Left Nuriootpa early Thursday 7th after packing everything the night before and connecting ute to the van ready for takeoff!! Had a pleasant day driving up through Clare Valley, Port Pirie, Port Augusta (very uninteresting scenery). Had originally planned on getting as far as Ceduna but unable to make a booking at the park as we drove along so continued on to Penong (the windmill town). Walked over to the pub and had drink and nice meal and early night.
Started off early again and ended up in Caiguna, at the back of the road house, only thing going for it was there was power, a bit like "No where special" (Nundroo)
From Caiguna to Esperance was only a short day arriving here around mid afternoon, weather nice and cool even a little rain. At the Esperance Seafront Caravan Park until Wednesday then heading home.
It's good for Dad to have a few days rest after the long days driving on the Nullarbor before going home.
We have had a wonderful time away, has been great catching up with family and friends this trip, we are both looking forward to seeing you all very soon.
Saturday, 9 March 2019
Monday, 4 March 2019
Nuriootpa
Left early on Saturday morning via Ballarat, Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Nhill, Bordertown which is just in South Aust and finally Keith. Was a very hot day, pleased to arrive and have air con. Keith is a nice little town with plenty of lovely trees in the streets, caravan park was good. Averil Burton lived at Keith before coming to WA her father had a dairy farm.
Not a long drive on Sunday, through Tailem Bend saw the mighty Murray River, drove over a very long and narrow bridge at Murray Bridge. Next was Mannum a lovely spot on the river which has paddle steamers, unfortunately for us markets were on down at the river and there was no parking for us so couldn't stop for lunch as we had planned. As we drove towards the Barossa had to climb a fair distance through the Barrossa range which really made the car work with the caravan behind.
We are at Big4 Barossa Tourist park in Nuriootpa which is very nice not very many vans, decided to stay 4 nights leaving on Thursday 7th and will be heading for the Nullarbor.
Cousin Justine and Anthony came up yesterday from Adelaide and took us to lunch at Peter Lehmanns Winery not very far away in Tanunda. Had a great day catching up with them, Justine was very overwhelmed at the size of our family considering she was an only child and has no children.
We are planning on stopping in Esperance for a couple of days on the way home.
Not a long drive on Sunday, through Tailem Bend saw the mighty Murray River, drove over a very long and narrow bridge at Murray Bridge. Next was Mannum a lovely spot on the river which has paddle steamers, unfortunately for us markets were on down at the river and there was no parking for us so couldn't stop for lunch as we had planned. As we drove towards the Barossa had to climb a fair distance through the Barrossa range which really made the car work with the caravan behind.
We are at Big4 Barossa Tourist park in Nuriootpa which is very nice not very many vans, decided to stay 4 nights leaving on Thursday 7th and will be heading for the Nullarbor.
Cousin Justine and Anthony came up yesterday from Adelaide and took us to lunch at Peter Lehmanns Winery not very far away in Tanunda. Had a great day catching up with them, Justine was very overwhelmed at the size of our family considering she was an only child and has no children.
We are planning on stopping in Esperance for a couple of days on the way home.
Thursday, 28 February 2019
Geelong
Have really enjoyed our few days here in Geelong. It has been wonderful spending time with Sue & Keith.
Drove to Melbourne on Wednesday to Campbellfield to Retreat factory and picked up the window dad had ordered, not that far just like a trip to Bunbury with a lot more traffic and 3 lanes most of the way. When we arrived back decided to visit the National Wool Museum, Robbie would have enjoyed, a great display and history of the wool industry particularly around this area. There is a loom still producing the Manor House Rug in 7 colours, has been working for over 100 years.
Yesterday 28/2 they took us on a tour of the Bellarine Peninsula to all the little hamlets and villages in this area, it is amazing how rural it is just outside each little place.
Sue & Keith are at Curlewis which is east of Geelong overlooking Corio Bay, they just have a glimpse from their new house.
Went to Barwon Heads and had coffee, very quaint place and popular with holiday makers.
Had a quick look at the winery where Naomi & Brett were married, then went all the way around the Coast line to Queenscliff for lunch and watch the ferry coming across from Portsea and Sorrento. Sue had suggested we could have come via ferry however very expensive with the caravan.
