March 26th-30th, Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park near Wardell

First off I would like to advise of a small design change. I have moved the Links to the Photo Album and GPS locations up under our profile information at top right of page. This should make it easier to find for regular visitors.
As briefly mentioned in our last post we journeyed from Grafton to our current location on Saturday morning after casting our votes in the NSW election. Don't know how O'Farrell and his team are going to do but I think; I like a lot of people figure they can't do any worse than Labour has been doing.We are located approximately 15km south of Ballina at the Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park. It is a beautiful location with full facilites and a very reasonable $22/night. The sites are mostly drive through with beautifully landscaped grounds. Each site is separated by garden and trees on either side. I will attach some pictures. The park appears to be owner operated and their service is wonderful and the park reflects their pride in their business. Would highly recommend! The Park is located on map at: http://fms.ws/4UKfe/\-28.94035/153.47214

Saturday we arrived shortly after lunch and had a relaxing afternoon with Sandra testing out the Laundry facilities. We followed a huge truck with a massive piece of concrete for a bridge for much of the way from Grafton. Luckily it wasn't moving to slow except for going through windy towns and we were not in any hurry. It was quite a hot day and we enjoyed a swim in the Park pool later in the afternoon.

Sunday saw us get an early start as we journeyed North up the coast to the Queensland border. The day was windy and overcast to begin with but cleared up nicely for the afternoon. We did hit heavy rain as we returned to the park. One of the Park owners had thoughtfully adjusted our awning as it had been collecting water in the heavy rain. Another lesson learned on how to leave the caravan while away for the day. We drove through Ballina and took the scenic route to Byron Bay through Lennox Head. Saw some good surfing at Lennox head and tried to get a couple of pictures. Lennox Head and Byron Bay are definitely Surf locations and both were busy although it was a Sunday.

We drove up to the Lighthouse at Byron Bay but were dissappointed with the setup. If you want to park at the lighthouse it costs $7 and even then there was limited spots. Further down the hill they have free parking but only about 5 spots. We though $7 was a bit steep and took a picture out the car window as we drove through. Might be OK during the week but not recommended by this tour guide. From Byron Bay we rejoined the Pacific Highway and travelled to Tweed Heads. The road is mostly new and excellent.


 In Tweed Heads Sandra and I enjoyed a Barramundi and Chip lunch at the Tweed Marina. Very nice and they grilled the fish for Sandra so was Gluten Free. We visited the Captain Cook Memorial at the border after eating and took a few pictures. Got a good hazy view of Surfers Paradise through the rocks at the memorial. Tweed Heads has changed significantly since Sandra and/or I last saw it although that would be over 25 years ago. Very busy and quite big and modern. We then did some grocery shopping before stopping to see Sandra's Uncle Merv and Aunt Maree at Banora Point. We enjoyed a nice afteroon Tea and visit with them. Sandra had not seen Maree for over 30 years and I had never met her so was a bit to catch up on. We showed them a bunch of photo's of our kids etc on my laptop and will send Merv some via email shortly. We travelled back to our Caravan via Freeway and arrived home just in time to start dinner. We enjoyed Salmon done on the Barbecue. Excellent and enough left over for lunch the following day.

On Monday we got away around 10am and travelled South along the coast. We took scenic route from Broadwater to Evan's Head and back to Woodburn. We went up to the Razorback Lookout at Evans Head. Good view!
Find it located on map at: http://fms.ws/4UM7k/\-29.11552/153.43965  From there we travelled through Woodburn down the Pacific Highway to Maclean again. We had a picnic lunch by the Clarence River and spent a couple of hours walking though the downtown area and went up to the Pinnacle Lookout. A great view of the Clarence Valley and you can see many of the coastal towns (Yamba, Iluka, etc). Maclean is a beautiful little town and very tidy. We will return again some day.

