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The Lap
  • Therese Berry

The Lap

A 330-day adventure by Therese Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 6, 2023
    Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Wallangarra

    January 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Free camp behind Driver Reviver
    Railway Station at Wallangarra, one side for Queensland with Qld gauge lines, and the other side is NSW with their gauge lines.
    It's quite a pretty place.
    Drove from Wallangarra to Tenterfield. Quick walk around town and a visit to the Tenterfield Saddler, interesting history of leather work and references to Peter Allen. Short drive to McKenzie lookout where all of Tenterfield could be seen and you could see Queensland in the distance. Another interesting feature was the Cork tree that was planted in 1861 and has never been harvested. It is still growing strong. A quick walk along the river discovered a few interesting sculptures.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
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    Inverell

    January 8, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today's journey was from Wallangarra to Inverell with a short detour to Glen Innes. We are camped on the edge of a river on Brodie's Plains about 10ks north on Inverell. We sighted the Windmill farms on the way, quite spectactular. Inverell was larger than we expected with a large business centre. Sapphire mining is a large industry for the town, didn't come in my price range (0-$10) so didn't buy one. Drove about 20 ks to Lake Copeton where fishing and camping happen, dogs were allowed and there were water play etc for the kids This afternoon we went kayaking (yes they are not just decorations for the ute) in the McIntyre river, so beautiful and peaceful.. Off to Moree tomorrow.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Moree

    January 10, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 36 °C

    Today, we moved on to Moree staying at the Moree Showgrounds. We made a short stop at Warialda to have a look around and grab a coffee😀. Love these old country towns, people are so friendly and they ooze history. The Court House was built in 1882. Next was Gravesend, this name rang a bell but I don't know why, town was a little bit like it's name and a bit unloved. We arrived at Moree, which is known as the Artesian capital, which also has the largest pecan nut producer in the southern hemisphere and is a big cotton growing area.
    This afternoon, we visited the Aquatic centre for a swim in the Artesian thermal pools. We were surprised at how hot the pool was, about 37 degrees, 10 minutes in, and then cool off and get back in. Bruce agreed that I looked 10 years younger afterwards, so I might go back for another dose tomorrow. Discover day in Moree. Very pretty town. They have olive trees on their medium strips and grape vines in pergolas around town. The showgrounds entrance is a row of lemon trees, quite gourmet. Checked out all the historic buildings and the murals. Moree has a lot of green space, particularly along the river, where you can follow it for kilometres. They even have a pub with DC3 attached that you can walk through. Love the ingenuity in the Outback. Day of rest here today while we deal with Mega. Mega had surgery in Toowoomba on 3rd January to remove a foreign object (possibly grass seed) from his neck, which had swollen up the size of a cricket ball. The surgery failed to find the object, and a drain was inserted in the hope that it would find its own way out. The drain was removed after 3 days, and stitches were due out today. Yesterday I noticed another hard swelling very near the surgical site and took him to the vet here in Moree where he had his stitches removed only to have to have it done again today in hope of finding the elusive object.
    Well, it is now 3.30, and Mega is home safely. The elusive object has been found, thankfully. we were thinking that it was a grass seed, but it is massive, and I have no idea how it wasn't found the first time. Hopefully, it will be onwards and upwards for Mega now 💓
    ,    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Lightning Ridge

    January 13, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Describing Lightning Ridge is going to be difficult. We arrived at lunchtime after an interesting drive from Moree, lots of emus sighted which always makes me happy to see in their natural environment.
    We set up camp just across from the giant emu called Stanley that sits on the ridge that Lightning Ridge was named after. Drove into town and while there is a lot of normalcy in the main part of town with its opal shops etc as you dig deeper and follow the Door tours ( special drive by tours through areas marked by coloured doors) you can see the eccentricity of the Opal miners with their Castles and houses made of bottles, beer can or flagon s definately a unique area. Most of the claims are 50 metres X 50 metres, but they are also a few massive open cut mines. The town has an awesome aquatic centre and is building the Australian Opal and Dinosaur Centre in the next few years. We swam in the Artesian bore pool and had dinner at the Bowls Club.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    WalgetView from our campsite

