Sunday
We had a slow start to the day and then we had arranged to meet up with Paul and Emma Egglestone who were in Sydney today for 6 hours doing the airport run. We set off about 11 and got the train into the city from Beecroft station using the Opal card that Marc left when he was here nearly 2 years ago. The fare was only $2.60 max for the day on a Sunday, interesting journeys people watching both ways;the French girl from Amiens on the way out being chatted up and the three young Aussie girls who had been to the beach singing beatles songs on the way back. We got off at Wynyard station and walked round to Circular Quay and on to the Opera House bar where we had a drink while we waited and watched what was happening around us. Paul, Emma and Charis arrived and we moved into one of the restaurants further down as it was too noisy to hear and extremely hot at the Opera House. We had a great catch up over lunch and then they left to go and meet Iona at the airport and we wandered down to a Homeground festival which was going on outside the Opera House. We sat and watched the native Australians dance competition for a while and then went into the weaving tent where they were making baskets, before heading back for the train home. As we were leaving we saw people arriving dressed up in all their finery to go into the Opera House; a day of different cultures, different races, different dress, different music, different beliefs and customs but all human beings under Gods heaven.

Monday
Cloudy day today so we set off with Graham, Lesley and Tim to go into Sydney on the train. We walked down to Circular Quay, watched the boats and then round to the Opera House on Bennelong Point where we booked in for a tour at half past twelve. The story of the planning and building was fascinating and the big concert hall was incredibly impressive. We wandered round the Rocks for a while before getting the train back and then jumping into the pool at Tims. We enjoyed a roast beef dinner together cooked by Tim.

Tuesday
We were off to the Blue Mountains today, David was driving as he needs 120 hours practise so he took Tim and Chris and we went with Graham and Lesley. We stopped at Bilpin which was the centre of apple country and had a brew and a piece of apple pie. Onwards and upwards into the mountains, where most of the villages and towns are on top of the mountain and you look down into the forested valleys. We stopped at Govetts leap and walked to Bridal Veil waterfall which was a lot further than the 15 minutes promised on the signs, a long way down lots of steps but worth it as we could see across to massive sandstone cliffs which were covered in moss, fed by water seeping out through the cliff as well as spray from the waterfall being blown across to us. We drove back into Blackheath and had lunch and then went onto Scenic World which was where we hoped to take the furnicular railway down into the valley. Chris said it had been closed for a while and they have rebuilt a lot of it and now the ticket covered the train, a cablecar ride, a skyway ride and a boardwalk in the valley, all for a cost of $39, no other options available. By this time it was getting near 3pm and there were masses of people queueing so we decided not to do this and drove round to Echo Point to see the Three Sisters across the valley. Went into Leura for a brew and a scone before we drove home slowly through rush hour traffic.

Wednesday
We drove to Palm Beach this morning, which took us about an hour and a half and stopped for a coffee overlooking the bay. We worked our way back down the coast past Dolphin Bay and Whale Beach and then onto Bilonga Bay, which was my Dads favourite beach. I could see why as it was very quiet herre with just a few surfers around, quite unspoiled. We had some lunch here and then went for a walk along the waters edge before setting off back home. We had a swim at home and got ready, then me and Graham went over to Jonathan and Katies for about 6pm and we went out for dinner to Banjo Pattersons cottage (a poet and the writer of Waltzing Matilda). We had a lovely dinner and a good chat, enjoyable evening.

Thursday
We had decided to go to Doyles at Watsons Bay for lunch but had some debate about how to get there. In the end we decided to get the train to Meadowbank and then the ferry down the estuary which stretches from the Paramatta river all the way down to Sydney Harbour. We all went up on top of the boat and then it actually poured down with rain for about 5 minutes. As good Brits we all ran for cover but by the time we had queued and got down the steps we were soaked. Back up on deck and the sun was shining again, soon dried out, long trip looking at all the houses, headlands, boats and coves, calling in at various places on the way including Darling Harbour, before going under the Harbour Bridge and into Circular Quay. We walked across the wharf and jumped on the boat to Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. We got off the ferry and had a look at Doyles on the beach but it was very busy and expensive so we decided to go to the take away on the pier, which now has a place to sit in and eat. I had Barramundi and chips and it was delicious. We walked up to the Gap and looked out at the Pacific Ocean, a beautiful, hot, sunny day. We grabbed an ice cream as we got back on the ferry to Circular Quay and then the train home. We used Opal cards and the price limit for the day was $15 so we had our moneys worth today, train to Meadowbank, Ferry to Sydney, Ferry to Watsons bay and return, train home. Another swim once we were back home.