From there we drove out to Yamba.This is a busy little coastal town. We found our way down to a rock point park area. The rock formations here were incredible and we got some good pictures of them and the pounding surf on them. Would be a very dangerous place if you got to close to the edge. I got soaked by one big wave as Sandra took a picture of me. I could have spent hours at this point studying the rock formations and the incredible patterns in them. The Lighthouse shown here is free with lots of parking and I dare say a sight better looking than the one shown previously from Byron Bay.

From here we journeyed back to the Pacific Highway and returned to our Caravan around 4pm. We had found a place at Broadwater that served Gluten free Pies so picked a couple in the morning which we reheated for dinner. Sandra said it was OK. Not something she would eat that often but was good for a quick meal and a change.

Tuesday finds us enjoying a lazy (for me at least) catch up day. Slept in till after 8 this morning and Sandra is busy catching up on her cleaning and laundry prior to moving on to Tenterfield tomorrow. I am taking the opportunity to catch up the Blog etc. We will try and pack up a fair bit this afternoon so we can get a fairly early start tomorrow. We have been warned by a few people that the Bruxner Highway between Casino and Tenterfield is a windy, bumpy, hilly road. Apparently it is as good or better than any that traverse the dividing range but we need to allow quite a bit of extra time for the journey. Not exactly looking forward to the trip but will most likely be fine as long as we take our time and drive according to the conditions allowed. I will update this with photos and post this afternoon. Talk to you all again from Tenterfield.

March 24th & 25th, Grafton Show Grounds

Not much to report for this stay. Left Valla Beach about 11am on Thursday morning and travelled the short distance to Grafton where we stayed at the Showground for two nights. Had all facilities but nothing fancy. Funny thing was when we pulled up there was a 5th Wheel that had been camped across from us at Valla Beach. Didn't meet them at Valla Beach or know where they were heading but had a good visit with them at Grafton.
We had a quiet two days in Grafton. Went shopping to the Grafton Shoppingworld on Friday. It is a beautiful shopping centre that puts anything in the Newcastle area to shame. Spent some time walking the main street but didn't spend a whole bunch other than our stop at my friend; Dan Murphy.
Had our auxilliary battery checked out at a Battery Shop as our Portable Freezer only lasts about a day on battery. Battery checked out fine with a load test and the fellow was very helpful. Will have to keep experimenting to isolate problem.
Got up early on Saturday morning and walked a few blocks to the Grafton Community Centre where we cast our ballots in the NSW election. The Community Centre was very modern and the sport facilities at the showground all seemed to be top class and well utilized.We could still here the tennis balls being hit back and forth after we settled in for the night. We packed up and left about 10am and travelled to Sandlewood Leisure Park near Wardell (South of Ballina). We drove through MacLean along the Clarence River. It is very nice but we didn't stop as it was quite busy with the election and not too many spots to park the caravan. May go back on a day trip.
We will be doing some more site seeing and photo taking at our new location. Talk to you all soon!

March 20th-23rd, Valla Beach Tourist Park

Sunday March 20th had us packing up at Diamond Head and saying goodbye to our new friends, Rod and Denise Everingham from Wauchope. We got away around 11am and had a short travel day to Valla Beach just North of Nambucca Heads. Find on GPS Map at: http://fms.ws/4RPtB//-30.60536/153.00592  .We stopped at a rest area just South of Macksville for lunch. Valla Beach Tourist Resort is quite a large caravan park although the majority is permanents and permanent casuals. Caravan area was uncrowded with good size fully serviced sites and large clean amenity blocks. Sandra and I are both enjoying having unlimited water and power supplies again for a few days. The resort backs on to river which has foot bridge over for short walk to beach. We spent the afternoon getting setup and charging all our electronic devices. Sandra did a few loads of laundry in the caravan to test out the washing machine.

