Goat Island Heritage Tour

I worked in North Sydney and lived at McMahons Point for about 4 years... I was very lucky to have views or Sydney Harbour and the opera house, as well as all the little islands that dotted the harbour. I never once stop to think - What is on those islands...

10 years later, I finally decided to check out what had been in my back yard all those many years ago. I always was blind to Sydney's historical side. distracted by the fast pace life of the city.

I took my Mum and my Aunt with me on this walking tour of Goat Island. It was used. Like most things historic in Sydney, this island has a lot of history tie up in Convicts and military. The island was never overly inhabited, but a few houses are built here (Absolutely beautiful).

A hell of a lot of explosives were kept here on this island, that was its main use.

Its most famous use in recent history was its icon place in the Australia police drama 'Water Rats'.

It is now a part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and a protected space.

Royal National park and Harbourfront lunch Wollongong

Are you looking for something different to do on the weekend?

If you live in Sydney or are travelling around Sydney - take a weekend break and head south! Pack your trainers or hiking shows into a small rucksack with a bottle of water and some snacks, because you are about to see some of the most scenic and fun hiking trails in the Royal National Park!

The Royal National Park is a 50min drive south of Sydney. You will need to pay to get into the park (as  is with all National Parks in NSW) the daily entry fee is $11 AUD (if you intend on visiting a lot of National Parks if may be worth looking at getting an annual pass.)

We did the Werrong Beach Track - Amazing! Its only 2km but it is a hard walking track. It starts at the top of the cliff at Otford lookout. Take a camel back and snacks with you as well as your bathers - the secluded beach at the bottom is will be tempting as a rewarding dip when you get to the bottom of the track.

You will be hungry after that hike and swim - So swap your hiking boots for some comfy flats and continuing driving south to Wollongong - head to the Harbourfront. The Harbourfront has casual and fine dining options. We sat in the cafe section and indulged in courgette flowers stuffed with gooey goodness, gnocchi and a delish sticky date pud for dessert. the Cafe is Veggie friendly but not some much Vegan Friendly. it is a little pricey - but the food is amazing, and you do get what you pay for - delicious goodness!

Sydney Coast Walks

There is something incredibly peaceful about being on or near the water. I'm sitting at Cronulla Ferry wharf, waiting to meet with Ian who runs Sydney Coast Walks. I purposely arrived early so I could sit for a few minutes and take everything in. 

I'm a big advocate for 'exploring your own backyard'. I've lived in NSW for many years now, and after a moment of sitting at the wharf, I felt bad that I had never ventured down to this part of Sydney. Cronulla is in Sydney, a 40 minute drive south of the city centre.

Today I was taking park in the Jibbon Aboriginal Walking Tour from Royal Coast Walks. We were heading out across the water on the historic ferry to the small sleepy town of Bundeena where we would then walk along the beach and cliffs through the Royal National Park. 

Ian Wells (who is also a founder of the company) is your experienced guide. He is an extremely experienced trekker and his passion for the outdoors has you excited from the moment you say 'Hello' to him!

His knowledge of the local aboriginal people and culture is amazing! He has spent many years building relationships with local elders and people to gain insight and knowledge about their traditions and history.

The groups are small and friendly and Ian makes sure that everyone is introduced to each other. As our group walk through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia, we all feel comfortable to chit-chat to each other about why we are on the tour and our trekking experiences.

The tour gives insight into customs and practices of the local aboriginal people, as well as rivalries and Dreaming stories. You are introduced to 'bush tucker' and local plants that were used for medical ailments.

My two highlights on this tour were the Dharawal Aboriginal Engravings (which are over 1000 years old) and the breathtaking views from the headland out into the ocean and over Sydney city.

The Jibbon Aboriginal Walking tour runs for a few hours - I would plan a half day for it, better still take a full day and enjoy walking around Cronulla after wards. The tour also comes with a 'goodie-bag' with information about the local area and maps. Light refreshments are provided at the midpoint of the walk and it is recommended to bring 500ml to a litre of water with you.

Sydney Coast Walks also run other walking tours as well as overnight camping tours through the Royal National Park (I am definitely going to give this a go). To check out the Jibbon Aboriginal Walking tour details as well as other tours please visit their website - www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Coast Beach Life - Kiama and Gerringong

I find the South Coast of NSW to be a soothing and tranquil place. Its strange that I take such delight in this place. It's not like I come down here to escape the hustle and bustle of city life - I live on the beach! No, the South Coast has an aura about it, it pulls you in and makes you want more.

Along the coast line is the perfect mix of country farms and chic little beach towns. A weekend get away is sometimes all you need to experience and fall in love with the South coast.Depending on how much time you - is the direct relation as to how far down you can go. For a weekend trip from Sydney, I would recommend heading to Kiama or Gerringong.

Kiama is a hub for tourists, so the novelty can wear off pretty fast. But please do stop here! I recommend using it as a 'break stop'. Stop on the way down and on the way back! There are some great walking paths to stretch your legs and take in the sea air - after being couped up in a car for hours, this will be welcomed!