Friday
The 4 of us set off to Brooklyn to go on the Riverboat Postman trip today. A drive of about half an hour up the coast to the Hawkesbury river and then onto the boat for a three hour round trip. We had coffee and Anzac biscuits in the cabin as we set off to call at 7 settlements on islands up the river, which have no road access. At each place we stopped, the person collecting the post bag and giving the boatman a postbag in return, got an Anzac biscuit as well. We had a running commentary from the Captain about the history, the crossings, bridges and buildings of the river. We went up on the top deck for most of the journey; it was very hot and sunny but with a bit of a breeze, which was very welcome. We had a very nice ham and cheese salad with a big bun for our lunch. The last place we stopped was Milsons Point, population 11, where we were welcomed to the Republic by the President who sat in his throne at the end of the jetty. A jolly good trip. Home and another swim before getting ready for an evening out with David in Newtown. As David said the morning after, “What happens in Newtown, stays in Newtown”. Suffice it to say, we had a few drinks, ate at a Vegan restaurant and had a good evening.

Saturday
We went off to Parklea market for a browse around and Chris was buying some food for a big family BBQ tomorrow. Graham and Lesley went back home and we went on to visit Joan in her new care home. She was just sitting down to lunch when we got there so we sat at the table with her and had a chat for a while. She seemed to be on good form and the place and the staff seemed very good. Chris and David stayed on for a while but me, Graham and Tim went to Carlingford Mall for a bit of lunch and to do a bit of shopping. We arrived home about 3 pm as the rain started, we have been so fortunate, it has only rained a couple of times briefly in all the time we have been here, the worst was the day on Philip Island, when it was just drizzle all day. This was real rain, pouring down, so time for another swim I thought as I sat down with a brew and then woke up an hour later. Out this evening to Chalio Thai restaurant in Beecroft.

Sunday
Of to church this morning and then went for a walk down the reserve again. A warm and sunny day. Made some lunch and started getting ready for a family BBQ and get together later on this afternoon. Greg, Di and Nicky arrived first, shortly followed by Jona, Katie, Nate and Charlotte and Kathy. Joint effort in preparing and cooking dinner, enjoyed by all.

Tuesday
We packed and set off at 9am to drive across country to Ballarat, which was founded in the 1850s, based on the gold rush. The centre of the town had many old buildings which had all been built on the wealth that had been created at that time. We had a coffee and went to see the Anglican Cathedral, which was very high church, someone was practising the organ and then walked down to the end of the street to the old gaol, which was only a facade with three flags flying, the Australian flag, the Eureka flag and the Aboriginal flag. We drove out to the old gold rush township but decided not to go in as we didnt have much time to look around. We went to get some lunch, but this took quite a while and then drove onto Melbourne, arriving about 4pm. After messing about with car parking and getting our bags into the Prima Tower, where we were staying on floor 52, we went up to the 67th floor infinity pool for a quick swim and a lookout over the city. We then got ready and set off down to the Southbank of the Yarra river to find some dinner. We settled on an Italian place which was enjoyable and walked home through the Crown casino, being amazed by the amount of people, mainly chinese, playing roulette and on the Pokies (fruit machines).

Wednesday
Graham and Graham went to move the cars first thing (before 7.30am) to a car park from parking on the street overnight. We then went for a swim in the lengths pool on level 9. We set off to walk into the centre of the city which is just aross the bridge from Prima Tower where we are staying. We walked down Flinders street to Federation Square which is surrounded by funky buildings, had a coffee stop at one and then went into the Ian Potter Art gallery which had some amazing art and also some very dodgy and strange art. It was cool in here in more ways than one, a hot day of 32 degrees around lunchtime so any shade was welcome. We then went on the old tram round the city to the harbour area and found a cafe for lunch. We walked to the Harbour Mall but were disappointed to find a half finished mall which had been opened 9 years with 3 different owners and was half empty with lots of building work still going on. We quickly moved back to the tram and headed to Spencer Street mall for a browse round the shops. Back to the ranch or 5208 Prima Tower for a wash and brush up before out for a meal at TGI Fridays and a chat over dinner.

Thursday
We set off for the Victoria markets today by tram in the north of the city and had breakfaast there. WE had a wander and a browse and then mid morning the boys set off for the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a tour and the girls bought food in the market for a picnic before heading to Fitzroy gardens on the tram. We had a look round including the fairy tree and model village and conservatory full of hydrangeas and fushias. We met up with the boys and had a picnic lunch. We went from here to the old treasury which was built to receive and store the gold from the gold rush of the 1850s. There was an exhibition about bushrangers including Ned Kelly and also the gold rush and the growth of Melbourne in the 1850s onwards. Me and Chris went shopping in the lanes and arcades, lots of individual shops with interesting things for sale. We eventually walked back home and went for a swim and then out for dinner to an irish pub complete with live music.

