Home time Day 3 2013

Slept like a log last night and woke to hunger pangs for breakfast.   Packed and ready to go soon after, we then jumped the free bus once again to Central.
This was our last few hours before our Port Stephens coach departs at 2pm for home. Nicki's daughter, who works for Country Rail was kind enough to organize a safe place for our luggage. That freed us to check out Darling Harbour.

                
Light rail is a quick way to arrive there. 

 

     There's not much left of the Mono Rail.

 

            

 

 

Time for a cuppa and a sit down beside Cockle Bay enjoying the beautiful breeze, views and the passers by.

 

 

 

Pyrmont Bridge

 

 

We passed the young Endeavor, a naval Frigate, a Submarine, a light house and the Maritime Museum, another time we'll buy  entry tickets, a whole day is needed for these displays.

Getting closer to lunch time and returning toward the light rail we entered the Exhibition Centre and found this crazy pianist.

 

And.......of course we needed a selfie........
 

Lunch of Sandwiches and wraps at Central Station, followed by our last cuppa in Sydney. Heather's shout of Mack's Ice cream and chocolate was just the thing to top off a fabulously memorably few days.

 

 

 

Afternoon Day 2 2013

After alighting from the Fort Denison Catamaran we caught the free bus intending to go straight to Hyde Park Barracks. 

Realizing the bus route had changed earlier this month, to not include the Hyde Park end of town on its rounds, we made a quick decision to get off, luckily, right in front of the Strand Arcade. 

A good time to take a cuppa break and enjoy the surrounds.

While in George Street, directly across from the Strand Arcade was a camera shop.  Nicki had intended to get a few prices while in Sydney and its always interesting to take a look around the store.

Wandering toward Hyde Park we came across a group of masked Uni students. Gathering together for a photo, Heather didn't mind complying at all.



Passing through Hyde Park, around Archibald Fountain and seeing in the distance St Mary's Cathedral, we continue on to Hyde Park Barracks. With a $5.00 concession entry fee and audio around our necks we entered the interior.

This is Australia's first government built convict barrack. Built in the Macquarie era and completed in 1819. The building was constructed by convict labor under the direction of Francis Greenway.  Necessarily built, due to the  heavily increased convict transportation since 1814 and greater volumes of crime.

Prior to this, for around 30 years, convicts were assigned to
government services or private masters. The convicts were responsible for their own 'lodgings and fire' in private houses or hotels and were permitted to work for themselves after hours to pay for their accommodation.  In the barracks, convicts were subjected to greater surveillance and their freedom was restricted.

Here is the comfy sleeping accommodation for the 'lags'....

Ok, its been a really big day for us old girls but we soldier on.

We head off down Macquarie Street passing Sydney hospital, I spent some time there when I was young, remembering large wards of around 20+ beds and the nurses station situated at the entry door with their starched white head veils and red capes. This was before the time of the 'little pig' that was placed out the front to raise funds for the hospital. The Sydney Eye Hospital is situated at the rear of the old building. 

Next is State Parliament House, it is our oldest public building. 
Our growing colony needed a proper hospital and in 1810 Governor Macquarie came to an arrangement with a consortium of businessmen. The contract came with a monopoly over the rum trade, hence the name Rum Hospital.  
Completed in 1816.  Over the next 30 years buildings were added to the north and south ends.

New South Wales Parliament still occupies the original building.

Then came the State Library new and old.  We stopped for a late lunch in the library café.  Later, Nicki was happy to sit and relax while Heather and I took a peek around the photo exhibition and the old library.

               
 
We passed the Mint, next time we will take a look inside but for now we are happy to head back to our room for a nana nap. All three of us threw ourselves on the beds and fell fast a sleep with feet up.....oh! what bliss...

An hour or so later we were up and out again as the sun set to capture some night shots. We ventured down under the Harbor Bridge, looking across to Luna Park and the North shore.

We kind of split up, trying for the best advantage spot so I walked up to Dawes Point Park, the Aboriginal name is 'Tar-ra'.
Lieutenant William Dawes (first fleet) was an astronomer sent out to establish an observatory, I found archaeological dig's in the process here also.  I really enjoyed the night photography as I'm sure, did Nicki and Heather.

 

We came across the G'day café in the rocks and ordered  hamburgers and chips for a late dinner that was lip slapping and yummy, then back to YHA for a well earned nights sleep.