Sites worth seeing around Kiama:

• Kiama Blowhole - This is actually great to see when the weather is not so good - Take an umbrella or a poncho

• Little Blowhole - Is the little brother of the big blowhole
• The Lighthouse

There are plenty of things to see and do - This website here has a great list.

Moving further south, 20min from Kiama is the very small town of Gerringong. I LOVE this town.

It is quiet, peaceful. the beaches are pretty and the people are friendly.

If you are looking for a weekend get away and want to splurge than I would recommend staying at www.mercuregerringong.com.au - This was formally known as the Bella Chara and was very famous amongst the locals. It still has beautiful rooms and great service!

The restaurant there serves amazing food and If you up for a bit of a night out - Start you Friday with Cheap Cocktails during happy hour!

Eating out in Gerringong is easy! There are plenty of dining options - My favorite is Point Break Cafe - Its a veggie cafe and serves amazing food (The nachos are the best), it is connected to the major surf shop in town.

Into swimming and surfing? The beaches around this area are sure to please, they tend to pull in a good swell. Gerringong also has an ocean bath for though who do not like to swim directly in the surf!

To wrap it all off - If you are a keen hiker (like me) you can put your hiking boots on and head out on the Gerringong to Kiama coastal walk - Its not too hard - and has the MOST amazing views!

*Guest Blog* - Gary in the valley

Ola Everyone,

So, I was asked to write a guest blog of my travels for Sarah or as friends like to call her “Foz”.

I wasn't sure how well I would go taking images of the area where I stayed, but, as Elizabeth Musser said  “An artist's eye can take the spiritual and bring it down to earth. Remember the eye is the window to the soul”

So in doing so I went on an expedition and in search of natural and spiritual beauty on the Central Coast.  I spent my first night 'camping' in a caravan (due to my lateness and cunning sense of direction), but there is nothing more peaceful then the sound on raindrops tapping on a tin roof. It’s enough to rock you to sleep.

Day two was not a day for camping, it was windy and the chill in the air would make you wonder, 'where has summer has been for the last 3 months?'.  But never the less, we put the tent up, ready for a night of slumber at Lake Munmorah National Park.

I camped at Freeman Reserve; the site provides facilities such as showers, toilets and BBQ’s, so I guess you could say its not in anyway living it rough, but 'camping in comfort.'

The environment: Tranquil. Nature at its best.  Open Skies, makes you appreciate there are still places out there without planes flying over or light pollution covering what is, a beautiful view of our galaxy. 

Sunday:

Bright and early, up at the crack of dawn, life is waking up. I know because the Kookaburras were the first to remind me that it was 6 am.  I took it as a sign that sleep was not going to be my best friend for the rest of the morning. So camera in hand, I went in search to of that “spirit” to capture and bring it down to earth.

I have to say, It’s so much more interesting when you don’t know what you are looking for. Your instinct is your best friend and sometimes you need to get down and dirty to capture a great moment.

Walking the beachfront was full of unexpected surprises (and I don’t mean just because part of the beach is registered as nude beach), I can say that nothing spiritual was found there.

But in my further exploration I found art scattered amongst the bay, washed up ship metal, shells, modified rock formations. So check out the beach off Freemans Reserve or even off the Frazier Reserve and you will not be disappointed. Whether it’s for a camping trip or just a cruise to chill by the water it’s a sight worth seeing.

Sunday wasn’t over though, I was invited to lunch with Sarah who took me to a place you could best describe it as a hidden paradise. The food was unbelievable, it’s a must, if you are in the area then take the opportunity to go to The Bamboo Buddha at Holgate.  On entry you will find you have entered tranquility.

After lunch and conversation that seemed endless, it turned out that my sight seeing was not over, The next step was to witness more of what the central coast has to offer, so leaving the restaurant, we head down towards Terrigal and Avoca to a place call Cocomo... Jokes! I mean Copacabana. I didn’t want to tell Sarah this but upon arrival at Copacabana all I could hear in my head were the lyrics  of Barry Manilow:

Her name is Lola, she was a showgirl

With yellow feathers in her hair

And a dress cut

Just cut down to there

She would merengue

And do the cha-cha

And while she tried to be a star

Tony always tended bar

Across the crowded floor

They worked from eight 'til four

They were young and they had each other

Who could ask for more?

At the Copa, Copacabana

The hottest spot, north of Havana

At the Copa, Copacabana

Music and passion were always the fashion at the Copa

They fell in love, love

Sing along if you know the words!

I know, raised eyebrow!

With tune in head we walk down the beach where we got to see apartments that were not in the average price range, but had opportunities of taking photos of the cliff that they resided on.  Copacabana is and has the element of amazing, even though I have not stayed there I do recommend it to be a place to visit or even stay the night. After a hot day of adventure it was time for a swim, so to end what was I can describe as unpredictable and plentiful day. The warm ocean water was the a calling for a well deserved dip.

The central coast is full of adventure and undiscovered territory.

Art is all around us and needs to be captured. Take the opportunity to go and capture life at it’s best, and live in the moment. Never say “I wish”. Always live in the moment and say “that was a great experience”.

There is so much to discover, make your way up north you won’t regret it. 

Gary

Bamboo Buddha

Copacabana

 

 

Lake Munmorah National Park