Had a BBQ last night Naomi & Brett came, we think it was 2004 the last time we saw Naomi. Brett is quiet but a nice man and they are very happy.
Met Annette & John Matthews this morning for coffee just down the road from where we are at Big 4, Bellarine at lovely nursery with a cafe, they know the area well.
Called to say goodbye to Keith & Sue and checked the map from best way out of Geelong tomorrow morning, heading to S.A via Ballarat, planning on staying at Keith just near Bordertown.
Barwon Heads at low tide
Drove to Melbourne on Wednesday to Campbellfield to Retreat factory and picked up the window dad had ordered, not that far just like a trip to Bunbury with a lot more traffic and 3 lanes most of the way. When we arrived back decided to visit the National Wool Museum, Robbie would have enjoyed, a great display and history of the wool industry particularly around this area. There is a loom still producing the Manor House Rug in 7 colours, has been working for over 100 years.
Yesterday 28/2 they took us on a tour of the Bellarine Peninsula to all the little hamlets and villages in this area, it is amazing how rural it is just outside each little place.
Sue & Keith are at Curlewis which is east of Geelong overlooking Corio Bay, they just have a glimpse from their new house.
Went to Barwon Heads and had coffee, very quaint place and popular with holiday makers.
Had a quick look at the winery where Naomi & Brett were married, then went all the way around the Coast line to Queenscliff for lunch and watch the ferry coming across from Portsea and Sorrento. Sue had suggested we could have come via ferry however very expensive with the caravan.
Had a BBQ last night Naomi & Brett came, we think it was 2004 the last time we saw Naomi. Brett is quiet but a nice man and they are very happy.
Met Annette & John Matthews this morning for coffee just down the road from where we are at Big 4, Bellarine at lovely nursery with a cafe, they know the area well.
Called to say goodbye to Keith & Sue and checked the map from best way out of Geelong tomorrow morning, heading to S.A via Ballarat, planning on staying at Keith just near Bordertown.
Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula
Tuesday, 26 February 2019
Traralgon
Left Bungendore on Monday 18th and drove to Eden on the coast, had a night there caravan park right on the beach, had lovely walk along the beach up to the Seahorse Inn and had a drink. When we went through Eden in 1977 with Viv & Pam this historic old hotel was just being restored, dad remembered it, it now a grand old building which was started in 1843 never complete and abandoned for almost a century, we were going to walk back for a meal however it started to rain decided not to go as car was connected to van and didn't feel like getting wet.
Had three nights at Lakes Entrance which was enjoyable, a large fishing fleet operates from there out into Bass Straight, the view looking out over the town and lakes and inlets was great, it's a real holiday town with some 25 caravan parks with lots of cabins and permanent residents so lucky for us the school holidays had finished.
Came to Traralgon on Friday morning only about 150 Klms from Lakes Entrance. Suzie was not working so had a great day with her, went to Bunnings so Tone could do a few handy man jobs for her, picked the boys up from school which is very close by. Traralgon is a lovely place with all amenities and just feels like a big country town. Andrew was creating a brew on Saturday helped by Theo. Tone cooked beef in the Webber for dinner which was enjoyed by all.
Suzie took us on Sunday morning for "Cook's tour" around Traralgon whilst Andrew supervised some homework. Helen & Barry came for lunch, it was so lovely to see Helen again, we had a very pleasant afternoon sitting on the veranda the weather was perfect.
Monday 25th February, set off from Traralgon just after 9 when traffic not so heavy for Geelong via Melbourne and Westgate Bridge, thank goodness 2 lanes all the way, Tone did a great job negotiating with the very large trucks that certainly don't observe the speed limit.
We are at a great park Big4 at Bellarine Peninsula a few Klms from Geelong not very far from Sue and Keith. It has the best big sites with a small hedge dividing each site, going to stay 5 nights.
Sue & Keith are renting a house not far from where we are, they are in the middle of building which is exciting for them. Naomi & Brett live close by, we went last night for dinner and on Thursday going to have a day out with Sue & Keith and then have a BBQ with Naomi & Brett as well.
Going up to Melbourne tomorrow to Campbellfield to Retreat Caravans have had trouble with the blind on window at dining room table, dad ordered a replacement from Caravans Plus which was not the right one so hopefully will be able to sort it out.
