DreamTrip

South Coast

          Day74 
Waking up at 07:50, with the sun shining finally. We called the mechanic to see how we can drive the car without a fan belt, & advised us once the traffic calms down around 09:00, we can start making our 8km way to him. 
09:00 We started the worrisome journey. Keeping an eye on the temperature that it doesn't rise too much, trying to avoid traffic lights, and barely using indicators as everything was running on battery (we removed anything that can use up the battery). Scared for dear life it will stop in the middle of the highway, we somehow made it within 15mins with the last few battery remaining and temperature well! 
One look at what had clipped the fan belt, and not good news. It was a harmonic balancer, costing hundreds of dollars brand new, and rare to find second hand. Fixing the switch initially booked the car in for, we left by walk and will receive a phone call once he manages to find the part. 
Touring around Fyswick, we visited the shops around Canberra Outlet, and Anaconda. Whilst there, we received a call from Ian letting us know he managed to find just one for $450, and the car will be ready by today. Giving him go ahead, we headed to Dominos with an application offer "PokitPal", and ordered "The Deluxe" at $5.95 from $7.95, extra Cheezy Crust $2.95, & "BBQ Meat Lovers" at $6.95 from $11.95.
15:30, made our way to the mechanic to get any updates, but was still fixing the car. We walked to Maccas, ate some $1 Chocolate Waffle Ice Cream Cone, and around 17:15 the car was ready! Said our goodbyes to Ian and his assistant Daniel (whos mother was Maltese - Zahra), and decided to just leave these surroundings NOW. Drove to Queanbeyan, filled up our water, filled up our petrol car and jerrycan ($106.80), and updated our phones with some wifi connections. We were thinking of staying for Anzac in either Canberra or Queanbeyan, as it was the 100th Anniversary, but seeing that roughly calculated 1.2million people will attend, no place where to park and difficult to move out and around, we decided to pass on that and still leave.
19:00 Goodbye Queanbeyan. After a month in Canberra and the surrounds, it was a well needed drive away. 
20:21 Welcome to the South Coast. Eurobodalla Region. 
20:47 135km - Bateman's Bay. Population 17,500. Driving around, we decided to go down to Batehaven, however all we could see was pitch black sea, brightly lit up sky due to the stars, and hearing the almost forgotten sound of wind against the sea, splashing hard against the rocks and sand.
21:45 Ready to bed, let's hope its a beautiful day to start a new chapter along the long-waited South Coast!
          Day75
"Sun is shining
The weather is sweet
Make you want to move
Your dancing feet..."
The advantage of going to a new place in the evening, is that you do not know what you will expect in the morning. What a beauty! Waking up in Batehaven to see such a lovely beach scene at Casey's Beach, overlooking Snapper Island. Went down for a swim in the refreshing water, with our new snorkel gear. After an outdoor shower and sharpening our knives with found stones along the beach, we looked at the time. It was still 10:30! Enjoying the sun, at 11:45 we drove down the George Bass Drive (Touristic Drive 7), and caught the Princes Highway.
12:50 53km drive South to Potato Point. A beach with carved limestone, and walking on sand and millions of shells and fossils, overlooking Tasman Sea.
13:35 Drove through thin tall trees, and greenery, to get to Bodalla, with Century-old buildings from 1880, and a dairying heritage (mostly cheese) since 1860s.
Passed Turlinjah to get to Tuross Head (population 2200). A headland ridge which rises between the twin lakes of Coila and Tuross. 
After stopping at "Friendly Grocer", but finding the few meat he had sky high, we continued driving and stopped at One Tree Beach and Point, and Lavendar Bay & Sandy Point.
15:15 Making our way back on the Princes Highway, drove through Coila and Bergaila and went to Bingie Bingie Point. This beach is famous for two different volcanic rocks which did not mix well and formed unusual rocks. It is also home to rusted oil tanks which is the only remains from the SS Monaro back in 1879.
From a sunny 24degrees, it started raining and thundering around 15:30. Making our way to Meringo, every thunder split the sky, and I joke you not, lights up all the sky, all were near by and the rumbling noise shook the car! 
We drove out and up to Congo, but as the rain did not stop, we couldn't go out to see the beach. Heavy rainfall and thunder which seemed very much like a tropical storm. Driving through puddles of mud, we drove up to Moruya around 16:30. Getting there, we stopped by an old Woolworths, and apparently a thunder hit their lights. Everything was reduced and half priced as fridges weren't working and barely lights were on. Bought a grilled whole chicken for $5, 800g potato salad for $3.19, along with a $0.86 Ciabatta. Rain slowly dying down, we drove to Riverside Park, but as all benches were wet, we ate the whole chicken in the car. Rain stopped, we washed our plates in outdoor sinks next to the toilets and tried finding some wifi. Without any luck at several places, we caught the Princes Highway, and instead of turning back, we drove 7km up North to a Rest Area just off the Highway, "Waldron's Swamp" for the night. Still 19:00, we got our bed ready in a dark place without any lights and surrounded by trees, with the sky filling up with lightning every now and again. Happy Anzac Day!
          Day76
Waking up at 07:15 next to a huge muscled up kangaroo who kept staring at us. Rain still pouring, we drove to Moruya, not knowing what we can do much in the rain. Decided to drive to Moruya Heads, usually a perfect spot for whale & seal watching (Early Winter). After diverting offroad, we then walked on the Moruya South Heads Beach, with beautiful rock formations in the middle of the sand. It is home to Bitou Bush, native south Africa, which was accidently introduced in Australia in 1908. It was planted along the NSW Coast to stabilise dunes, but now it causes dune erosion, loss of native biodiversity and ecosystem instability, and have been trying to get rid of since 1998. Visited Toragy Point - a burial place for sea mariners & boatmen, watched people surf at Shelley Beach (where River and Sea meet & overlooks Quandolo Island) & walked on a dried lake where we saw crabs build their sand nests.
11:00 Weather finally opening up. Made our way 8km down to Congo Beach as we missed it yesterday due to the thunderstorm. A very long sandy beach with huge waves.
