The Caldwells take on Australia! Part one: April 18-24

Well, it has been a while, but on April 18th, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I caught the red eye to Sydney to meet up with Mom, Dad & Mike. Luckily, I was able to easily find my way around the airport, taking the train from the domestic terminal to the international terminal, where I was to find the “meeting place.” I had only waited about 5 minutes before I saw them approaching. Ah, a big piece of home.

We hopped in the little blue toyota camry, and quickly made our way out of Sydney. I have become used to riding on the left side of the road in these last 3 months, but being under the age of 25, the cost to add me as an extra driver is a little pricey, so I have been relaxing in the back seat, taking in all the sites. Also, lucky for me that Dad has driven on the left side of the road before, otherwise who knows how that would have went after little sleep and a good long plane ride.

Our first major stop of the day on the 18th was at Wentworth Falls. The initial lookout is breathtaking, as you walk further along the walking trail, you begin to see the falls. Lucky for me, I only had a 30 minute time change to contend with, Mom and Dad were still on Ontario time, and Mike was on Seattle time, but I think they got a spark of energy once we arrived here.

Panoramic view at Wentworth Falls looking out into the valley

 

looking over Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls

After this we made our way to the small town of Katoomba, home to Echo Point and the Three Sisters, where we would be spending the night. Echo Point overlooks the Three Sisters, which is an eroded ridge formation, part of the Seven Sisters and holds spiritual significance for Aboriginals. The views were spectacular. After taking that in, we walked down closer to the ridge and faced some pretty steep steps that made you feel like you were hanging in the air, but it was well worth it. 

looking at the Three Sisters from Echo Point

Mike infront of one of the Three Sisters. Sure glad I didn't trip, I might have tumbled over the edge!

We then grabbed supper at a pub, where I enjoyed a typical aussie meal: chicken parmi. Then it was off to our Inn for the night, where the family crashed and I stayed up for about another 3-4 hours.

On the 19th we checked out the small village of Blackheath, which had a nice historic feel and beautiful fall colors. After this, we headed to Mt. Victoria and got a nice lookout at Mt. Piddington. Next stop: Winery. Here we purchased a bottle of late harvest wine, which we enjoyed with supper that night at an Italian restaurant in the town of Bowral. Almost all of the restaurants here are BYO, charging only a small service fee. 

Dad, Mike & Mom at Mt. Piddington

We had another fairly early night, and then it was off to the small village of Berrima. At this town, we found a walking trail that led down to the river, before looping back up to the street. Unfortunately, being as it was morning, we didn’t spot any of the local platypus hanging out, which can usually be seen splashing around in the late afternoon. We did however come across a “yellow-bellied black snake” according to a local passerby, which is also “quite toxic,” or to my ears, it would like me to be it’s lunch. So I didn’t get too much closer to take a better picture. Back in the village, we shared a late morning snack at the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie. I can’t exactly remember what is was called. But it was passionfruit with a meringue-like topping which is very difficult to make, having to be cooked at an exact temperature and then infused with whip-cream.

Mike & I on our walk by the river in Berrima

Mhmmm Delicious!

Our next stop this day was at the Joadja Winery, which was the original winery in the area. The area, which is in the hills, is very wet and cool for Australia, allowing the winery to produce types of wine that is difficult to produce elsewhere in the country. The fall colors here were beautiful and their blue Australian sheepdog was very happy to have customers! The owners here were busy preparing for their Easter Sunday, where they would be putting on a show of classical music for their customers and guests. They do this four times a year, having different performers of different genres. They were also going to be serving pizza from their wood-fire oven during this event! Too bad we had to keep moving on to our next destinations! So it was off to Fitzroy Falls, before making our way to Jervis Bay for the evening! When you first arrive at the parking area at Fitzroy Falls, you don’t really know what to expect. As you are walking along the path, it is fairly enclosed until you reach the first main lookout point. They you are overwhelmed with the spectacular view! It was beautiful here, and as you continued the walk, there were different lookout points, giving you different views. We also made our way to the twin falls while we were here. 

Fitzroy Falls

Panoramic view from the Cambewarra lookout on our way to Jervis Bay

On the 21st, we went for a two hour cruise in Jervis Bay to do some dolphin watching. We saw quite a number of dolphins and some small calves. I was able to get some really close shots down at the front of the boat, because the dolphins like sit here, allowing the current of the boat to push them along.
 

Dolphins, swimming alongside the boat!

The cruise ended around one and we then had lunch at a local fish and chips shop, enjoying the weather by eating outside. During our cruise, the guide suggested Huskisson Creek as a great place for snorkeling during high tide, so we checked it out after lunch, only to find it in low tide. We walked around the beach anyway and saw some pretty neat rock formations. Further along the road, is Hymes beach, which is said to have the whitest sand in the world.

Rock formations at Huskisson Creek

April 22nd was a day designated mostly to the drive from Jervis Bay back to Sydney, as we decided to spend a second night in Huskisson. We did however stop at Kiama before lunch to stretch our legs and then again at Wollongong where we enjoyed a picnic lunch. We spent a couple of hours here, reading in the sun, before getting back into the car for the remaining drive to Sydney. The following day we would be flying up to Mackay and then finishing the day with our drive up to Airlie Beach for our accommodation in Whitsunday.

Crashing waves at Wollongong

Wollongong Lighthouse, our scenery for lunch

Yesterday we visited the small town of Bowen, where we found was the primary filming place of the movie Australia. The town is said to have the character of Darwin during the  1940’s, which is when the movie is set. We got some great views outside of the town looking back in on it and out into the ocean at some of the small islands. And this is where I leave you, as yesterdays travels inspired the movie choice for tonight.

Goodnight & Good Morning!

At the lookout from outside of Bowen

Mike at the lookout

Wish you were here!