Have been in touch with Annette Matthews (Nield) they are going to come down on Friday morning to catch up, they live not far from Geelong, it was lovely to re-acquaint ourselves after the Dinninup show last year after many years. I worked with Annette at CBA bank in Boyup many years ago.
We are planning on heading to S.A. after we leave Geelong on Saturday. Going to meet cousin Justine & Anthony when we arrive early next week, they are happy to come to the Barossa to see us.
Some photos from Lakes Entrance, Suzie & Andrews home.
Had three nights at Lakes Entrance which was enjoyable, a large fishing fleet operates from there out into Bass Straight, the view looking out over the town and lakes and inlets was great, it's a real holiday town with some 25 caravan parks with lots of cabins and permanent residents so lucky for us the school holidays had finished.
Came to Traralgon on Friday morning only about 150 Klms from Lakes Entrance. Suzie was not working so had a great day with her, went to Bunnings so Tone could do a few handy man jobs for her, picked the boys up from school which is very close by. Traralgon is a lovely place with all amenities and just feels like a big country town. Andrew was creating a brew on Saturday helped by Theo. Tone cooked beef in the Webber for dinner which was enjoyed by all.
Suzie took us on Sunday morning for "Cook's tour" around Traralgon whilst Andrew supervised some homework. Helen & Barry came for lunch, it was so lovely to see Helen again, we had a very pleasant afternoon sitting on the veranda the weather was perfect.
Monday 25th February, set off from Traralgon just after 9 when traffic not so heavy for Geelong via Melbourne and Westgate Bridge, thank goodness 2 lanes all the way, Tone did a great job negotiating with the very large trucks that certainly don't observe the speed limit.
We are at a great park Big4 at Bellarine Peninsula a few Klms from Geelong not very far from Sue and Keith. It has the best big sites with a small hedge dividing each site, going to stay 5 nights.
Sue & Keith are renting a house not far from where we are, they are in the middle of building which is exciting for them. Naomi & Brett live close by, we went last night for dinner and on Thursday going to have a day out with Sue & Keith and then have a BBQ with Naomi & Brett as well.
Going up to Melbourne tomorrow to Campbellfield to Retreat Caravans have had trouble with the blind on window at dining room table, dad ordered a replacement from Caravans Plus which was not the right one so hopefully will be able to sort it out.
Have been in touch with Annette Matthews (Nield) they are going to come down on Friday morning to catch up, they live not far from Geelong, it was lovely to re-acquaint ourselves after the Dinninup show last year after many years. I worked with Annette at CBA bank in Boyup many years ago.
We are planning on heading to S.A. after we leave Geelong on Saturday. Going to meet cousin Justine & Anthony when we arrive early next week, they are happy to come to the Barossa to see us.
Some photos from Lakes Entrance, Suzie & Andrews home.
Saturday, 16 February 2019
Bungendore
Decided to stay another night here, it's lovely and quite and very peaceful.
Went into Canberra via Queanbeyan on a good road not to far away. Visited Parliament House and did a guided tour, I was disappointed Parliament was not sitting being Friday, tour was very informative and worth doing.
We were going to do a Big Red Bus tour however there were many roads closed as a Multicultural Festival was just beginning in the city centre, there were many food stalls of different nationalities and it was also very hot so came back to the van. The mall and streets where it was being held had beautiful big shady trees so I can imagine when it starts it will be very popular.
Our neighbours in the next van are from Bunbury, had a drink with them a couple of nights ago, very nice people Paul & Terri. Paul was a bricklayer and has lived in Bunbury all his life, knows lots of people dad played footy with in Bunbury. They have a son who is building a house at Dandanup on 6 acres close to town.
Today is washing day as you can see from the photo, we are going to check out Bungendore there is a woodworks gallery and lots of craft, antique and gift shops. There are also 5 wineries close by so thought this arvo might visit some.
Have been in touch with Suzie, planning on arriving at Traralgon next Friday 22nd, and spend the weekend with them, we are really looking forward to seeing them again.
Will then make our way to Geelong and spend some time with Sue & Keith.
Hope all are well no doubt busy with work, school, new houses etc. Happy birthday to Lachie for the 19th, and Baden on the 24th.