Made our way to Wooly's, relaxed at Riverside Park, making a Ciabatta with Potato Salad, Mortadella and BBQ Sauce 
13:00 Broulee Beach next, and up the hill to watch the Broulee Nature Reserve. Sun shining and drove by along the coast to Mossy Point, stopped at Tomaga River, drove up to Tomakin Cove, which overlooks Barlings Island and Long Nose Point. Met an old couple travelling the South Coast and whos parents (woman) were Maltese and visited Malta a few times. Recommended to go down to Barlings Beach from Melville Point, and walk along the rocky beach with beautiful multicoloured rock formations of purple, yellow, orange and brown. Wondering how many thousands of years passed to form these rocks, we then travelled to Guerilla Bay around 14:45. Breathing the fresh air on the beach, we drove to Rosedale Beach, overlooking Jimmies Island, then made our way through on George Bass Drive to McKenzie Beach. Having fun making funny shadows on the beach, we drove to Pretty Point Bay, and then Malua Bay, Garden Bay, Mosquito Bay, then to Surf Beach which overlooks Tollgate Islands.
16:45 Drove to Casey's Beach Observation Point in Batehaven, viewing also Corrigans Beach. Met an old man, Ian, who spent travelling around in his Old '84 Toyota Land Cruiser for 12 years since his wife died back in Western Australia. Gave us tips on how to avoid spiders & mozzies in the car by mixing two taps of Eucalyptus Oil and Teatree Oil each and spraying them all over. After an hour of giving us tips on places and where to go in deep Queensland, we left and drove up to Bateman's Bay Centre. Whilst driving, we experienced an incredible sighting. Thousands and thousands and thousands of bats flew above our head just after sunset. These flying foxes (who locals want to get rid of since 2012) populating from 5,000 - 10,000, is affecting property price, and most locals are leaving Bateman's Bay and selling their house. No wonder we kept on seeing summer houses next to beaches for sale! 
Stopped at Maccas for some wifi (bats still flying above our heads), then drove to Coles to buy ice-cream as Maccas said they don't do the $1 cones anymore. We came out with a $3 450g Cookies and Cream Cheesecake, and after driving to Batehaven Playground, we bbq-d the garlic bread till the cheesecake towed down and ate it!
21:45 Casey's Beach again for the night, under a beautiful clear starry sky and hearing the waves hit the rock, planning our route for tomorrow.
          Day77
06:15 - Alarm, and waited.
Watched the sun crawling up from behind the beautiful islands infront of us into a new day. 
06:32 - Sunrise. Breathtaking. We chilled till around 08:30, went to the Info Point to gather some information and enquired about the bats. After marked on the map, we drove to a small wetland between houses (majority all on sale) and spent around 45minutes taking pictures of these amazing huge fruit bats, walking underneath the trees and hearing their squeaking noise while flying above our heads. 
10:15 Drove to Princes Highway to continue our South Coast trip. Passed through Long Beach and Square Head, then passing through the Murramarang National Park on an unsealed road to get to North Head (where Bush meets Ocean) and saw Three Islet Point, visited Oaky Beach, Richmond Beach and Myrtle Beach. We ended up at the Nudist side of Myrtle Beach first, then drove a couple of minutes and arrived at the actual Beach through an Enchanted Forest. Breathtaking sandstone cliffs from Sydney Basin end and rise up with the much older Wagonga Ordovician Rocks from Lachlan Fold Belt, periods during Permian and Triassic (300 and 230 million years ago - 500 and 450 million years ago respectively). After talking with some Ozzie old couple who are travelling around Australia, we drove to Wasp Head, South Durras, another beach with wonderful rock formations and patterns. We saw bunnies and a cute joey, and finally had the opportunity to feed one (some rice crackers) and patted his head.
13:30 Arrived at Cookies Beach in Beagle Bay, saw a few kangaroos drinking and hoping around, and after a few minutes watching the sea, we drove off to see where we can buy some food. Asking a woman on the streets if there were any shops around, she said the only one is mostly closed and need to get on the highway at a petrol station. Getting there, but having nothing to buy, we decided to cook some noodles.
14:45 Welcome to Shoalhaven. Drove to Durras North, a beautiful place where Durras Lake and Tasman Sea almost touch, sand just standing between them. More kangaroos, and we decided to cook here. 
16:15 Drove to Depot Beach, surrounded by beautiful tall trees, then Pebbly Beach watching kangaroos eating the grass and jumping on the beach.
We made our way on the Princes Highway to find some resting area, however trucks and cars go crazy at night and gather great speed, so trying to turn off and exit a Highway when it's pitch black and not knowing the streets is very risky and dangerous, so we ended up going up North more than we hoped for. Managed to turn off just before a truck sped like lightning from behind us. A second delay, and we would have been hit! Getting all dark in the middle of thousands of trees, we turned off at Tabourie Lake at around 18:45, and parked at a car park just a couple of metres away from the Lake Inlet itself, and calling it an early night.
           Day78
06:25. Woke up. The sun not yet risen, so we quickly made our way out of the car, down to Wairo Beach, and at 06:44 the sun shot it's rays out of the clouds just beside the Crampton Island. A perfect place for birdwatching endangered birds too. The only thing seperating the Creek and Tasman Sea is the sand on the Beach which during Winter lets the adult fish grown in the Creek out into the open Sea. 
Drove to Burill Lake, and turned off at Dolphin Point, a viewpoint seeing the Burill Lake, Inlet and Tasman Sea next to each other, seperated by Burill Beach. A very beautiful scene with the sun shining opposite us.
08:00 Ulladulla. Went to Wooly's, bought some BBQ food & biscuits, then Supercheap Auto to buy some oil & change an old tyre pressure we had in the car which was not working. 09:15 Drove to the Info Point, collected some more brochures & made our way to the Jetty Wharf at Ulladulla Harbour. We then drove along the coast passing Mollybrook Beach & up to Bannisters Point. Going back down to catch the Princes Highway, passed through an old historic town built in the 1860s, Milton, & onto Lake Conjola. After seeing Conjola Island, Princess Island & Chinamans Island at the boat ramp, we went through the Reserve & onto Conjola Beach. After seeing a guy cleaning a freshly caught salmon, we decided to make use of the 23degrees day. We sunbathed and swam right in Lake Berringer, right next to the Sea (Tasman). We enjoyed the sun, & dipping our feet in white sand-dunes till around 13:50, we got hungry, and before we left had a couple of hopping wild kangaroos coming towards us & let us pat their heads. Drove up the Highway, & right turned the Tourist Drive (4) to Basin View, St. Georges Basin & Sanctuary Point. 
