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Road trip north
  • Elisa Gatti
  • Joshua Pearce
Jun – Jul 2024

Road trip north

Family road trip from Melbourne to Surfers Paradise and back in two weeks Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 29, 2024
    Road trip north

    First stop Wagga Wagga, NSW

    June 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    The kids were up at 7am as they were so excited to go on the car trip. So early that it was still dark out and they both scared each other, running into each other in the bathroom, so we woke up to them screaming of fright.

    They finally got to see the things I bought for them to make the trip a bit more bearable - word searches, fidget toys, little saying books and a tablet/phone holder all in a storage unit to keep them apart. Hopefully it lasts more than the first drive.

    We left at 9:30am (only 30 min behind schedule) and started driving into the rain. We had an hour stop at John and Damien’s house to grab the keys for the Surfers Paradise apartment.

    We passed lots of farmland, cows, lamb and two camels. I even saw a baby calf just born right next to the fence, alongside the highway.

    The kids and I walked down the Main street checking out the stores and where we could eat while Josh had a little rest.

    Our evening sleep is at the Astor Inn so we decided to have dinner at the steak house. Inara took the chance to get a $35 350g porterhouse with two sides. We are in cow country.

    Tomorrow we will check out Wagga before we had to our next destination.

    Odemeter leaving 110,035
    Odemeter 110,498
    Total today: 463km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    On the way to Kiama, NSW

    June 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We had a lovely morning exploring Wagga Wagga. The kids got on the scooters and we walked/scootered to the Botanic gardens. The kids were not impressed with the hill but were impressed with the free zoo and aviary.

    We saw dingos, wombats, grey and red kangaroos, wallaby’s, pademelon, swamp wallabies, camels, pigs, and lots of different birds. It was a fun morning followed by a visit to the National glass art gallery and the Wagga Wagga art gallery showcasing aboriginal art work. The lady at the front desk was very impressed that kids were coming to take a look.

    We then had a quick stop at the Wagga Wagga beach, on the Murrumbidgee river. I can’t believe it is natural and not man made. The kids had a great run around before our 4 1/2 hour car trip to Kiama. They said it was the best playground ever.

    The drive show cased rolling hills and lots of cows (and roadkill!). The final 45 min of our drive was on the scenic route through the Jamberoo area which is temperate rainforest. We had a quick stop at the lookout before our steep decline. We went from 750 m altitude down to sea level.

    We finally made it Nova Kiama, as it turned dark. We used the small kitchenette for dinner and watched the movie Two by Two. Looking forward to exploring Kiama and the surroundings tomorrow.

    Odometer: 110,896
    Total today: 398km
    Total trip: 861km    Read more

  • Road trip north
    Kiama Blow hole1Kiama lighthouseView from Saddleback mountainView from saddleback mountainRainforest walkJamberoo lookoutWarris chair lookoutWarris chair lookoutWarris chair lookoutWarris chair lookoutNellie's Glen

    Blow holes to waterfalls

    July 1, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Today we had a no driving day even though we drove 84 km.

    We are staying at the Nova Kiama (bunks with a queen and kitchenette) which is pretty central so we walked to the natural blowhole on the coast, 10 min away. It was a brisk morning but the shining sun was gorgeous.

    We then went back to the hotel, made lunch and took off to the Saddleback Mountain lookout, (15 min away) which had three platforms around the Mountain top facing different views.

    We then drove another 15 minutes, back up the windy road we drove last night and stopped into the Minnamurra Rainforest and did the walking track, 4.6km return, to the Minnamurra waterfall. It was a sturdy track but it was very steep in some places. The kids did amazing and we only got some whinges at the end. We saw a few lyrebirds and listened to their beautiful sounds.

    Even though it was still only 2:30pm, we weren’t able to get to the treetop walk as it was about to close but we headed to the Jamberoo lookout which we passed yesterday, but today showed a rainbow.

    We did a few more walks and saw Carrington falls (90m high) and also great views from the Warris Chair lookout. Most of our day was in the Budderroo National Park.

