This ride was a nice change of scenery, taking us north to just under the New South Wales - Queensland border where the back roads snake through some magnificent forest and pasture. We decided to do this one alone and simply enjoy each other's company and also to catch up with family in the area, however we were later joined by Lance in Nimbin then by Graham at Uralla, who were both on their own rides up north.
Day 1: Map (458 km travelled)
Heading further north up the highway, we take the turn off to Urunga via Hungry Head. Cathy thinks the sign describes herself very well.
You'd pay good money for these Stag Horn ferns at a nursery, but they grow freely in this area.
The big fella couldn't help himself and eventually joined us, just in case he was missing out on something.
Being the Easter Long Weekend, Cath and I were keen to get an early start, so we were off by 7:00am with our first stop at Jerry's Cafe in Kulnura.
Always full of motorcyclists and this morning was no exception.
After breakfast, we made our way through the Hunter Valley via Wollombi.
We stayed off the highway and avoided the Easter traffic. This is the back road from Stroud through to Bulladelah. As you can see , we had the road to ourselves.
We eventually stop for lunch at the Plough Inn, in Bulladelah, which sits on the Myall River.
There is a free camping Area right on the river just across from the pub.
This jetty backs on to the pub's property.
There's a pleasant picnic area adjoining the pub on the river bank. These local geese have free reign of the area and even bring passing traffic to a complete stop while they cross the road.
We have stayed at this pub once and the problem with these feathered friends is that they make a huge racket in the morning ensuring you don't get to sleep in.
This one would go well on the BBQ.
Leaving Bulladelah, we take the Lakes Way through to Forster.
We stop for a quick drink and to stretch our legs.
This lady tries her luck at fishing, with the Forster Tuncurry bridge in the back ground.
The weather was perfect and there was no shortage of holiday makers enjoying the area in the Autumn sunshine.
The local pelicans wait patiently for scraps from the fisherman.
And they still hang around for the next catch.
From Forster, we carry on to Port Macquarie via Ocean Drive, again avoiding the main road and the traffic.
We stay at the Port Macquarie Hotel for the night as we have done before.
After a quick change in to some more active clothes, we head off on a walk. As we have noticed before, the foreshore is lined with painted rocks which looks quite odd to me, however each one has a differant story to tell by various visitors to the area.
This board walk leads to a lookout over looking the point.
It was a cloudy afternoon but luckily no rain.
Even the signs are trying to tell me something.
More painted rocks.
The first day ended with dinner and a few quiet drinks, while we put our bike to bed under the staircase lock up.
Day 2: Map (423 kms travelled)
The next morning we were on the road again quite early. Unfortunately today's riding included quite alot of highway riding which we usually avoid but them's the breaks. Here we stop for a short rest in Macksville on the Nambucca River.
It just so happens there was a small market on but no room for purchases on the bike.
This bridge crosses the river in Macksville.
Then it was on to Nambucca Heads. The weather looked bad but still no rain.
Cathy enjoying the scenery out to sea.
Just a few minutes later it lightened up.
Then it was up to the headland lookout.
While our bike waits patiently.
We watch the worst of the cloud head out to sea.
We can't help but stop for a pic out side one of our favourite pubs. The Ocean View Hotel, Urunga. This pub is bike friendly and provides a lock up garage to secure your bike. It stands just across the road from the water and serves very good quality meals, but you have to get in early at holiday time to beat the tourists.
Urunga sits on the Kalang River in northern NSW.
Always quiet and peaceful.
This bridge takes the Pacific Highway across the Kalang River in Urunga.
Bridges are plentiful in the Northern Rivers area of NSW.
This old yacht sits quietly on the bank.
These old boats are so full of character.
This fish cleaning table sits adjacent to the boat ramp at Urunga.
We then head further up the coast passing through Coffs Harbour when we spot a sign to a look out and decide to take the road up the mountain, past several banana plantations, to check it out.
We reach the top and find this Sky Pier.
By this time the skies have cleared and became quite hot.
The view over Coffs Harbour was quite spectacular.
Why is it that every time I ask someone with a fancy camera to take a pic of us with our little Canon, they always seem to stuff it up? More us, less sky would be nice.
The vegetation in the area is so lush and green.
We then head off to Grafton for lunch before heading off toward Lismore. At lunch. I check out Google Maps and find this road less travelled that follows the banks of the Clarence River.
Just over a lane wide and unmarked, this road was so scenic and quiet. A pure pleasure to find.
At the end is the bridge at Harwood.
Passing through Lismore we visit the tiny hamlet of The Channon. We'd never heard of it but it sits just out side Nimbin and another stunning little place to visit.
This is typical of the roads in this area, passing through sub tropical bushland and farmlands.
An old shed slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
The Channon Tavern was to be a final rest break to enjoy a drink and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the area, but the weather was turning so we made it a quick stop to stretch our legs and move on to our accomodation for the night.