14:30 Arrived through the Jervis Bay Tollgate, & decided to sleep in the Booderee National Park, a park now mostly run by Aboriginal Community. Paying $21 for both of us & having 48hour access & a night's sleep, we were given spot #45, & started bbqing. After feeding some parrots on our hands, and seeing a red belly black snake (venomous), we went to Jervis Village, bought some $11.99 Richland White Moscato & Onion and Bacon Dip for $3.50, then made our way to Stoney Creek. Walked down 200m steps to get to a beautiful creek, with the tide quickly coming in & towards us. After a few minutes, we had to leave due to the water level rising up. Moes Creek next, some 100m steps down to a rocky beach watching huge tides splashing against the rocks above our heads. 
17:48 Getting dark. Made our way to Cape St. George Historic Lighthouse. Walking for a few minutes, we learned that originally it was 3 storeys, 61feet high, made of sandstone blocks & had 8 ground rooms. However, the lighthouse was built unstrategically. Some 37years after, a controversy lighthouse was built in the opposite direction. Even though unlit, the lighthouse was shining in the moonlight & caused navigational problems, & almost after a century, explosives were used to reduce the tower. We saw the very interesting remains and blocks fallen over. 
We drove back to "Green Patch/C Section". Trying to light up the open fireplace, & having possums trying to steal our food and playing around, we ate Jatz with some Dip, washing it down with the wine. Ended the day very relaxed looking at the fire, chasing around the possums, with a night lit sky hearing the sea close by.
          Day79
'Walawaaní njíndíwan njín Booderee'.
Welcome everyone, this is Booderee. Owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community, and place for all Koori people, it contains many traditional foods and medicines, sites, and ancient campsites.
Rain all night and sky still grey, we made our way to Murrays Boat Ramp, then walked 400m to Hole in the Wall, 300m walk to Scottish Rocks (both had beautiful rock formations and shells), then Murrays Beach, overlooking Bowen Island. In 1969, the Commonwealth Government decided to built a 500 megawatt nuclear power station, which got abandoned in 1973. The swamp before the beach is home to Striped Marsh Frog and Peron's Tree Frog, even though unseen, heard both their sound. 
We got a call from Nancy, to ask whether we can work two weeks yellow pages in Wollongong. Checking our route, and seeing we should manage to make it, drove out of the Park and onto Culburra. Stopped at Lake Wollumboola, then drove off to Wooly's for some food, viewed a magnificent 360degrees on Penguin Head, and seeing Culburra Beach, then drove all the way up to Crookhaven and visited Orient Point Boat Ramp. Cooking some 250g Fusilli with Honey Teriyaki Pork, we sat down on the bridge, relaxing opposite Goodnight Island and Crow Island. Watching three pelicans just opposite us, we ate a fresh cold rockmelon, watching the sun setting on the beautiful Crookhaven River, the clouds and sun reflecting on the water. 
Hearing so many birds singing, and geese and crows flying above our head, we waited till it was dark and walked to our car to rest for the night to see where we shall hit the road off to tomorrow.
          Day80 
Rain during the night, but clear skies as soon as we woke up. Hearing so many new bird songs this morning, we realised this place was very rich in birdlife: Geese, Pelicans, Kookaburras, Magpies, Crows, and what we think were Whip Birds. Looking over the bridge & seeing ruins of a once boat ramp/ bridge we made our way to Nowra from the Robert Lonesborough Reserve around 08:00.
Nowooro, black cockatoo, was the indigenous people's name for Nowra. We bought from Aldi, Wooly's & Coles, then had breakfast & piggied out on x6 Rock Cakes ($1.98) & chocolate milk. Made our way to the Hanging Rock Lookout, overlooking Shoalhaven River around 10:15. After making it to the Info Point, we caught the Grand Pacific Drive at 12:15.
Visited Shoalhaven Heads Boat Ramp, we made our way through to Seven Mile Beach National Park, on the way passing Coomonderry Swamp (Prolific Birdlife). Started raining for a few minutes then stopped, it gave the National Park a very tropical rainforest feeling & environment. Passed through the sleepy villages of Gerroa, Gerringong and Werri Beach too. 
13:50 Driving some 15minutes uphill, we got to a 510m elevation on Saddleback Mountain Reserve View Point, & enjoyed a very beautiful & breathtaking scene of Jamberoo Valley, Kiama, Llawwara Lake, Wollongong, Port Kembla, Jerrara Dam, Minnamurra River and Bombo Headland, along with the Seven Mile Beach & the Barren Grounds, all below us and alongside the clouds! Driving down and seeing horses, cows and a dead wombat along the way, we drove down to Kiama Harbour, stopped at the Basin, went to the Kiama Blow Hole next to an 1887 lighthouse, and enjoyed some rough inward sea being pushed through the rock hole. We also visited a less touristic Little Blow Hole where we took some amazing photo shots, then drove through Kendalls Beach & Kendalls Point and stopped at Surf Beach at 16:10 to make some delicious mixed Fettucine & Spaghetti with Chicken Romano. Drizzling & slowly getting dark around 17:15, we made our way out of Kiama, caught the Princes Highway & into Minnamurra, James Oates Reserve Boat Ramp to spend the night here.
Reading negative articles about the weather in NSW & Queensland, we braced ourselves for heavy rain (400mm) and winds (11km/hr) due to cyclones. Hoping all our stuff will still be tied down on the roofrack, and that it was a wise decision sleeping between the Minnamurra River and Tasman Sea, the rain started at 18:25. Let's hope we don't end up in the middle of the sea or on top of a tree. Goodnight!
          Day81
(Aboriginal name meaning)
Kiama - Where the Sea makes a noise
Gerringong - Noises on Beach
Minnamurra - Many fishes.
Seeing that we were still alive & not blown away by the wind, 10:00 last few drops of rain stopped & made our way down to Bombo. Catching the Cliff Drive, we then walked some hundred metres past the wonderful Cathedral Rocks (volcanic rocks and years of erosion), Cameron Boyd Reserve and arrived at the Bombo Headland down at Bombo Beach (blue metal quarrying in 1880's).
