere, NSW Railway museum, Cockatoos, Horses, Silverdale, Warragamba dam, visitors centre, Haviland Park, Narabeen Lakes, Class driving campaigns, Handing van back at Britz in a new area of Mascot by airport , Public transport (bus/train/bus) back to Beacon hill apartment, Chilling, Views, Pool, BBQ, Movies, Food, Wine, Beer, Friends, Family, Bus to Manly, Manly Ferry, Harbour & Manly views, Voyager of the Seas cruise liner (D&P&C were on it 2 months later), Botanic gardens, Picnic, Mrs Macquaries chair, Sunsets, Opera, Carmen, Voyager of the Seas, last ferry back, Possum in the park in the dark, Sunny pool days around the Bali hut, No 169 bus route & timetable i.e the Manly bus from our pad in Beacon Hill, if you are NERDY enough click HERE to see that full bus timetable, anorak's at the ready, Opal cards, Seeing LION at Warringah Mall on a rainy day , C&As time in Sydney with Laura & Steve visiting Blue Mountains & Parkes observatory , Jervis bay, Snakes, Walking, Rain, Hannah and Connor visited and we had a play in the pool, Balgowlah, Lamb dinner (yummy), Lovely seeing David & Hannah again, heavy rain for a day, bright sunshine, day out in sydney centre, manly ferry, circular quay, barangaroo wharf, cockle bay wharf, darling harbour, harbourside, Hard Rock Cafe, Circular ferry trip, Pyrmont bridge, History, Milsoms point, MacMahons point, Balmain East, Luna Park, Emerald Princess, Maritime museum, Endeavour, Sunsets, Rained all day so watched goldstone (poor), noctural animals (good) and oz gogglebox, Train trip to Broadmeadow, Newcastle to visit Annies cousin Susan, Gosford, Wygong, Hawkesbury river, back from Tassie, Ibis budget airport, Doughnuts (never again), fire alarm, Flight to NZ
SEE THE FULL NEW SOUTH WALES EXPERIENCE, 47 mins
Beers at Manly just by the Ferry terminal
"NSW from Eden to Newcastle cousins, Beacon Hill stay in Sydney, and meeting up again for NZ"
Opera Sydney, harbours edge sadly had to leave before the encore to get the last ferry back to Manly
The Opera House from our Ferry to Watson's Bay
Beacon Hill, pool and BBQ fale, our Air B&B
Historic Central Tilba store, National Trust colonial village
Our boat trip on the Wagonga inlet, Narooma
2017 New South Wales Australia with Pals
Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows
And now videos of our images that accompanied the Diary, you may want to read that as well!
🌊🦘🚐 Our Big, Bold, Bonkers New South Wales Adventure 🇦🇺✨
We crossed from Victoria into New South Wales via Mallacoota, rolling into Eden where the harbour shimmered, the whale museum beckoned, and Old Tom the killer whale stole the show. Ben Boyd’s history loomed large, the whale lookout scanned Twofold Bay, and Pambula Beach gave us fishing, roos, birds and Rosellas — basically a wildlife documentary with sand.
The brewery was closed (rude), the farm stores were open, and we somehow ended up buying horse food. Merimbula, Tura Beach and Tathra Wharf kept the coastline gorgeous, while our attempts at catching flathead, plaice and salmon were… optimistic. Bermagui and Dalmeny drifted by, and Central Tilba — which we’d visited in 2007–08 but completely forgotten — charmed us all over again.
We met up with Steve & Laura around Forsters Bay and the Wagonga Inlet, cruised on the Wagonga Princess, and endured some sexist jokes that really should’ve stayed in 1973. Eurobodalla National Park, the Mill Bay boardwalk, rays gliding underfoot, and rain — lots of it — filled the days. Overpriced fish and chips by the campsite filled the stomachs (barely).
Mogo, Batemans Bay, and then the Kings Highway (B52) hurled us over the Great Dividing Range — no photos because the driving was too terrifying. Braidwood, Bungendore, Bywong, Goulburn, Marulan, Mittagong… rural NSW rolled past in a blur of paddocks, cockatoos, horses and towns with names that sound like they were invented during a pub quiz.
