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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Departing for travel up the NSW coast and into Queensland to visit Adam, Olivia & family; Brian & Wendy; Brian & Jenny and Mum. Looking forward to surfing and kayaking đ.
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 & Lionâs 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 âweightsâ. 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 Iâll 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 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.
Lunch at Arrawarra rest stop on our way from Murwillumbah to Bellingen. It was hot (32°). Great to pull up, turn on the air conditioning (âoff gridâ) and have an enjoyable, comfortable lunch.
Our camping spot for two nights was the show ground, which was an easy walk into town over the river. Horses grazed on the oval and there were many birds. A beautiful spot.
Bellingen is known for its hippie subculture and diverse arts community. We had the best coffee and Portuguese tart that we can remember. Posters advertising wellbeing and healing programs, inner peace, crystal and natural therapies, farming methods and more, covered trees, shop fronts and buildings.
There was a steep walk down to the base of the stunning waterfall, where we could have a close up view of the organ pipe rock structure, caused by the cooling of the Ebor Volcano.
We stopped for a break at sleepy Dorrigo, whose trees displayed the promise of Spring
We stayed overnight at Murwillumbah Showgrounds, an easy distance to visit Brian and Wendy at Kingscliff. It is always so good to see them! A lovely time catching up and Wen cooked a delicious dinner.