Making our way to Shellharbour, we detoured back to Kiama as we could not find any good showers, then at 12:35 caught the road back up to Shellharbour. After buying from IGA & Foodworks, we drove along The Esplanade & stopped at Davies Bay next to Lake Illawarra, famous for different water birds. Cooking Lamb with Rice Coconut Curry, & eating some refreshing rockmelon, we left Oak Flats, passing Boonerah Point & Whyjuck Bay, & made our way up to Port Kembla. It ended up being a small town with a huge Powerplant & what we thought the Scenic Lookout was of Big Island, Perkins Beach & Lake Illawarra, was just a horrendous scene of grey smoke coming out of the factory. 
15:58 Wollongong. Traffic, lights, busy roads and difficult to park. City. We soon learned there wasn't much to do here after visiting the Info Point, and events not to our liking. Getting dark and drizzling, we arrived to William Beach Park after catching a few highways. Getting familiar with the place and seeing possibilities where to sleep in the muddy but small and cosy carpark, we drove off to Dapto, bought $12.76 worth of Gran Padano (264g) for just $1.80, Pizza Snack Bites and Hahn Super Dry from Coles and BWS. Arriving at the carpark to enjoy our relaxed night, we met 2 german guys travelling Oz in a 1994 Discovery, driving 5hrs and 5hrs from Melbourne to Sydney over two days, and having two months to travel up to Cairns. Giving them tips on discounts, receipts, wifi spots, charging points and other on the road tips, we realised we had picked up quite a few tricks and felt more than just 11 weeks living on the road!
           Day82 
Wollongong District - Population 290,000. 80kms away from Sydney.

Waking up to rain again, we chilled at the park till around 10:00, then drove to Unanderra Industrial Estate and met up with Sorcha, a new manager for distributing Yellow Pages in the Wollongong Region. After seeing what good routes she has, and still deciding if it's actual good money we will make, we decided to drive up to one of the villages we have (Russell Vale) to check out how easy it is to distribute the books. Raining once again, we then drove around the place to see where we can sleep tonight, and found a very nice easy carpark at Lake Llawarra, south of Fred Finch Park, just opposite Hooka Island. Waiting till the weather calms down abit, around 13:30 drove off to Laundrette in Unanderra, and washed all our dirty stinky clothes, duvet, sleepingbags and towels! A well needed wash indeed. Paying $10 (45mins) and $5.50 (30min) wash, and drying them for $12. She was a very friendly and helpful woman too.
Getting hungry, we drove to Wooly's, then on our way to the park, we came across a better carpark right next to the Illawarra Lake, and cooked some delicious Penne with Chicken in Romano Sauce. Taking a look around, we realised we were amidst tens of pelicans, hundreds of seagulls and a lot of other birds. It started to rain heavily again, then stop. Then again, and stop. Looking at the weather for next week, and looking good and sunny, we drove a few metres to where we'll sleep tonight with a huge smile on our face and an urgent need for sun and heat!
 

Sydney

          Day83
"Xemx wisq sabiha. Lilek rrid..."
Grey skies. Made our way out of the Wollamai Park Boat Ramp and went to Warrawong around 10:00. Fed the car some fuel, then went to Westfield Mall, & after visiting some shops & stalls, bought a good Foot long, Italian Herbs Subway Club, Fanta & x2 cookies for $13.45. Shawn, the guy serving us told us his parents were Maltese and tried his best to speak to us in Maltese. 
Around 12:15, we arrived at the 22year old Nan Tien Temple, largest Buddhist Temple in Southern Hemisphere. With free parking & just gold coin donations, we walked in a wonderful Pagoda. An eight storey resting place for the deceased. Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha statue (treasure of the earth) in Chinese known as Ti Tsang, vowed to help all beings reach enlightenment. Removing our shoes, we walked in a Calligraphy Room, where we were given a Chinese Pen and traced on a Rice Paper some Buddhism quotes. We then walked around the temple, filled with monument and baby buddha statues, then walked in a Museum, an art exhibition with different statues and small sculptures made out of eggplant and human hair just a centimetre small!
Making our way to the Main Shrine, five Buddha statues of Confidence, Longevity, Wisdom, Inner Beauty and Peace grace the shrine with 10,000 smaller Buddha's, showing everyone can achieve Buddhahood. Seeing people pray and light up candles and scented sticks, we visited the Great Compassion Hall - The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Guan Yin) symbolizes great compassion. Sauvastika pronounced Wan in Chinese meaning supreme merit and dignity, auspice and completeness, can be found on Buddhist architecture, implement and artifacts, but mostly mistaken for the Nazi Swastika.
13:30 Driving around to try and get to Lake Cordeaux, we got lost with highways and freeways and motorways indicating one ways, and no left and right turn, so decided to head to North Wollongong, Stuart Park. Sun finally out!
14:33. Crazy rational thought. What if...
... ...
14:49 Left Wollongong. Caught the Grand Pacific Drive and passed through Bulli and Wombarra, we drove through a breathtaking view of green scenery and mountains, and stopped at Bald Hill Lookout with God's Land just beneath us. Passing through Royal National Park, a winding 35km, we came to a halt at a sign that said "Bridge flooded due to River". Realising we were pressed against time & too late if we turn all the way back to Wollongong for a detour, we debated whether it was safe or not (we would have gotten a fine if there were police!), and after needing a quick decision as time was against us, we tried our luck with over than 20cm of flowing water over the bridge & down the river, set the car in 4wd, & pressed the gas. Seeing people staring, taking photos & a guy video-ing it on Gopro, they must have thought we were crazy!
15:52 Sydney 89km in an hour & half. Passing through traffic lights & hoping to make it, we drove to Federal Park, and spoke with a German couple confirming where its safe to sleep as we heard a crazy guy lives here & its not the first time he comes out screaming and slamming against the car.
18:00 Tickets still not bought. Having a look online and Gumtree. 
18:20 Bought seating tickets for Opeth - Australia Tour 2015 at the Enmore Theatre, Row M 19-20 for $85!
19:04 Doors open. Made our way in within a couple of minutes, then after buying a touring T shirt $40, made our way to the seats. Perfect spot to see the stage. 
19:42-20:30 Sleepmakeswaves. Instrumental. Very good. 
