Lauren’s Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip …

Wed, 2nd Jan: Lauren’s Road Trip starts … BIG4 Lake Macquarie, Hunter Coast, NSW …
Over the next 11 days, Lauren’s Road Trip takes us from Sydney to Brisbane via the Pacific Highway, which neatly divides the New South Wales North Coast – to the east a string of resort towns linked by crescent shaped beaches and to the west, giant trees clothe the hills that rise to 1000m or more. As with Kieran’s trip, we will follow the coastline (Tasman Sea) all the way taking in the vast scenery as we go. Lauren has helped Neil prepare the route and we’ve been able to book into most of the camps she has picked out.

On the 2nd we are on the road again and Oz is in the throes of a heatwave – the news tells us it’s certainly going to be hot, hot, hot for the foreseeable future !!!!!! and we hear of reports of bush fires already. We are grateful to be following the coastal route as the breeze is most welcome.

We will not get to our site until later tonight as, since researching a little more and speaking to our fellow travellers, we are going via the Blue Mountains. 1.03 million hectares of forested landscape 60-180km inland from Sydney host eight protected areas noted for a wide, balanced representation of eucalypt habitats and evolutionary relics species, inducing the famous Wollemi Pine. The Blue Mountains has UNESCO World Heritage status, declared in November 2000, for outstanding natural values. Massive deep valleys, narrow canyons, rainforests, waterfalls, rugged sandstone escarpments and craggy cliffs offer breathtaking vistas and experiences. It’s not really on our way but we decide to go and head to Tourist Information at Echo Point, the Blue Mountain’s most popular lookout point. Beautiful views of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. To say it is stunning is an understatement and the air up here is so fresh and cool. A short walk down the Giant Steps takes us across a small bridge to actually stand inside one of the Sisters.

Back up at Echo Point we see all Three Sisters and views of the valley in all their glory! Aboriginal legend has it that long ago there lived 3 little aboriginal sisters, Meenhi, Wimlah and Gunneedoo. Their father was a witch doctor and, trying to save his daughters from the Bunyip, a creature feared by all who lived in a deep hole, he pointed his magic bone at his daughters and changed them into stone. They would be safe until the Bunyip had gone and he would return them to their former selves. This was not to be however as Tyawan dropped his magic bone in the ensuing chase of the Bunyip and the sisters are still cast in stone to this day.

As it is so beautiful here we decide to make our way over to Scenic World – offering ‘a range of experiences found nowhere else on earth’ – a must see destination for all visitors. We are initially put off by the queues to buy tickets but are reassured that we will not have to wait any longer than 40mins from which point we can get on each of the three unique rides; the Scenic Cable Way – a 545m ride to the valley below, the Scenic Railway – the World’s Steepest Incline Railway to the canyon older than America’s Grand Canyon, and the Scenic Skyway – a spectacular cableway which takes you on a 720m journey right across the ancient Jamison Valley and Katoomba Falls with views of the Three Sisters, Orphan Rock and the rainforest below. At the bottom of the valley is a Rainforest Boardwalk and walk times very from 10mins to 50mins.

What we are not prepared for is the wait of at least 30 mins at each end of the rides and this takes up a lot of valuable time which we did not account for. Before we know it, it is 4.00 pm and we are still waiting to get on the Scenic Railway. By the time it is our turn to get on, we ride it down the valley and promptly sneak back on in front of the returning queues. This means we have missed out on the Scenic Cable Way but it is already 5.30pm and we still have a 3hr journey to make to our camp site. We really wished we would have planned the day properly and arrived earlier to embrace the magnificence that is the Blue Mountains.

We finally arrive on site at 10.00pm and are exhausted. After a much needed cuppa and a ‘bodged’ supper (as we also meant to go shopping today lol) we wind down with a game of ‘My Rummy’ before heading to bed.

Thu, 3rd Jan: BIG4 Lake Macquarie Monterey Tourist Park, Hunter Coast, NSW …
9.30am sees us rise n shine, aching and a bit worse for wear 😦
Yesterday’s unplanned day is, in hindsight, most beneficial as we can see in the daylight where we are staying. It’s got to be one of the worst sites we’ve stayed on and we are glad that we didn’t head here early yesterday to spend two full days here!

