First things first - a lighthouse

When in Rome, err.. Australia. We made our way to Flagstaff Point Lighthouse on Wollongong. It was a lovely drive (of which I didn't have to drive!).

This place was absolutely beautiful BUT they have a world triathlon starting tomorrow so it was packed full of people from across the world. Parking felt like it would be impossible but my handsome husband found a great place to park.

There was a beach not too far away. Pretty long and not very busy. We didn't go down to it. Instead we walked around the corner where we were at and checked out the lighthouse.

Walking along the path close to the lighthouse, we checked out the ocean and the rocks below. Wouldn't you know, there are humpback whales! I took some videos and photos and then we walked to the other side of the lighthouse.

The location itself was called Flagstaff Hill or Point because a flagstaff was erected on the headland. It has military barracks back in 1829 and in 1834, 300 convicts constructed the harbor. In 1890, when threatened of an attack by the Russians, a 5.3 tonne 6" gun was mounted.

That was quite a sight to see. There was a hole where we believe the gun was mounted. We took a few photos and then walked down to where people were practicing swimming for their triathlon. Well, not exactly where they were but to where we could see them swimming. Then we saw a pace car and a bunch of people on bicycles coming down the road in the distance. Couple that with all the runners and you can imagine how packed it was.

We sat there for a little while people watching, and watching the fish in the harbor. We also watched two different dogs swimming. Their owners would throw a rock or dirt ball into the water and the dog would swim towards it.Read more