20:57-23:08 Opeth. And what a show. The sound and base felt beating our hearts. Even though from the balcony, the atmosphere was amazing and looking down at them we could see the whole band as a whole picture.
We walked out of the theatre, hoping to find the car as we parked without giving much attention to the whereabouts with the excitement we had. Passing through dark alleys & abandoned streets (yes, very recommended), we arrived, and drove to Federal Park. Had a police car stopping us when we got there, but just to ask us where we were from & how long we've been here. After the policewoman said her father was Maltese, they made their way, and we got ready to sleep with possums right next to the tree where we were sleeping. Early alarm set and hoping to remember to advise Sorcha tomorrow that after all we will not be going to work at 8am in Unanderra, and that we made a quick last minute change of plans.
          Day84
Such traffic and so many cars! Decided to go have a hot shower in Wentworth Park, however the door wouldn't lock, so we drove what was meant to be 5km to the Info, but ended up spending an hour to get there. One ways, no right turns, no left turns on particular hours, cannot pass on certain roads due to car weight limitations, traffic and so many buses, taxis and cars in a rush; Sydney is horrible for day driving. One of us stayed in the car, and the other visited the Info Point (an hour parking ticket machine was $4.70, and time limit was a maximum of 2hours).
We were advised there was no free unlimited parking anywhere in the Centre, all were time framed (15mins,30mins, and 2hrs during day). Car Parks were usually $7 for a day. So even to buy from Coles, stay at the park or go for a walk, it will cost us money for parking the car. Already noon, we drove to Bicentennial Park/Jubilee Park, cooked a heap load of food (300g Rice with 400g Chicken, Capsicums, Snow Peas, Corn & Mixed Vegetables. We then started cleaning the car, inside and outside, getting it ready to sell our Pajero. Sun finally out around 15:00, we then made our way to Ultimo Community Centre for a free hot shower, & use of plugs & internet, but having a $3.70 per hour parking fee. 
Getting dark, we drove to Maccas for a $1 Frozen Sour Fanta & Caramel Sundae (They don't do the $1 Waffle Cones anymore), then drove to Leichhardt, bought some food for tomorrow from Coles in Norton Shopping Centre with a free 30minute parking. Driving at night is completely different, and so much better. Feeling relaxed, we drove back to Federal Park to sleep for the night, and hoping tomorrow will be more of a successful day in busy Sydney.
          Day85
Starting the day with $1.50 x6 Fruit Scones and Strawberry Jam. 
We parked in Victoria Street, one of the few streets in the whole city which do not have any parking meter. 
10:00 Started walking from Glebe. Sun finally shining! Made our way through Glebe Point Road, Wentworth Park and a huge Fish Market Establishment. After watching live crabs and lobsters in an aquarium being sold for $149 per kilo (about half a metre each one), we arrived at Darling Harbour. 
11:00 29degrees. Passing over the Pyrmont Bridge and Cockle Bay, we walked over to a beautiful outdoor recreational centre (Tumbalong Park) filled with swings, a free water park for children and sandpits, bicycle charging points where you need to paddle to charge your phone, deckchairs, and table tennis all surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars which aren't very expensive at all.
12:00 After a 30minute rest, we walked over to China Town in Dixon Street, then we made our way to the busy City Centre and walked around the streets. 
13:00 Getting hungry, we stopped at Coronation Hotel, Park Street Bar and ate a very cheap and very good Parmesan and Herb Chicken Schnitzel with Wild Mushroom Sauce and Green Peppercorn for $10 each.
14:00 After lunch we made our way to Hungry Jacks for a $2 Cookies Storm, then walked through Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens. Getting closer, we walked all the way to Macquarie Street, and arrived at the Opera House. Walked up the steps and overlooked the Sydney Bridge, we took a breath in and enjoyed a relaxing spot looking at famous Sydney. Being very much more nice than we thought, we walked around the Circular Quay in Sydney Cove, coming across an aboriginal tribe playing didgeridoo, and also an Italian artist drawing on Canvas. Walked underneath the Sydney Bridge and onto The Rocks, and made our way back down Darling Harbour and Darling Park. Drinking a jug of Tooheys New for $10 at Olivo, the sky was slowly getting dark, with the buildings lightening up slowly. Such a beautiful Harbour City, very much relaxed more than we assumed! Buildings all lit up in the dark with their reflection in the Paramatta River, we made our way back to the car, a good 45mins walk, on the way seeing greyhounds train at the Wentworth Park and running lapses, we drove back to Federal Park to sleep for the night. A total of 7hours walking in total in Sunny Sydney, a 15km round circuit which we couldn't have asked for a better way to sightsee!
          Day86
Didn't look much at the time today! 
Windy 24degrees, by 09:00 we visited the Glebe Library, charged our phones and cameras, and after 4 hours, we just enjoyed the sun in Jubilee Park. Ate Penne with Lamb in Mushroom Sauce, and just watched the sun setting over the Rozelle Bay and Anzac Bridge. Such a relaxed day, and couldn't ask for better weather!
          Day87
10:00 Drove to Haberfield for some cheap fuel, then made our way to Manly Beach, driving on the Sydney Bridge. After getting stuck in traffic in the City Centre, we arrived at the beautiful peninsula. Buying from Coles, we drove around the place to try and find a good bbq spot and a free parking ($8 for 2hours is expensive!).
Arriving at Little Manly Point Park we cooked a 480g Rump Steak ($4.60), 400g Basa Fillet ($2.80) with a good Bavarian Sausage 400g ($6.80). Enjoying a relaxed 23 degrees afternoon opposite Port Jackson, it reminded us very much to our little Sunny Island Malta.
14:30 We drove along Steyne Beach, Curl Curl Beach, Dee Why Beach, and relaxed at Collaroy Beach.
16:20 Up through the Narrabeen Lagoon, enjoyed a good top view of Bungen Beach and walked on Newport Beach and enjoyed the fresh air and waves hitting the rocks. Up through Bilgola Bends and onto Avalon.
18:10 Arrived at an old family's friend, who graciously invited us over to their home, and where we will be spending a weekend looking after their house whilst they are away. 