Walking to the amenities we meet an elderly couple who are permanent residents here – he has a Villa hat on and that sparks a conversation as always. It turns out that they’re only from Erdington and have been in Oz for 33 years!!! This lovely guy offers to take Neil out to the local superstore to do the shopping so we don’t have to all go out with the Motor Home. Happy dayzzzzz.

After freshening up and grocery shopping, most of our day is spent chilling followed by a walk around the jetty on Lake Macquarie in the afternoon – a much needed relaxation after yesterday’s hectic day. OH YEH – and a bouncing session on the giant pillow!!!! pmsl !

Albert returns to take Neil out in his boat to put out his crab nets and, later on that afternoon they go back out to retrieve the catch of only one crab.

The views, as described in the brochure are indeed stunning and a sunset BBQ tea of simple burgers n stuff is fab whilst delving into the liquor store purchases of the day … we just BBQ the burgers and prepare the table for tea when Barbara and Albert turn up – chairs and beer in hand together with the crab caught earlier today which they have cooked and prepared for us to have. They talk to us whilst we eat and continue to do so well into the evening! I really think that they enjoyed the company of us Pommys and thought they would never go, lol. Neil escorted Barbara and a very drunk Albert back to their van.

Fri, 4th Jan: BIG4 Port Stephens – Koala Shores, NSW …
The bloody noisy wildlife woke us bright and early with their dawn chorus!!!! They really are a noisy lot here and it’s a good job as we are able to hear the knock on the door at 7.00am – bless, it’s good old Albert with the catch of the day! He went out to check his nets at 5.30am and has cooked the only crab caught and brought it over for us on his way out to their appointment 🙂

As soon as we freshen and tidy up we exit this park and embark on the two hour journey to Port Stephens. En route we call into the Visitors Centre at the Maritime Museum in Newcastle and, as we didn’t have breakfast this morning, have a quick bite to eat at the Hogs Breath restaurant there.

On the drive into camp, Lauren gets to see her very first Koala in the wild and she is chuffed. He is a big fellow and I think our noise disturbs him as he turns his head towards us as he wakes up. Leaving him behind it’s not long before we get to our site and set up for the day.

Koala Shore is a lovely camp and has a nice feel about it. It is on the waterfront surrounded by bushland and it’s not only the koalas who appreciate this prime position. Port Stephens is a region spread around and beyond the magnificent waterway of “Port Stephens”. It is a major coastal recreation and holiday centre, rightly known as the “Blue Water Paradise” just north of Sydney, and its 1000 sqkm boasts exceptional diversity.

Lauren and I take off for a walk into the bush for a bit of ‘koala spotting’ whilst Neil heads off to the jetty for a spot of fishing. The walk is great and we are rewarded with two more sightings of koala although they are fast asleep. On our dusty return, we take a dip in the pool before freshening up for dinner – a homemade spag bog prepared yesterday; NOM NOM.

A few glasses of wine and games of ‘My Rummy’ takes us up to bedtime and we hope for a good night tonight as we all had a disturbed sleep yesterday.

Sat, 5th Jan: BIG4 Sundowner Breakwall Tourist Park, Port Macquarie, NSW …
En route today we call into the Koala Hospital on Macquarie Nature Reserve (comprising 12 hectares of bush and parkland). The reserve was established in 1966 when Hastings Council donated land for the establishment of a koala reserve. The Hospital offers a rare insight into the habitats of one of the world’s most endearing creatures. Koalas that have been injured or are sick are brought here to recuperate. We see these animals in their outdoor enclosures and learn about why they are there. The hospital has koala admissions of between 200-300 per year. The very sick koalas and new admissions are treated in the John Williamson Wing and, during recuperation, they are moved from the Intensive Care Wing in the outdoor yards to enjoy the sunshine. The Adopt a Wild Koala Programme is the major source of funding for the hospital and helps with the rescue and treatment of sick/injured animals; releasing them back into their home range where possible; preservation and expansion of habitat; collection of information for research relating to habitat, disease, nutrition and habits of wild koalas. Some of the stories are heartbreaking and Lauren and I come away thinking “who’d want to be a koala” as they have so much going against them – from getting burned, run over, attacked by dogs or just getting a ‘koala’ illness. They are so cute though and we are treated to seeing four young joeys in one of the enclosures.

