Day 65 Wednesday 28th, Rob’s Birthday! A Funny thing happened on the way to Bongil Bongil National Park!

We had a relaxed morning being Rob’s birthday and waited for instructions from Jasmine. She had organised for us to go to the local bakery for brunch. The bakery was a 4 minute walk from the caravan Park.  Rob walked in and said it’s my birthday and they said “Oh yes, we have some lovely bakery food for you!” We enjoyed our delicious brunch before Rob, took me to the Bonville Creek boat-ramp and I once again took off in the kayak but this time heading up stream. Rob went into Coffs Harbour to do some shopping while I enjoyed another stunning kayak on the creek. I’m not really into bird-watching have seen some amazing birds while kayaking and today was no exception. I saw the most beautiful small iridescent, blue bird. I’ve never seen such a beautiful coloured bird but it was too quick for me to get a photo. It is apparently called a Splendid Fairy–wren. While kayaking, I noticed a picnic area in a national park and thought that Rob and I could drive back to the area to check it out. I kayaked back to the boat–ramp and met up with Rob and we then drove out to the Bongil, Bongil National Park. On the way there I noticed a sign to the Bonville Resort Golf Club and I said to Rob….we should visit the golf course because I wanted to see where he played golf yesterday.  Rob then said I didn’t play there yesterday, I played at Sawtell. I must admit I had been a bit disappointed when he said, after returning from golf yesterday, that the golf course was not anything special. We had met a lovely couple from Lockleys SA, while on the road, and they had told us of the fantastic resort golf course out at Bonville. It was expensive but totally worth it. I had said to Rob that maybe we should head there for his birthday and he could treat himself and play on the course. I had booked us into the nearest caravan park to the Bonville Resort Golf Club and that was at this beautiful park at Sawtell. Anyway, clearly Rob had either forgotten all about it or who knows, so when he went to golf yesterday, he went to the nearest course, Sawtell! We headed out Bonville Resort Golf Club just so I could see where he didn’t play and were very impressed. Unfortunately, today the course was for members only so Rob could not play. I have said that we need to return so he can play one day at this magnificent course!  In the evening, we walked to the nearby RSL club for a fabulous dinner to celebrate Rob’s birthday. Brilliant meals and just one or two drinks!

Not the one Helen saw, but on from the net.

Day 64 Tuesday 27th Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Stunning day in Sawtell

We awoke to a warm, beautiful day. We are so happy that we booked into this amazing village on the coast, just 15 minutes south of the busier, Coffs Harbour. Sawtell Beach has many scenic attractions without the hustle, bustle and traffic of the nearby Coffs. Two beautiful rocky headlands, magnificent surf beaches, two creeks emptying into the sea, plenty of fishing spots, tidal rock pools and whale watching areas all make this such a lovely place. Rob decided to play golf today at the Bonville Golf Resort. After he headed to golf, I decided to go for a walk to a nearby headland. It was an easy uphill climb and well worth it with stunning views of the beaches, rocky headlands and rock pools. The town has built a tidal swimming pool for people to use as well. I enjoyed my walk and returned via the main street in Sawtell. The street had an abundance of cafes, boutique clothes shops, restaurants, a large RSL club and a pub. I enjoyed strolling the street before heading back to the caravan for lunch. Once Rob had returned from his golfing escapades, he took me to the nearby boat ramp where the creek which runs behind the caravan park and helped me launch the kayak. I had a beautiful kayak along the creek and towards its mouth. Meanwhile, Rob had decide to check out the headland walk I’d been on and was able to see me kayaking near the mouth. As the sun began to set I headed back to the launching area and met up with Rob.

Day 63 Monday 26th Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Another Crossing of the Great Dividing Range

I think I have lost count of the number of times we have crossed the Great Dividing Range this trip. Of course it’s been pretty easy for me as I’ve just been able to enjoy the scenery while Rob’s done the driving! Leaving Stanthorpe we thought we might see some wildlife, in particular snakes near or on the road after the huge evening burn-off last night in the fields opposite the park but none were to be seen. We enjoyed the scenery, while traversing the mountains, crossing into NSW and stopping at Casino for fuel and coffee. Rob was pretty happy as there just happened to be a bakery next to the service station with the cheapest fuel. It was meant to be! We enjoyed travelling through the rivers area of NSW. Today and the coming week, records will be broken in the area, for the maximum winter temperatures. At one stage the temperature was 32. We stopped for lunch at a lovely spot on the Clarence River, before making our way to Sawtell Beach. Our park is magnificent. Nestled on the beach, between two rivers it is in a stunning location. It is probably the biggest park we have ever stayed in and the facilities and amenities are amazing. After settling in, we went for a walk down to the creek/beach area followed by a drive and walk to a nearby lookout. The sun was setting and the view from the lookout over the nearby beaches and creeks was beautiful.