Real camping starts today.

We woke to cloudy skies and a drop in temperature which proved a positive for Andy’s morning run along the coast towards Wollongong.

After a few hours reading and booking future camping stops along the NSW coastline, we drove to Wollongong marina for lunch and a wander.

The town once had a large port and fishing fleet, hence the lighthouse, but now it’s merely a tourist spot.

Outdoor pool and rock pools sit along the front but today the lack of sun and the cooler temperatures meant there were fewer willing swimmers (us included!).

After a weekly food trip to Woolworth’s & the local bottle shop for vino and beers, we embraced the camping life, despite the rain, and ate salad and quaffed wine until the early evening.

Another goodbye day, this time to Manly and our friends.

After Andy’s early run and epic beach shots of the morning sunshine, we said au revoir to our Airbnb and headed to the ferry, then train and finally an Uber to pick up our campervan from Cronulla, which will be home for the next 2 weeks.

First stop south is East Corrimal, 60k south of Sydney and Corrimal Beach Toirist Park which abuts a stunning long sandy beach!

After a few hitches we are starting to get to grips with a new way of living and the gadgetry that comes with confined living in a motorhome.

Saturday night was spent at the local bowling club where live entertainment was on tap, along with great food and drink. Off to explore nearby Bulli and Wollongong tomorrow.

Last day blues in Sydney.

Got up extra early for Andy’s final Manly boot camp at 6am. Sadly no running, this time it was core strength training which proved a little more challenging!

After a good workout and an early morning swim, we then organised another walking tour around the city before we head off down the coast to Melbourne.

First stop was Hyde Park where we met our guide and she showed us around the sights and sounds of the older parts of the city finishing down in the Rocks.

We visited the first Sydney hospital, courts, stables, prison and most importantly the first pub!

After a day visiting the bridge, opera house and botanical gardens, we got back on the ferry for our final night out with the Manly massive.

We kept with the Hawaiian theme and went to watch a film about the infamous Duke, who introduced surfing to Australia and New Zealand, as well as being a champion swimmer, film star and all round good bloke from Ohau.

Goodbye Manly see you again in 11mths time.

Just the two of us.

With Amelia now safely back in the Uk, we decided to make the best of a hot sunny day and returned to our favourite Shelly Beach.

After lunch we chilled on North Steyne beach before heading back to get changed and ready for our Hawaiian themed night at Freshwater Brewery in honour of the Duke, the founder of surfing on the Northern Beaches (and possibly Oz).

Goodbye to Amelia today as she returns to the Uk and university.

It’s been a fantastic first month of our overseas tour and this is thanks to Amelia and the happiness & fun she brings to us and all she meets.

We departed early to Sydney airport to see her off on her initial flight to San Francisco and then on to London.

After waving off Amelia, we had a quiet cry and reminded ourselves we will be a team of 3 again soon.

As we were close to the Eastern Suburbs we decided to head to Coogee and pop into the pavilion before walking on the coast path up to Bondi beach.

This is the third time we’ve done this walk and it never disappoints. It’s a beautiful walk along the 6 beaches in the Eastern Suburbs. Helped today by a day of sunshine.

We eventually made it to the Iceberg bar at Bondi and the stunning pool that sits alongside.

After a 4 mile walk in the heat we were deserving for a beer & glass of wine along with the obligatory plate of hot chips!

We wandered along the beach front and marvelled at the street art that adorns the walls.

After a couple of hours in the sunshine on Bondi beach we caught a busy bus back to Circular Quay and returned to Manly and drinks in a local Italian restaurant.

Happiness and sadness Tuesday.

Today marks the final day before Amelia flies back to the Uk and returns to her studies at Uni.

As befits her send off, we joined up with her friends at Freshwater beach for some final ‘tanning’!

The kids wanted to give Amelia a proper send off so early afternoon headed back to ‘wet & wild’ waterpark.

Amelia’s leaving dinner was held at Tokyo Joes where we indulged in G&Ts and sushi!

Thanks so very much to Tracy, Ethan, Eli, Jesse, Caroline, Gary, Charlie, Camille and Eva for making Amelia’s stay so enjoyable with lots of fun and laughter. She’s loved it and will definitely be back for more in Dec for Manly Xmas II.

Funfair day means only thing, a trip to Lunar Park.

The girls decided on a white T-shirt theme.

Partners in crime, Eva and Amelia having the best time.

Crazy ride after scary ride.

No sign of Michelle or Andy on the rides, we left it to Amelia to represent us with the funfair police…!!

Some old fashioned fun and laughter.

The girls and the Hungry Horse.

Sexy meerkat impressions.

The boys hangin tuff.

Funny people for a fun time. No more words needed.

Thanks to Gary, Tracy, Jamie and the girls and boys for making it such a wonderful day.

Amelia took this video of the sunset on the ferry back to Manly. It really doesn’t get much better.

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A day of culture.

Before leaving for Australia we booked a few day trips, the first was a food & street art walking tour around Newtown.

Amelia decided to stay in Manly and soak up the rays on Freshwater beach, so we got the ferry to Circular Quay and the train on to the western suburbs.

We had four food stops en route, the first an Australian classic, the pie shop, although the setting was very boho and ‘on trend’ – so we were told!!!

The street art is everywhere in Newtown and for the most part has been left untagged.

Some of the images have deeper meanings, the one below depicts the flooding in Queensland in 2017 and the struggles with global warming.

The next image had a historical story behind it. Who knew that Charles Dickens was inspired to write Great Expectations and the character Miss Havisham based on a story of a woman jilted at the altar in 1820’s Newtown!

One for Kylie lovers out there.

The street art is large and small, the theme here focuses on no pollution in the oceans.

Anyone for melon and feta ice cream and other odd flavour combinations.

After 3hrs of strolling around the streets of Newtown and the adjoining Enmore area with a great bunch of people, both local and fellow travellers, we finished our tour with beers at the local Young Henry’s brewery.

After an enjoyable chat getting to know others on the tour, we said our goodbyes and headed back to Manly in record time for a late curry off the Corso.

Camille works at the restaurant so we thoughts we’d surprise her. It’s a great Indian and the service was fabulous!!

No evening in Manly is complete without a trip to Yo-chi, or so says Eva and Amelia.