A roof, a toilet, a bed!! Things we used to take forgranted back in Malta now are a gift from heaven! All four of us made our way to Ibiza, a very summery small restaurant with amazingly good food. Ordering Angus Beef Burger and downing it Crown Lager, we couldn't stop talking about our adventures so far and what we miss from Malta mostly - Hobz biz-Zejt and Fenek!
They took us around a few streets showing us where most important stuff is, and after a nice walk, we headed to Wooly's then back at their house around 21:30, and comfortably snuggled in a warm cosy bed!
           Day88
Living like a king and queen!
Waking up (in a bed!) we washed some clothes we had, and hanged them on a Hills Hoist (a very cool Ozzy rotary clothes line). 
Going for a town walk, we sat down relaxing in the sun watching the surfers ride on waves at Avalon Beach and people swimming at Avalon Rockpool.
We went to Wooly's to buy lunch, then walked back to the house. 
We cooked a beautiful Turkey Leg Roast with Cranberry and Apple Stuffing, potatoes, onions and carrots, then finished off with Bulla Cookies and Cream Tub Ice-Cream. 
Spent the afternoon enjoying the sofa, and relaxing by watching Oz TV, and before we know it, it started getting dark.
We walked to Chamber Cellars, bought x6 XXXX Gold for $14.99, Wooly's for a 170g Doritos ($1.59) and dips including Tzatziki, Hommos, Beetroot Tzatziki, and Roast Capsicum for ($3.17).
Back home, TV on, watching Dark Knight and enjoying a night in. The simple things you miss when on the road!
          Day89
Eating the remaining tub of Ice-Cream for bfast, we walked to the opposite bus stop to catch the L90 bus at 09:36.
11:08 Stopped at York Street, 5minutes walk straight to Darling Harbour. A huge chinese event with street art and vegetarian food tasting, food stalls and art exhibition, monks and a performances on a huge stage celebrating Buddha's Bday. We then chilled at Darling Harbour, and walked around the city, stopping at Park St Bar/Hotel Coronation again buying x2 Steak & Chips with Wild Mushroom and Peppered Sauce and a Tooheys for $28.50. 
Going to Wooly's for some dessert, we walked back to Darling Harbour and enjoyed the sun. Seeing many street performances, one of which was a Japanese breakdancer, we went to Tumbalong Park and continued watching the Chinese celebrations. 16:30 the last Multi Cultured performances finished, so we walked a few hundred metres to get to the bus stop. 
17:02 - 18:25 Very long sleepy bus ride, we didn't pay the $4.50 ride as the machine wasn't working. We got to the house, lazied up on the sofa watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and Hangover II till midnight, stuffing our faces with packets and left over dips.
          Day90 
Andrew (one of our hosts) and his children came back home after the weekend. Discussing what our options were for the day and being invited for dinner tonight, we walked to Woolys, bought some brunch and at 10:20 caught the bus (L90) to Palm Beach. Arriving after 20minutes, we walked down to North Palm Beach and ate there, sinking our feet in sand. 
24degrees, the sky was cloudless and watching surfers ride the waves once again. Having fun picking up small shells and digging holes in the sand, we then made our way some 400m walking on the sand and a 300m incline to get next to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. A challenging short hike (Smugglers track). A 522 step later, we arrived at a beautiful lookout, overlooking all of Barrenjoey Headland, with Pittwater on one side, and the Sea on the other.
13:00 We booked ourselves a $5 per person tour of the lighthouse, and had a very bubbly Lyn - a volunteer - who explained in detail the history and all the people who worked in the lighthouse. Barrenjoey Lighthouse sitting on Sydney's northest point - Barrenjoey Head in Palm Beach was first lit in 1881, and made of sandstone, elevation 113m. We toured the Keeper's house, Oil Room and up on the lighthouse with a magnificent view. An hour later (Lyn enjoyed talking to both of us an extra 20mins after the tour finished), we visited the first Keeper's cemetary, and onto another viewpoint. 
We made our way back down the steps, and along the Pittwater Station Beach, and caught the L90 bus back to the house. Arriving at 15:30, we made our way to Wooly's and BWS for some snacks and a crate of x30 XXXX Gold in Newport and stocked the fridge for a good evening and bbq!
Making us feel very much at home and being guests, we got served a delicious plate of lamb, lamb koftas and corn on a cob just after sunset. Watching the open fire pit, eating Marshmellows with Chocolate Chips and Ice Cream, and relaxing out in the backyard, we made our way to bed around 22:00 after an amazing bbq and spending a typical Australian night!
          Day91
Due to a fault in a high volatge cable, we (along with another 20,000 homes and businesses between Narrabeen and Palm Beach) were left without electricity. We cleaned the car from the inside, and around 12:15, the electricity came back on. Walking to Wooly's but finding all the meats and fridge food had been thrown out, the only butcher available had a sign stating he closed for the day due to the situation. We drove to Newport, however Coles there was also closed, and finally arrived at Mona Vale to get to Wooly's and bought some food.
Back at the house, it was already 14:00! We started cooking and made a delicious plate of Spaghetti with Chicken in Mushroom Sauce, with Mixed Vegetables, Red Capsicum and Snow Peas. 
Eating some Cookies and Cream Ice Cream and adding Chocolate Chips, Natalie (our other host) provided some tips and options were to go when we are bored at home. Having an idea, we decided to make use of our time here, and drive down to Curl Curl Beach and drive along the beaches. 18:15, we packed our stuff in the car, and took off on a 30minute drive South to Mid Curl Curl Beach. Having a $5/hour parking fee in the Flora Reserve, it is however free from 7pm to 7am, and therefore set an early alarm for the next day to wake up and have an excuse to watch the sunrise from the Beach.
          Day92
Three months yesterday already!
Waking up to an alarm at 06:20, we made our way to the beach to watch the sun rise. Not even 7am, there were over 50 surfers riding the waves.
07:30 Making our way up North, we visited Dee Why Beach again. We walked over to Wooly's for some food, but after making our way back to the beach, we realised the bbq's weren't working. Driving a few hundred metres around, we stopped at James Meehan Reserve, overlooking Dee Why Lagoon, and cooked breakfast. Buying $1.70 Garlic Bread, and a $4.50 Jamie Brekky, we cooked the x6 Aussie Beef Chipolata sausages, red onion wedges, tomatoes, a strip of thyme leaves and borlotti and cannellini beans in tomato sauce. 