Monday morning saw us get an early start travelling the Waterfalls Way out to Dorrigo.Travelled via Bellingen which was beautiful and green. The road from Belligen was windy, hilly, and a number of construction sites. The highlight of the day was our visit to Dorrigo National Park. Find GPS Location on map at: http://fms.ws/4RhXV/-30.36339/152.72844 .We did the 2.5 hour 6km Wonga Walk through the Gondwana Rainforest. This is World Heritage Site and is an amazing experience which is surprisingly free. This would be our first must see site from our trip. Allow yourself at least the 2.5 hours and don't forget to pack some snacks and water. The track is entirely sealed which allows for trouble free progress but does have some fairly good climbs. Both Sandra and I both felt it in our legs by the time we completed. Highlights were Tristania Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, Bird life, and the amazing Rainforest trees. Day began overcast but was raining by time we completed walk.

We went into Dorrigo and had some takeaway lunch and a quick walk of the downtown. Given the weather we decided that we would begin our trip back to the caravan park. We stopped in Belligen and had a walk down the main street. Did a bit of grocery shopping and stopped at the Butter Factory on the way out of Belligen. Had a Barbeque Steak dinner and an early night.

Tuesday we drove South along the coast to explore. We briefly stopped in Nambucca Heads but will return on Wednesday to restock and see a bit more. We then went into Scott's Head. This is a beautiful little town and would be our pick of the Coastal locations we have seen so far. Not much for commercial services but a very nice location with some beautiful homes. Did a brief walk at lookout point between the Little Beach and the main beach. Got bailed up by a Magpie but eventually our superior strength and intellect won the day.

 From there we journeyed along coast to Stuarts Point where we had a picnic lunch by the water. We walked across the rather large foot bridge but didn't venture as far as the beach. Nice location but community itself didn't appear that appealing. From there we went back to the Pacific Highway briefly before we went into South West Rocks. A truly beautiful location but again very crowded at beach and caravan park located there. Sandra and I shuddered about having to get our caravan parked into a place like this. Had an ice cream snack as it was quite warm and moved on to the Trial Bay Gaol end of the bay. This was an interesting stop  but if Dorrigo Park was great value this was a bit of a rip off. Nice history but under construction and little value add from staff or information provided. Would not recommend!

Wednesday was an easier day with some shopping and cleaning. We are still having problems with the Fridge so had to rearrange and throw out some supplies this morning. Got on to 7th Street Caravans this morning and will have it looked at again early next week in Ballina. We then went into Nambucca Heads again and did a tour of the break wall where they have painted many of the rocks. Once again it is a beautiful location but is quite busy and would be crazy during school holidays etc I think. We prefer the quieter out of the way places ourselves. Once done with our tourist activities we stopped at a Woolies for food and diesel.

 Came back to the caravan park had lunch, washed the caravan, and did some laundry. Sandra broke out the hair clipper set I bought and gave me my first home away from home haircut. Paid for half the price of the clippers with the first haircut and I think it turned out pretty good. Sandra hasn't told me to walk 15 feet behind her so no one knows we're together so must be OK! Took a walk down and across foot bridge over river to beach this afternoon. Quite a rough section of water that appears to have some rips and not any other swimmers or surfers. We got our feet wet then wandered back to campsite and had a swim in the safe confines of the swimming pool. Having afternoon drinks under the awning surrounded by laundry drying. We'll pack up in the morning and think we will end up around Grafton for a night or two.

March 16th-19th, Diamond Head at Crowdy Bay National Park

We set off about 10am on Wednesday, March 16th for Crowdy Bay National Park. Had lunch at Wang Wauk Rest area and arrived at Diamond Head Campground at about 2pm. Had a good day of travel on the Pacific Highway. Dual lanes all the way except Bulahdelah which is being constructed. Great road! The campground is about 9km south of Laurieton and is a beautiful location! Shaded campsites with about a 100m walk to the beach. Lots of wildlife to be seen with Goannas and Kangaroos wandering the camp site upon our arrival. Cold Showers, firewood, and level party shaded campsites.

