Pt Macquarie, Urunga, Forster 4 Day Ride

What a cracker of a ride this was!

We had ridden this area last year but this time it was much more enjoyable with good friends to keep us company and with great knowledge of the area and surrounds. This meant we got to see several out of the way gems we probably would have passed and missed out on. The weather this time of year was superb to say the least and as always the Scooter didn't let us down.

A big thanks to Rob who led us on day 3. Without your local knowledge, we would have missed some great country side and roads. Cant wait to ride with you again one day.

Day 1: Map (431 kms travelled)

This morning we met Graham, Ed and Barry at Berowra for an 8:30 start, with the exception of Lance , who left from Penrith and met us at Broke in the Hunter Valley.

We travelled through to Broke in the Hunter Valley, via Peats Ridge and Wollombi. This is a pic of a little general store in Laguna, typical of the area.

A local artist in the area creates these types of creatures of all descriptions. These are some giant ants made from old bits of junk.

Here we have a short break in the historical village of Wollombi.

 It just so happened that it was their market day and this normally quiet little village was crawling with tourists

Religious or not, you just have to love the character of these old churches.

Here we meet Lance at Broke.

Funnily enough, we were only minutes apart.

Myself, Lance and Graham enjoying the perfect weather and surrounds.

From Broke, we all carried on to Stroud for lunch.

One of our favourite Hunter Valley towns.

We also met friends, Mick and Christina, on their way back from a ride of their own

These guys are in to Adventure Touring, and as you can see, they pack their bikes accordingly.

Travelling from Stroud to Bulahdelah along the back road we come across this curious structure, just popping up in the middle of nowhere.

Actually, we have seen it before on a drive through the area with friends, Pat and Michelle.It turns out to be Australia's tallest privately owned residence, if not the tallest in the southern hemisphere. It;s called Girvan Estate and recently sold to the Singleton Family. Talk about wanting a good view !

Finally we arrive at Bulahdelah.

We stop for a break by the river. That's the pub on the other side.

Here you can hire houseboats on the Myall River.

Nice shot of the wharf owned by the pub. I wonder if the water police conduct breath testing here ?

A few locals enjoying the sunshine

From Bulahdelah we make one final push to Port Macquarie to spend the night at this pub by the water.

The bikes were tucked away in this handy little out of the way area.

In this picture, you can see just how close to the water this pub was.

We all unpacked and some of us went out to explore the water front just as the sun was beginning to set.

The entire walkway out to the ocean is lined with rocks that have been painted with various messages. I cant decide whether I like it or not. Bizarre really.

Our walks allow us to not only get some exercise but also to get a better look at the places we visit.

This one tickled my fancy.

Here's a few sunset shots. Mostly looking inward from the ocean.

The colours are superb.

A little closer.

Come on, smile Cath !

It was a warm evening and the atmosphere was peaceful.

This was an "arty farty" attempt.

This pub was quite good in an excellent position. It was clean and comfortable and the food was good while the drinks were nice and cold. Tonight we met up with Rob, another NSW Riders member who joined us for days 2 and 3. His local knowledge of the area proved to be priceless, not to mention his companionship.

Day2: Map (417 kms travelled)

After a quick walk this morning, we packed the bikes and met up with each other for breakfast just outside the pub. Rob was there to meet us bang on time.

So this morning we now had six bikes on the trip.

The view and surrounds doesn't get much better than this.

Oh look there's us !

After a fuel stop in Wauchope, we just had to stop for a pic outside Timbertown.

The Oxley Highway. When we did this similar ride last year, there was some cloud about which created alot of heavy mist up in the mountains. Visibility was poor and I spent my time concentrating on not dropping the bike. It wasn't as enjoyable and proved to be hard work. This time however, the weather was perfect and we were able to relax alot more and truly enjoy and take in the scenery.

I love these old iron bridges crossing the various rivers in the region.

This pic was taken just adjacent to the bridge. If that grass grows any longer, the posty won't find the letterbox.

After we stopped to photograph the previous 2 pics, the other boys went ahead and Ed took this pic of us arriving at the rest area. 

Close up.

A rest after 45 odd kms of 25 and 35 km bends. Hard work but we passed great scenery.

This is a typical scene on the Oxley.

Enjoying the sunshine and a bit of chatter, it was hard to get going again.

Rob led the next leg and took us to Apsley Falls.

This entire area is dotted with waterfalls and gorges just like this but many of them have dirt road access only.

Cathy and Ed take the walk down to the lower lookout.

Group shot. (Ed's taking the pic)

Next stop was this cafe in Walcha for lunch. It used to be The Royal Hotel and is now run by a nice couple who both ride and have decorated the place with all sorts of curios and motorcycle memorabilia.

The last time we were here, there was a metal figure of an alien firing a machine gun, now replaced by this strange individual.

Everywhere you look, you can find little curios about the property.

Lunchtime doesn't get much more relaxing and enjoyable than this.

Air plants growing on the gate. 

Collectables everywhere you look.

Sadly, it was time for Ed and Barry to head back home, but not before this group shot. They were heading left through Gloucester and the rest of us , right through Armidale and the scenic Waterfall Way.

This sign signals the beginning of the Waterfall Way at Armidale.

Do our heads look big in this ?

A stop at Ebor Falls.