Friday
Set off on the drive towards home. We were heading for Wagga Wagga, a lot of the way down the Hume highway. Once we were well on the way out of Melbourne, we thought we would stop off at Wodonga for lunch so we did. the first cafe we looked at was shut with a sign saying it was Ian’s 60th birthday, the second one said shut today, the third one said shut because of Wodonga races so we asked someone and they said “Oh everythings shut today cos of the races” We carried onto Albury, across the border into NSW and had a late lunch. We drove onto Wagga Wagga and checked in at the motel and went to the Thirsty Crow brewery next door for dinner.

Saturday
And back to Sydney, stopping at Gundagai for breakfast and then at Berrima for lunch. Berrima is a pretty town with lots of crafty and gift shops and cafes. We were back about 4pm and it was good to be back in Sydney at Tim and Chris’s house. Tired after a lot of travelling and ready to stop for a while.

Friday
Up early and off to Sorrento, which is only 10 minutes up the coast to wait for the 9am ferry. A beautiful, sunny, warm day sitting out on the dock after all the rain yesterday waiting for the ferry to come in. Once we were loaded onto the ferry, it was a 40 minute ride across the entrance to Port Philip bay. We unloaded at Queenscliff and drove onto Torquay, which is the start of the GOR. Had a look at Danger Point which is on the corner between Front beach and Back beach. This is major surfing territory and we carried onto Bells beach which is one of the famous beaches used for major competitions. The waves here made the ones at Bondi look quite tame. We drove onto Anglesea for a quick lunch and then to Lorne where we are staying for the next few days as we explore the area. We are in a great house on the front overlooking the ocean. We unpacked for the first time in a few days and shopped for a barbeque this evening.

Saturday
We decided to go off to explore the twelve apostles today even though the forecast was a bit mixed. We drove down the coast to Apollo Bay and stopped for a coffee and a browse round the outdoor market. We had been driving down the coast to here but after this the road went inland, first through rainforest in the Otway park and then into flatter and more open farming country. We were heading for the Twelve Apostles although there are only 8 left but as we approached them the mist rolled in from the sea and stayed with us for the next couple of hours. We had a picnic lunch at the Razorback and decided to go onto Loch Ard Gorge where it was still misty. We then went onto London Bridge, about 8K further on. As we were approaching this area, the sun came through and we walked down to the beach. The immmense ciffs of sandstone, the waves breaking that you could feel as well as hear and the stacks of rock looking rather forlorn were an amazing experience.
We went back to where we started at the twelve apostles and they were clear, although overrun with tourists walked down the Gibson Steps to the beach and took some photos. We then had a two and a half hour drive back, calling for fish and chips in Lorne on our way home about 8pm.

Sunday
A slow start to the day today after a long day out yesterday. We set off late morning to walk along the beach into Lorne, a hot sunny day again, walking at the edge of the ocean. A little wander down the main street, this is a small tourist town with a hotel, post office, small supermarket and several small shops, coffee shops and cafes. We walked back down to the beach by the swing bridge over the river at the end of town and stopped for a bit of lunch, I had a smashed avocado and apples, walnuts and chilli on wholegrain toast, Graham had poached eggs and bacon on sourdough, before walking back to the house. We then went for a drive up to Erskine Falls, about 10k out of town and walked 236 steps down to the foot of the falls and then back up again. We were thinking about the development of these falls in the mid 1850s and the similarities with say Aira Force and the opening up of some of these natural highlights at similar times on opposite sides of the world. We called at Teddys Lookout on the way home which looked out over the next bay on from Lorne to the West. Home for a roast lamb dinner courtesy of Tim and Chris.

Monday
Set off this morning to drive to the Otway National Park and onto the Otway lightstation. We stopped off for a coffee at Apollo Bay and then through miles of winding roads up into the forest before arriving at the lighthouse, along with the mist coming in again. We had a picnic lunch in the grounds and then walked up the tower, the lighthouse is no longer in operation, there is a lower light that shines still as a warning, powered by solar and fully automatic. We drove onto Otway treetops walk which was an amazing construction of metal walkways set in the trees sloping gradually up to a height of 47 metres. there was a tower at the end with a spiral staircase to take you to the top and then a cantileveer arm reaching out from here, which was far too wobbly, even though it said it could take the weight of 14 elephants. It was amazing to be up in the top canopy of the massive red mountain ash and beech and eucalyptus trees.