23degrees, drove off to Long Reef and walked along the Collaroy Beach, all the way to the Long Reef Reserve Point, a thousands-years-old bird sanctuary with travelling birds from the Arctic and who fly over 11,000km. We enjoyed a peaceful nice walk along the coast and on the beautiful rocky beach with the bright green seaweed, and full of fossilised shells.
15:00 Getting hungry, we drove up North to Narrabeen to buy from Wooly's. After an hour driving around, finding all parks and beaches with time restrictions and parking fees, we realised that if we needed a normal park with even just a table, we had to pay $3.70 or $5 per hour. Finding it somehow very cheeky that each place we want to visit we have to pay, we decided to head to Narrabeen Headland Reserve, where it is free to park during the week, but no tables/bbq's/amneties are available. 
Getting out the cooker and cooking between the park and pavement, we managed to cook on the floor and eat on the back of the car. Having a laugh about it, we ate Rice Noodles with Butter Sauce and Chicken, filled with vegetables. Sun slowly setting right behind us, we overlooked the Narrabeen Beach and a beautiful cliff, enjoying some chocolate.
19:00. Getting dark, we drove a few hundred metres south to a lovely spot in North Narrabeen Beach right next to Narrabeen Lagoon at Birdwood Park to stay for the night.
          Day93
Early alarm, and after a walk up to the North Narrabeen Beach and along the Narrabeen Lagoon, we went for a walk down the steps onto Turimetta Beach.
08:00 - Driving up North to hopefully find some free parking with a bbq, we drove to Bayview Park and ate some garlic bread in the sun.
11:00 Passing through Church Point and seeing Scotland Island, we made our way along Pittwater Road onto Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park (South as North had entrance fees), and to Terrey Hills and Ingleside. Relaxing next to Garigal National Park, we then made our way to Bongin Bongin Bay at Mona Vale, and up to Newport. Stopping to Wooly's, we called with regards to lodging tax returns for this year. Advising we can even though we've just been here for 3months, we can either do it online, fill out a paper from the post office or go with a tax agent. Getting all details necessary, we drove up to Avalon, and ended our mini adventure for the time being. 
16:30 From a sunny 16degrees, it went down to 8degrees, windy and rain. Feeling very lucky and a good timing, our hosts went out to have dinner whilst we cooked Rice with Butter Sauce and Lamb. Slouching on the couch, our hosts arrived back and we enjoyed some cartoons with the children, but by 21:00 we were already knackered and went off to bed for a very early wakeup call to work!
          Day94
Waking up at 05:00.

Kirsten:
It was too early to get out of bed before 07:00. 7 degrees outside, drank some warm coffee, did some housework and by 10:00 shopped at Wooly's. After preparing tomorrow's lunch for the both of us and chilling on the sofa, at 12:45 grabbed the beach towel and walked to Avalon Beach. Eating lunch with feet dipped in the sand and watching surfers, I enjoyed the hot sun for about an hour, and went back to the house. Attempting to try and cook an egg in the microwave, I heard a huge BANG, and spent the following 45mins cleaning the pieces of exploded egg all over the microwave. Clearly. Attempt fail.

Leon: 
Eating some cereal, we made ourway to Seaforth assisting Andrew with some labourwork. From uprooting plants, digging trenches, cutting steel, mixing concrete to removing and moving of tiles. 11:15 had a break and ate lunch, then back to work! Finishing at 15:30, we made our way back to the house.
By 16:30, everyone was back home and made our way to an old family's friend in Seven Hills - our host Natalie's mum. 
Around an hour later, some 52km, we got invited inside, met the gorgeous Oscar the Burmese cat and a very cute hyper dog, then drove to the local RSL (Returned Services League).
Eating a Veal Schnitzel with Potato Mash and Chicken Schnitzel with Chips, we enjoyed a great relaxed evening talking about several things from travelling to work to Maltese local food to pronouncing funny Maltese words!
Already 21.30, we drove back to Vanna's house, were given these amazing home- made Australian Apple Muffins, then departed back half asleep to Avalon before we smashed ourselves to sleep on the bed after a long day!

           Day95
Once again an early morning.

Kirsten - Relaxing till the afternoon indoors watching TV due to bad weather.

Leon - Fuelling up on cereal, departed at 06:00 once again and went to Seaforth once again. Continuing on yesterday's work, leveling soil, and preparing the area for concrete, we had an early break by 11, and finished by 14:00. Stopped at Mona Vale Hotel for a couple of well earned beers followed by shopping for tonight's bbq, and headed to the house.

16:00 Everyone at home, we prepared Rocky Roads (a delicious Australian desert melting chocolates over marshmellows and other sweets), danced to "Lets Dance" on the Wii with the children and Natalie, and after a few acrobats, cartwheels and beer, we sat around the open firepit eating lamb koftas, lamb butterfly, sausages and salad, ending with marshmellows. Pitching up the tent in the living room for the children to sleep in during the night, it started raining heavily around 21:30, and before we knew it hit the bed after a long day once again.

          Day96
Wind and rain all day. Relaxed day indoors. We went to Wooly's to buy food for dinner around 16:00, and finally the rain stopped. 
16:30 Switched the bbq on and cooked Pork Mignons with Garlic and Herb Butter, Pork BBQ Glaze Scotch Fillets, Beef Chipolatas with Eggs, Bacon and Chips. Then after Dinner watched TV and hit the bed late.
           Day97
Waking up and making a very healthy bfast - eggs, sausages, bacon, onions and baked beans. Sun out but raining all afternoon, we stayed indoors majority of the time, and then went out for a walk around the town around 15:30. Buying food from Wooly's, we prepared a packed lunch for tomorrow, and cooked a BBQ Meatlovers Pizza and topped it up with leftover sausages, capsicums, bacon and carrots. 
Around 21:00, we walked to the town centre and went for a drink at the local RSL Avalon, signed up for a temporary membership, and spent till around 22:30 drinking beer (Pure Blonde and Carlton Draught) before we headed back to the house.
          Day98
After making some fruit salad (mandarines, and green /red apples), we started packing our stuff, and by 11:30 we hit the road down South to Bondi Beach. 