    Brewarrina

    January 16, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 31 °C

    Drove from Lightning Ridge through Walgett to Brewarrina today. It was 30 emu day yesterday, and they are obviously thriving at the moment. The roads showed the signs of the recent floods, but the landscape is so green and beautiful. We arrived at Brewarrina intending to stay at one of the 2 caravan parks but we arrived and it did not impress at all so we went back to the free camp on the river which was much more appealing. Boys had a quick swim, and it rejuvenated them for the afternoon. Today was discovered by Brewarrina Day, and that took about 30 minutes. The sculptures and indigenous art were interesting, as was the Weir with the ancient fish traps used by our First Nations people to trap the fish for spearing. The traps were not obvious as the river (Darling River) was still a bit swollen from the recent floods. We used the rest of our morning to take the boys swimming and kayaking down the Barwon River where we are camped.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Bourke and Cobar

    January 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Well, we have now been to the back of Bourke and have the t-shirts to prove it. We were very surprised with Bourke, main street was very pretty and clean, research had named Bourke as the crime capital of the world with 46 police staff for a population of around 2000. We visited the wharf area, which overlooks the Darling River, saw the silo art of Percy Hobson, first indigenous aussie to win Olympic gold, and several sculptures created by indigenous artists. After Bourke, we travelled further south to Cobar, where we set up for a couple of days at the old reservoir, a beautiful spot where the boys can go swimming and cool down.
    Cobar is a mining town, gold and copper. Had a look at an open cut mine and an old mine site, massive areas, and very impressive. Went to look at Devils rock, which was a little underwhelming. Apparently, the indigenous believe it is an evil site. Cobar has developed a miners park and memorial to miners, which was very interesting, and some of the stories were very moving. Lots of feral goats coming into Cobar, apparently, farmers are making money on them by exporting them.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    1

    Nyngan

    January 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Arrived in Nyngan this morning and found a beautiful camp on the Bogan River, only one other caravan here, so quiet and peaceful. Nyngan Information centre gave us a booklet on the town and it was so interesting with history, production famous people raised here as well as the to-do list, wish every town had similar. We added 3 more Bogans to Nyngan, did the river walk, and checked out the solar panel farm. Town was nice, with a few historic buildings, the old Cobb and Co mail coach, and wool dray on display as well as a helicopter similar to the one that was used to evacuate the pop. during 1990 floodsRead more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Dubbo

    January 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Arrived in Dubbo via Nevertire and Narromine. We are camped at the Red Earth Estate Winery just behind the zoo. The winery has seen better days, but the vines are full of grapes, and the site is rustic and private and has a Dumpling House attached, so guess what we are having for dinner.
    Day 2: Rain, that's it just rain.
    Day 3: Managed to get to the zoo today. It's great to see the animals not behind fences or on cages. The zebras made me think we were back on the Serengeti for a moment. We did half the zoo today and will return tomorrow to do the other half.
    Day 4: Dubbo Zoo part 2.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Orange

    January 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Drove from Dubbo to Macquarie Woods Recreation Area through Molong and Orange. The Rec area is huge and lovely, right in the middle between Orange and Bathurst. We had some visitors this afternoon, love being this close to nature.
    Day 2 : Drove into Orange, had a quick look around, visited Lake Capobolas and winery, then on to Millthorpe, a quaint little town with a lot of history and some lovely shops Met up with Bruces's second cousin Wendy and her husband Peter, who have an antique store there.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Echo Point
    KatoombaThe Three SistersThe Three Sisters and usThe three SistersEcho PointFlowers in LeuraLeuraEvans LookoutEvans LookoutEvans LookoutEvans Lookout

    Katoomba and Leura

    January 28, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    2 days in the Blue Mountains, not nearly enough, but we did see some beautiful views at Echo Point and the Three Sisters at Katoomba and Evans Lookout at Blackheath.
    Met Andrew, Sam, and Ethan ( Bruce's bother and family) for a lovely lunch at Leura. Very quaint little town with eclectic shops and plenty of people reminded us of Montville and Mount Tamborine. By the way, the Blue Mountains are blue.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Warrangamba

    January 29, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 23 °C

    We are staying at Warragamba RV camp near Sydney so we can return our generator for warranty repairs. Beautiful huge parkland that allows free camping for 2 days very close to Warragamba Dam.

