Kayaking the Coast

There are no rapids to be found in this lake - but the kayaking is still great fun! We each carefully chose our vessels, the girls both opted for the stereotypical pink while Dean opted for the macho purple.

The waters were still, the sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky. It was a perfect day and a perfect way to spend the day.

We hired the Kayaks through Aquafun at Avoca Beach (about an hour or so drive from Sydney, North) Being the thrifty frugal people we are, we managed to score a discount voucher for the day - so all up for 3 people it cost us $21, not too bad. However the standard prices are a little more expensive than this but still good value.

Per Person rates (at time of writing blog)

Adults (no concession)	$12	$18	$6
Children (6-15yrs)	$8	$12	$4
Family (2Adults 2 children)	$35	$50	$15

The inlet where you get to kayak is actually quiet big! There are a couple of side streams that run off the main body of water for you to venture down! Just keep an eye on the time - the hour hire creeps up fast!

We were able to find a secluded area down one of these side streams and laid back on our sturdy vessels and watch the world pass by (unless you're Dean and you fall in...twice).

High tea in the tree tops

Tea time? Then jump in your car or bike and head to Avoca! 

Cloaked in the surrounds of the high tree tops, the Avoca Tea House is a quaint and homely spot to relax and unwind with a good old cuppa!

As soon as you walk through the doors of the tea house you are greeted with a bouquet of mouth watering baking and fresh brewing tea.

We came for the 'high tea' experience, and we were not disappointed. Greeted by the owner, we were shown to our table that was laid with cornflower blue napkins and a personal tea pot and cup. 

Having allergies and diet requirements can be hard when eating out anywhere, but not here. When booking the high tea (at least 24hours notice is required as all the luscious treats are made fresh for you that day) I was asked for diet restrictions, and was extremely surprised and elated when I was told they would cater for my gluten free-veggie diet!

The food was perfect - fresh, well proportioned and wonderfully homemade and tasty! Normally gluten free treats tend to be awful and just not worth the indulgence - NOT HERE, AMAZING! If your a coeliac, feel at ease!

The non-gluten free, non-veggie option was just as impressive. Freshly made scones hot from the oven (mouth watering goodness) chocolate truffles, cucumber sandwiches and mini smoked salmon and cream cheese bites!

Both G-free/veggie and 'normal' high teas were amazing and very reasonably priced at $28pp and that is with bottomless tea!

So, lets talk tea... I love tea, and I have to say the tea that they use here is very nice indeed. On this occasion, we tried...

• Earl Grey Romantica (which I purchased, I'm a massive Earl Grey fan and as a very special person to me once said, have it black with just a dash of sugar! AMAZING)
• Organic Cinnamon Black (YUM!)
• Symphony
• Sundance

All in all, it was a great afternoon full of home made goodies, great company with friendly and devoted management and staff.

Head down to Avoca for a day on the weekend! Take your bathers, the beaches are amazing, and have a look around (on a side note there is a very charming little antique shop with the most brilliant art deco diamond rings I have ever seen - Avoca Beach Antiques and gifts.)

The Avoca Tea house doesn't have a website yet, but you can find their full menu and information on their FaceBook here.