Back in Oz, NSW northern coast to Vic

Caught a train to Landsborough and were met by Harley and Faye - first thing was coffee at the Landsborough Bakery.  Great to have a decent coffee and know exactly how much it costs (in America it was always plus tax, plus gratitude's). Packed our gear back into the van and I had a bit of a drive around in the car just to get used to driving on the left hand side again.  All went well except when turning, the wipers came on instead of the indicators! I think Harley was hoping we might forget the car was stored there. Took Harley and Faye out to tea at the Pub and by 8.30pm we were ready for bed! 

We hooked up the caravan the next day and drove down the Bruce Highway, which felt very quiet, compared with all the traffic we had encountered on the American Motorways and Interstate Highways. Had a good trip down to Kirra Beach where we stayed for a week. Had great catch ups with the kids and celebrated Helen's birthday at the Tugun Surf Club.  The kids bought chocolates, flowers and a birthday cake with candles which was greatly appreciated by Helen.

After a week we were on the road again travelling south to Adelaide.  Our first stop was Gulmarad in NSW where we spent a couple of nights with friends Mike and Chris.  Great catch up as always and happy to report that the darts competition ended in a draw!

Headed off after coffee and travelled down the Pacific Highway to Coffs Harbour where we stopped for lunch.  Continued onto Grassy Heads where we stayed for a couple of nights at the Grassy Heads Holiday Park.

Sunrise at Grassy Head, NSW

Grassy Head Beach looking north to Scotts Head

This Kookaburra looking for breakfast

The view from Grassy Head

A beautiful day at the beach, first one since arriving back from our trip

At Grassy Head Tourist Park around 9 pm one night we had a knock on the caravan door, it was a fisherman who had gone out fishing during the afternoon and when returning to his vehicle on the beach couldn't get it started.  With the incoming tide he was concerned the vehicle would get wet.  I went down a small track which lead to the beach access and used my portable jump start to get the little Suzuki going.  Unfortunately he hadn't caught any fish that evening but he was very thankful.  The next morning he had better luck with the fishing and when passing dropped off a couple of nice flathead, so we had fresh fish for tea that night.

You can see the rescued Suzuki in the distant - he was catching our flathead!

Continuing our journey south we stopped at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach where we stayed for 4 nights.  Lots of people around as it was lead up to the weekend and weather was quite hot.  Helen had a cold so rested up while I visited Samurai beach each day and cooled off in the sea.  Went to Nelson Bay Food and Wine Festival for a few hours one day.  Decided to buy some chips to go with our tea one night at the Cafe next to the Park - $4 was minimum and once we unwrapped packaging it would have to had been the smallest amount of chips we had every seen!  Hospitality in the Cafe was non-existent so don't know how they manage to survive.

One Mile beach, just over the sand hills from the caravan park

Around the headland is Samurai Beach

Enjoying a day on the beach at Samurai

Travelled the Nelson Bay Road to Pacific Highway and after a quick coffee stop at Morisset was ready to tackle the Highway headed for Sydney!  Managed to negotiate past Sydney although felt like GPS was taking us round in circles, however achieved our destination SunValley (Minto Heights).  Stayed for 2 nights and were entertained by Ted who is quite a character!  Weather had cooled considerably so nice sitting around the fire for Happy Hour.

Had some cold mornings, enjoying a coffee with Ted.

The Gorges River runs past Sun Valley, good for a swim on a warmer day.

A limestone cave