Went into Canberra via Queanbeyan on a good road not to far away. Visited Parliament House and did a guided tour, I was disappointed Parliament was not sitting being Friday, tour was very informative and worth doing.
We were going to do a Big Red Bus tour however there were many roads closed as a Multicultural Festival was just beginning in the city centre, there were many food stalls of different nationalities and it was also very hot so came back to the van. The mall and streets where it was being held had beautiful big shady trees so I can imagine when it starts it will be very popular.
Our neighbours in the next van are from Bunbury, had a drink with them a couple of nights ago, very nice people Paul & Terri. Paul was a bricklayer and has lived in Bunbury all his life, knows lots of people dad played footy with in Bunbury. They have a son who is building a house at Dandanup on 6 acres close to town.
Today is washing day as you can see from the photo, we are going to check out Bungendore there is a woodworks gallery and lots of craft, antique and gift shops. There are also 5 wineries close by so thought this arvo might visit some.
Have been in touch with Suzie, planning on arriving at Traralgon next Friday 22nd, and spend the weekend with them, we are really looking forward to seeing them again.
Will then make our way to Geelong and spend some time with Sue & Keith.
Hope all are well no doubt busy with work, school, new houses etc. Happy birthday to Lachie for the 19th, and Baden on the 24th.
Thursday, 14 February 2019
Bungendore
Lane Cove Tourist Park
Have had a great few days since the last blog and leaving the Gold Coast. Spent two nights at Nambucca Heads which is a little south of Coffs Harbour. A beautiful spot on the water, however quite a crowded park with lots of holiday units and on the 2nd night a party that was still going at about 4am!!!!Drove down to Sydney on Sunday and booked into Lane Cove Tourist Park in a National Park, it was lovely you would never know it was very close to the city except for planes overhead. Stayed 4 nights, caught the train from Chatswood into the city and the ferry to Manly and had lovely lunch and enjoyable day. Went to shopping centre next day and both had hair cuts, dads is quite good, mine is very average thankfully it will grow before we come home.
Left Sydney this morning heading towards Canberra, Dad did a great job negotiating the traffic, we ended up in Bungendore at the Showground Camping which is just ideal. About 32 Klms from Canberra, it looks a great with a historic village close by, nice big sites and weather is nice and cool.
Planning on a visit into Canberra tomorrow and Parliament House and on Sat a visit to the war memorial and museum.
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| View from Lane Cove towards Chatswood ShoppingCentre |
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
Broadwater Tourist Park
Have had a lovely week here at the Gold Coast which was not part of our plans, thankfully the weather has been very pleasant with a lovely cool breeze and even some rain mostly at night, have not used the air con since coming here.
It has been wonderful spending time the Maz & Baz. Had a great drive down to Murwillumbah, through Chillingham where we stopped Nick & Steph at the road side stall when we went with Mary after Suzies wedding, and stopped at Tumblegum on the Tweed River for lunch. Dad has cooked fish & chips for them, went to Broadwater another night for F&C, and been to their new unit for dinner. Today went over near SeaWorld for lunch where all the expensive boats are moored.
Our stay has been longer than anticipated due to a problem with the ute which has been rectified and also had a service.
Leaving in the morning for Nambucca Heads which is a little south of Coffs Harbour.
Check out the cows with the umbrella on Gold Coast Hwy at a butchers shop and restaurant not far from where we have been staying.
It has been wonderful spending time the Maz & Baz. Had a great drive down to Murwillumbah, through Chillingham where we stopped Nick & Steph at the road side stall when we went with Mary after Suzies wedding, and stopped at Tumblegum on the Tweed River for lunch. Dad has cooked fish & chips for them, went to Broadwater another night for F&C, and been to their new unit for dinner. Today went over near SeaWorld for lunch where all the expensive boats are moored.
Our stay has been longer than anticipated due to a problem with the ute which has been rectified and also had a service.
Leaving in the morning for Nambucca Heads which is a little south of Coffs Harbour.
Check out the cows with the umbrella on Gold Coast Hwy at a butchers shop and restaurant not far from where we have been staying.
On the road again
Went to 2 concerts at the Dag Sheep Station about 10 Klms from Nundle, tickets included a roast buffet meal. A lovely venue where they have accommodation and hold lots of songwriting workshops.