More of those fantastic roads.
Finally we make it to Nimbin Rocks Retreat for the night.
For just $80 we got undercover parking, a kitchenette, tv, en suite, pool and clean comfortable bed for the night.
Still time before the rain arrives. we explore the grounds of the retreat.
Chickens roam freely around the property.
So much lush green grass for these cattle to feed on.
These two took exception to being photographed.
This old milk urn serves well as a letter box, just across the road.
Back at the retreat, these stables now serve as a garage and work shop.
They think of everything for their guests. Here you can enjoy a leisurely swing while waiting for an emergency to pass.
The rain still hadn't arrived so we jumped back on the bike to check out Nimbin Rocks.
Formed over 20 million years ago, left over from an eruption.
Then across the road..... is that a tee pee???
Yep its a tee pee. Funny place, Nimbin.
Here's a very young one, just starting out.
One last pic before a storm hit, soaking the area.
Day 3: Map (397 kms travelled)
The next morning, we were met with rain, so it was on with our wet weather gear and on to the Nimbin Bakery for breakfast where we met with our mate Lance.
Nimbin is interesting to say the least.
Well known for it's high marijuana consumption, it has now become a tourist attraction. Actually, just watching some of the locals was quite amusing. The bakery is superb though.
After breakfast we road the Summerland Way to Grafton. The rain cleared after the first hour and riding once again was a pleasure on dry roads.
No shortage of police on the roads over Easter.
Just outside Grafton, we take a break at this tavern.
A cool beer on a humid day.
From Grafton, we take Armidale road to Ebor.
Another scenic road, free from holiday traffic.
Rolling in to Ebor, we have a light lunch at this road house. Not much to look at but it did the job.
After lunch, it was off to see Ebor Falls a few minutes down the road.
We've visited before, but just can't pass without stopping for a look see.
We thought they'd be running a little more after the recent rain but it wasn't to be.
Typical of the area is the abundance of mosses growing on the trees.
This macro shot shows how interesting these little plants actually are.
We arrive at the Thunderbolt Inn at Uralla in the afternoon
Another great pub in country NSW.
This breakfast bar is complimentary when staying at the Inn,
The pub provides under cover parking for our bikes.
This area is famous for the bush ranger Captain Thunderbolt, famous for being the longest roaming bush ranger after escaping from Cockatoo Island.
After a walk about town we settle in to watch the footy with Lance.
Graham also caught up with us this evening and here we walk up the road to a second pub for dinner together. Look how excited we are to go to eat food ........ again.
Oh look, Lance can take a pic of us and it is quite centred.
Always good to share an evening with good friends.
Day 4: Map (542 km travelled)
On our last day, we all woke quite early, had breakfast and loaded the bikes for our trip home.
Cathy had spotted a sign to a lookout over the town so we left Graham behind and rode up with Lance to check it out. What a view the magpie had.
Another perfect crisp clear country morning.
On our way out of town, the fog was quite thick as we could see from the look out.
Old mate magpie had a couple of friends. That's a wing on the right.
Nothing to see here Graham.
A group shot before we head off.
Leaving Uralla, we fuel up in Walcha then carry on to Gloucester via the Thunderbolt's Way. Climbing over the ranges we come across yet another lookout.
"Yeah yeah seen it all before" so Graham inspects his bike ..... yep it's still a BMW mate.
Cathy strikes a pose ....... yes her head still looks big in this.
A view in to the valley.
Close up. I'm pretty sure we rode through that fog. Not much fun while you're looking out for kangaroos, and you're the lead rider.
The road through here is lots of fun and in good condition for most part.
Approaching Gloucester, we cross the Barrington River.
I simply love these old wooden bridges.
Sadly they're being replaced by lifeless concrete ones.
A differant angle to make Graham look taller.
Arriving in Gloucester, it was time for a break at Roadies cafe.
From Gloucester, we ride through the Buckets Way to Dungog then on to Singleton to refuel and finally lunch at Bulga.
I notice this interesting sticker on Graham's pannier .... well he does eat quite alot !
The Cockfighter Tavern is in a serene spot with nothing around but sadly the food has become very average of late under new management. It is however in the perfect spot for a break before taking on the Putty road.
Lunch before we say our goodbyes to two great riding buddies.
This ride was fantastic. What started off as being a solo ride for just Cathy and I, for the first two days became a small group ride with good mates for the third and fourth days. We saw some of the best roads and scenery that NSW has to offer while getting away from the disorganised noise that is Sydney. Lance and Graham both took off on their own rides in the area as did we, but it's always fun to catch up on the road for the mateship and the support.
I have started a new group on Face Book called "Motorcycle Touring NSW" which I hope will attract like minded riders to join us on future rides and already we have a good number heading out to Hill End for the weekend in April. Something to look forward to.