Monday
Set off on the next stage of the adventure going down the coast. Today we were travelling to Huskisson on Jervis Bay. We drove slowly out of Sydney through busy traffic and slow traffic light changes and our first stop was at Sea Cliff bridge which was opened in 2005 as the old road was blocked with a landslip. This is built out on posts in the ocean to avoid any more problems with falling rocks. We must have driven along the old road last time we were here, 23 years ago. We then drove on a short way to Scarborough and stopped at the hotel there for morning coffee in the garden overlooking the ocean. The bonus was seeing a whale off shore slowly turning and showing its dorsal fin, we presume a humpback, travelling south back to the Antarctic for summer.

We had a brief stop at Kiama to see the blowhole but it was not co-operating today, probably combination of low tide and fairly calm sea. We then moved on to Ulladulla and stopped for some lunch. We arrived in Huskisson about 4pm and checked into the motel then went straight out down the coast about 15 minutes to Hyams beach which has white sand and turquoise sea.

We moved back towards Huskisson, to where the Moona Moona creek comes into the sea. This is where we had stayed previously, although the place we stayed in had been knocked down and replaced by some modern units (flats). We saw Kookaburras which were very tame, although we couldn’t get them to laugh. We walked out onto the rock pavement which extends out into the ocean, beautiful place, although there were no dolphins around today.

There was also a Father Christmas on the beach with a crowd of people around him, which seemed a bit bizarre at this time of year but reckoned they were doing a photo shoot for some Christmas campaign.

Tuesday
We set off quite early to travel down to Eden, first stop at zzzzzzzzz, then Tilda for lunch, which is an old heritage village with all the houses made of wooden boards, rather quaint. We turned off the main road to Pebbly beach which used to be a dirt road but is now tarmaced, since we came here last time. We found some Kangaroos and Joeys at the end of the road as well as a beautiful quiet cove, quite remote and lovely. We spoke to a man who has lived there for 33 years and he rents out cabins for tourists on his land.

We arrived in Eden about 4ish and went down to a lookout where the whalers used to set out from, spent a bit of time looking round the port. The whole town is very much a fishing place, it looks a bit run down, maybe there isn’t as much money in fishing as there used to be.

Wednesday
Woke at 4.30 this morning, the whole sleeping thing is strange, we seem to have adjusted quite well to the jet lag but some nights are disturbed and others ok. Sometimes, during the day, you find yourself drifting off at odd moments, the sleep just overtakes you. Mind you, I don’t know if this is too much different from at home. Had a shower about half 6 and went for a walk round a couple of blocks, which is probably about a mile and picked up a coffee on the way back. Everything is on a huge scale here and this reminds me of America, wide open roads with little traffic once you are out of the city, large houses set in large gardens, lots of space. Longer drive today but made good progress this morning and stopped at Orbost thinking we would have lunch but it was only about 11am so had a coffee and bought some butties for lunch later. We took a detour to the Gippsland Lakes entrance and walked across a bridge onto a spit of land that was the back of ninety mile beach. We sat under the shade and ate our lunch, watching the black swans and Pelicans on the lake. It has been a very hot day today, 32 degrees at times but the clouds were gathering and we had a couple of sharp showers later on. We arrived at Traralgon about 5pm and checked into the motel, then walked into the town for dinner at the Ritz on Horam.

Thursday
We set off to drive to Philip Island but stopped at mmmmmmm for a coffee. We set off and we were riding shotgun, Tim and Graham went through the lights on the way out of town but they had changed to red so Graham braked but the woman in the car behind didn’t and ploughed into the back of us. We pulled over and looked but there didnt seem to be any damage but took her details anyhow. We drove on towards Philip Island but the rain started and as we approached the bridge it turned quite misty and grey. Not the best day for seeing the island but we drove onto the motoGP Grand Prix course and had a quick look, but not a day for hanging around outside. We went onto Nobbies, which is an eco centre at the end of the island but it kept on raining so it didn’t seem worth walking down to the blowhole and the seals seemed to have disappeared and so we went into the Antarctic exhibition instead. The best bit was the films of whales, seals, albatrosses and other wildlife on massive screens.
We drove into Cowes for some late lunch at a rather weird Danish place, Graham had the best choice of meatballs with lingonberry jam and a ton of coleslaw, happy Ikea memories. And on to Blairgowrie for our final stop before the start of the Great Ocean Road. We went out in a minibus to the RSL club in Rye for dinner before an early night.