We wandered Balmoral, Buxton and Thirlmere, where the NSW Railway Museum delighted the inner train nerd. Silverdale and Warragamba Dam gave us engineering, a visitors centre, and Haviland Park. Then it was up to Narrabeen Lakes for some “class driving campaigns” (your words, Keef), before handing the van back to Britz in a new Mascot depot that felt like a maze.
Public transport whisked us back to Beacon Hill — bus, train, bus — and then came the good life: views, pool, BBQs, movies, food, wine, beer, friends, family. The Manly bus (Route 169) became our chariot, the Manly Ferry our cruise ship, and Sydney Harbour our daily screensaver. We spotted the Voyager of the Seas (D&P&C would be on it two months later), picnicked in the Botanic Gardens, sat at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, and watched sunsets that deserved applause.
Opera night brought Carmen, the last ferry brought a possum in the dark, and sunny pool days around the Bali hut brought pure bliss. Opal cards kept us moving, and a rainy day took us to see Lion at Warringah Mall.
&A had their own Sydney chapter with Laura & Steve — Blue Mountains, Parkes Observatory, the works. We squeezed in Jervis Bay, snakes, walks, rain, and a pool play‑session when Hannah and Connor visited. Balgowlah hosted a lamb dinner (yummy), and it was lovely seeing David & Hannah again.
Sydney gave us one last weather mood swing — heavy rain then blazing sunshine — before another day out in the city: Manly Ferry, Circular Quay, Barangaroo Wharf, Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour, Harbourside, Hard Rock Café, a circular ferry trip, Pyrmont Bridge, Milsons Point, McMahons Point, Balmain East, Luna Park, the Emerald Princess, the Maritime Museum and the Endeavour. Sunsets wrapped it all up like a postcard.
A rainy day meant movies: Goldstone (poor), Nocturnal Animals (good), and Gogglebox Australia (chaotic brilliance). Then came the train trip to Broadmeadow and Newcastle to visit Annie’s cousin Susan — Gosford, Wyong, the Hawkesbury River — and finally back from Tassie to the Ibis Budget Airport, where doughnuts betrayed us and a fire alarm kept things lively.
And then… the flight to New Zealand.New South Wales had given us beaches, rainforests, ferries, friends, fish (sometimes), snakes, sunsets, possums, culture, chaos‑free fun, and enough stories to fill a season of travel TV.
169. Manly – City a Sydney bus via Narraweena & Seaforth
Our stop Highlighted - full anarak
209541. Belgrave St near Raglan St, 209542. Pittwater Rd near Steinton St, 209543. Pittwater Rd near Pine St,209544. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St
209545. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd,209546. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,210030. Pittwater Rd near Queencliff Rd, 210032. IPittwater Rd near Oliver St
210033. Pittwater Rd near Riverview Pde,210034. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210035. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St ,210036. Pittwater Rd near Kentwell Rd
210037. Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av,2100111. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall,210015. Pittwater Rd near Roger St 210016. Pittwater Rd near Winbourne Rd
210017. Pittwater Rd near Pine Av,210018. Pittwater Rd near Federal Pde,210019. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Rd,209911. Pittwater Rd near May Rd
209912. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,209913. Pittwater St Davids Av ,209996. Fisher Rd near Lewis St,209997. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av,209998. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd
209999. McIntosh Rd near Beverley Job Park,2099100. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI,209917. Alfred St near Oceania St,209918. Alfred St near Warringah Rd,
