Black Rocks

Black Rocks Camping Area is in the Bundjalong National Park. Over the three days here we really enjoyed the bush and bird life. We swam at Black Rocks beach, so named because of the black minerals giving the rock and sand a sooty colour.

Gary walked some of the trail beside Jerusalem Creek.

Jennifer painted in an idyllic setting.

Secret Lake Retreat

This pretty campsite was isolated and situated a few kilometers from Lawrence. For four days we explored the surrounding area, visiting Maclean and Yamba and cooled down in the picturesque lake.

Anchorage Park

Beautiful river front campground on the Kalang River, Urunga.

Perhaps the wildest, heaviest afternoon storm we have been experienced.

We kayaked under the road bridge, up to the old railway bridge.

It was very hot and so it was easy to cool off in the river which was on our doorstep.

Playstation

It was a rare opportunity at Playstation to spend two days with John and Rhonda. In beautiful surroundings we had campfire chats and walked the airstrip each morning.

Brothers having too much fun!

We went kayaking on the Korogoro Creek, Hat Head, and also swam.

Diamond Head

Gary finally tried out the Ford in the sand (and had fun).

Kangaroos sparring outside our van one morning.

Walking the beach and swimming each morning was the pattern to start the day.

It is exciting when the meticulous plans are realized. The bladder for storing extra water off grid was successfully transferred to the caravan water tanks.

Taree & Wingham

Adam, Olivia and family have moved to a lovely property at Wingham. We visited for a few days and enjoyed spending time with the family, exploring their new home and playing with the grandchildren

Morning walk and bike ride by the Manning River, Taree.

Pub dinner at the local.

Very excited for the family as they settle into this new home.

Saturday markets at Old Bar, starring specialty home crafted goods from Little Bobin Farm.

The Ruins Campground

Booti Booti National Park campground could be the best NSW National Parks campground we’ve come across. Excellent modern facilities, large sites and only a short walking distance to the beach. Unfortunately there were too many bluebottles and rough seas to risk a swim. The morning beach walks were easy and very few people to be seen.

Bush walk – Booti Hill Walking Trail

Back home

Wonderful range of travel experiences. Just some of the highlights:

Whale migration (Hastings Point) – https://youtu.be/OART7xeb7n0?si=NbPOOiPXAOfsutOk

Off grid camping (Eureka, QLD) – https://dngbtt.com/dam-crazy-eureka/

Most challenging 4WD (Nine mile beach) – https://youtu.be/jMkpLnpeIrs?si=VU6zHN1pJcdHOKET

Wettest extended stay (Bartle Frere) – https://dngbtt.com/bartle-frere/

Most enjoyable swim (Crystal Cascades) – https://youtu.be/7q0Tz0H9PiA?si=-HlYPIQyk–MjyZE

Fun day with good friends (Bloomfield Track 4WD & Lion’s Den lunch- https://dngbtt.com/cape-tribulation/

Best tourist locations: Cobbold Gorge – https://dngbtt.com/cobbold-gorge/; Winton – https://dngbtt.com/winton/; Longreach – https://dngbtt.com/longreach/

Most challenging walk (Porcupine Gorge) – https://dngbtt.com/porcupine-gorge/

We spent 90% of our time away (3mths + 1 wk) in Queensland. There were no major issues… The car performed very well but we did need to watch our “weights”. This meant either not filling the car fuel tank fully or taking on less fresh water. A few stats… Diesel cost between $1.77 & $2.30/ litre. And I’ll guess the average to be around $2.05. Fuel consumption was 16.5L/100km. Water was of a good quality and easy to obtain. The total trip distance for the car was 10,300km and 6,850km for the van.

Wingham

Wingham was an important detour on our way home as Adam, Olivia and family have just moved there.

We enjoyed a family stroll through the tall trees on the Wingham Brush boardwalk, a protected nature reserve. Then there was a play in the park and a cafe lunch.

The appearance of a garbage truck was very exciting for a little boy.

It was good to see Olivia’s family and share in the excitement of toasting marshmallows.