Packed and left Nundle last Monday morning 28/1 and went through Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell and had the night at Warialda. Not far from Tamworth, Moonbi hill 1 and then 2 were very steep and a big climb. Some very pretty views from the top of the range.
Changed our plans and went to visit Ross & Averil Burton in Goondawindi before coming to meet Mary & Barry. Ross worked for PaPa many years ago driving the bulldozer and sank the big dam at Rocklea. Was great to catch up again they made us very welcome. Originally had booked into Warwick however when we looked at caravan park it was very average and the cabin for Maz & Baz had no air con or ensuite, continued on to Toowoomba and had 2 nights in nice park and unit for M&B. Ian Dumigan took us for Cooks Tour of Toowoomba and then we had BBQ with them last night at their house. Coralie had invited Doug & Veronica Gordon, and Jeff &Karen Murdock who had been at Parkes with us so we had a fun night.
Decided to come to the Gold Coast and spend a few more days with M&B, we are at the Broadwater Tourist Park at Southport not very far from their unit. There is a nice cool breeze this afternoon which is wonderful after the heat, the 2nights at Toowoomba were the coolest since leaving Boyup.
We are going to go south down the coast instead of inland NSW as we have had enough of the heat.
Ross and Averil
Burtons house Goondawindi Monday, 21 January 2019
Lake Macquarie
Went to Tamworth on Sat by bus from Nundle purchased bus ticket for the entire time of festival which is great as some of the venues are a little away from Peel St where there are a lot of buskers, some good others not so!
Listened to a family group called String Loaded a Celtic Fiddle Band, they were excellent also in shopping mall that was air conditioned. There was Dad on guitar, 2 daughters about 18 & 16 on fiddles and mum on bodhran drum, enjoyed them so much went back and listened again in the afternoon.
Listened to a family group called String Loaded a Celtic Fiddle Band, they were excellent also in shopping mall that was air conditioned. There was Dad on guitar, 2 daughters about 18 & 16 on fiddles and mum on bodhran drum, enjoyed them so much went back and listened again in the afternoon.
Drove down to Newcastle yesterday morning about as far as trip to Perth from Boyup, a pleasant drive along and through the Great Dividing Range. Bob & Robyn White live on the waters edge of Lake Macquarie a beautiful lake which has a shore line of 175 Klms. Bob is dads first cousin his father Uncle Hensley was Nana Doust's (Joyce) only sibling. Had a great day and night catching up with them, they have lived in NSW since 1994. They have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren, Sally lives in Perth and Kate is a teacher in Broken Hill.
Came back to Nundle today and guess what it's actually cooler and at present raining, decided to cook a lamb roast which we have both enjoyed this evening.
Happy birthday to Jessica, hope you have had a happy day it was lovely to talk to you and mum today.
Came back to Nundle today and guess what it's actually cooler and at present raining, decided to cook a lamb roast which we have both enjoyed this evening.
Happy birthday to Jessica, hope you have had a happy day it was lovely to talk to you and mum today.
Thursday, 17 January 2019
Nundle
Had a lovely drive to Nundle from Parkes on Monday, through Wellington, Gulgong (Ten Dollar note town), Merriwa and Scone. Amazing country in the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
Nundle in a nice little town of approx 300, the caravan park is great with first class amenities nice big sites. Ian & Coralie, Doug & Veronica stayed 2 nights here before heading for home. We all went to the pub in town for a lovely meal the first night.
Have visited the historic woollen mill which still uses machinery some manufactured more then 100 years ago, it was fascinating to see the production of processing from scoured wool to the finished yarn.
Yesterday drove into Tamworth, a very large inland city of about 60,000 people, we are about 60 Klms away.Visited the Golden Guitar Information Centre to familiarise ourselves with the city, it's the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere and among the top ten in the world, attracting more the 700 performers at 2800 shows and 120 venues over the 10 day festival, there is no shortage of artists to see!!! We are able to go to Tamworth daily by bus from Nundle. Nundle also has a numbers of performances in town or nearby.
Since we have been away over 2 weeks there has not been many days that the temperature has been below 40 and some as high as 48, the air con in the van has worked overtime.
Today we have had a lazy day ad catching up on washing etc.