    Today was definitely a walking day and my watch said we walked over 23,000 steps or over 16km.

    We were all exhausted when we got back to the hotel. Josh went to Woolies and replenished our food, we had chicken tacos and watched the Smurfs: The Lost Village.    Read more

  • Road trip north
    View of Cathedral rock
    Surfers at BoneyardView of Cathedral rockMangroves at boneyardBird At Minnamurra riverWentworth falls and over cliff walkWentworth falls and over cliff walkWentworth Falls and Overcliff walkWeeping rock

    To the cold Blue Mountains

    July 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    The sun was shining when we left Kiama and headed northwest to the Blue Mountains. Our first stop was just 10 min north to see the coastal views, the Boneyard beach and the Cathedral Rock. We watched surfers in the ocean, and the ocean water hitting against the shoreline.

    We then got on our way, 2 1/2 hours, and headed up the mountains. It was just starting to lightly rain and the clouds were coming in. We only have this afternoon and tomorrow morning here at the Blue mountains so we took the chance to get some views in. We went to Wentworth falls, and even with the rain and the low clouds, we saw some beautiful views. The favourite was the under cliff walk with the greenery growing from the cliffs. We probably walked another 5km and the kids were amazing.

    We made it to our hotel, which is the Gardeners Inn Hotel, a room above the pub. I got a mulled wine and sat by the fire.

    Start 110,980
    End 111,185
    Total today: 205km
    Total trip 1150km
    Walked approx 7km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    I think the kids are over walking

    July 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We got up early, well sort of early, to get another half-day in the Blue Mountains before we headed into bustling Sydney.

    The kids and the weather, however, didn’t want to accommodate our plans. We went to the heritage centre where Brandon and Inara got to try the VR experience that walked them through the valleys and gorges. We then did a few small walks to nearby lookouts, hopeful to see some views even though the weather was overcast.

    We looked out over the Grose Valley from Govetts Leap lookout, then walked part of the cliff walk track to check out Bridal Veil falls. We were lucky (and quiet enough, amazingly) to see a tawny frogmouth and Brandon also spotted a swamp wallaby. The stairs down and up to the falls were a bit steep. Brandon and I did it, but Inara didn’t want to walk anymore. We then had a quick stop at Evans lookout before making our way to Scenic World.

    It would have been an amazing experience and the kids would have talked about it for ages but it it was overcast, about to rain and you couldn’t see anything. I had two very disappointed kids but they seemed to have negotiated time at Luna Park while in Sydney instead.

    The drive took a bit longer than expected as we stopped McDonald’s for a late lunch and also Josh refused to go the tollway, as it was $24 in tolls and only saved like 13 min.

    Since we didn’t do Scenic World, we did get to Sydney at a reasonable time and were able to enjoy a few hours in the city before dark. We checked in at the Bridgeview hotel (another pub hotel, this one with shared bathroom but also a shared kitchen). We are staying in Willoughby which is in North Sydney.

    We got a bus right across from the hotel and took a short trip over the Harbour Bridge to get to Circular Quay. We saw the Sydney Opera House and for a bit of spontaneity we got tickets to the Bangarra Dance theatre performance of 'Horizons' at the Sydney Opera house. We had a quick dinner at Wahlburgers (we went to one of these in Coney Island and I was so excited to have a Cobb salad) and the kids were excited to be in the Opera house.

    It was an awesome show and I'd definitely recommend it when it comes to Melbourne next month. The kids enjoyed it but by 9:30 they were practically asleep. Taking the bus to the city was super easy and only a few stops so we assumed heading home would be the same. It wasn’t as easy and as we waited and waited and then walked to another stop, the bus passed us without stopping! Gave up and took a taxi back, reaching our accommodation around 10:30.

    Total today: 115km
    Total trip: 1265km
    Walked approx 23000 steps/16km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    Sydney

    July 4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Today we had a full day in Sydney. It was nice to get our bearings yesterday and had a general idea what we wanted to do.