 Please click attached link to view location on map, http://fms.ws/4Q7oZ//-31.71877/152.79433

We took a good walk on the beach Thursday morning then had a nice drive up to Port Macquarie and back on the Ocean Drive. Went through Bonny Hill and Cathie Lake on route. Had lunch at latter on return. Port Macquarie has a lovely road along the coast all around it with numerous lookouts and park areas. Walkway appeared to extend the whole route as well. Stopped at Lighthouse built in 1800s and at the Glasshouse visitor centre. Beautiful building built upon/above the original cabin in Port Macquarie.

On Friday we went into Laurieton and did some shopping and laundry. Lovely town and somewhat bigger than we had expected. Drove out to Katai Lookout at Dunbogan. Had a bit of a walk to lookout and could see our campground at far end of beach. Had a relaxing afternoon with beach walk and a quick trip into the surf.

Saturday saw us up early and walked the Diamond Head Loop walk. About 5km and took us about 2.5 hours with lots of photo stops. Quite windy with lots of climbs but well worth the effort. Highlights of the walk were the Natural Arch and Rainforest section. I have attached a couple of pictures but there are many more in our attached photo album.

Upon our return to camp we found our car fridge/freezer had run down our auxilliary battery and needed recharging. As the Park did not allow the use of our generator and their was little sun to utilize our solar panels we decided a drive in the car was our  best option to recharge. Took gravel road through park to Crowdy Head. Quite the road and not one recommended if you are in a hurry but a good adventure. Crowdy Head is small but pretty. Show on map: http://fms.ws/4QyP1//-31.84021/152.75053

We picked up some prawns and oysters at the Fish Co-op and had lunch on the water near the surf club. Life is good! Came back through Harrington which is another beautiful town with a lot of new residential developments.

Sandra and I did a short walk through the rocks (Split Rock) at the Diamond Head Beach. Interesting rock formations and rock pools were amazing.

Had dinner with a group of our neighbors in the campsite. There was a big group that moved in all around us so they included us in their group. Had a nice evening with a few cold drinks and some good food.

Sunday we had another beach walk and a swim before we packed up for our short trip to Valla Beach.

March 9 to 15- Home Break

Well we have been stuck at home for a week getting some technical issues sorted out. Numerous trips to 7th Street Caravans, Lakeside Appliances, and Country Gas Fridges to resolve a number of heating and cooling issues. Hopefully all is resolved and good to go for an extended time.
Had some unbelievable incidents over the last few weeks. While we were away our oldest daughter, Justine decided to keep going in a line of stopped traffic at a construction site (with our car). Quite a bit of damage, but thankfully no injuries to all involved. Car is in at repairers being restored by insurance company. So much for our over 50 and No Claims Bonus.
As you may know we are renting our house to our two daughters and 2 other girls. Well, the first night we were home for repairs we are sitting in the dining room having dinner and we hear a bang. We had a  bit of a look around and Sandra finds Katie who is just moving her stuff in has accidentally pushed our garbage bin through our third garage door with her car. Doesn't know what happened but it just lurched forward as she tried to back up. She was distraught and said she understood if we didn't want her to move in. Well as Tony Abbott says " Shit Happens" so we had a good laugh and went on with our lives with a promise of a full repair.
Two nights before we leave Sandra is walking out to our Caravan where we were living, because no bedrooms are available for us in our own home, and hears a bang. Turns around and finds Stephanie's boyfriend, Tim plowed into the same garage door. Popped his clutch as he went to back out and rolled into the door. We all go out to see the damage and Katie pipes up at least I only have to pay for half of a garage door now. Needless to say all the cars with a manual transmission are parking on the street as opposed to our driveway now! We hope that we still have something to come home to at the end of or journey.
We are off on the Wednesday March 16th for our second attempt at Stage 1.

March 8th, 2011

We returned home on March 8th as we are continuing to have problems with the Caravan's 3 way fridge. Sharon, Gary, and girls as well as Di & Terry were all returning home for work. Carol and Stephen enjoyed a couple of days in Tamworth by themselves to celebrate their 25th Anniversay.

We had morning tea in Murrurundi and lunch replenished fuel in Scone. Beautiful countryside with many, many hills.

