Port Stephens

On arrival in Shoal Bay resort we took a stroll along the front to the country club. On going to order two drinks I was greeted by the barman with a “G’Day Mate, what can I get you. I enquired “what lagers do you have?” To which the response was “all those on the taps over there mate” and he went back to cleaning glasses. Sometimes, Australian hospitality is on the harsh side!

However, the local birds were much more colourful and chatty.

The sun going down over Shoal Bay

The next morning we headed to Fingals Beach and Point. This was a lovely beach walk, crashing waves, swooping sea gulls and a smattering of men and women fishing. The beach went around to a spit leading out to Shark Island, but waves were flooding the peninsula from both directions. This made for some spectacular wave patterns across the spit.

After our walk on the beach we started to head for Nelson’s Bay. After a while walking we spotted a bus stop and a lady waiting. She confirmed that Nelson’s bay was 6KM but the bus was due any minute. We rode the bus to the marina. At the very end there was a fish restaurant, right on the side of the breakwater and doing grilled fresh Dory with Savignon Blanc to complement. This was the most beautiful lunch only topped by a dolphin rising 20m from the table as he/she passed by.

We had the most lovely afternoon taking in the marina life, the food, the wine and the wildlife. If life could be like this every day!

On our last day we went to Zenith Bay. Another beautiful beach.

After the morning on the beach we headed to the Koala Sanctuary. Here we meet a lot of very sleepy Koalas. They seem to climb trees, curl up into a little furry ball and fall asleep. They are not in the slightest interested in tourists, but tourists enjoy playing “Spot the Koala”.

Sue did find one who wanted to be fed eucalyptus leaves.

As a bonus we did get to see a Kookaburra as well as sleepy Koala's.

On leaving Port Stephens, we did a detour to visit South West Rocks and The Trail Bay Jail. The path from the car park to the jail was blocked by two local residents, who weren’t to sure that we should be allowed to pass.

To be honest, when I saw this next image, I just thought I’d had too much to drink and was actually just seeing double!

So we are now on our way to Bellingen and have a site next to a river. We will be introducing you to flying fish. See you there.

Lots of love, Sue & Trev xxx