    We had a little sleep in and then headed back on the bus and headed to check out Darling Harbour.

    We took the a different bus this time and went through the suburbs to get into city. We walked a few blocks and saw Darling Harbour. From there we took the public ferry to Luna park and kids spent a few hours at Luna Park. They had some newer and bigger rides and Inara wasn’t tall enough to do the rides without parents and we didn’t really want to pay for another ticket. (Couldn’t just buy per ride like in Melbourne).

    The kids were given word search and maze books for the trip. The word search also had quotes and the quote the other day was “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met”. Since Inara was unable to go on some rides without adults, I befriended a lovely young couple, Clara and Josh, who took Inara on a roller coaster twice. Clara and Josh were there for his 21st bday. It made a Inara’s day and we didn’t leave in tears.

    From there we took the ferry back to circular Quay and then jumped back on another public ferry for a longer ride to Manly beach. The day has become sunny and perfect weather.

    Manly is a busy seaside suburb of Sydney's northern beaches, where a small apartment can easily cost $2 million to buy and a waterfront property upwards $of9 million. It was touristy, smelled like salt water and all the locals had dogs.

    There was a busy walking track to Shelly beach, which adjoins the coastal marine reserve and cabbage tree aquatic reserve. The kids played on the rocks and then we sat on the beach for a bit before we headed back to try to get a sunset. No sunset, but got some Baskin Robbin’s icecream instead.

    Another ferry ride got us back to the Sydney CBD and then a bus back to the hotel/pub. Had a lovely pub dinner, played cards while waiting for food and off to bed.

    Things to know about Sydney:
    The public transport seems a bit it more frequent than Melbourne
    You can use your credit card to get on and off, (rather than needing an opal card) and it will calculate where you have been that day and charge what is needed. It’s a good and easy system to use, other than the kids as kids are free on the bus and trams but not the ferry.    Read more

  • Road trip north
    Walking trackBreaking wall paintedSkate park

    One week to go

    July 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Today was mostly just driving. We were out by 9:15 am and headed north towards our next destination, Coffs Harbour. It was a 5 1/2 hour drive without stops.

    Our drive was as on and off through little rain storms which showcased some nice rainbows. While the drive through lower NSW was cows and farmland, this landscape was greener and offered beautiful views of the mountains which are part of the Great Dividing Range.

    We drove 20 min towards the coast and stopped at Port Macquarie for a late lunch and a stretch. The BOM showed no rain so we took advantage of it.

    We had a great little walk/ scooter down the coastal trek of Port Macquarie. Port Macquarie was one of the places we could have stayed instead of Coffs Harbour but the next drive would be 2 hours longer so we opted for Coffs.

    Port Macquarie is this cute seaside town, and as soon as we got out of the car, the sea smell was overwhelming. On the walk, toward the Tasman Sea, the breakwalk has been painted by many different artists from all over the place. At the end of the breakwall, Brandon finally got his skatepark desire while Inara played on the really cool playground. Josh and I watched the channel and at different times saw two dolphins.

    I loved our hour here and the NRMA camp ground right on the coast looked perfect and it’s on my list to get to one day.

    We finally made it to Coffs Harbour as the rain started again and the evening set in. What we can see as we drove through the town is it is much bigger, and more developed than the other little towns on the coast. We have a two bedroom villa a few blocks from the beach and we have two nights here.

    Perfect timing for an apt with a washer as the kids are almost out of socks.

    Odometer: 111841
    Total today: 541km (longest day)
    Total trip: 1806km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    Rain, rain and rainbows

    July 6, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We didn’t have any official plans today in Coffs Harbour. Luckily we didn’t as it rained on and off all day. Rain and sun always brings rainbows.

    We went to the Big Banana, which used to be just a big banana, but now a theme park has been built around it. The kids chose to do a 4D ride, bumper cars and tobogganing, while as a family we did the wizard escape room and the plantation tour.