This fella was there to greet us.

Rather tame little bugger.

Cath at the upper lookout.

In this shot, you can see both levels of the falls,

The very bottom. Wouldn't it be great to sit under there on a hot day.

Making our way back over the mountains, we come across Sherrard Falls which run beneath the road.

The road winds down here, through perfect scenery and the smell of the forest makes it so pleasant. you just don't get that in a car.

I still reckon Cath's head looks big in that helmet.

The trouble I go through for that special photo.

This pic gives you an idea of the landscape of this area, and just how high and mountainous it is.

We reach The Ocean View Hotel in Urunga just before 5:00pm. This Pub is probably the best we have been in, with clean comfortable rooms, great service, complimentary breakfast and a view to the beach to kill for.

The Urunga shopping centre in all its glory.

A side view of the pub showing its beer garden.

They happily provide a lock up for our bikes.

This is the rear view of the pub showing external access to the rooms.

The huge old fire stove of the pub has been converted in to a display of old local memorabilia.

Day 3: Map (345 kms travelled)

This morning, Cath and I wake up for an early morning walk, and we're greeted to yet another perfect Autumn sunrise overlooking the Kalang River.

The Urunga Pub has a top spacious verandah overlooking the water, to share a few drinks with a group of friends.

One word - WOW.

The great Urunga board walk. We learnt that the sawmill we visit later in the morning, supplied the timber for this entire structure.

This is what travelling on motorcycles is all about, that is, finding unspoilt gems like Urunga.By the way, that's Cath charging ahead on the walk.

A fishing boat heading out the heads.

This board walk just goes on and on. (About a km)

Cathy enjoying the sunrise.

Plenty of history and information along the way. Another great whale lookout.

Looking south from the end of the board walk.

Looking back toward the town of Urunga.

The Kalang River winding its way past the town.

These posts are remnants of the old board walk.

Lots of things to see along the walk.

A different view of the pub with the morning sun shining through.

After breakfast, we said goodbye to Lance who headed back home via Nabiac to visit the bike museum. The three bikes left on the ride, headed north to Bonville to visit Adam's Sawmill. I deal with these guys through work and it was good to put a face to the voice over the phone.

Our pallet timber stacked out front, ready for delivery.

I was lucky enough to capture a log truck being unloaded.

After a brief visit to the mill, the rest of the day was now in Rob's hands. He is local to the area and knew all the good  local rides.

This is Horseshoe Bay at South West Rocks.

Once again, great beaches and crystal clear water.

An old monument overlooking Horseshoe Bay. Unfortunately too difficult to read due to its age.

Great spot for a break and just take it all in.

Close up of the beach.

Heading further south, we come across the historic Trial Bay Gaol.

In the car park, Rob and Graham get talking to another couple travelling by bike.

Looking down to the water from the Gaol car park.

The next stop was a visit to Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Hat Head National Park.

It was a very warm day and the climb to the lookout was steep and difficult one in all the bike gear but well worth the effort. This shot was taken about half way up, looking down to the bay.

The old Keeper's cottages are now available for holiday let through the National Parks and Wildlife service.

I never get tired of the old architecture, designed to last for ever.

The view from the lookout is breathtaking.

Rob pointed out "Fish Rock" to us. A popular diving spot. You can just make out a dive boat to its right.

Our final stop with Rob was this fantastic old pub for lunch. The Heritage Hotel in Gladstone is on the Macleay River and reminded us of another pub at Tumblegum on the Tweed River up north, also popular with tourists and motorcyclists.  

Rob left us at the Port Macquarie turn off to head home while Graham, Cath and I headed for Forster via Taree, where we refuelled. Tonight we spent the night with family while Graham spent the night in town.

Day 4: Map (382 kms travelled)

After saying our goodbyes to family, we met up with Graham at 8:15 am, in the Stocklands car park ready for our final day of the trip. Has anyone noticed how bloody tall this bloke is?

Today's route home was his baby and he decided to give us a taste of adventure touring, taking us through 15 kms of dirt road. It wasn't too bad until we hit a large stretch of slippery gravel. Our front wheel refused to cooperate, but we managed to stay upright. The scenery through the area was great and worth the effort.

At the end of the dirt road was a holiday park, where we stopped for a drink and waited for the ferry.

The ferry crosses every half hour in the most tranquil area. Part of the Myall Lakes National Park.

This ferry is rather small, carrying only up to 6 cars at once.

Time for another shot.

The next two shots gives you an idea of what to expect here.

The road out of the park, takes you through several camping areas and lookouts.

This one was called Hole in the Wall, looking out to Broughton Island.

Broughton Island close up.

As you can see, the water was pristine. I just had to walk down to the water for a better shot.

Looking back up to the lookout. Oh look, there's Graham and Cath!

Thanks for this one Graham.

Graham led us to the Neath Hotel in the Hunter Valley for lunch. Yet another great old pub. This one is perfect for a hunter valley getaway, located just 15 minutes away from wineries. (Shit! I just created another great ride!)

Unfortunately, all good things come to and end. This ride was nothing short of spectacular and the more people we meet, the better the rides get. They all share their experiences and their love for motorcycling with us and we haven't met anyone through riding, that we haven't got on with. Motorcycling just gets better and better for Cath and I, and we are certainly looking forward to bigger and better things in the future.