Morning Day 2 2013

Something I had forgot to mention in day 1, was that we waited at Cadman's Cottage to join the free Rocks tour.  Possibly 30 + people gathered for the tour to start at 6pm. Our young tour guide carried his pamphlets in a 'cartoon type' shoulder bag, that gave the impression that it was quite flat therefore humorous Heather cheekily named our guide 'Flatbag'  A few light hearted giggles were heard amidst the three of us while walking through laneways like Nurses Walk, Suez Canal and Cumberland Place.  We passed near YHA during the tour so saying a silent goodbye to Flatbag and the group, we slipped away to our room.

           


                                      * * * * * * * * * * *
Tuesday

The room was slightly warm last night, we could have asked for the air conditioner to be turned on at the front desk but we decided having the window open, was enough air circulating the room.

YHA Breakfast! yes, looking forward to this. The kitchens, 4 in all, are large and well stocked for self cooking and cleaning. We opted for the $6.50 Continental, cereal, toast, tea or muesli, yoghurt, coffee, wash up your dirty dishes and return to the shop. You could buy a 'cook your own' breaky for $6.00 that's reasonable.

Our plan is to catch a ferry with Captain Cook Cruises to Fort Denison (Pinchgut) before heading to Hyde Park Barracks via some historic spots today so firstly we each bought our tickets at $20.00 return, then chose a short walking route while waiting the hour and a half departure of the ferry Cat.  

 

 

Firstly, cross Alfred Street to Loftus Street and Customs house, inside amazingly, under the glass floor is the city of Sydney in miniature.

We disappeared from each others sight for bit while we wondered around Customs House but it wasn't long before we were together again.  We did spread out a little, but never too far, that way we got slightly different photos. The mobile phone was an advantage.


To Loftus street again, to the side of the building where you see the Union Jack flag flying on the left side of the street. I wouldn't have noticed it at all! only seen it in a pamphlet. I'm amazed at what I've learnt.

This is the original position the British flag was raised by the first fleet in 1788. Just up the street a little from here is Macquarie Place, originally swampy mangrove on the banks of the Tank Stream you find the obelisk that marks the point that all distances in the new colony were measured. 



Sirius, flag ship of the first fleet was lost at sea off Norfolk Island in 1790, her anchor sits on display nearby.

 

Bridge street corners Macquarie Park and was named so for the wooden foot bridge that crossed the Tank Stream not far from this park.  For the first time noticing the lay of the land from this point, while imagining the swampy area we would have been standing beside 200 + years ago.

The 10.30 ferry from wharf 6 to Fort Denison, a very fast Cat took about 10 minutes to land us at our destination.

 

 The first name given by Governor Phillip was Rock Island.

The first Convict sentenced to one week on Rock Island was Thomas Hill, in irons and fed on bread and water, hence the name Pinchgut and that name stuck.

The first convict hung from the gibbet was Francis Morgan in 1796
Transported for murder, he was executed for a second bashing murder in Sydney.

Pinchgut stood 15 meters high of sandstone and this was leveled and used for the construction of Circular Quay.

In 1839 two American war ships circled Pinchgut hence a fortification was decided. The beautiful Sydney sandstone to construct the fort was transported from Neutral Bay, was completed in 1857 and was then given the new name of Fort Denison.

The Martello Tower was the only one ever built in Australia and the last ever constructed in the British Empire.

Here also, on 'Pinchgut' are 'Dig' works being carried out.. 



Fort Denison has always been the place where our tides are measured. 

And that was Fort Denison.....




Much more to see and do for the rest of the day

Sydney-Colonial history / photographic tour day 2013

Nicki had this wonderful idea of spending some time in Sydney to follow up on our colonial history, after reading The Australians volume 1 to 12.  This would be a great opportunity to put some places we'd read about into perspective. Lovely Heather was also invited, being a Brit, we figured she would enjoy learning a bit more about our young colony. It also meant we could improve our photography, passing through a variety of sites and the city's vibrant night lights.

On Monday the 4th I set out on the Port Stephens coach to Sydney before 9am, picking up Nicki and Heather along the way. The cost was a mere $45.00 return. We arrived in Central around 1pm and headed directly to the YHA at the Rocks via the free city bus, down George Street to Circular Quay where we were met with the view of the huge Cruise Liner 'Solstice'. It dwarfed our Sydney Harbor Bridge, blocking it out of sight completely. We settled in for a people watch and a cuppa at McDonalds before heading up the stairs to Cumberland Street.  

Nicki had booked our accommodation, the YHA in the Rocks. The building is situated directly over the top of the 'Big Dig' one of our most important sites of early colonial history.

We had a triple room plus bathroom for 2 nights at a cost of $124.00 each. After finding our room we then checked out what the YHA had to offer, such as a roof top terrace with spectacular views, the kitchens and internet facilities plus TV rooms.