    This was our first escape room and man, was it hard. We had two other older ladies in our group and they wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without us. We did just get to the second room out of three when we ran out of our 60 min. We found out after that only 5% of people finish it, and we are just like 50% of groups who make it to room 2. It was fun though and interesting to see what details the kids take notice of.

    The tobogganing actually never happened either, the rain never stopped long enough to get the ride open. We went back home for lunch, hoping the rain would stop. It did stop for maybe a half hour, so we made a quick stop to the beach and then back the toboggan ride. The kids made it and were sitting on ready to go when the rain started again. We went and had banana splits to wait the rain out but it just got worse.

    We actually had plans at 5pm to catch up with friends from school who just happened to be traveling as well. Since we had a little time before we met up, we went up the hill to see the view. We did get one great view and then when we kept going to the actual lookout we weren’t able to see 10 feet / 3 meters in front of us as the cloud and rain came rolling in.

    We had a lovely indoor bbq at our 2 bedroom villa with the Barre family. Sully is in Brandon’s class while Angus and Inara used to be in the same class together. All the kids needed friends to fill their buckets and were excited. They played in the games room, used the villa for hide and seek and ran around outside before the rain came again.    Read more

  • Road trip north
    1

    To the North

    July 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The sun was shining and the kids were able to finally get on the toboggan ride at the Big Banana before we headed to our most northern spot on our trip. They not only got to do the toboggan ride but also the giant slide!

    We finally headed off and stopped at a few lookouts and spots along the way. We stopped in Ballina to see the big shrimp , then we took the scenic route from Ballina to Byron Bay, stopping along the way to see the amazing views of the Coral Sea.

    Ballina, Lennox head and surrounds are beautiful and I definitely want to head back there. We then stopped in Byron Bay and while we headed to Boost for lunch (Inara’s choice) we got to browse the Sunday market for a little bit. Our last stop was a short walk at Brunswick Head, where the river and ocean meet. We were lucky enough to see a water dragon basking in the sun.

    And off we went to QLD, leaving NSW, passing Surfers Paradise and Dreamworld, through Brisbane (watching a beautiful sunset) and finally got to our little cabin in Beerwah, Queensland (5 mins from Australia Zoo).

    Odemeter 111877
    Arrive 112353
    Total today: 476km
    Total trip: 2282km    Read more

  • Road trip north
    121

    Australia Zoo

    July 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Josh and I were at the Australia Zoo 11 years ago, we were traveling with Ger and Ed up to Fraser Island. That trip I found out I was pregnant with Brandon… and here we are again with two in tow.

    The Australia Zoo is great and they have big enclosures, and the animals look well taken care of. Many are there from being rescued and the zoo also has breeding programs.

    The day was a hard day and each kid had its own agenda. Today was tiring and I am not sure if it was even fun, but it was worth doing for sure. Hopefully the kids only remember the fun parts, like touching the koala and feeding the kangaroos.

    Brandon’s highlight was feeding the kangaroos and touching George the snake (very smooth), while Inara said she liked it all. Her name does mean goddess of the wild animals.

    After the zoo we headed back south 2 hours, to Surfers paradise to our friends parents apartment where we will stay for the next three nights.

    Drive
    Left zoo: 112353
    Go to surfers: 112511
    Total today : 158km
    Total trip: 2440km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    So much fun!!!

    July 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Today was a low-key day, which really we haven’t had much of. We have been to Surfers Paradise last year, so we know the area and the accommodation and didn’t have the feeling that I need to get and see the area.

    First, we had to check to see if the tooth fairy came, which she did, as Brandon lost a molar last night.

    Today we played at the beach, and I got to see whales from the balcony. The weather was ok, bit overcast but playing in the surf can happen anytime.

    It was actually a bit rough and Brandon had a tumble with the rip tide that the life guard ran down to help him. Josh was in the water too but Brandon went too far out and got caught up. He finally got his feet grounded and he was able to help himself. He now understands the ocean a bit more and how much learning to swim is important.

