We finally did manage to organise ourselves out of the house (not particularly early though) for our road trip to Coffs Harbour. We chose to travel up through Shepparton and Tocumwal to the Newell Highway and then cut across through Cowra to Orange where we stayed the night.
Day 2
After breakfast we drove to the Western Plains Zoo near Dubbo. It was lovely but soooo HOT! Full of whining screaming little children who were also soooo HOT! We saw as much as we could but most of the animals were being very sensible and were sleeping in the shade. We did manage to glimpse a huge tiger in the shadows and were lucky enough to see the baby cheetahs on their daily outing. They played with the keeper, chasing a rope around just like little pussy cats would chase a piece of string. So cute but I bet their claws are sharp. We then drove on to Coonabarabran via the Warrambungles scenic drive where we stayed overnight.
Day 3
The next morning we had a leisurely breakfast and then drove back into the Warrambungles and walked to the White Gum lookout and then drove up to the Siding Springs Observatory and were able to visit the Anglo Australian Telescope. Lots of people in hard hats were actually changing the telescope head which looked quite an involved process. The head was hanging from a gantry on the roof and they moved the roof to position the head downstairs.
We then headed off from Coonabarabran through Gunnedah and Armidale on to the Waterfall Way through Dorrigo and Bellingen to Coffs Harbour, with a quick stop and a walk at Ebor Falls on the way. It really is a very pretty route through gorgeous rainforest, although the road is very windy and with a couple of one vehicle only corners. Anyway, we arrived at Coffs Harbour about 6 pm and settled in to Sandcastles Apartments almost opposite the Park Beach Bowls Club on Ocean Parade for the next ten nights. Great 2 bdr apartment on top floor so we caught the sea breeze and with with a lovely little balcony to relax on.
photos to follow
more instalments to follow
more instalments to follow