209992. Warringah Rd near Consul Rd,209993. Warringah Rd near Northcliffe Av,210067. Warringah Rd opp McKillop Rd,210068. Warringah Rd near Beacon Hill Rd (see 24-30 March)
210069. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd,2100141. Warringah Rd near Earl St,210070. Warringah Rd near O'Connors Rd,210071. Warringah Rd near Goverment Rd,
210072. Warringah Rd near Jones St,208642. French Forest Rd near Patanga Rd,208643. Frenchs Forest Rd near Hurdis Av (Annie's old residence),
208644. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI,208637. Wakehurst Pwy near Frenchs Forest Rd,208674. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd 208638. Wakehurst Pwy near Warringah Rd
208655. Wakehurst Pwy,208712. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208713. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,209254. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St
209246. Wakehurst pwy near Burnt St,209247. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209231. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av,209232. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct
209233. Clontarf St near Montauban Av,209234. Frenchs Forest Rd near Montauban Av,209235. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av,209257. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St
209252. Sydney Rd near Hope St,209335. Manly Rd near Heaton Av,209212. Manly Rd near Avona Cr,208812. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088186. Spit Rd near Medusa St
2088187. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,2088188. Spit Rd near Stanton Rd,2088189. Spit Rd near Awaba St,2088243. Spit Rd at Clifford St,2088190. Spit road near Military Rd
2088192. Military Rd near Wudgong St,2088193. Military Rd near Lang St,2088194. Military Rd near Belmont Rd,209059. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd
209019. Military Rd near Hampden Av,208944. Military Rd near Rangers Rd,208913. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,208959. Military Rd at Bydown Lane,208960. Military Rd at Watson St
208912. Military Rd near Watson St,2000133. York St at Lang Park,200035. Wynyard Station, York St - Stand N,208657. Cemtery Front Gate Hakea Av,208671. Forest Way near Warringah Rd
208697. Naree Rd near Rabbett St,208649. Rabbett St near Holland Av,208664. Warrringah Rd near Bantry Bay Rd,200025. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand E,200021. Wynyard Station, Carrington St - Stand A
208947. Military Rd near Watson St,208948. Military Rd near Wycombe Rd,209021. Military Rd near Hampden Av,209058. Military Rd near Cabramatta Rd,2088176. Military Rd near Prince St
2088177. Military Rd near Lang St,2088178. Military Rd near Bond St,2088179, Military Rd near Cowles Rd,2088180. Spit Junction, Spit Rd,2088181. Spit Rd near Awaba St
2088182. Spit Rd near Bickell Rd,2088183. Spit Rd near Quakers Rd, 2088184. Spit Rd near Medusa St,2088185. Spit Rd near Pearl Bay Av,208811. Spit Rd near Parriwi Rd,209213. Battle Bvde near Manly Rd
209214. Battle Bvd near Seaforth Cr,209215. Palmerston PI near Alan Av,209216. Ponsonby Pde near Palmerston PI,209222. Ponsonby Pde near Panorama Pde,209223. Ponsonby Pde near Sydney Rd
209224. Frenchs Forest Rd near Ellery Pde,209225. Frenchs Forest Rd near Macmillan St,209236. Frenchs Forest Rd near Baringa Av 209237. Frenchs Forest near Redman St
209238.Clontarf St near Montauban Av 209239. Wakehurst Pwy near Castle Cct,209240. Wakehurst Pwy near Lister Av, 209241. Wakehurst Pwy near Armstrong St,209242. Wakehurst Pwy near Burnt St
209243. Wakehurst Pwy near Judith St,209253. Wakehurst Pwy near Kirkwood St,208711. Wakehurst Pwy near Manly Dam Res,208630. Wakehurst Pwy,208631, Wakehurst pwy near Warringah Rd
208639. Frenchs Forest Rd near Skyline PI 208640. Frenchs Forest Rd near Romford Rd,208641. Frenchs Forest Rd near Inverness Av,208617. Frenchs Forest Rd near Patanga Rd