    After swimming, the kids got showered and we headed off to Top Golf. I had so much fun and it was definitely a highlight. I had never been to a driving range before and this was a bit more exciting and you could play against each other or in teams. We were only going to an hour but we extended it another hour. The food was great too and Brandon said they were the best chicken nuggets ever. I liked the pretzel sticks.

    We were so full of food that we made Top Golf an early dinner and relaxed back at the apartment. We played a game of phase10 and Inara and went down to the beach, as she is my dirty little hippy and loves the beach.

    Odemeter start: 112511
    Odemeter end: 112549
    Total today: 38km
    Total trip: 2478km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    Dreamworld

    July 10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Today was the day that the weather looked the best, so we earmarked it for Dreamworld.

    Last year we went to Movie World and Wet 'n Wild, so we thought we would check out Dreamworld. Dreamworld was really good for Inara as she pretty much went on everything (except the drop as she is supposed to be 10).

    The day was sunny and beautiful and before we headed out, we sighted more whales and even a pod of 8 dolphins or so. It was awesome. The whales were flapping their fins. I could sit on the balcony for hours and just watch the ocean.

    We got to Dreamworld, at 10am opening. For being a sunny warm day it was not busy at all. The kids have no idea how lucky they are to not having to wait more than 3 rides in front of them for ANY ride.
    Brandon’s favourite ride was all of them while Inara’s favourite ride was the Steel Taipan, her first roller coaster that went upside down. We all went on the Taipan together. They also went on the Goldcoaster three times.

    I definitely suggest for anyone heading to Dreamworld, don’t go on the Serpent Slayer. We all went on together and it spiraled around like DNA helix and it was the worst ride that Josh and I have ever ridden. The kids loved it, but even Brandon had a headache after it and Josh needed to lie down.

    The highlight for both kids and also just by luck it wasn’t all booked out, was that they got to cuddle/touch a koala. Poppy was a 7 year old Koala, born in captivity. They have a breeding program there. Qld is the only state where you can cuddle a koala and it’s an experience they won’t forget.

    Dreamworld had more than just native animals, they also had Tiger island which they had two Bengal tigers in beautiful enclosures. We were able to see the tiger quite close as it sat on top of the plastic which was directly above our heads.

    Josh and I were exhausted by the day but it was fun and we stayed until close at 5pm. It did rain a bit from 1pm, but that didn’t deter anyone. This amusement park is the perfect park for this age and height.

    The kids of course still had so much energy and I took them down to the beach and they played soccer in the sand (in the dark) for a bit while Josh cooked dinner. A steak dinner as requested by Inara. Last year we had steak at the steak restaurant across the street (it was the special that night) and Inara fell in love with steak there. We weren’t in Surfers on the correct day for the special, so Josh made it instead.

    Odometer start : 112549
    Odometer end: 112599
    Total day: 50km
    Total trip: 2528km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    Homeward bound, one sleep left

    July 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We did not want to leave Surfers Paradise. It was the sunniest warmest day and we really just wanted to play at the beach.

    As every morning, I look out from the balcony and look for sea life. I saw whales again today. 3 days of whales and one with a pod of dolphins. The photo below is actually a photo from yesterday that I was able to capture.

    We had to clean the apartment before heading off. We sent the kids down to the beach to play soccer and of course they made friends. Friends with a family from Melbourne and who play for Waverley baseball. Brandon went up to him as he was wearing the baseball cap. The boys played soccer and the girls waded in the ocean and did gymnastics.

    We left about an hour later than what we wanted as the kids were enjoying the other kids' company and the mom was lovely to chat with, and the sun and beach weren’t making it easy to leave.

    We had a 6 hour drive south to Forster, NSW. ( pronounced as Foster). I picked Forster as it had nice reviews as a seaside town. It was bigger than we expected as it’s kind of like an island and the other town Tuncurry is on the other side of the bridge.

    We stopped in Maclean for lunch. It is the Scottish town of Australia. It was a different town, not a cute little seaside town which I was expecting. It had little boutique shops that are expensive but then the locals didn’t look like they could afford the shops. It had one grocery store which was not a Coles, IGA or Woolies. This was probably the first time on our trip that I noticed indigenous people. There was also no drinking signs throughout the park. Maclean only had about 2000 people. I wouldn’t suggest this would be a town to stay overnight.

