The Drive from Sydney to Melbourne
Trip Start
Jan 21, 2012
1
5
9
Trip End
Apr 25, 2012
Eden, New South Wales, Australia
Sunday, February 12, 2012
First stop Cronulla beach just south of Sydney for a good afternoon in the sun and surfing the waves (body only)! We had a quick bite to eat on the beach and then headed off towards Kiama via Wollongong and Shell Harbour Bay in search of accommodation. We followed the Grand Pacific Drive over Seacliff Bridge which gives great views of the coastline on a clear day (not so for us)!
After staying in Kiama, the next morning we went to investigate the famous blow hole - a natural fault in the cliffs, the blowhole explodes in to a water spout when a wave hits with sufficient force - some good sea spray occured.
We had planned to go to Kangaroo valley but ended up in Bowral, where the famous Australian cricketer Don Bradman grew up! Next stop Fitzroy Falls to see the stunning waterfall in the mountain.
Jervis Bay was next on the agenda, a great spot for beautiful beaches. Dan managed a few photos of some "flamin'" Gallars. On route to Jervis Bay we did eventually drive through Kangaroo valley and drove over Hampden Bridge, the oldest suspension bridge in Australia.
Batesman's Bay was our stop of the evening, so we grabbed some delicious steak and cooked ourselves a BBQ that evening.
First stop the next morning was Narooma, where we strolled on a lovely boardwalk, seeing huge Rays and a cheeky seal that was enjoying the fisherman's waste after they had filletted their morning's catch.
Fish and Chips for lunch at a recommended restaurant in Bermangui and then on to Eden to stay at a tourist park.
The next morning Eden was in glorious sunshine so we decided to stay another night and then spent the afternoon at the beach, enjoying another BBQ that evening.
Decided on a good drive the next day so made our way to Lakes Entrance after stopping off at Cann for a sandwich lunch. Gorgeous weather all day so headed straight to the pool.
Ate at a lovely floating boat restaurant both enjoying fresh fish dishes.
Made our way to Kilcunda, not before stopping at Stratford-on-Avon! Where they do infact have a Shakespeare festival each year. Our drive took us to Ninety Mile beach and on the scenic drive we saw our first kangaroo!!! Shortly after we also saw our second which was much more playful and managed a great picture of it bouncing across the road.
In Kilcunda we enjoyed a "locals" evening at the restaurant and pub next door to our motel.
Our last days driving before Melbourne took us around the Mornington Peninsula where we enjoyed lunch in affluent Sorrento on the promenade and then an afternoon on the beach in Portsea - where we must have just missed an Ironman style competition as all the competitors were awaiting the presentation ceremony.
We stayed in Mornington that evening and tucked in to Pizza's near the beach followed by a stroll and a drink to finish the evening - by coincidence the barman was born at the same hospital as Dan (Royal Leamington Spa).
The next day we were up and out the door on our way to Melbourne, more on that next time...
Love D&C xx
