This was a long awaited ride, as Covid restrictions began to ease and we could travel again with some confidence. Although the weather forecast along the way wasn't ideal, we were committed and determined to take the chance and get back out on the road.
Days 1&2: Map (584km travelled)
With the big girl loaded, we were now excited to get under way and make our way to meet up with Phil and Irene, before leaving from their place together the next morning.
As always, we take the tourist drives, which make for a much more interesting ride. Today we took the road through Kangaroo Valley and Jambaroo.
The next morning, we saddle up with these two on their Harley.
We ride on through to the Halfway Cafe on the Putty Road. A very biker friendly place in the perfect position for a break.
The cafe has this huge chook wandering around in the paddock.
Always good to get of the bike for a break and a chat.
At the northern end of the Putty, is 16km of bends to enjoy on the bike, and being a week day, there was very little traffic.
At the end of the Putty, is the little town of Bulga, just outside Singleton. As we didn't have a big day ahead of us, we took the chance for another break and a chat.
And an ice cream.
Moving on, it was clear that this area still needed much more rain.
Hi Phil !
Here we stop to say hi to a friend of Phil's in the middle of nowhere. He seems to know everyone, this bloke.
More waiting for road works.
Yes, we're still here Irene.
Eventually, we roll into Dungog for lunch at the Tin Shed Brewery.
They do a good job here and worth stopping by for a drink and bite to eat.
The large brewing tanks are on show for all to see.
After lunch we head on through to Booral and catch sight of the tallest home in the Southern Hemisphere.
The country side looks so good after some much needed rainfall.
Phil returns after inspecting the shrubs nearby.
The girls would have liked to do the same but weren't equipped.
We arrive in Bulladelah and venture out for a walk.
"mwaaah"
Bulladelah isn't a huge place but pretty just the same.
The local pub serves a nice meal.
Returning back to the Motel from the back.
The motel was nothing flash but it was clean and comfy. Breakfast was also included.
Days 3,4&5: Map (628 km travelled)
Today, we leave Bulladelah to visit Cathy's family in Forster, while Phil and Irene ride on to Harrington, where we would meet up in the afternoon.
The lakes Way is always a pleasure on the bike.
Smith's Lake is always nice for a stop look.
So tranquil with no people around.
A little further on, we stop at Green Point for another photo opportunity.
Once again, no one around.
We eventually make it in to Forster and visit family for a few hours before heading on to Harrington to meet back up with the guys.
We park up just as Phil and Irene return from a walk and swim at the beach, and soon head off for a walk to the breakwall.
We simply love how casual life is along the coast.
The old pub in Harrington is also great for a meal, right on the water.
Getting closer to the break wall, we find a number of these carved statues.
The break wall is great for a walk and to fish off.
Cathy races ahead as usual.
This is the opening in the wall, to allow the tides to their thing.
Here, you can see the current rushing in to the inlet.
The next morning, Irene and Phil decide to cut the trip short as the weather seemed to be getting unfavourable. We were to travel the Oxley Hwy together and spend the night in Walcha, so instead, Cath and I decide to pass through Walcha and carry on to Moree for an extra night, figuring if we were going to get wet, we may as well get it over with on the one day.
It turned out that the rain didn't last that long and we had a great day's ride.
As we reached the top of the Oxley, the fog was getting thicker and thicker. At one point, visibility would have been limited to just 20 metres.
We stopped to refuel in Walcha then rode on to Bingara for lunch at the bakery.
Such a small town that makes me wonder what people do with their time here.
With the weather being somewhat kind to us, we ride on and begin to finally see signs to Moree.
After quite a long slog on the bike, we finally roll in to town.
And into this motel for two relaxing nights off the bike.
And just across the road from the Artesian hot water pools.
These pools were perfect for our tired bodies to loosen up in.
The water jets made for a perfect massage.
We slept very well that night and woke the next morning to take a walk around the town.
It became apparent, that apart from the pools, there sadly isn't much to Moree at all. This surprised us as Moree is often talked about by travellers.
Along our walk we pass this noisy colony of fruit bats.
Days 6,7&8: Map (961 km travelled)
Our final night in Moree was spent at the local club watching the NRL grand final over dinner, before leaving for Dubbo the next morning.
A quick photo stop in Bellata.
And it's huge wheat silos.
We ride on through Narrabri before taking a lunch break in Coonabarabran.
A pleasant looking town but unfortunately we had little time to explore.
Still over 150km to Dubbo.
Passing through Mendooran.
This whole area is new riding for us, so these small towns were great to see.
Almost there.
We spent the night in Dubbo, where I got the opportunity to catch up with an old school friend that I haven't seen in 41 years, when we were just kids. It was a great experience and well worth the effort to reconnect.
The next morning we were back on the bike for the ride to Sydney to also visit good friends Michael and Rita
Passing through Mudgee. Always a great place to visit and a very pretty town.
Leaving Mudgee, the pastures were covered in these beautiful flowers.
Close up.
We spend a lovely evening with our friends before heading home the next morning. As we leave Kiama we stop to admire the gateway to the beautiful South Coast. Great to be back home.