    While we were driving we saw hundreds of fruit bats on the side of the road hanging from trees. There was no place to stop and look but it was pretty cool to see.

    On our trip we started reading the book, UFO - Unavoidable Family Outing. The plan was to read every day which hasn’t happened, but we will finish it before the trip ends.

    We didn’t get into Forster till dark, kids had Subway for dinner and Josh and I split a lamb/halloumi dish from a Persian restaurant. It was supposed to be an early night but we still didn’t get to bed till 930pm. Inara is ready to get home, not wanting to sleep, and Brandon fell asleep in seconds.

    Odometer start: 112599
    Odometer end: 113161
    Total today : 562km
    Total trip: 3090km    Read more

  • Road trip north

    13 hours to go…

    July 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    It is definitely time to go home. The kids miss the dogs, and Inara wants her bed. She actually got the best sleep out of us all as she got lots of cuddles in bed with either myself or Josh most of the evenings. She didn’t even have to share with her brother once!

    Since we arrived late into Forster we didn’t get to see the town, so in the morning before our longest drive yet, we needed to check it out.

    The kids got their scooters out after we packed up the car and we walked along the river boardwalk and then back to Forster beach.

    Forster is a coastal town, it could even be called a fishing village, that has 15k residents. There wasn’t many new builds and it had very 70’s looking buildings and houses. There was all types of cuisine offered and even though our lamb dinner from the Persian restaurant was good, I’m kicking myself that we didn’t get fish and chips.

    The walk on the river had boats to rent, and fishing shops that sell coffee. My favourite shopfront rented boats, sold oysters and wine and cheese to eat on an aluminum frame barge. We found the caravan park, right near the beach, and I will definitely be there again.

    The kids were over it by now and wanted to get going. I decided to walk the bridge while Josh and the kids went to the Woolies for lunch. I had a great walk across the bridge, where I took in the beautiful views of the mouth of the river colliding with the ocean. To make the last moment of our trip special, I even saw 4 dolphins in the channel.

    Today is a long drive … 12 hours with stops.. we left at 10am. This is my longest drive in one go, and of course the kids as well, but josh did do a drive from Brisbane to Melbourne in one go, many years ago.

    Overview of the trip:
    The kids did really well. They had their moments and I think Josh was over the excessive talking and story telling, but it wasn’t a holiday I regret going on. To make the holiday a bit better for us we did sort of bribe the kids that they will get money at the end of the trip if they have been good. Each time they fought, or weren’t kind, or gave back chat, they lost $1. I think it worked and I expected to give them very little but it looks like they are pocketing $75 of the $100.

    I loved the NSW surf coast, I had no idea it was so beautiful. The great dividing range goes all the way from the Grampians, Victoria all the way up to Northern QLD. The drive always had beautiful views to look out upon. The Great dividing range is the 5th longest mountain range in the world, and the longest in one country.
    The beaches are big and and had so many lookouts to see the coastline. There were plenty of river crossings that dumped into the Tasman sea or Coral sea.

    NSW is full of cows. So many cows…

    If we had more time, maybe a week more would be ideal, I would have liked to have stayed in Port Macquarie rather than Coffs Harbour. I would have liked smaller car rides which then we could have stayed in Ballina or Brunswick head and a day to two more in other locations. The kids said they wanted more room in the car and to bring the trailer but they don’t realise the trailer would slow us down.

    We finally made it, with a few more stops that needed but we have learned on this trip that Brandon has a small bladder. We made three petrol stops, our first time on the trip that the petrol light came on. We stopped for dinner in Albury having Zambreros. We did find an American Lolly store so the kids bought airheads and i splurged and got Arizona Iced Tea.

    Odometer leaving: 113161
    Odometer arrival: 114324
    Total today: 1163km
    Total trip: 4253km    Read more

    Trip end
    July 13, 2024
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