Category: NSW

National Park, NSW, Places, Top SpotsLeave a comment

Woody Head

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At Iluka, NSW which is opposite Yamba on the mouth of the Clarence, we choose to stay at the Woody Head camp ground in the Bundjalung National Park. The camp ground is in a sheltered basin overlooking the ocean and surrounded by World Heritage rain forest. We set up on a large level site and have lunch with a wild turkey and a couple of old ducks. There are a lot of people camped here but it is incredibly quiet, except for the screeching of the lorikeets and the pounding of the surf. Back at camp we enjoy the solitude … Continue reading Woody Head

NSW, Places, Point of InterestLeave a comment

Shipwreck Walk, Stockton, NSW

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The Newcastle Shipwreck Walk is on the northern breakwater at the mouth of the Hunter River. Built on the rusting hulks of numerous shipwrecks it is a place for reflection. Like all piers it is the preferred spot of fishermen and those who’ve passed are also remembered here with poignant messages painted on the rocks. “I always thought I would see you again.” A bike or a bucket on the path signifies a fisherman at work below on the rocks. Feral cats also a feature, live amongst the large rocks. They are hard to see but their meows are a … Continue reading Shipwreck Walk, Stockton, NSW

NSW, PlacesLeave a comment

Ship Watchers Heaven

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There used to be a fantastic overnight free camp at Nobby’s Beach in Newcastle, sadly it is now closed: Newcastle looks fabulous and we quickly find the free camp at Nobby’s Beach. The van is actually rocking in the stiff breeze, but we are in the company of a number of other RV’s and the view of the harbour and city lights is stunning. The harbour activity and the work of the tugs make for a great nights entertainment. The next best spot in the Newcastle area is the town of Stockton on the opposite side of the Hunter River. … Continue reading Ship Watchers Heaven

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Broken Hill ‘Tinnies’

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At first glance the houses, or ‘tinnies’ as they are known, of Broken Hill, NSW appear to be small, tired, unkempt corrugated iron shacks. But on closer inspection no two are the same, most are very neat, although few have gardens as we coastal dwellers know them. There is a lack of water in this town, so those who want a garden, have invested in succulents and oleanders. There must be a termite problem because the power poles are concrete and iron like those in Adelaide. This would explain the use of corrugated iron for the houses. Some houses have … Continue reading Broken Hill ‘Tinnies’

NSW, Places, Point of InterestLeave a comment

Bathurst, NSW…did you know?

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That Bathurst was “the objective and terminal point of the only inland journey in Australia by Charles Darwin in 1836”. As we enter town we can see the hill behind emblazoned with the words “Mount Panorama” in true Hollywood style. A mere two kilometres out of town is the Mount Panorama Circuit and although we knew that it is a normal road for most of the year, we are surprised that you can just drive on it, so we did. With caravan in tow we went up the hill over the top and down the straight past the pits. Such … Continue reading Bathurst, NSW…did you know?

NSW, Places3 Comments

What Do Caravanners Do When They’re At Home?

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Take a nice warm Sunday, a long lunch and sit around with mates who are also caravanners. The talk will always end up being about the funny characters we’ve met and we’ll swap stories of great spots. Note to self: A spot that we passed by very close to last year needs a visit. Mirrool is just south of West Wyalong and just north of the Burley Griffen Way in the Riverina. This tiny town hosts an annual footy kicking competition ……over the grain silos! The Mirrool Royal Hotel kindly provides caravan sites. Continue reading What Do Caravanners Do When They’re At Home?

NSW, Well Bugger Me!Leave a comment

Sheep Washing

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We’re ambling south through New South Wales and I decide to visit the Mudgee museum. I meet a charming old gent who proudly shows me their collection of wedding gowns and flat irons, but I’m a girl who is more interested in the sheep washer. I’ve never seen anything like it. Apparently in the old days they had no way of washing the shorn fleeces so the poor old sheep was put into a box, with its head poking through a hole, while water was poured in then he copped a jolly good scrubbing before being lifted out for drying. Continue reading Sheep Washing

NSW, The Characters You MeetLeave a comment

Cattlemen’s Cutlets

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It’s lunch time and we’ve stopped for a break. We’re actually making good time on a dash down the Newell Highway heading for Victoria. Heaven only knows why we are in such a hurry but I’m lured by a sign outside of the West Wyalong butcher advertising Cattlemen’s Cutlets. This is a term that we’re not familiar with but I can almost taste them sweet, juicy, crumbed cutlets, beef I guess not lamb. The two old butchers wander around the shop looking for the cutlets, none in the cabinet, none out the back, finally one declares “do you want ‘em … Continue reading Cattlemen’s Cutlets

NSW, The PubsLeave a comment

Beyond the Black Stump

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We’re in a charming country pub on the Black Stump Way in NSW. We order a chicken parma. At the bar there is a cowboy, perfect fit jeans and cowboy hat, he nurses a beer and says not a word. The well dressed publican looks like a grazier and in fact he is and he has recently acquired the pub. His mother in law chats happily at the bar and knocks back three schooners while we have lunch. She’s visiting from Newcastle but dreams of the times that she has spent in Broome. They both know Nick Paspaley, a good … Continue reading Beyond the Black Stump