We are on the last leg of our 2016 episode of On the Road Again. The Melbourne interlude in early December was more about winding down. We are eating from our freezer and stores and not replacing things. We stopped in Wagga to celebrate my new status with the Connolly’s again. Back in Moss Vale we took Silver out of storage and were relieved to find that she survived 10 days without incident. Although we are really smitten with this area of NSW we were eager to get back to the business of seeing the southeast coast before holiday-makers took over every beach in this country.
The last leg of journey in 2016 leads us to MelbourneHampden Bridge is a single-lane wooden suspension bridge with the medieval towers of a castle romanticizing the rural setting in the Kangaroo Valley.
A bank should be all things to all countries, including a cafe.The Rainbow Lorikeet is a cheeky parrot that is ubiquitous in Huskisson. It chatters incessantly with its flock but we pretend we can decipher the conversation.Jervis Bay had the makings of a really fine destination. The sand and sea were best seen when it was sunny.The White Sands Walk along Jervis Bay is considered by some to be one of the best trails in Australia. Maybe it was the 38C temps or the maddening number of flies that dampened our enthusiasm, but this photo is included to illustrate a “not-quite-so-perfect” spot.
We left the heat in Jervis Bay to continue south. During a lunch stop the sea breeze changed from a 34C blast of heat to a comfortably pleasant 22C in a flash. By the time we arrived in Narooma it was misty and we welcomed the change. The next morning on our walk we realized that this town was situated on one interesting estuary. Initially we couldn’t determine whether the tide was ebbing or flooding until we climbed a hill above the mouth of the inlet. The winding river disguised the water’s path and every turn of the tide presented something fascinating. We spent an extra day here hoping to have a sun because we just knew the colours of the water were going to be spectacular. Bad news, we didn’t get any sun; good news, we can’t wait to return.
Narooma’s Wagonga InletAustralia Rock, NaroomaWagonga InletThis fur seal was loving bobbing in the strong current under the Narooma bridge. On a walk along the boardwalk I saw not 1 but 2 octopus moving through the grasses just below the waters surface! I also saw 2 sting rays, 1 the size of a plate and the other about a metre round.Wagonga InletWagonga Inlet, Narooma
On the Wagonga Inlet at Narooma
Wagonga Inlet from Kianga Forest Rd lookout. Given the overcast skies it wasn’t a great day for the view but it was a great day for walking.There’s even a rainforest above Narooma. When we exited this trail I looked down and found a one-inch leech clinging to my lower leg. It startled me so, I grabbed it and flung it away, only to wish I had taken a photo of it first. Creepy, but I’m thinking harmless.Another wacky mailbox along the Wagonga Scenic Dr.
The lush hills above Narooma and the Wagonga Inlet are super pretty with winding narrow lanes (mostly unsealed) and property speckled with horses and farm animals and watering holes. The town of Central Tilba is a charming, picture perfect village of historic buildings and therefore a bit of a tourist attraction. There’s a cheese factory, cafe, bakery, hotel, quaint shops…and (we were told when I tried to use my credit card) no mobile phone service in order to keep folk from looking to relocate to their cute rural town. Two kilometres down the road is Tilba Tilba, a smaller version of Central Tilba.
Veggie frittata at the Tilba Teapot Cafe
The Big Hall and the Little Hall in Central Tilba
Foxglove Spires Garden in Tilba TilbaThe Garden entry
The rocks strewn on the beach at Mystery Bay were covered in a green moss.Mystery Bay, south of Narooma
The road to Bermagui, a fishing portThe coast near Bermagui
When we arrived in Merimbula – one of our favorite towns on the Sapphire Coast – we had the urge to bring the Christmas spirit into our little home.Merimbula LakeBar Beach Kiosk at MerimbulaBoardwalk on Merimbula LakeGolf at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club (and in case you are wondering, we both cleared the water on the first attempt!)Pambula
Fishpen Charters boatshed, Merimbula
We returned to Victoria and took a detour to Mallacoota, a tiny town with a permanent population of about 700. This swells to 10,000 on Boxing Day, 26 December when the holidays truly begin for many families.
Mallacoota wharfWallagaraugh River, Mallacoota. Nice campsite, eh?Wallagaraugh River InletWallagaraugh River InletMallacoota Golf ClubMallacootaWallagaraugh RiverMallacoota pelican drying its feathersMallacoota pelicans meetingRemnants of a gummy sharkHappy Campers at MallacootaBoardwalk on the Wallagaraugh RiverWallagaraugh River
11 thoughts on “NSW Southern Highlands to Victoria”
Fabulous photos. So glad you made it all those km’s without incident and now safely back in Melbourne. It has been a delight having your blog to read and look at your truly beautiful pictures. Just love it! Happy travels in 2017 and look forward to the continuing travelog. Love Jan xx
Joe and Mary,
We remember so many of the places you mention in this episode. The one in particular
is the Bar Beach Kiosk. We took the walk and arrived only to find we were about an hour too late! So no treats for us there! We also stayed in Huskisson one night, and ended up staying in a lovely room right above the restaurant. We were a little leary, but the room was lovely, quiet, and had a spacious porch looking out over the water. Your travels sound wonderful, and we relive much of our own reading your blog.