Tomorrow going on the bus to Tamworth for the first official day of the festival.
Here are a few photos I took last night from the caravan park.
Nundle in a nice little town of approx 300, the caravan park is great with first class amenities nice big sites. Ian & Coralie, Doug & Veronica stayed 2 nights here before heading for home. We all went to the pub in town for a lovely meal the first night.
Have visited the historic woollen mill which still uses machinery some manufactured more then 100 years ago, it was fascinating to see the production of processing from scoured wool to the finished yarn.
Yesterday drove into Tamworth, a very large inland city of about 60,000 people, we are about 60 Klms away.Visited the Golden Guitar Information Centre to familiarise ourselves with the city, it's the largest music festival in the Southern Hemisphere and among the top ten in the world, attracting more the 700 performers at 2800 shows and 120 venues over the 10 day festival, there is no shortage of artists to see!!! We are able to go to Tamworth daily by bus from Nundle. Nundle also has a numbers of performances in town or nearby.
Since we have been away over 2 weeks there has not been many days that the temperature has been below 40 and some as high as 48, the air con in the van has worked overtime.
Today we have had a lazy day ad catching up on washing etc.
Tomorrow going on the bus to Tamworth for the first official day of the festival.
Here are a few photos I took last night from the caravan park.
Saturday, 12 January 2019
Parkes
Had Monday night at Nyngan, via Wilcannia and Cobar. All remote outback towns, Wilcannia is on the Darling River has a massive high bridge when the rains come, just a very small green pool of water at present. As we progressed down the Barrier Hwy a few farms appeared after pastoral country.
Nyngan to Parkes not very far, arrived before lunch with lots of other caravans heading here for Elvis!
Nyngan to Parkes not very far, arrived before lunch with lots of other caravans heading here for Elvis!
Have had a great time, won't be playing Elvis for a while, enjoyed the 3 concerts we paid for, plenty of free entertainment buskers etc. Didn't take photos hopefully you have checked out Facebook for: The Parkes Phoenix with heaps of photos to give you all an idea of what has been going on in Parkes for the last week. Thought Baden might like to see his name on the sign on road between Broken Hill and Wilcannia.
Heading to Nundle tomorrow,
Hope all are well and enjoying school holidays.
Saturday, 5 January 2019
Sight seeing Broken Hill
Had lazy day, have been to lookout over town, which is a memorial to over 800 miners who have died since the 1800's, great view of BH.
Bells 1950's Milk Bar with everything dating back to 50's had Spider and Milk Shake, had Nana Pegs green laminex table!
Drove to Silverton a historical mining town 25 km away, a town of about 60 now from 3000 in 1885.
It's enjoying a new lease of life with art galleries and popular as a television and movie location. A Town Like Alice, Mad Max 2 and lots of TV commercials are made there.
Also visited Pro Hart Art Gallery, his 4 Rolls Royce cars are parked at the entry of the gallery which was purpose built, has a large pipe organ he used to play and his art studio with all his equipment inside, he died in 2006 has 5 children who are talented artists as well. Plenty of art to purchase if you have a big cheque book!
Bells 1950's Milk Bar with everything dating back to 50's had Spider and Milk Shake, had Nana Pegs green laminex table!
Drove to Silverton a historical mining town 25 km away, a town of about 60 now from 3000 in 1885.
It's enjoying a new lease of life with art galleries and popular as a television and movie location. A Town Like Alice, Mad Max 2 and lots of TV commercials are made there.
Also visited Pro Hart Art Gallery, his 4 Rolls Royce cars are parked at the entry of the gallery which was purpose built, has a large pipe organ he used to play and his art studio with all his equipment inside, he died in 2006 has 5 children who are talented artists as well. Plenty of art to purchase if you have a big cheque book!
Broken Hill
Arrived today in Broken Hill quite early after short trip from Orroroo at base of south Flinders Range, pretty drive through Range nicest part of SA so far.
View from Orroroo Caravan Park
Have had good trip so far despite heat at Fraser Range, 52 at 5pm, thank goodness for air con which went all night. Has been very windy most of the way across the Nullarbor.
Looking forward to exploring Broken Hill tomorrow.
Looking forward to exploring Broken Hill tomorrow.
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