Driving around the mountain

Driving the long way home can have its pros and cons.

Cons - Peter, my friend and the person who hired the car, lives in Sydney... I live in Newcastle, so the long way home is double the long way for him, as he has to drive back to Sydney, once we resurfaced in Newcastle.

Pros - PIE! And cute little towns.

We decided to drive north west through Bilpin and out through Berowa then back up the F3 to Newcastle... Some how this didnt work out and we ended up coming out at Wollombi... Yes - This means we somehow went the longest possible way... down Putty Road and through Yengo National Park.

But at least Peter had a belly full of pie to tied him over. Our first stop was Bilpin. There is a big shed there (an apple orchard) Bilpin Apple Pie. OMG they have so many pies to choose from! its pie heaven really. I didn't get one (as I'm vegan) but Peter got a raspberry and apple pie - and it looks just divine! He said it tasted pretty much the same too.

We a belly full of pie, we get back on the road - Thinking we are going the right way... Our GPS iphone system failed us, so we just went with the road signs... Lucky we filled up before we left... 4 hours later, after driving through the most beautiful National Park I have seen in a while, we pulled out of the rainforest of the Watagans and into Wollombi.

I have been to Wollombi many times before. It is a famous little tour - VERY LITTLE town know for its excellent pub and dangerous 'jungle juice'. It is a great place for a weekend getaway - It has the Watagans, the Central coast on the Hunter valley wine region right at its down step.

Govetts Leap

Drive in a big U shape for 10 min from Evans Lookout and you will arrive at Govetts Leap Lookout. Save this one for last. It's my favourite. I think the waterfall just adds that extra bit of ompf!

Govetts Leap allows you to get closer to the action -so to speak. There are many more walking tracks that can take you closer to the waterfall and down the mountain.

I recommend wearing good solid hiking boots or hiking trainers as the tracks can get very muddy and boggy - leading to slippery rocks and landings. I would also say a moderate level of Fitness is required to hike around here as it can be steep and tricky to manoeuvre - BUT WELL WORTH IT.

Make sure you take sufficient supplies with you - food and water. Its only a short drive into the town, but its best to stock up, just in case. Govetts Leap is also popular for picnics and family day outings.