We had a wonderful time in NYC with Beth and family. I’ve posted some pics on FB, but don’t remember if you use FB at all. Let me know and I’ll send some via email.
Got Sue and Don’s Christmas greeting, and we’ll have to get together with them in AZ.
Mary, I loved that the “Oysters” signage atop the roof of the supply-shop in the Wagonga Inlet featured nothing but shrimp! Your two photos of the Pier – the first showing the “bucket of paddles” atop the pier and the second focusing on their reflection in the water – were very creative. And, kudos to you both for clearing the “water trap” at the Merimbula Golf Club. Happy New Year!
Again you take the most awesome pictures! I love perusing through them. But, are the pictures of the pelicans actual pictures? Or are they pictures of a piece of artwork? Such wonderful captures! My stories will be so plain jane compared to yours. You should have received one I sent a short time ago.
Your caravan trip continues to delight us. We are looking forward to those Tasmanian blogs in February. Have a happy and healthy New Year, Mary and Joe!
Thanks so much for sharing Mary….the sites are beautiful. You both look very content traveling the country, enjoying the food and taking in nature. Happy 2017 to both of you…..stay safe and healthy and happy. Mary Pat
Mary & Joe,
Thanks for another wonderful installment! Love the beautiful photos and fascinating text too!
After our visits in Deer Valley/Park City, Heavenly, Tulsa, Sausalito, Carmel, Yosemite, Cancun (OK, one trip outside the US), La Jolla, Russian River, and New Orleans in 2016, Rick and I will be joining the international traveling set for 2017. After Vail, in February/March, we’ll be going to Cuba and St. Croix in May, somewhere in the Midwest to view the eclipse (in August?), and then to China in December. Facebook is about as high-tech as we get with sharing our travels. One can only hope that someday we’ll be as advanced as you all.
Happy New Year!
XXOO,
Mary & Rick
11 thoughts on “NSW Southern Highlands to Victoria”
Fabulous photos. So glad you made it all those km’s without incident and now safely back in Melbourne. It has been a delight having your blog to read and look at your truly beautiful pictures. Just love it! Happy travels in 2017 and look forward to the continuing travelog. Love Jan xx
I especially loved this segment! I am partial to The beaches, birds and pretty colored buildings! Happy New Year!
XO KBL
Joe and Mary,
We remember so many of the places you mention in this episode. The one in particular
is the Bar Beach Kiosk. We took the walk and arrived only to find we were about an hour too late! So no treats for us there! We also stayed in Huskisson one night, and ended up staying in a lovely room right above the restaurant. We were a little leary, but the room was lovely, quiet, and had a spacious porch looking out over the water. Your travels sound wonderful, and we relive much of our own reading your blog.
We had a wonderful time in NYC with Beth and family. I’ve posted some pics on FB, but don’t remember if you use FB at all. Let me know and I’ll send some via email.
Got Sue and Don’s Christmas greeting, and we’ll have to get together with them in AZ.
Got to run!
Carol
I love seeing the interesting towns and the beautiful beaches. Keep ’em coming! Happy New Year!
Mary, I loved that the “Oysters” signage atop the roof of the supply-shop in the Wagonga Inlet featured nothing but shrimp! Your two photos of the Pier – the first showing the “bucket of paddles” atop the pier and the second focusing on their reflection in the water – were very creative. And, kudos to you both for clearing the “water trap” at the Merimbula Golf Club. Happy New Year!
Again you take the most awesome pictures! I love perusing through them. But, are the pictures of the pelicans actual pictures? Or are they pictures of a piece of artwork? Such wonderful captures! My stories will be so plain jane compared to yours. You should have received one I sent a short time ago.
Happy New Year Mary Kay & Joe!
Sue and Tony too
Your caravan trip continues to delight us. We are looking forward to those Tasmanian blogs in February. Have a happy and healthy New Year, Mary and Joe!
I want to wish you a very HAPPY and HEALTHY 2017?? I am at Park City with the family and are having great skiing☃️⛷?⛸ Eva
Thanks so much for sharing Mary….the sites are beautiful. You both look very content traveling the country, enjoying the food and taking in nature. Happy 2017 to both of you…..stay safe and healthy and happy. Mary Pat
Mary & Joe,
Thanks for another wonderful installment! Love the beautiful photos and fascinating text too!
After our visits in Deer Valley/Park City, Heavenly, Tulsa, Sausalito, Carmel, Yosemite, Cancun (OK, one trip outside the US), La Jolla, Russian River, and New Orleans in 2016, Rick and I will be joining the international traveling set for 2017. After Vail, in February/March, we’ll be going to Cuba and St. Croix in May, somewhere in the Midwest to view the eclipse (in August?), and then to China in December. Facebook is about as high-tech as we get with sharing our travels. One can only hope that someday we’ll be as advanced as you all.
Happy New Year!
XXOO,
Mary & Rick
Good post Mary! Lots of interesting pictures and a good map to follow the trip..Bud