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Bathurst

    January 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Today, we backtracked from Sydney to Bathurst while we waited for our generator to be repaired. We drove through Bathurst on the way to Sydney, and it looked like it needed further investigation. We are staying at the showgrounds where we were able to see the race horses training and the trotters trotting, it was quite a site
    Day 2 : visit to Mount Panorama to see where the racing happens. Unfortunately, there is racing on this weekend, so we couldn't drive the track, still it was interesting. Had a look at the Macquarie River from the showgrounds decided to stay another day.
    Day 3: Such a beautiful historic city    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Lake Wallace
    Lake WallaceLithgow Flash Marjorie Jacksonn

    Lake Wallace (Lithgow)

    February 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    From one great camp to another, left Macquarie Woods today and set up camp at Lake Wallace, a few k's out of Lithgow. What a beautiful place, lots of caravans here, but it is so large and spread out that you barely see anyone else. The water hens are keeping Mega entertained and stimulated. Hopefully, he won't go over the fence.
    Visited Lithgow and walked around town and then went to Hassan's Walls lookout and saw some amazing views.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Cowra

    February 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    The benefits of travelling randomly around the country is that you learn so much about Australian history. Cowra was the site for the prisoner of wars camps in World War 2. Over 2000 Japanese and 2000 Italians were kept in these camps, in August 1944 the Japanese made an escape attempt and 240 were kiilled. The history is all over Cowra, and the Japanese Gardens are beautiful and manicured to perfection.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Railway stationPost OfficeSir Donald Bradmans birth house

    Cootamundra

    February 13, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    We stopped and had a look at Young this morning, The Cherry Capital of Australia, but alas no cherries as it is off-season. Young was originally a gold town and was known as Lambing Flats. Lovely orchards along the road would be stunning when in flower, also lots and lots of sheep. We saw an echidna crossing the road and managed to get a quick photo.
    Camped up beside Bethungra Dam just outside of Cootamundra. Cootamundra is the birth place of Sir Donald Bradman and the home of the Cootamundra wattle    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Murrumbidgee River

    Gundagai

    February 15, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    I'm sitting in the Annex drinking tea and looking at the Murrumbidgee River who would've thought. We are in Gundagai parked on the banks of the river.
    Went to visit the Dog on the Tucker box and look around that historic area, which included the ruins of an inn built in around 1858.
    Gundagai is a lovely town. A lot has been done to attract the tourist with plaques announcing historic features and small brass statues of Tucker Box pups randomly placed on the main street. Really enjoyed the variety of shops and cafes.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Horse at Wagga Wagga beachLake AlbertCathedral

    Wagga Wagga

    February 17, 2023 in Australia

    Again, staying near the Murrumbidgee River, this time in Wagga Wagga. Not one of my most favourite cities but has some appeal with its beach on the banks of the river and some beautiful churches and cathedrals. Had our first experience with medical issues on the road here and it opened our eyes to the disadvantages of living in a caravan with dogs but it all turned out well and maybe made us a bit more aware of our limits. Visited the Botanic Gardens with their little zoo and aviary. The aviary was lovely and well done with all the bottlebrush and other native treesRead more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Shops at Culcairn
    Pub at CulcairnPublic House AlburyTrain StationHume DamHume DamHume DamAlbury from lookoutLittle wombat in WodongaWodongaKookaburra in WodongaBig wombat WodongaWodongaUnique shoe repair shop WodongaBonegilla migrant experienceHeading to VictoriaMurray Cod at River parkland Albury

    Albury/Wodonga

    February 20, 2023 in Australia

    Arrived in Albury via Culcairn, a very small town with a lot of appeal.
    Settled into the Albury Showgrounds and then visited the information centre and railway station. The next day was spent looking around the area, the lookout, Hume Dam, Bonegilla Migrant Centre, which unfortunately wasn't open, and crossing into Victoria to visit Wodonga. If I had to choose between Albury and Wodonga, then Wodonga would win, though Albury has its appeal as well. In the afternoon, we visit the Murray River Parkland in Albury, and the boys swam in the Murray while we were out toesRead more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Mitta Mitta River
    Our camp siteSnowy Creek, Mitta MittaStanding in Snowy CreekBruce walking through the park at Mitta MittaOld gold mineWhere The Mitta Mitta River meets Snowy CreekHut used in gold mine timesButter Factory Eskdale

