@travellingwiththeateam

Moving south day.

First port of call today was Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, 1500m of walkway nestled in the treetop canopy 20m above the rainforest floor.

This involved driving up 10miles of very steep roads on the second day in the camper van. A mission in itself.

After surviving the drive down the mountain we headed for the Kiama blow holes which were in full effect due to the stormy wet weather.

Next stop down the Princes Highway was Seven Mile beach. Due to the rain we were the only people in view!

After all this walking, a brief coffee stop was then required for the reasons stated in the photo below.

Given the perpetual rain, we decided to take a detour and call into a local winery called Two Figs in Berry for some wine tasting. Such a great place with fantastic vino & service!

Our final destination of the day was the beautiful Jervis Bay, where we have secured a site on caravan park right in front of Huskisson beach.

What a stunning place, blessed with over 50 beaches in a 10 mile radius.

After a busy day we are relaxing with a glass of wine and some healthy salad and a few remaining Xmas chocolates for dessert!

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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