Aussie Road Trip, Australia: Australia is a road-rich country compared to the other countries in the world. Australia has huge deserts and beautiful coastlines that attract travellers. There are lots of different roads in Australia, from fast freeways to remote tracks in the outback. Each of these roads has unique objectives and distinguishing features. Types of Roads in Australia are Freeways, Ramps, Major Highways, Minor Highways, Primary Streets, Streets, Special-Purpose Roads... Road transport is an element of the Australian transport network, and contributes to the Australian economy. Wikipedia
We got to this tiny opal mining town late in the afternoon but just in time to visit one of the few open places, Joe’s World Class Opals at the stubbie house.
We also drove to the now defunct solar power station. It was so hot by now (early 40s) that we stayed in the car to read the info and only got out briefly to take photos!
After that we needed a refreshing beer (or two), plus a lot of water, before setting off at twilight for a walk with the galahs, along the areas where it was harder to take the car.
A post shared by Helen Nias (@helennias) on Jan 15, 2018 at 2:21pm PST
As the sun set and the light in the sky faded, we started to admire the beautiful starry sky. I’ve seen stars that clearly before in other parts of the south pacific, but I’d never before been somewhere so flat, where you can see them reach the horizon around you in all directions. It’s incredible.
The next morning we stopped by Southern Cross Opals before setting off on the next leg of our trip. We were very grateful that Dick, the owner, was so helpful and informative about opal mining and what life is like as an opal miner. His shop is underground in a dugout, which is literally really cool. It was a much more comfortable temperature than outside where it reached 45 degrees.
It’s clear I’m a bit behind with my posts. First, I was busy packing and saying goodbye to the city I love. And, then, I was lying on the beach in Palm Cove without Wi-fi (or a care in the world). So, hopefully, you can understand why this post and the ones that follow it are the tiniest bit out of sync with my activities.
My final weekend alone in Australia, I went on a road trip through the Southern Highlands. I visited Bowral, Fitzoy Falls, Robertson, and Carrington Falls all before taking a roller coaster of a ride down Jamberoo Mountain Road to Jamberoo and returning to Sydney. This trip was tremendous fun and a monumental achievement because the driver...was me!
I think most of my American friends and family are aware of this, but perhaps some of you aren’t – the Aussie’s drive on the left side of the road like the British. This means, everything is opposite, and what your instincts tell you is invariably wrong. Thankfully, one of the BDO Sydney partners gave me some great advice that probably saved my life (and the lives of several others): Hard left, soft right. Every time I made a turn I silently chanted, ‘Hard left, soft right,’ and it worked. I returned home unscathed.
My sweet ride - a Nissan Micra.
Bowral was a charming little town full of shops and cafes. I had a delicious late breakfast at Raw and Wild Café and then lazily walked through town along Bong Bong Street (Yes, Bong Bong Street!). I stopped for a cappuccino – not nearly as good as my favorite coffee shop in Sydney, but then again, nothing is. I also spent an inordinate amount of time in lovely little store called A Touch of Tea. This isn’t exactly a shocker, though the place deserves a mention for its variety of teas and accessories.
Fitzroy Falls had tremendous potential, but alas, the lack of rain meant it was a bit underwhelming. The view down the valley was still impressive, though. And so were the gorgeous green ferns that lined the pathway to the viewing platform.
Fitzroy Falls...or more appropriately, Fitzroy Dribble.
Serious yum...makes me want to bake a pie!
Carrington Falls was a gamble. No one mentioned it in their recommendations, and my guidebook only had the tiniest blurb. But it ended up being the best part of my day.
Carrington Falls, which drops 50 metres down into the gorge.
When I realized I could easily and (somewhat) safely climb to the top of the falls, I had to do it!
View down the gorge from the top of Carrington Falls.
Walking on water? Nah, just playing in it like a five year old.
