Day 6 - Gloucester

Our last day in Gloucester and first stop was the Roadies Cafe for morning tea…

Some interesting displays - then a walk around town & Faye found some clothes!!

Bought some lunch and then did a road trip loop to Bundook - first stop was at a lookout over Gloucester - last 2 photos above.

It is the Gloucester River in the photos. After getting back to town went for a drive along the Barrington East Road which runs behind the Bucketts.

Back to the van around 3.30pm for a rest. It is beautiful country around here - everywhere you look.

Coming home tomorrow.

Day 5 - Gloucester

A sleep in this morning before going to SALT (Seniors at lunch together or Singing and laughing together).

The Church does it once a month with singing (today was songs from the 60’s - eg Beatles) and they had a roast chicken dinner and dessert - all for $8. Also have a speaker - today was Bob Clunas (who was a high school teacher when we lived there) - spoke on Easter. There were heaps of people - about 80% not from the church. They did it very well.

After a quick drive around town…

Our kids may remember the schools….

Then did a drive along Bucketts Road which runs between the town & the Bucketts.

Still here tomorrow so will do a drive on the eastern side of town.

Day 4 - Gloucester

The reason we came to Gloucester at this time was to attend the 75th Anniversary of the Baptist Church which was held this morning.

It was a great time and they had over 100 people who had returned to Gloucester for the occasion. The Church was packed and we caught up with many of our past and ongoing friends.

Had lunch at the Church and they had so much food!

Back to the van around 3pm so had a rest for a while and then went for a walk around Gloucester Park…

The 4th photo is a Human Sundial - Ken tried it & it was correct!



Tomorrow we are having lunch at the church at a ministry called S.A.L.T (Seniors At Lunch Together) - they usually get 70/80 who are mostly from the community.

Day 3 - Gloucester

A big day as we went up to Barrington Tops National Park - this time via the Scone road.

First stop was for morning tea at Cobark Lookout…

Then to a couple of other lookouts…

Next stop was at Polblue Swamp…

Next stop was at The Firs…

Then to the end of the N/P at the Dingo Gate where the roads drops down into the Hunter Valley.

Turned around and back to Honeysuckle Picnic area for a late lunch.

Then a side trip to the headwaters of the Manning River before heading back to Gloucester.

Arrived back around 4pm - approx 170kms. The road was sealed to the N/P boundary & the rest was in pretty good condition.

Day 2 - Gloucester

This morning we had morning tea with Malcolm & Gloria Sopher in a local cafe. Then had a look at the ex Westpac building (now a Saddlery)….

Westpac closed in 2000.

Then a quick lunch at the van and this afternoon did a trip to Gloucester Tops (checked with Tourism people as there are several crossings of Gloucester River along the way). The highest was 30 cms so no problem for Izzy - but the river was still flowing swiftly after recent rain.

At Gloucester Tops did a walk for an hour or so to a lookout…

Even at that height 1200m the river was flowing.

Then back to Gloucester - came back through Rawdon Vale.

A quick visit to Woolies (Faye wanted Ice Cream!!!).

Day 1 of short visit to Gloucester

Left home at 10am with morning tea at a rest area where there was a coffee van…

Then onto Gloucester for a late lunch after settling in at the caravan park.

The countryside is so green…

After lunch we did a walk around the main street.

Last photo was where we lived for 3 years - 1979 to 1982. And the Buckett’s are still a highlight.

We are a little sad that the town is looking very neglected - we suspect that is because there is no local Council these days - all part of a big Council following enforced amalgamations  a few years ago.

Roads are a mess in the beautiful park. Main street is dirty with seats & bins not maintained. And the caravan park is not in a good condition.

We are here for 6 nights. The main purpose of the visit is to attend the 75th Anniversary of Gloucester Baptist Church on Sunday.

Will do some driving into Barrington Tops some days.

Day 14 - Berry

For our last day before heading home we went up & over the mountains to Kangaroo Valley. A lovely valley and small town…

A feature that Kangaroo Valley is so well known for - the Hampden Bridge.

It is a suspension bridge which was opened in 1898.

Then went to Bendeela Rec Area and along the way found these wombats - that made Faye very happy!

We  didn’t realise that there were 2 hydro electricity generators here. It also operates as a pumped hydro scheme & is operated by Origin Energy. The water storage is also for some supply to Sydney water.

Then back towards Berry and had lunch at the Cambewarra Lookout which looks over the Shoalhaven area & river.

It was a little hazy so photos not real clear.

Back to the van for a rest. Leaving here in the morning and going home to finish this brief 2 week holiday.

Ken has medical appointments from Thursday until next Wednesday so the plan is to then go to Gloucester for a few days leaving Thursday.

Thanks for coming along with us.

Day 13 - Berry

First up today was to walk the shops….and Faye did find some clothes.

Had morning tea at Berry Chocolatier. Then bought lunch at The Bakery followed by donuts from The Donut Van…

Some photos…

Lots of historic buildings.

 Had lunch at the van then drove to Seven Mile Beach followed by Shoalhaven Heads.

Back to town with a visit to The Treat Factory & the adjoining Dairy Bar. Great gelato & purchased some very sweet things for later.

Heaps of calories consumed today!

Day 12 - Berry

Not a lot to talk about today. Left South Durras at 10am with next stop at Ulladulla to do some food shopping and have morning tea.

Then gave Izzy a drink at Bomaderry and then to Berry. Staying at Berrry Showground for 3 nights.

Only photos today…

Lots of traffic today & very slow in places.

Day 11 - Murramarang National Park

After breakfast just a short drive to walk the nearby Wasp Head…

At the headland a good view over Wasp Island…

Then back to the park for morning tea at the cafe.

Whilst there had a great talk with a guy and his daughter. He is from Germany who is visiting his daughter for her graduation from Uni next week in Canberra. Her mother is Australian. His job is the architect for St Peter Cathedral in Regensburg. It opened in 1550 but extensive work is always being done.

Then walked the adjoining beach around Wobbegong Bay…

Back to the cafe for takeaway fish & chips for lunch.

Then a restful afternoon.

Leaving here tomorrow & have a booking at the Berry Showground for 3 nights until home on Wednesday. 

Day 10 - Murramarang National Park

Today was to explore different parts of the National Park - mainly using fire trails. 

But first had morning tea at the Park - they have a bistro & takeaway shop.

Then had a look at South Durras - close to where we are staying…

Then went to North Head via some fire trails which were in good condition.

Overlooking the water were 2 Fishery rangers using a drone to find illegal fishing as in front of the beach and past the islands is protected waters. 

Then went to Honeysuckle Beach where Faye founds stones/rocks!!

Made her leave some bigger ones!

Then did a loop around Durras Lake to Durras North.

Then a bit further north to Pebbly Beach (but no pebbles on the beach…)

Had a lovely talk to a couple from USA (Philadelphia) having a 3 week holiday here. They were very intrigued with the kangaroos.

Back then to the van - with an ice cream for lunch & an afternoon rest. The Park is filling up at present for the weekend - & everyone has kids…

Still here tomorrow.