Stopping at Maroubra, we took a look at a Toyota Landcruiser 1985 which was for sale $2,300, however didn't ask to look at it inside as the rust it had was horrible. We then drove to Glebe - Victoria Street and took a look at another car - Toyota 4Runner for $2000, however not having a bed frame, roofrack and lacking of space, we didn't even consider it aswell. 
Around 14:00, drove to Bondi Beach again, and stayed in the car (parking was $7/hr!) eating a delicious capsicum bread with sausages, bacon and vegetables which we had made yesterday.
Drove to Dunningham Reserve next to Coogee Beach, and chilled there for a while, before we hit to Wooly's, bought some fruit and vegetables, and went to Baker's Delight for bread. 
By 16:30, the sun was almost down, and we decided it was best to start looking for a place where to spend the night. All carparks having a 'No Camping/Overnight Sleep in Vehicles' sign, we kept on driving all the way down to Maroubra, then hit back up to Randwick to Queens Park, where we found a busy road on a main street which had no signs to any of our knowledge. We decided it was a good spot and the only good place to sleep for the night around this area.
          Day99
Dusk - Waking up at 06:00, sun not yet up and everywhere fog. Over 50 people already awake working out, jogging and circuit training. We have realised in general Ozzies live a very healthy life - promoting fresh food and nutrients, and very active! 
We drove to Bondi Junction and parked around a few blocks for free parking (Parking $5/ hour next to Eastgate Shopping Mall). Topping up our credit and buying some few other things, around 08:30 drove to Bondi to go to a very known walk -Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. Parking at Bondi is $7/hr, we therefore parked in Tamarama Beach (free unlimited parking), and made our way up to Bondi Beach and all the way down to Coogee. Passing through Mackenzies Bay, Marks Park, Hunters Park and onto Bondi Beach, we then made our way down to Bronte Park, Waverely Cemetary, Burrows Park, Clovelly Beach, Bundock Park, Dunningham Reserve, and stopped at Goldstein Reserve. The amount of people we saw jogging and walking the dogs along the beautiful coastal walk was incredible. Also seeing many circuit training stops, water stops and beautiful lookouts and information plaques along the way. We had a break and ate some fruit and 0.50c Maccas Ice-Cream Cone, went up to Wooly's for some more fresh fruit, then made our way back up to Tamarama Beach.
13:00 - Hot but not too sunny. Walked a total of 11.89km. We drove to Dover Heights to watch a panorama skyline scene of all Sydney, we then went to Vaucluse - Shark Beach in Nielson Park and made a quick lunch of a bread roll with cucumbers, carrots, bacon, cheese and topped with bbq sauce.
15:10 Buying from Coles and feeding the car petrol (after 12days) in Rose Bay, we then started our long journey to Seaforth. What was meant to be a 20km drive, 25mins, took us at least an hour to pass through Sydney Centre, getting stuck in slow traffic. 
16:30 Looking for a good place to sleep, we visited Manly Dam first, a beautiful Reserve filled with ducks, geese and different types of other birds, however as they close the gate by 17:30, we then made our way some few blocks away to a car park where we prepared tomorrow's lunch. Started raining, we therefore hit the bed early by 18:30 also for an early morning as we have work tomorrow here at Seaforth itself.
           Day One Hundred
Reported to work at 08:00. 
Moving 434 tiles from the front garden to the back garden within 4 hours (40cmx40cmx3cm each - quite heavy), and at 12:00 had our bread roll for lunch. We then spent an hour moving cement sand onto a wheelbarrow and to the back garden in the scorching 24 degrees sun. 
13:45 Left Seaforth and made it down to Bondi again within an hour to see a Holden Jackaroo, which was basically falling apart. Visiting Rose Bay Lyne Park next, we met up with a couple who were selling their Nissan Pathfinder and it interested us very much. Discussing our options and seeing what to do if we end up with two cars, we waited for the traffic to calm down abit before at 17:00 hit the road up to Avalon to stay at our friend's house once again. Stopped at Coles - Newport on our way up, and bought 4 Beef Schnitzels for just $2! Along with x2 salads with cheese and dressing for just 0.20c! What a bargain! Even though they expire today and tomorrow, seeing something 98% off for clearance is a win. 
We arrived at Avalon, prepared tomorrow's work lunch, then cooked the amazingly good and cheap dinner around 20:20, then had a quick shower before we smashed ourselves on the bed.
           Day101
Waking up with muscles aching which we didn't know existed! 05:30 Cheerios bfast, we got driven to Seaforth for the day's landscaping work. The weather was beautiful, and seen the sun rising before getting there.
A total workout. 06:45 started moving cement sand, and the skip came to throw away any rubbish. Moved so many bricks, concrete, re-planted, levelling and clean the soil, move timbers and wood from the back garden to the front and many more. Stopping at noon for lunch, we continued till 14:30 before we called it a day. Muscles not that sore, but scratches, bruises, soil and dirt all over our hands, clothes, face and hair. What an experience! Tiring physically is better than tiring mentally and dealing with computers! We got driven to Dan Murphy's, x30 cans of XXXX Gold for $42.95, then went for a cold beer with Andrew at Newport Arms. Lovely view with the Pittwater and Bayview Rowland Reserve, sun still up after a long tiring day of work.
16:00 Went to Wooly's Avalon and bought a bag filled with fruit and vegetables just for $3. These deals never ceaze to amaze us. Walking to the house, we made bread roll for lunch tomorrow with bacon, salad, sandwich ham, cheese and bbq sauce. Whilst cooking the bacon, smoke filled some of the room, and the fire alarm went mental! Panicking, opened windows, we went outside in the garden, tried calling our hosts to see whether it calls the fire brigade, tried climbing on the chair to see how to stop it but the screeching noise died down. 
20:00 We got served meat and veggie rissoles with beef snags (sausages) with salad, chilled on the sofa till our eyes were nodding off and hit the bed after a long day once again.
          Day102
Waking up at 05:30, and making a quick bfast and out of the house by 06:15, we got to know that it was raining heavily in Seaforth, so we had a day off from work. 
All day raining here in Avalon, we didn't do much all day inside. Rain calming down at around 15:00, we made our way to Newport - Coles, bought some items and made our way back to the house.
We ate Honey and Soy Chicken Rice, then watched some more TV before we hit the bed by 21:30.