Nearly 2500 km (1553 miles) and 30 + hours of driving in 7 days.
What an amazing adventure we had.
It was a sort of last minute trip, we had been talking about it for months but decided last minute to finally go.
With bags packed into a full car we headed off on our first stretch of 7 hours to our first destination.
Merimbula
We arrived in the dark but the next morning we woke up to a beautiful area. I would love to go back and spend a week here. There were so many things to do just in the park, and the most beautiful beach was just a walk away. After breakfast we went for an explore around.
While Aaron took the kids to swim at the pool I stayed back packing up the cabin while Rebecca took a nap. I had some extra time to take some photos, I loved it! Spring is probably my most favorite season!
Amazingly enough these majestic lorikeets came right up to us. They were a bit too friendly when they snatched crackers from the kids hands. I was within inches when taking these pictures. They are amazingly beautiful. A crazy magpie tried to join them, they are a bit more fierce.
Back in the car we began our travels to our next destination. The kids began to love the word "destination" and would ask constantly, "where is our next destination". It became a fun game and helped get them excited for what was ahead.
We briefly stopped at the Merimbula boardwalk and took a stroll around. It was such a beautiful walk along the river.
Bermangui
Just over an hour away we made it to The Blue Pool. This place was like a dream with wild calla lilies growing on the cliffs. Right as we arrived we watched as a humpback whale was jumping out of the water. I squealed in excitement as everyone frantically got out of the car to see it's tail. I love God's creations and being able to witness things such as this, they are very inspiring.
We descended down a fairly steep staircase and arrived at the pools. On a warmer day it would have been fun to swim in the pools.
From there it was a short drive to Camel Rock Beach. As soon as we got there we saw why it was called 'camel rock'. We were the only ones for miles, it was such a crazy feeling.
Driving was never boring, with so many twists and turns we were always alert.
The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. From forests to rolling green hills there was always so much to look at.
Jervis Bay & Kangaroo Valley
Thursday morning we woke early to drive 45 minutes to Jervis Bay for our whale watching tour. It was exhilarating being out on the open ocean waters but unfortunately we didn't see any whales. We did see some seals and still had a nice relaxing ride. Joseph fell asleep and everyone was so chill. I love being out on the water.
Back into the car and into Kangaroo Valley we went. Fitzroy Falls was our next stop and not what I was expecting. Just a short stroll down a boardwalk and we found ourselves on a cliff face next to an amazing waterfall that descended 80+ metres into the eucalyptus forest below. It was breathtaking, but also stomach aching as you looked down. We stayed long enough to get some pictures and stroll around reading about wildlife. Particularly the amazing platypus. Those things are very interesting creatures.
Illawara Fly Treetop Walk was our next stop. This was a whole new experience as we walked along the steel walkway raised nearly 50 metres above the native forest floor. With two gently swaying cantilevered arms Aaron experienced vertigo and Josh felt sick enough that he had to lie down at the top of the tower lookout. It was an exhilarating experience and we were all grateful to put our feet back on solid ground at the end.
If you look closely in the picture below you can see the steel walkway and Aaron with the kids high above the forrest floor. Our goals was to NOT look Down.
Kangaroo Valley was filled with amazing beauty and cows everywhere.
Friday morning we departed Gerrora where we had been staying. It was a beautiful town set on rolling hills that entered into a beautiful cove touching the ocean.
On our last stretch to Sydney we first stopped at the Nan Tien Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. The grounds were beautiful and very peaceful.
On through Wollongong we stopped at a beach park for lunch and for the kids to stretch their legs.
Over the Sea Cliff Bridge and onto what we think was called Bald Hill. It was very windy there and quite dangerous so we let the kids view from the car. Hangliders and Paragliders where everywhere. I even got to help a guy set up his gear and prepare to take off. I was a little nervous about being swept off the ledge but am glad I wasn't the one to take the flight.
Another brief stop at a temple. This time a Hindu Temple called Sri Venkateswara.
Not much further and we started entering the busy bustling city of Sydney. It was so incredibly amazing to be there.
We walked around The Rocks and explored the markets there before getting Subway and chocolate milk for lunch. We had to energize before embarking onto the Harbour Bridge.
What in the world were these strange looking birds seen all over the city?
It took us about 30 minutes to walk across the bridge and at one point Rachael was not impressed with this idea. She said it would never end but then began skipping along once she could see the end.
Frantically searching around for toilets we found ourselves at Luna Park. The kids were thrilled!
With pink cotton candy in hand we took a short ferry ride back to the other side of the Harbour. I was blown away at the ferry services throughout the Harbours. It was bustling just like taxi services and metros going from once place to the next.
A little more exploring and we came across some incredible street artists and a indigenous aborigine playing his didgeridoo. He was brilliant and very entertaining.
We ended up going over the Harbour bridge again but this time by car. Not as exciting.
Darling Harbour
Saturday morning we were torn between going back into the city or going to Manly. We chose the city and are glad we did. We spent the day at Darling Harbour, there was so much going on.
The Australian National Maritime Museum was fascinating. The boys loved exploring the large war vessels and the submarine.
I am convinced that you had to be my size to work on the submarine and couldn't have a problem with claustrophobia. That thing was tiny inside.
We also took an interesting climb up a lighthouse. What fun that was!
Also a fun train ride took us throughout the area. The kids were loving it and it was so nice and relaxing to finally sit after all the walking we had been doing.
Before making it back to our accommodations we stopped at Dee Why Beach for a bit of a play. I was finally able to capture some cockatoos playing.
Sunday morning we found a lovely ward we joined for sacrament meeting. Aaron chatted with many people there afterwards and they were all so friendly.
The Sydney Temple was so beautiful, it was a perfectly sunny day. Josh and Rach had their iPods out taking heaps of pictures. I took loads as well, everything was just so beautiful.
I had this spectacular idea to drive to Boni Beach for the Festival of Winds. It ended up not being a good idea. What was supposed to take us 20 minutes in the car took us 2 hours. When we finally made it within view of the beach there were so many people the beach looked covered in ants. With so much going on and NO where to park we decided to do a drive by and wave :)
We still had a fair amount of time getting out of there and onto Canberra.
3.5 hours to Canberra, we gave the kids surprise eggs and chocolate treats. They were pleased, Seppe thought it was Christmas.
Parts of this drive reminded me of Utah
When arriving in Canberra (Australia's Capital) we went to a dairy farm that had this incredible park called Pod Park. We let the evening sun set on us there.
The next day was our big drive home. We got up at 4am in hopes to bust out 3-4 hours of driving while the kids slept. It was a brilliant idea and made the drive seem shorter.
The best part was watching as the sun rose. The rolling hills were covered in a fog that was lit up by the glowing sunrise. I kept thinking about Mr Darcy :)
This turned out to be a wonderful trip and we all had so much time. We became closer as a family and the kids had such a good time. The holiday parks and cabins we stayed in were also a fun experience. The single rooms stuffed with 2 sets of bunk beds were so exciting for the kids.
So glad we did it!
This kid loves chocolate milk so much he will even cheekily drink it from a bottle.
