Nelligen Overnighter

This was the Father's Day weekend and the ride resulted after our initial plans fell through and got postponed. Sometimes things just work out well when they're not planned and this ride was one of them. We have often passed the little village of Nelligan, just west of Bateman's Bay, and wanted to stay a night and look around. This was our opportunity to do just that.

Day 1: Map  (303 km travelled)

So we took off down the highway and here we have a coffee stop in Goulburn.

Time was on our side, as we only had just over 300km to ride all day, so we decided to visit the War Memorial while we were in Goulburn. As you can see, it's propped up on to of a hill and this shot was taken on the approach at the bottom.

We first visited this place around 11 years ago while on a road trip with my boys but well worth a second and third go, as the views over Goulburn are spectacular.

This ramp takes you up to the memorial from the car park.

The view from the car park was great too.

As you can see, the weather was stunning and the beginning of Spring.

And the Aussie flag sits proudly at the top.

This sign sits above the door way.

This is the view from the base of the tower. 

Just inside, is this plaque and remembrance flame.

This was the first time that the memorial was open when we were visiting, so we took the opportunity to climb the staircase to the top. Note all the historical photos on the walls.

Reaching the top, we come to the observatory. Great views but the doors were locked shut unfortunately.

Looking down to the ground floor.

Leaving Goulburn we ride on through Lake Bathurst. We noticed lots of spring lambs and cattle calves through all the paddocks, adding to the brilliance of this time of year.

Just a little further on, we arrive in Tarago.

The Tarago pub, also known as the Loaded Dog, where we have stayed a couple of times

Here we arrive at the King's Highway, where we turn left to head in to Braidwood for lunch.

The town has been around for a while apparently.

In the nearby paddock, you can see a few of those little lambs I mentioned earlier.

After a light lunch, we decide to take a walk through Braidwood.

We've ridden through a number of times, but sometimes it pays to slow down and take a closer look. 

What a fantastic idea ! Actually, I believe all Australian pubs offer this service. :) 

At the other end of town, we find this lovely stone church.

It's character inside, typical of churches in the country.

It's beautiful, rather large bell stood separately to the side. A gift to the church as explained in the pic below.

Eventually we leave Braidwood and enjoy the King's Highway with it's fresh tarmac and lovely windy bends. Great fun on the bike, and arrive at the Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen.

Not a bad little Hotel and the rooms have their own bathrooms. The publican also locked the bike away for us for the night.

This gives you an idea of where Nelligan is.

Nelligan is tiny, consisting of a post office, general store...

A cafe .....

and a boat ramp.

And this wharf for those travelling up the Clyde River by boat.

Such a peaceful and tranquil spot. The water was so calm.

This is the Nelligen Bridge over the Clyde River.

And then we find the original Steam Packet Hotel.

These two fellas trying their luck at fishing off the wharf.

An information board. Always good reading.

Another view of the bridge.

Then this old dead tree with it's own dark history.

And then a walk across the bridge.

Looking back to the town from the bridge. Yes, that's all of it.

Looking down the Clyde River.

On the other side, looking back to the town.

Pity the weather was overcast. This pic would have been so much better.

Back at the pub, we chose this corner for a few drinks together.

Funnily enough, the more I drank, the more bullshit flowed freely from my mouth to anyone who'd listen. Mainly poor Cathy.

This is the real reason we chose the seat. A lovely fire right next to it.

Although the weather was warm during the day, it got quite cool in the evening.

Day 2: Map  (296 kms travelled)

As the pub didn't offer breakfast, the next morning, we decided to head off down the road and on to Mollymook to our favorite cafe. First we stop at Ulladulla Harbour for a couple of pics near the boat ramp.

The local bird life were putting on a show this morning. 

That solitary pelican seemed to oversee the boats in the harbour.

Close up and such a beautiful bird.

We drop by our block before heading for breakfast. Almost ready to lay the slab, at long last.

This is the Beach Hut Cafe in Mollymook, just a stone's throw away from our future home and a favourite among locals and visitors alike. As you can tell, it's right on the beach and in season, you can see whales pass by and also pods of dolphins.

Unfortunately, it was overcast this morning, but our helmets seemed to enjoy the beach anyway.

Looking north toward Bannister Head.

The surf club sits adjacent to the cafe.

Leaving Mollymook we ride further north and have another brief break in Gerringong.

Another south coast gem.

These two fishermen decide to give it up, considering the water getting a bit rough.

Eventually we make it to Wollongong to meet up with my son Daniel and his lovely girlfriend, Angelica for Father's Day lunch.

 They took us to Dicey Riley's Irish pub, close to their home.

It was great to catch up with them and the meals were fantastic.

After lunch, we were taken for a little tour around their area. This was a lookout at Mount Kembla that looks over Wollongong.

The sun came out finally and that's Mount Kiera to the left.

Looking down to Wollongong Harbour.

And Lake Illawarra to the south.

That's Port Kembla in the background.

Cathy and I enjoying the moment.

The lovely couple who are off on a well deserved cruise later this month.

Another enjoyable weekend away on the bike, even though we did it alone this time, sometimes it's nice to kick back and enjoy each other's company.