It wasn't long before we were heading through the streets of the Rocks, camera's clicking in all directions.
 

Down past Susanna Place for a peak at the little houses and corner store, pausing and entering the Garrison Church and imagining soldiers dressed in their red uniforms entering the church each Sunday morning. Viewing Windmill street where once a windmill stood, we crossed to the Observatory parklands that gives a vista of the Bridge and the North Shore.



The little alley ways with their soft street lights have their own charms. I think the photo below is the Argyle Cut.



Finally we settled in at the Glenmore pub on Cumberland Street for a well earned meal of steak and chips for the cost of only $12.00, this place also has a roof top bar with fabulous views.

 

On our return to YHA we collected our tripods and headed for the roof top terrace, the cruise liner had not left port as yet but we still captured beautiful photos of the city lights.

 

And there you have our first day in Sydney, tired but happy and looking forward to tomorrow.  

A memorable few days 2013

So we didn't move on from Bretti Reserve,

It was lovely to just chill out and wind down at such a peaceful spot for a few days. 

We arrived here on Monday afternoon after stopping for a cuppa and a pie for lunch at Gloucester. A short visit to the information centre reassured us of our correct direction. Bretti Reserve is about 25 minutes north of Gloucester on Thunderbolts Way, although driving at our speed it took approximately 35 minutes. After passing Leslie Creek the turn off is over the next rise on the right, you can't miss seeing the caravans down by the river.

 

We were lucky enough to have great weather, warm days with warm breezes. The camp site is a very large expanse of land surrounded by rolling hills. Many caravans and rv’s  are camped here but not to close to each other. 

Dodging the cows, cow patties and fire places we looked for a suitable level site with just a short walk to the upper Manning River.  The river is flowing and the water looks very clean, you could possibly boil it to drink but we just used it for our shower and washing up. 

 

It’s very quiet here with the sound of the breeze through the trees and lots of bird song. Keep an eye on the cows as they like to rub themselves on or chew parts of your car or caravan.

Our afternoon siesta's are fantastic, getting the fire started and the Billy boiling, not the usual thing done at home and plenty of reading caught up with during the day makes for lazy relaxed girls, that's including Ruby.

While down by the river I seen my first ever wild Platypus swimming across the river.

 

The only drawback is that there is no phone or internet connection here. I was told, a short drive over the next hill, there is a spot beside the road with good reception so if needed urgently, that is good to know.

Gloucester and beyond 2013

Its Sunday afternoon, I'm packed and almost ready to pick up Nicki around 9/10 am in the morning. Nicki and I will hitch up her van this time, as last time out she clipped the mains water tap with the side of her van. Not a great deal of damage but not a happy way to start out.

I'm not sure if Nicki's friend Jannette will be joining us, I hope she does as it would make for a good little group.
We will be traveling north through Gloucester on Bucketts Way, in no hurry, we may stop for a cup of tea and visit the information centre there before cruising along Thunderbolts Way.

Nicki and I decided our first free camp will be Bretti Reserve on Thunderbolts Way beside the Manning River (318 Camp 7) and only 34kl out of Gloucester.  On the way I would also like to look at any other free camps we pass for future stop overs.

Over the next few days we may see the Nundle district and possibly return home via Murrurundi and Singleton.  

Maybe Coopernook 2013

Going to be a big days drive today, over 350k to home so I left Gunnedah a bit before 8am. Traveling on the Oxley Hwy, made my first stop at Tamworth information centre but being to early to be open continued a little further to the first rest area I came across.
At another time, I intend to spend a few days in Tamworth to check out places like Nundle and Bendemeer.

My next stop was on the Great Dividing Range, it was really bloody cold at 7 degrees so the hot cuppa was a welcome morning tea break while Ruby took her time wandering around. This spot would be great for a free overnight camp as it is a good distance off the road and a stand of trees separates the road and the camp site.


For more than the next hour the road was winding, I took my time as usual but with more care on the bends. As its Sunday, there are many bikers testing their skills on the hairpin bends.  Its a shame they don't know that double lines mean 'do not cross'.

                       



For young learner drivers this would be a real challenge of concentration to hone their skills.

Finally made Wauchope and took a right turn for the short cut to the freeway toward Kew and then another executive decision made by turning into Coopernook state forest. One or two days here will top off my holiday. There is a young female camper nearby, by the name of Amanda, very well set up with 2 small dogs for company.

A lot of work has been happening around the old house, all the vines have been removed and the water tank is exposed.  Its a shame the workers have removed the pipe from the house roof to the tank, there will be no topping up the tank with fresh rain water any more. 

                                     


The fabulous Elkhorn are still in the old Jacaranda tree.