2100142. Warringah Rd near Jones St 2100143. Warringah Rd near Ellis Rd 2100144. Warringah Rd near Oxford Falls Rd,2100113. Warringah Rd near Cornish Av,2100114. Warringah Rd near Willandra Rd
2100139. Warringah Rd opp Beacon Hill Rd,us again on the return journey, 2100140. Warringah Rd near McKillop Rd,2099106. Warringah Rd near Princess Mary St 2099107. Warringah Rd near Waratah Pde,2099108. Warringah Rd near Alfred St,2099119. Alfred St near Warringah Rd,2099120. Alfred St near Amaral St,2099122. Alfred St near McIntosh Rd
2099115. McIntosh Rd near Mundara PI 2099116. McIntosh Rd near Victor Rd 2099117. McIntosh Rd near Vale Av 2099118. Fisher Rd near St David Av,209922. Pittwater Rd near Howard Av
209923. Pittwater Rd near Pacific Pde,210021. Pittwater Rd near Harbord Rd,210022. Pittwater Rd near Carter Rd ,210023. Pittwater Rd near Mitchell Av,210025. Pittwater Rd near Chard Rd
210026. Pittwater Rd near Orchard Rd,2100131. Pittwater Rd near Warringah Mall Stand A,210041.Pittwater Rd near Sterland Av 210042. Pittwater Rd near Corrie Rd
210043. Pittwater Rd near Wakefield St,210044. Pittwater Rd near Western Av,210045. Pittwater near Riverview Pde ,210046. Pittwater Rd near Oliver St
210047.Pittwater Rd near Aitken Av 209547. Pittwater Rd near Eurobin Av,209548. Pittwater Rd near Balgowlah Rd 209549. Pittwater Rd near Collingwood St
209550. Pittwater Rd near Pine St 209551. Pittwater Rd near Carlton St,209552. Pittwater Rd near IRagIan St,209553. Belgrave St near Sydney Rd
209554. West Esplanade Stand B - MANLY
🌅🚍 A Day in the Life: Riding the 169 From Beacon Hill
Morning light slid across Pine Avenue, catching the tops of the gum trees and the cockatoos already arguing about absolutely nothing. We stepped out of the old Beacon Hill pad, that familiar mix of sea breeze and eucalyptus drifting up from the valley. The hill sloped away beneath us — steep enough to wake the legs, gentle enough to pretend it wasn’t exercise.
Down Pine Avenue, past the houses with their sun‑bleached fences, then left onto Beacon Hill Road. Cars hummed along Warringah Road below, the great concrete artery of the Northern Beaches. That was our target: the 169 stop, the gateway to Manly, Narraweena, Seaforth and the city beyond.
We reached the stop just as the bus crested the rise — that classic blue-and-white Sydney livery, the driver giving the tiniest nod as if to say, “Hop on, mate.” Inside, the air‑con blasted like a gift from the heavens. Seats were a mix of schoolkids, office workers, and the occasional surfer who looked like he’d been awake since dawn.
The bus rolled down Warringah Road, swung toward Dee Why, and then began the climb into Narraweena — the exact stretch you’ve got open on YouTube right now, maybe if you are viewing the Bus route video, it is an exact replica of the route. The houses leaned into the hill, the ocean glinting in the distance. At the top, the view opened up like a postcard.
Through Seaforth we went, the bus weaving past sandstone houses and jacarandas. Then came The Spit Bridge, that iconic pinch point where the harbour suddenly appears — blue, bright, and full of boats that cost more than the bus itself.
Neutral Bay brought cafés, commuters and the smell of fresh pastries we never quite had time to buy. And then, as always, the final glide into Wynyard, the city rising around us like a steel canyon.
We stepped off into the hum of Sydney — ferries, trams, skyscrapers, the whole lot — knowing that at the end of the day, the 169 would carry us back up the hill, past the ocean, past the gum trees, and home to Beacon Hill (our Air B&B with pool for a week) and gave us and especially Annie many memories from her teenage years.
A simple bus ride, but one stitched into memory like a favourite old photo.
