Well we are very lucky at the moment to be travelling through and staying in some really nice spots as we are going down the NSW coast.  The drive from Byron Bay to Kangaroo Valley is so green at the moment and even on Highway 1 some of the views are pretty good.  From Byron Bay we drove to Coffs Harbour for a three night stay at a place called the Clog Barn.  This was developed by some Dutch hence the name.  Not a bad little spot though we did miss the turn as it was hard to see so a little reversing against the traffic was not a popular move.  Coffs Harbour was nice to see but as with most coastal areas over here it was very busy and city like.  Though no visit to Coffs isn’t complete without going to “The Big Banana”.

Coffs Harbour

 

Coffs Harbour – The Big Banana

 

Crystal Falls – Dorrigo NP

 

Crystal Falls – Dorrigo NP looking from behind the waterfall

 

Skywalk – Dorrigo NP in amongst the clouds

 

Walking in the clouds – Dorrigo NP

 

Dangar Falls

 

Some of the sights we did at Coffs Harbour was around the harbour and a drive up to Dorrigo National Park.  The drive and walk around Dorrigo was probably our worse day yet for weather but still was nice to see the views and greenery.  Quite a bit of the walk was in the clouds and some rain.  Much to our disgust though was the leeches that seem to jump on you from everywhere.  All part of the fun I guess.  On the drive back to Coffs Harbour we stopped off at a lookout to see Dangar Falls and they were really spectacular. The sign into them was not really well advertised and for a sight like this right next the side of the road really blew us away.

The next stop after Coffs Harbour was a small town called Croki.  This was on the riverside and there were only about ten houses in the town.  What surprised us was that the caravan park was nearly booked out.  It wasn’t very big but it was the first time when we thought we wouldn’t get in for the night.  We haven’t been pre booking anywhere up to now as most of the places we are staying in are only around 50% full.  Anyhow after a bit of a walk around we were literally squeezed into a corner on the caravan park which was fine as it was for only one night.

From Croki it was next onto Swansea and we stayed at Blacksmiths Beach which was a good choice as it was away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to be able to drive and see a few places.  Swansea is not far from part of the Hunter Valley so this was a day trip we had to have.  The wineries that we looked at were hosting Sculpture In The Vineyards promotion which added to the attraction.  I am not sure what some of these artist/sculptors are on when they create their “works of art” but some of the descriptions were pretty much out there.

Sculptor In The Vineyards – this represents poppies and sacrifices made

 

Sculptor In The Vineyards – this represents think of the world you carry with you

 

Sculptor In The Vineyards – this is self explanatory

 

Sculptor In The Vineyards – this represents the widening gulf between the haves and have nots

 

After wining in Swansea it was then off to Kangaroo Valley for four nights.  This drive into Kangaroo Valley was up the steepest hills so far, so it was interesting coming down the other side with 3 tonnes of caravan pushing down behind you as well.  That coupled with having to stop for road closures etc made it a trip down to remember. Kangaroo Valley reminded me of one of those little country towns you see on a feel good show on television, all nice and green with a few cute shops and everyone knows each other.  It was nice though and you can see why people over this side maybe do like to have a “tree change” way of life.  Very easy pace and nothing seems to happen in a real hurry.  Some of the drives around here were really stunning with views all over the place as you drive around.  Just up the road from Kangaroo Valley were the Fitzroy Falls and the Tallowa Dam that fed the Shoalhaven River.  These were really worth a look at.  It was good to see what a dam full looks like as there was water coming over the dam wall which we don’t see in WA.   Kangaroo Valley also boasts to have the “best pies in the world” so it was mandatory to give them a try.  They weren’t bad though we both thought the Mataranka pies were better.

Kangaroo Valley main street shopping

 

Fitzroy Falls Valley

 

Fitzroy Falls

 

Fitzroy Falls

 

Fitzroy Falls

 

Kangaroo Valley – Hampden Bridge

 

Kangaroo Valley – Hampden Bridge

 

Kangaroo Valley – Hampden Bridge

 

Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum

 

Kangaroo Valley Pioneer Museum

 

Kangaroo Valley – best pies in the world??

 

Kangaroo Valley – best pies in the world – the view from the veranda

 

Tallowa Dam

 

Tallowa Dam with water flowing over the top

 

Shoalhaven River

 

Well from here in Kangaroo Valley we are off to Batemans Bay and staying at a place called South Durras.  The caravan park is  the Murramarang Beachfront Nature Reserve so hopefully it lives up to its name.  This is going to be a long stay for 10 days before driving off to Canberra were we will be staying for around 4 weeks.  It will be good to stay around and do a lot of day trips everywhere and catch up with family, friends etc over Christmas.  Until next time cheers for now……