    Eskdale/Mitta Mitta

    February 23, 2023 in Australia

    Camped by the Mitta Mitta River just outside Eskdale, Victoria. Our first camp in Victoria and it is beautiful. Drove to have a look at Mitta Mitta, a very quaint little town on Snowy Creek. Lovely park area on the creek edge and cafe and general store opposite. Walked along a pioneer gold mine track where they mined gold in an open cut mine until the early 1900s, lots of ferns and rainforest. Headed back to Eskdale, another small town with an old butter factory and small IGA.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Views from the Snowy Mountain
    Post Office OmeoOmeoCafe OmeoNew Court house built 1893Roses OmeoHill Top Hotel OmeoHotel Dinner PlainDinner PlainHusky sled rides Dinner PlainDinner Plain Alpine VillageMt Hotham viewSki lifts Mt HothamMt Hotham

    Omeo

    February 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Wow! The longest windy road we have ever been on 3 hours to do 100kms. But the most beautiful views ever as well. We drove from Mitta Mitta to Omeo today and it is all mountain climbs and descents, The Snowy Mountains to be precise. Camped behind the Hill Top Hotel Omeo.
    Today we did a day trip to Mt Hotham via Mt Kosciuszko Lookout and Dinner Plain. This is where you realise the vast differences in Australia. No snow but you can feel the atmosphere that will be there in Ski season. Spectacular views and village, but alas not for us, too cold.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Lakes Entrance
    Black Swans at MetungMetung HarbourJetty at MetungPelicans at MetungCharles Edwards sculpture MetungLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceLakes EntranceBlack Swan buttBlack Swans and goslingsMain BeachLakes EntranceLakes Entrance

    Lakes Entrance

    February 27, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    From the outback to the mountains and then to the ocean. We are in the Lakes Entrance area staying at the Swan Reach Caravan Park. Had a look around Metung this afternoon and was surprised to see black swans, lots, and lots of black swans. Metung is a harbour and just south of Lakes Entrance. Discovered a gem of a beach just off the main drag at Lakes Entrance. You cross over a walk bridge over the rise to Main beach. It was beautiful.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Lake King
    Lake KingChurch in BairnsdaleFerry terminal and marinaThe ferryRaymond IslandRaymond Island kangarooMitchell RiverMitchell RiverMitchell RiverSilt Jetty Mitchell River on right, Lake Kings on left

    Lake King

    March 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Just outside of Bairnsdale Victoria, a massive, beautiful lake, we are staying at the Eagle Point caravan park.
    Went across to Raymond Island by ferry today. Raymond Island is said to be the koala capital of Australia, and it did not disappoint. We saw 7 koalas on a 1 km walk around as well as kangaroos and some pretty birds. The ferry ride to literally 5 minutes, and there was a lovely mobile cafe with coffee and bacon and egg pies that were delightful. Later, we went for a drive to a lookout where you could see the Mitchell River and Lake Kings. Further along we drove on the silt jetty which is the longest in the world, with Mitchell River on one side and Lake Kings on the other all the way to the mouth of the Mitchell, it was amazing to seeRead more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler
    Port of Sale Latrobe RiverHistoric Swing BridgeJunction of Thomson and Latrobe Rivers90 mile Beach90 mile Beach

    Rosedale

    March 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Parked up beside the Latrobe River just outside of Rosedale and north of Sale. Rosedale is a pretty little village with lots of cafes and a couple of bakery's. We walked on a path to town and sighted a large tiger snake crossing our path, too worried about keeping the dogs away to get a photo. Kept our eyes well opened after that.
    Sunday was spent exploring Sale and 90-mile beach. The port of Sale on the Latrobe river was pretty, and the historic Swing Bridge at the junction of the Thomson River and the Labtrobe River was very interesting.
    We began our relationship with 90-mile Beach at Lakes Entrance and met again today at Golden Beach around halfway. It is a beautiful beach with clear blue water and white sand though the water was too cold for us Queenslanders.    Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Port Albert

    March 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    The oldest port in Gippsland and very pretty and very busy. We only stayed one night here for as pretty as it was too crowded. It seems everybody wanted to stay there and it wasn't comfortable. It was also very windy.Read more

  • Therese BerryThe LapTraveler

    Yinnar

    March 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Found a lovely camp spot in the middle of town. Yinnar is a small town 20 km out of Traralgon. Setting up managed to be a bit of disaster as Bruce managed to hit his head on the caravan window while checking the solar panel, a quick trip to Traralgon hospital as he had split his ear and behind his ear, 2 hours later and all glued up we went home, staff at the hospital wend wonderful We drove to Traralgon passed the Loy Yang Power plant which is enormous. Dinner was at the Yinnar Pub, parmy night, beautiful meal.
    The next day, we had a look at Morwell and back to Traralgon for some shopping.    Read more

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