TASMANIA
4th - 8th April 2017
INTRODUCTION & DIARY
Early morning flight from Sydney to Launceston, Car hire, Evandale, Midland Highway, Powranna, Epping Forest, Cleveland, Campbell Town, Convicts, Nice egg and bacon pies, Wood carvings, Sunshine, Elizabeth river, Loggers, Conara, A4 Esk main road, Avoca, Fingal, St Mary's, Volcanic Mount, Purple possum café, Break O'Day municipality, Cornwall, Gray, Chain of Lagoons, Seymour, Douglas River, Tasman Highway, Bicheno, Picnics, Views, Scuba Divers, whales (if only!), Apslawn, Cranbrook, Swansea, John & Diana - so nice to see them again, wonderful hospitality, 9 mile beach, Mayfield, Rocky hill beach, Spiky bridge & beach, Swansea pier and beach, Freycinet national park, visitors centre, Wine glass bay, Cape Tourville lighthouse, the Road rage guide, Gravel roads, Friendly beaches, sunshine, fun, walks, Surfing, pristine empty beaches, Oyster bay, The Hazards, Coles bay, Triabunna, Maria island, Ferry, Tassie devils, Orford, Prosser estuary, Café, Cricket, Raspins Spit & beach & dunes, Petanque, History, East coast heritage museum @ Swansea, Tarleton, Thylacine, Family, Up early, Say goodbye, Back to Launceston Airport, John and Diana had moved to Swansea from Huonville, which is why we came into Launceston airport
SEE THE FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE, 10 Mins
Memorial to the convict road, Campbell Town
"Fun days with family in Swansea and beyond "
So lovely to see John & Diana again
Sunset over Swansea, we love Tassie
Drive slowly, usual clever Kiwi road sign
2017 Tasmania, Pals stayed in Sydney & NSW with their family
Click to enlarge and scroll thru slideshows
✈️🌞 THE FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE — IN 10 MINS! With a small injection of Humour!
🛫 Launceston Landing & The Great Pie Pilgrimage
Touchdown in Launceston, grab the hire car, and off you zoom through Evandale and along the Midland Highway, ticking off towns like you’re speed‑dating Tasmania: Powranna, Epping Forest, Cleveland, Campbell Town.
Campbell Town, of course, offers:
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Convict history
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Wood carvings
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Egg & bacon pies so good they should be heritage‑listed
The sun is shining, the Elizabeth River sparkles, and the local loggers look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1970s forestry calendar.
🚗 Eastward Ho! Through Volcano Country
Onwards via Conara and the A4 Esk Highway, through Avoca, Fingal, and St Mary’s, where a volcanic mount looms dramatically and the Purple Possum Café tempts you with wholesome goodness.
You officially enter the Break O’Day municipality, passing Cornwall, Gray, and the wonderfully named Chain of Lagoons. Then Seymour, Douglas River, and finally the Tasman Highway leads you to…
🐧 Bicheno — Where Whales Should Be
Bicheno delivers:
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Picnics
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Views
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Scuba divers
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And whales… well, theoretically. (They must have been on their tea break.)
🏡 Swansea — The Reunion Tour
Through Apslawn, Cranbrook, and into Swansea, where the real highlight awaits: John & Diana, freshly relocated from Huonville and offering warmth, hospitality, and enough food to feed a small rugby squad.
Local attractions include:
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9 Mile Beach
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Mayfield
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Rocky Hill Beach
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Spiky Bridge & Spiky Beach
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Swansea Pier
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Swansea Beach
Basically: beaches, beaches, and more beaches — all pristine, empty, and showing off.
⛰️ Freycinet: Where Postcards Come From
A day trip to Freycinet National Park brings:
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Visitors Centre
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Wineglass Bay (ridiculously beautiful)
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Cape Tourville Lighthouse
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Friendly Beaches
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The Hazards
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Coles Bay
You also consult the Road Rage Guide, which is presumably a polite Tasmanian pamphlet saying, “Please don’t.”
Gravel roads, sunshine, walks, surfing, fun — the full Tassie sampler platter.
🦘 Triabunna, Maria Island & Devilish Encounters
Next stop: Triabunna, where the ferry whisks you to Maria Island, home of:
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Tassie devils
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History
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Wildlife
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And the kind of scenery that makes you consider quitting your job and becoming a ranger
Back on the mainland, Orford and the Prosser Estuary offer cafés, cricket, Raspins Spit, dunes, petanque, and more history than you can shake a thylacine at.
Speaking of which — the East Coast Heritage Museum in Swansea gives you a good look at the legendary thylacine, plus a reminder that Tasmania does museums just as well as beaches.
🧳 Homeward Bound - Well Back on the trail to Beacon Hill Air B&B and Sydney
Up early, bags packed, hugs exchanged. Back to Launceston Airport, because John & Diana’s move to Swansea means this is now the official family gateway.
A whirlwind, sun‑drenched, pie‑powered, beach‑blessed FULL TASSIE EXPERIENCE — all in one glorious loop.