Also at this nature reserve is Roto House, a home of 10 rooms built of red mahogany with a corrugated iron roof. Built in 1890 for £667 it is one of the few remaining 19th Century buildings in Port Macquarie and well worth a quick look around. The house is of late Victorian Georgian architecture and includes high ceilings, sash windows, fan lights and fireplaces. The house also features a substantial verandah around most of the perimeter. Roto House was the home of John Flynn and his family and is now preserved in the parkland setting of Macquarie Nature Reserve as a local social history museum.

Our park location tonight is set on the breakwall of Port Macquarie at the mouth of the Hastings River and it is very relaxing spot on the surf beach. Port Macquarie is one of Australia’s longest established and best loved holiday destinations – glorious bays and beaches, historic sites, intricate inland waterways, rainforests, boutique wineries and lush rolling hinterland. Established in 1821 many early structures still stand today. It’s a busy and vibrant place and before we leave we take a walk along the breakwall along the entrance to the Hastings River. Here we find a walkway of brightly painted rocks which make up the breakwall. It has now become a tradition for locals and visitors to seek out the “rock” which becomes their personal canvas of memories of past holidays or a tribute to a loved one and its getting harder to find a spare rock which has not been adorned with someone’s artwork.

The change to remove unsightly graffiti into a walkway of art began in 1995 when the Port Macquarie City Lions Club decided to hold an art competition along the breakwall.
The idea caught on and ever since creative art has adorned the rocks. For the last ten years one family from Cessnock has been coming to Port Macquarie for a holiday and one of the first things they do is get out the paints and visit their holiday rock. Some are pretty good and one in particular reminds Lauren of home 🙂

Sun, 6th Jan: BIG4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park, Nambucca Valley, NSW …

Once out of the town Lauren takes to the wheel for the 100k drive and she does a fantastic job, especially on the steep, winding roads alongside Nambucca River, through Nambucca and over the narrow rickety creek bridge into the park!!!!! It is so picturesque 🙂 The coastal journeys have rewarded and spoilt us with their spectacularly beautiful scenery. Nambucca Valley is no exception. Blessed with natural attractions it has sweeping beaches, shimmering estuaries, rainforests, lush farmlands and picturesque streams. The Nambucca River winds its way through the valley to meet the Pacific Ocean at Nambucca Heads and is naturally stunning!

Swimming Creek Road is where Nambucca Beach Holiday Park is situated and at the end of the road is a kilometre of beach frontage in a beautiful bushland setting. The long white sheltered coastline is ideal for a range of water activities and, with the beach on one side and state forest on the other, it’s just another gorgeous place where beach meets the bush in which to stay and explore.

Once in camp, we set up and chill out before hitting the BBQ. Whilst we are eating, we have a ‘visitor’; the biggest Goanna we have experienced so far.

He just sauntered down the hill to us and we had to move out of his way to let him pass so he could continue on his way through the park at his leisure, lol. After our late lunch, we take to the beach for the ‘kid’ in Neil to play in the waves in his wetsuit!

Me and Loz lie for an hour in the sun’s rays before we all head off to the pool for a cool down. The evening is spent casually; a much overdue skyping session with Yvonne, stocking back up with reading material and a few drinkies and games of My Rummy – Loz was victorious tonight with her 4-0-0 winning streak!

Mon, 7th Jan: BIG4 NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW …
Today turned out to be one of the most amazing days of the trip – Lauren even commented on it being one of the best days of her life 😀

We get up early to make the 45min journey to Valery Trails and Riding Centre, Coffs Harbour. We join the 2hr trail ride at 10.00am – Lauren on Cointreau, Neil on Mai and I was on Echo. The trail ride takes place in the beautiful Pine Creek Forest and Bongil Bongil National Park. It’s been a long time since Lauren was in the saddle and she is very much at home as we set off. In fact it’s not long before she is up front with the main group, weaving their way through the forest, trotting and cantering when it is safe to do so. Her horse is keen and perfect for Lauren as they make their own adventure through the trail. Equally as keen is Mai, Neil’s ride today – originally at the back of the trail, she was itching to get going and there was no stopping her once she was allowed past my ‘cautious’ Echo. Neil experienced his first canter today and said it was the best of all his trail ride experiences. My ‘cautious’ Echo did not want to do anything more than trot today 😦 we held up the rear of the group as she daintily trod her way down the hills and nervously looked at the ground avoiding anything foreign on the ground. The trail on horseback was undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the surrounding area – a great experience and so much fun!

