May 2015 - Trip to the East Coast (Page 1)

11th May. Left caravan Park at Karuah Jetty Holiday Park. Travelled back into Maitland and then into Cessnock. Called into the Tourist centre at Maitland to get some info on the Hunter. Then drove into Maitland and we were going to stop for coffee and have a walk along the shopping centre. Narrow streets and very awkward with the caravan. Ended going up a no through Road and very lucky to be able to turn around. It was a tight squeeze. Couldn't find an appropriate area to park so headed off to Cessnock. This area is unbelievable. Most of the roads are 60 and narrow and new houses all the way. Went into Mickey D's in Kurri Kurri and went up a side road to park but had to make a U turn. You would not believe it but three cars came along and two wanted to turn into the street where I was making the u turn. One car let me go first and just as I was doing this a hoon came up on his inside fast and he had to brake very hard. Idiot's everywhere. It is very windy today westerly the direction we travelled in. The caravan park here is very good. Probably the best so far. Went for a walk this afternoon into Cessnock, 2 kilometres in and 2 out, plus walk around the shops. Purchased a couple of items but we have run out of liquor, so when we got back we drove in to the liquor shop. Have booked a one day tour of the Hunter tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

10th May. Left Sydney and drove to The Entrance through Gosford. Slow going plenty of traffic and roundabouts. Stopped at The Entrance and went for a walk. Foreshore was alive with people celebrating Mothers Day. Plenty of Restaurants around the bay. We did not plan our trip very well. We should have gone to the Hunter from Sydney. Instead we will have to go back about 70 kilometres to Cessnock. Travelled around Newcastle, looks to be a very large city. Tonight we are at Port Stephens which is an area and not a city or town. Port Stephens is twice the size of Sydney Harbour.

9th May 2015 Had a rest day. Went to the local shops and then this afternoon we went for a walk through the National Park. Walked about 6 kilometres and then I washed the car. Read some of my book and planned our next two weeks. Leaving Sydney in the morning. Sunny and clear day again. Early 20's.

8 May 2015. Last nights meal was good we shared an entre of Octopus and then shared a large pizza. Restaurant and food very good. Went into Sydney this morning by train. Walked down to Circular Quay and caught a ferry to Watson's Bay. Looked around Circular Quay looking for Doyle's. Unable to find it and found out that it had been closed for about 2 years. Arrived at Watson's Bay and went for a walk up to the gap lookout overlooking the heads. Had lunch at Doyle's Seafood Restaurant. Last time we were there was Gloria's 50th birthday 14 years ago. Still the same and very popular. Food was delicious. has to be the best sea food restaurant in Australia. Then caught the bus back from Watson's Bay to the City. Was a good opportunity to see some of Sydney suburbs. Went through Bondi and saw the beach and also Oxford Street, Kings Cross. Caught the train back to the caravan park arriving their at about 4pm. Another good day in Sydney. Weather early 20's, sunny and warm and still.



7 May 2015 Slept in today and then drove to the Chatswood Shopping Centre. It is huge. Easy to get lost, probably about four or five times the size of Marion. They had street food in the Mall and I bought a plate of Seafood Paella. It was delicious but Gloria didn't think much of it. The we drove to Macquarie Shopping Complex. Intended to fill up on fuel but decided against as it had risen from $1.24 on Monday to now $1.41. Another huge shopping centre, walked around and went to Woolies and Coles and got some provisions. Whilst at Chatswood I purchased some summer shirts and pair of shorts for the warmer weather as I did not pack for this warm weather. At Macquarie I purchased Gloria a Mother's Day gift a millefille, which she was looking for since seeing it on My Kitchen Rules. It was $9.00 and as we took it away it was placed in a flashy container and bag which was probably worth half the cost. Had it for afternoon tea when we got back to the Van. Very nice. Went for a short walk through the National Park prior to dinner. Early 20 degrees today and we are going to the local Italian Restaurant tonight, walking.

6 May 2015. Caught the train into Sydney. $2.50 for all day travel for seniors on the train, bus or ferry. Walked around the city and had lunch at the Queen Victoria Building. Nice food. Attended the Theatre. Have not been their previously and it is very nice. Plenty of leg room. The show was a real musical and I would rate it very highly. Almost as good as Phantom of the Opera. Finished at 4pm and walking to the train station, Town Station, we had a nice cup of Belgium chocloate. Very sweet and decedent. Arrived back at the caravan park just after 5pm, an easy trip out of the city. Weather fine and sunny but a little cool in the wind. 20 degrees max.

5 May 2015 Today we left Kiama. Drove through to Port Kembla where we visited the largest Buddhist Temple in Southern hemisphere. The Nan Tien Temple was built in 2000 at a cost of about 50 million. It is huge and reminded us very much of both Vietnam and China. We stayed and had lunch at the Temple. Vegetarian only no fish or meat. Noodles, rice and four vegetable dishes. It actually tasted very good.
Then into Sydney following the GPS. It took us around the city and into the caravan park at Lane Cove National Park at North Ryde. Bypassing all the toll roads even though I had registered as a visitor for toll roads. Went for a walk around the park which is very big and only about 12 kilometres from the city centre. Weather is 28 degrees and warm and sunny. No wind. Looking forward to going to the Theatre tomorrow.


We left Adelaide on Sunday 26 April 2015. Travelled to Kaniva, a bit further than we usually travel but we wanted to stay in Kaniva. Had a good trip. Kaniva Caravan Park is small and comfortable if you have your own facilities. $24 for the night. Next day travelled to Ballarat and stayed in the Big 4 there. Went into Jayco Ballarat to see about a replacement water restrictor valve for the van. No luck so I rang Jayco in Melbourne and they sent a valve per post to the caravan park at Ashley Gardens. Also found what I thought to be a leak in the power steering so went into Ballarat Jeep. They had a look and said that it was not power steering but could be water coolant. They would take at least a week at have a look at it. Decided to keep going and keep an eye on the coolant. Have not lost any coolant since and it appears to have righted itself. They may have over filled it during the car service two days prior. Not happy Jan. Then into Melbourne for four nights. Unbelievable the weather was sunny and bright. Cold at night but great during the day. Went to see Strictly Ballroom on Wednesday afternoon and then Dirty dancing on the Thursday night. Drove the car into the market and harbour town on Thursday and then into Melbourne to see the show.

We left Melbourne and travelled to Wodonga. Stayed at a great caravan park on Lake Hume. No water though, Lake Hume is only at 20 % capacity. Nice sunny weather. Next day drove to the Hume Dam to have a look.

Then to Goulbourn, rained on and off during the day. Stopped at the Dog on the Tucker Box at Gundagai. Had a look around Goulbourn, a very old place. Then through the Great Dividing Range, Southern Highlands, and though Mcquarie Pass. That was an experience in the wet and rain and fog. I have a dash cam of the experience. Arrived in Kiama Big 4 Easts Beach. Huge Park. Went for a walk along the cliff tops and saw the small blow hole. Today Monday 4 May we went into town and walked the streets and shops. Gloria bought some more tops. Then walked up to the large blow hole and took some spectacular photos. This afternoon reading and catching up with this. Going to Sydney tomorrow, so I registered for the toll roads over the internet. Free internet here.