Sydney & Surrounds Jun-Jul 08

Still no visa, so we set about doing our best to enjoy our time in Sydney, without spending too much money. 

Bondi Beach

A weekend at Bondi Beach made us appreciate the beaches we will not be seeing overseas as well as how lucky we are with such amazing weather, right in the middle of winter.  We lapped up the amazing views that Sydney has to offer, to remember what we're coming back for.

Nelson Bay & Hawks Nest

In July we went camping up at Hawks Nest - the perfect mini getaway from Sydney. 

Meredith (Mands' sister) had arrived back in the Gong so we packed the car and drove north, stocked with plenty of food and firewood.  We enjoyed tea on the sand dunes, three gourmet meals daily and went on a couple of walks which would reward us with stunning views.

Nelson Bay here is our favourite, at the top of a hill, looking back towards Anna Bay!

Ku Ring Gai National Park

We enjoyed a number of walks around Sydney, including the Gatigal Walk through Ku Ring Gai National Park near Middle Harbour. 

One one ocassion we rode our bikes to the park underneath the Roseville Bridge that we'd discovered on a previous walk.  The idea was to relax by the water after the ride there, go for a "short" 4km walk and then cook our lunch on one of the free barbecues.  Three hours later we found ourselves in Pymble, way off track and miles from our bikes so wound up calling a taxi (and then Mark's dad) to get us back.....ahhh to be free....!

Wollongong

We have also spent some considerate time in Wollongong, catching up with family and friends.   

We have completed walks along the My Kembla ridgeline (see photo of Mandy and view over the Gong), as well as around Mt Keira and along the coast.

Blue Mountains

We fit in a trip to Oberon, staying on a beautiful property in the heart of the Blue Mountains. 

Despite the snow on the ground, there's nothing like a bottle of red wine (or three) and a game of poker by the fire, surrounded by mountains and open fields.

In the day, we decided to see what the limits of Chris' Jimmy 4WD was.....and we found it, after taking a steep enbankment of loose rocks and then finding ourslelves stuck and having to call for help!  This required a 8km trek back to the other car and a payment to the NRMA guys who just about got stuck themselves....

Hmmmm, not one of our better judgement calls...!

Next adventure, Fraser Coast >