A few of the guys keep egging me, @mdcamping @nedmtnman @BankShot and the chief egger...LOL @NYDutch on to do reports so here is another. Australia is very much like the USA in many ways. My favourites are the fact that the people are welcoming and the country vast. In 2013 we decided to do a 3 week trip that took us to Australia's extremes, these being the snow and the beach. In one 3 week trip we would see both. For the first leg it was Brisbane to Sydney a trip of around 900kms (about 560 miles) we did it with an overnight on the way down just to break up the trip for the kids. Rainy Day arrival in Sydney. As a comparison for you all the cost per night at this park with is run by the equivalent to your Ranger service is $35AUD ($25USD) per night and only 15 minutes from the centre of Sydney. A short drive over the Bridge and you are in what is called "The Rocks" This is the original settlement area where a city was built in Australia its buildings beautiful and incredibly historic. Many of the buildings in this area were actually built by convicts. And they are very, very beautiful. Reminds me very much of areas of Boston, Philadelphia and my favourite Annapolis. The harbour is the centre of the city with life basically revolving around it. Add to this a world class zoo with a view to die for. That's Sydney...on to Canberra
Canberra, or our version of Washington (A planned community seat based of Government) is actually a grey, dull and very impersonal place (Much like the politicians that inhabit it) Actually not all of them I have a mate that's a member of the house of representatives who got on TV last year for standing on his head whilst drinking a beer. I'm not kidding it make the newspapers and all the news channels. We are so proud of him..... The caravan parks are few in number, over priced and uninviting. Anyway the highlight of Canberra apart from Parliament house is the Australia War memorial. The names of all our dead are etched on its walls....including 2 of my great uncles (Murdered as Prisoners of War by the Japanese).....its a lot like the National Air and Space Museum but cronicles or military history from the Boer War, through both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and finally Iraq and Afghanistan (We seem to get into a lot of scrapes with you lot) I am an aviation buff so for me its..... Korean war Sea Fury and.....Captured WW1 German Albatross So on to the snow....
So the drive from Sydney to Canberra is around 178 miles about 3 hours drive on the highways. South West of Canberra is Jindabyne which is one of Australia's two snow holiday venues. The region is known as Kosciuszko National Park and includes our alpine region. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/Kosciuszko-National-Park We elected to stay inside the park at a bush camping location known as Sawpit Creek. An amazing caravan park with excellent amenities a relatively short distance from the snow fields. http://www.kosipark.com.au/ We didn't take our dog on the trip but can I give you a suggestion in the form of a photo..... The park has curved drive through sites with your own fire pit, are powered and the amenities excellent. Mmmmm....fire.....Mmmmm...Bacon.... Australia is not really known for its snow fields but they aren't too bad really. So heading back North towards the water from here.
So on the Way home we elected to stay for a few nights at Nelson Bay renowned for its beautiful water, beaches and awesome sand driving. There are a number of parks here all are on the expensive side (Start around the $40USD a night mark for 2 people) The sites are generally a good size and the amenities excellent. Our park for example basically had its own private beach Apart from just relaxing on the beach Nelson Bay has the Amazing Stockton Beach adjacent too it. A highlight of any trip is a couple of days spent driving Stockton. The first dune on arrival at the beach access The beach is vast with everything from 4wding to Camel rides to quad bikes (You call them ATV's I think?) Just off the beach is an historic shipwreck, the Sygna that ran aground here in the 1970's the rear section of the ship is still there. Not a bad spot for some lunch (No swimming though dangerous surf and BIG sharks)
As well as the wreck on the beach there is the amazing Tin City. Built after the First World War by returning Diggers who couldn't cope in society, we know it today as PTSD, these heroes were shunned and misunderstood so they built their own community. The shacks are protected by Heritage listings and some are still used handed down through the generations. (Note the 3 beer kegs used as a water tank on the hut with the red roof) They are literally in the middle of nowhere, windblown and solitary. You feel alone here even surrounded by your family But just off Stockton are some of the most beautiful rock beaches you will ever find. I could have spent the day here exploring..... And then it was......Home.....thanks for taking the time to read the trip report.
As well as the wreck on the beach there is the amazing Tin City. Built after the First World War by returning Diggers who couldn't cope in society, we know it today as PTSD, these heroes were shunned and misunderstood so they built their own community. View attachment 740 The shacks are protected by Heritage listings and some are still used handed down through the generations. (Note the 3 beer kegs used as a water tank on the hut with the red roof) View attachment 741 They are literally in the middle of nowhere, windblown and solitary. View attachment 743 You feel alone here even surrounded by your family View attachment 742 But just off Stockton are some of the most beautiful rock beaches you will ever find. View attachment 744 I could have spent the day here exploring..... And then it was......Home.....thanks for taking the time to read the trip report.
Great post. It made me think of our 11 years living in our 5th wheel and traveling the US. Our countries are quite a like in their diversity. Thanks
Been to Canberra and spent almost a full day touring your Australian War Memorial building. At the time there was even a British Lancaster bomber under roof, is it by chance still there? Amazing depictions of various battlefields in miniature with lighting and sound effects, etc. All in all a spectacular building commemorating all the battles Australia has been in. Also visited the Telcom radio tower. Back in the early to late 80s during the years I was there, it was called that but it may go by a different name now. Anyway, once again thanks for the really great pics of your travels. Some of the best I've seen on this forum and I say that without taking anything away from others who have submitted pics for our viewing pleasure. Ride on Jason, keep that spirit of adventure going and your pics coming..................... Regards, BankShot (aka Terry)
