Autumn in NSW is our favourite time of year to go touring on the bike, that is, after the rains have cleared. The temperatures are very pleasant and the skies are so blue and clear. Riding in country NSW, particularly in the cool crisp mornings, puts us on such a high.
Cath and I did this one alone and combined the ride with a visit to our friends Merv and Julie who are now living in lovely Nelson Bay and loving it.
Day 1: Map (404 km travelled)
We woke up to a perfect Autumn morning and set off at 7:30am. From home, we made our way to Bell's Line of Road and out of Sydney. As per usual, due to its handy position and great views over Hartley Valley, our first stop for a break was The Monkey Creek Cafe outside Lithgow.
Our Beemah sat proudly and very clean, but not for long.
This sculpture of a crane must have been photographed thousands of times. Ah well, one more wont hurt.
Cathy enjoying a milk shake in the sunshine.
We then made our way through Lithgow then along the Castlereagh Highway to our next photo stop at Pearson's Lookout, overlooking Caper Tree Valley.
This valley is the second largest enclosed valley in the world after the Grand Canyon, although it is a kilometre wider, it isn't as deep.
A valley as spectacular as this and I'll bet not many Australians even know about it and it's grandeur.
The views are spectacular.
Leaving, the lookout, we then make our way to Rylstone, via the stunning Bylong Valley Way.
Rylstone is one of many beautiful towns dotted in the Hunter Valley wine region.
This was our lunch stop at the Rylstone Pub.
I have stayed here not so long ago and great place to visit, it is.
After lunch, we had the choice of continuing along the Bylong Valley Way or to continue on to Mudgee then turn off on to Ulan Road. We took the latter and to be honest, we were much better off to continue on the Bylong as it is much more picturesque.
After a distance, Ulan road turns to dirt, which is quite often a good thing, however, this road runs behind huge ugly coal mines in the region.
This mine has absolutely demolished a huge chunk of the Hunter Valley. How they were ever allowed to do so is beyond me.
A close up of one fo the large dump trucks used in the mine.
Eventually we came off the Ulan Road and back on to the Bylong Valley Way.
Back to motorcycle heaven.
The Bylong Valley has stunning scenery, wineries and farm land right through it. Typical of the Hunter Valley Region.
Soon we arrive in Denman. This is the Denman Hotel with the Grapevine Motel behind it on the same property.
The Motel side of the business is run by the Father of the family while his son runs the pub. How convenient?
Close up, our bike sits filthy under cover after the travelling the dirt road.
The pleasant beer garden sits at the side of the pub.
After a quick change of clothes, we set off for a walk about town. We have ridden through Denman once before but never stayed. This walk way runs along the lagoon in town.
As with every town, a lovely old church, oozing with character.
This is the main street of town.
Another quiet but tranquil country town, just as we like it.
Facing west as the sun begins to set on a great day riding.
The next morning, we were off and back on the bike at 8:00am. The early crisp but sunny day, made for a great experience of freedom on the bike as we rode through kilometre after kilometre of farmland along the upper Hunter Valley.
With only one rest in between, we eventually found our way in to Nelson Bay on the Mid North Coast of NSW, and to visit our friends Merv and Julie.
After a chat and catching up with the latest news, they took us for a walk down to the harbour.
Summer is over, however there was no shortage of tourists enjoying the sun and sand of Nelson Bay.
It just so happens that markets were on down by the bay.
And just in time for lunch.
We all chose this food van that created some fantastic burgers of all types. I chose the slow cooked sweet potato burger. Absolutely delicious without one bit of meat.
After a bite to eat, it was time for a walk around the harbour, and what a perfect day!
And my favourite, the fishing boats.
Merv showing us the points of interest along with his secret fishing spots.
Looking back in to the harbour from the entrance.
This walkway follows the break wall around the harbour front.
And finally, fishing baskets adorn the wharf next to the fish market.
Leaving our mates in Nelson Bay, we made our way home the quickest, most efficient way home on the boring old freeway. We always try to avoid this however, to avoid riding at night we had the need.