Said our goodbyes to all and travelled back down the New England highway to Maitland. Our girls were happy to see us and we will enjoy a few days at home while we sort out our caravan issues. Will update when we are back on the road again.

March 5,6, &7th, 2011

Left Bingara after a brief tour of the downtown. Lovely refurbished movie theatre and milk bar from the 1950s. Stopped at Barraba for morning tea and a quick shop down main street. Had lunch at Split Rock Dam near Manilla.

Arrived at Chaffey Dam South East of Tamworth in afternoon. Set up camp at waters edge and stayed for 3 nights. Very windy the first day or so and almost lost our awning with wind gust. Beautiful location with some facilities. Showers and toilet blocks. Had some lovely morning and evening photos.

On the second day there we took a day trip into Tamworth and went to a few of the sites. Golden Guitar, Oxley Lookout and new Equine Centre. Tamworth is a beautiful location and the city was neat and tidy. Will return to spend more time later in our travels. The Lookout is quite amazing as is not that high up but has a great panoramic view.

The next day the girls went into Nundle for some shopping and took a trip to Sheba Dam and Hanging Rock Cemetery. It was a lovely historic town and Dam and Cemetery had interesting history.
I enjoyed a couple of swims in the Dam which wasn't too cold.

March 3rd & 4th- Bingarra

Had another early start with travel to Coonabarabran for morning tea. Travelled Newell Highway to Narrabri for lunch along Namoi River at Tourist Info Centre. Lovely location and will probably return when we have more time to enjoy both of these locations.
From here we travelled through Kaputar National Park to Bingara. All paved, narrow, and hilly, but wonderful scenery. In Bingara we camped at Gwydir River campsite around 5km to the East.
Had a random meeting there as I spotted a Viatek vehicle at the campsite. Turned out to be Mel from Moree on a fishing trip. Had a bit of a chat and he said he would let the staff in Newcastle know that he had run into me.

Campsite had no facilities but was located right at the river bank and very quiet. Lots of bird life and some fish jumping. Terry and Abbey had a go at fishing with the yabbies we had caught the day before. No luck with fish but Terry caught 3 turtles which we returned to the river.

We stayed for a couple of nights and had a wonderful roast dinner the second night with Camp Ovens buried in a fire.

On the second day a group of us took a day trip to Copeton Dam halfway to Inverall. Beautiful location and State campground which we would probably stay in if we go this way again. All facilities including tennis courts and golf course. Terry advises that his fishing book rates it very highly for fishing as well.

Day 2, March 2nd, 2011

Had a relatively early start from Broke and stopped at Hunter River at Jerry's Plains for morning tea. Sandra's family used to camp their on vacations as children. From there we progressed to Merriwa where we had lunch at the park along the highway. Stopped at Dunedoo for afternoon tea and fuel up. Set up camp at Mendooran near river. Water in river but difficult to access because of weed growth. Terry and Beth set up yabbie traps and got a few. No luck with fishing.
Sandra has a story to share later re toilets.
Nice morning with Cockatoo's directly overhead. Pretty but noisy.

Day 1 March 1, 2011

Hi All
Sorry for the delay in updating. Busy with preparing for trip, travelling with family, and numerous small problems with Caravan. Sandra & I have vowed to update at least once at each stay as we  progress further on our adventure. We found we were already forgetting things from our first week so know we need to keep up to date.
After a number of issues with refrigeration/freezing of our food supplies we were off around noon on our first day. Short day of travelling to McNammara Park at Broke where we arrived and setup about 2pm.. Met Sandra's sister & husband, Carol & Stephen Ransley. Also Di & Terry Butler who will join the four of us on our big trip starting in May.
Another of  Sandra's sister and husband, Gary & Sharon Grant joined us later in the evening with their girls, Beth & Abbey. They were delayed by severe storms in Medowie where they live. Almost mini twisters and severe damage.

The day was a stinker with plus 40 degrees. We had rain in the late afternoon and all went out and stood in it to cool off. Nice quiet campsite with limited facilities but shaded sites.