 

                                       



And my fire, made in the old can that was left by campers at Burren Junction and with a bucket full of logs given to me by the lovely couple who kindly shared their TV for the State of Origin match.   
We had an outdoor theater with 2 fires blazing to keep the cold away. John and Netti came from Avalon Beach NSW.

                                   
 

I asked Nicki if she was interested in coming up for a few days to try out our her caravan. As she was happy too, I left my caravan on site and made a quick trip home on Wednesday to pick up Nicki and return the next day. 

                    


Another fabulous sunset enjoyed by all.

A bit of practice with the damper and vol la ! cooked and shared around Carolyn and her husband Ian's campfire with Nicki, Amanda and myself, eaten with lashings of butter and golden syrup Mmmm......

I stayed for 11 days all up at Coopernook and enjoyed it as much as last time. I've almost set a new record, being away from home shy of 4 days of the full month this time.

Another fabulous trip ended and looking forward to the next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gunnedah stop over 2013

Driving along I'm mesmerized by the vastness of the open plains to Narrabri then watching Mount Kaputar National Park to my left

                    

ever increasing in size, then onward to Boggagri where the ever changing landscape becomes hilly. Reaching Gunnedah late afternoon I receive directions to the showground for a relatively cheap stop over for $15 with power. I look forward to seeing more of this interesting town tomorrow.

I had the best sleep last night, only hearing one train sometime early this morning, took me back to my childhood when we stayed over at my grandparents who had their home near the railway line at Mulgrave near Richmond.

I've spotted a vacated concrete slab skirting the fence and will move kit and caboodle to that position before I start my tour of this lovely town. When the rain does come I wont worry so much. A limit of 3 nights stay here in the show ground, which is really a closed off area beside the show grounds, that suits me fine.
The rain arrived later in the afternoon, quite heavy at times during the night with thunder early Saturday morning before the sun broke through by mid morning.

                            
            

Took a chance on Harvey Norman to help me out with my dead Fuji battery and sure enough assistance came with a Fuji charger found in a box so I left the battery to charge for a few hours while I toured the town.   So this is the capital of Koalas, boasting they have the most healthy and numerous Koalas here,  the map shows where they are, not that I could spot them. The first lookout I drove up was called "Pensioners Hill" and was called this as during 1890's and the 1930 depression, destitute families and swaggies lived in tents and humpies on the hill.  
     
                          

It now boasts beautiful sandstone sculptures.

                                                 
              
The town itself it really quite large and all the roads seem very wide in the greater area of Gunnedah.

                          


Author Dorothea Mackellar of the poem "My Country" lived here. You know the one...

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping planes,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!

There is much to see here.....

The Liverpool Ranges in the distance, that's the direction I'll be traveling tomorrow morning, through Tamworth, Walcha, Wauchope and on to home. I may need another stop over?

 

Start the leisurely return home 2013

 Still catching up....

I enjoyed Lightning Ridge so much I would like to come back some day but not so long as was the last time (about 35 years ago) Of what I remember, its still the same dirt mounds and bloody big holes in the ground.
On leaving town at a slow pace, first a little shopping to stock up on stores but what's this! the whole main street has no power. The IGA store was having solar power installed, there was some kind of accident with one man taken to the local hospital, with not too serious injuries.  Picked up a few items at the garage and headed out, cruising along in mid afternoon I came across many sheep on the road near the very tall metal statue of an Emu.

Across the road from here there is a free camp site, about 14ks out of town.

I have decided to return to Burren Junction for a few days (I think I've become a bore bath junkie) this time staying on the Tamilaroi Hwy to Narrabri and onto Gunnedah, I'll take a closer look at Wee Waa on my way through.

I spotted this Mob of Emu (I asked google what to call them) in the bush near the road. When I got out of the car to take a photo they turned to walk away so I got Ruby out, when they seen her they turned toward us for a closer inspection of the little brown hairy thing. Ruby gave a little chase, then the boss of the group turned (on the right of the picture) flapped his feathers and turned toward her, well, did she take off in the other direction. I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, just the funniest thing to see.... 

 
Eventually arrived back at Burren Junction, rain is expected tomorrow. There are still just as many caravan/rv's here as before with a count of no less than 6 single female travelers enjoying the free camp.

 

 

How about this for a storm, heading our way...
                         

                                  


Mud, mud everywhere, well the red dirt is ok but don't wander onto the brown stuff or you will grow an inch or two with the stuff stuck on your shoes. It dries out really quickly but there is another storm expected on Friday so I'm out of here Thursday afternoon with not a clue to where I'll make my next camp, just know I want to see Gunnedah.