Thursday
Well we are here after a 14 hour flight from Abu Dhabi, with no sleep. that was not from choice but we just didn’t feel tired. Arrived in Sydney just after sunrise at 6am and straight through to meet Tim and Chris and find the shuttle bus to pick up our hire cars. We drove back through rush hour Sydney, over the harbour bridge and arrived at 17 Welham Street, Beecroft, which is about 10 minutes further on from Epping. The beautiful weeping, lilacky, purple Jacaranda tree is out in the front garden.
We had some toast and a brew and a conducted tour and then settled in to our new home. Tim and Chris have been very busy getting ready for our arrival. We walked into Beecroft, which feels like a village centre with a Woolworths grocery shop, a few rows of coffee and various individual shops, We stopped and had lunch at Chicken and Fishhead, strange name but good food.
The afternoon passed in a haze, trying to stay awake, sitting outside in the sunshine, unpacking and sorting through things. We had an early dinner of chicken and salad and went off to bed about 8pm.

Friday
A reasonable nights sleep with some time off duing the night, although Graham and Lesley had a bit more of a difficult time. We took Tim to Epping and had a wander round before going for a coffee. Back home for some lunch and Chris went to pick up the children from school. Jonathan and Katie came when they had finished and we went in the pool for a swim. We then had a family barbeque with a lot of fun and laughter.

Saturday
Jonathan had suggested we had a walk from Bondi to Bronte so we set off this morning to drive to Bondi beach, about three quarters of an hour away. We walked along the coastal path towards Tamarama but made fairly slow progress as it was very busy and didnt get too far as we had to get back and move the cars. We went for lunch to Moo, a burger bar overlooking the beach and then decided we had to put our feet in the Pacific Ocean for a paddle. Unfortunately, we got a bit more than our feet wet when a huge wave came up and soaked us, especially Graham and Lesley who were further down the beach. The beach slopes steeply down into the sea, which makes the big waves for surfing but the sea is really scary with the power especially seeing how much sand is churned up and feeling the undertow pulling you in. The lifeguards were blowing whistles at one or two foolish peole who had gone in swimming, which is not allowed here.

Sunday
Up and ready for church at 9am at Epping Baptist. Lots of people coming in late but very friendly place. Talked to a few people afterwards over a brew and then home by 11ish. Did some washing and in the afternoon I had a walk down the reserve at the end of the road, still lots of areas of bush even in the city. We decided to go to Hillsong so had an early dinner and set off about half 5 to drive to Hills. A good evening with a huge arena full of young people praising God.

Monday
Set off from Manchester at 8am to fly to Abu Dhabi, an 8 hour flight. We arrived about 8pm local time and after a fast taxi ride into the city along six lane highways, checked into the Jumeriah hotel, very impressive fabby dabby lobby with massive windows looking out onto the city and coastline all round. We dropped our bags and went back to the lobby to get a taxi to a restaurant. Our taxi driver, Oliver, did not seem to know where we were going even though we had said the Havana restaurant, near the Marina mall. She got quite cross with us and kept muttering , I think wanting us to get out of her taxi but when we didn’t, turned round in a car park and drove round until she found the right place to drop us, grumbling all the while. We had a kebab type meal and watched some of the people around us, obviously a locals place with couples sharing a hookah and drinking soft drinks. Back to the hotel and headed to bed for some sleep.

Tuesday
We had decided to get a big bus ride round the city to view the sights. The city is very modern and clean with large open roads, lots of coastline and still lots of building going on, including the Biryani, a massive new block of apartments and shops near our hotel. We travelled through the city with many impressive modern skyscrapers and out to the Grand Mosque, an impressive, massive white building set to show off the immense power and wealth of the culture and religion. We had to go in at Mens and Womens entrances and the women had to put on robes with a hood to cover their heads. They were rather unflattering grey or brown polyester, hot, clingy garments. We then walked across acres of white marble and at the entrance to the mosque had to take off our shoes. They were telling us about the fantastic chandeliers, 10 feet across and the hand made carpet which took 10 years to weave and many facts about the building of it. After lunch in the cafe, which was selling camel milk ice cream, we carried on with the bus tour, past many fabulous modern buildings until we got to the old souk where we got off the bus. We discovered that they had knocked the old souk down a few years ago and built a new mall to replace it. What a disappointment, another generic shopping mall so we caught the next bus and on with the journey. We came back down to the waterfront and had a sail for three quarters of an hour on an old wooden dhow in the Arabian Gulf. Back to the hotel for a quick wash and brush up and then out for dinner.

Wednesday
Early start, meeting in the hotel lobby at 5.30 for a taxi to the airport. Feeling good that we have had some sleep and ready for a 14 hour flight on to Sydney. Fully expecting to have a 7 hour day and then a 7 hour night on the aircraft but there seemed to be no desire to sleep so watched another film or two and ate another meal or two. Landing at Sydney 6 am on Thursday.