There is no time to dawdle at the end of the ride as our next stop will be Pet Porpoise Pool, Coffs Harbour – the world’s most interactive marine park! We arrive at 1.45pm and the car park is packed. We park up on the grass verge and Neil pops into reception to enquire whether it is okay to be left there. On his return, he quickly reveals that there is also space on the 2.00pm Shallow Water Dolphin Experience and would we like to go on it and, if so, GET READY!!!!!!! LIKE NOWWWWW!!!!! WOW, we barely have time to say yes, yes, yes AND get ready – remove all jewellery, bobbles and suncream, put on swimwear, get towels, lol – AND fill in forms, before we find ourselves at the pool area waiting to get in 😀 There are no words to explain what happened next … in the pool for half an hour with Jet, a three year old bottle nosed dolphin, we have an awesome time in the water learning all about him and interact by stroking his belly, playing with him, dancing with him and watching his acrobatics under water whilst retrieving his toy. We play ‘catch’ and also get a kiss, a hug and we tickle his tongue, hear him ‘speak’ and get to feed him a fish! Without doubt the dolphin is one of the most amazing creatures on the planet!!!!!

Hungry now we take time out at the Creekside Cafe overlooking superb water views and enjoy a quick bite to eat before heading to the Marine Magic Presentation. I am in shock now at what has happened in the last hour and am just digesting what took place. It is (was) one of my lifetime’s dreams to be in the water and interacting with a dolphin – it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. and will remain so forever!

Before the Marine Magic Presentation, we receive fishy kisses from a dolphin and tickly smooches from a seal at this multi award winning Pet Porpoise Pool.

After the show, we feed the Little Blue Penguins – the same breed as those at the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island – and take a look around the aquarium.

Coffs Harbour itself is a relaxed city on the surf surrounded by an unspoiled natural environment looking out over the islands and reefs of Solitary Islands Marine Park. Tired, we pull into Darlington Beach Holiday Park – another bit of heaven on the Pacific Highway, this eco-friendly park is nestled alongside 6km of white sandy beachfront.

It is also home to Eastern Grey Kangaroos and as we sit at reception to check in Lauren gets to see her first wild kangaroo! By the time we leave the next morning we have seen quite a few as we walk around the park. It’s quite surreal when you walk to the amenities block at night and there they are behind tents and along the trails munching on the grass! Even sitting in the van on the evening with the door open, we hear munching and, on investigation, we see one right outside us – lol. This site is one of the most ‘organised’ ones we have visited; there are many activities to participate in here. After exploring the surrounding national park and beach, we welcome a shower and a night chilling out reflecting on the day and looking at the photos again and again and again …

Tue, 8th Jan: BIG4 Ballina Central Holiday Park, Ballina Coast, NSW …
We decide that today we will go directly to the park in Ballina (170km away) to enjoy what the area has to offer. Half an hour into our drive, we spot a kangaroo who hops into the path of the traffic on the opposite side of the road – fortunately, he manages to hop his way in and out of the traffic before turning back to where he came from …. PHEW! It was just like a ball bouncing in the road and I, for one would not have liked to have seen him get squished! The drive on this part of the Pacific Highway takes us inland where we follow the route of the Clarence River followed by the Richmond River to its mouth at the Tasman Sea. Just gorgeous 🙂 Halfway we stop for coffee at a fantastic spot, Ferry Park @ Maclean – in the heart of these sugarcane plantations.

The restaurant sits overlooking the Clarence River and, before we know it, we’ve been there for just under an hour. Lauren takes the wheel for the drive on to Ballina and, back on the coast we meander to the park.

Rolling green hills, lush pastures and tropical plantations lead to 32km of sweeping unspoiled white sand beaches, the tranquil Richmond River and the natural wonder that is Ballina Coast and Hinterlnd. The town of Ballina, centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River, is surrounded by seemingly endless waterways – a blend of tranquil seaside hideaway and vibrant holiday resort and entertainment hub of the shire!

Just off the Pacific Highway, this peaceful River Street location is right on the fringe of the Pacific Ocean and directly opposite a water park. At nearby Shelley Beach, dolphins play in the waves all year round and the endless white sandy beaches stretch all the way up to Byron Bay where we will make a stop tomorrow!!!!!

Wed, 9th Jan: BIG4 Treasure Island Holiday Park, Biggera Water, Queensland …
Our continuing journey up the Gold Coast to our next two nights stay at Biggera Water is a stunning one. Skipping breakfast as we decide to stop to do brunch on the way, we make our way first to Pat Morton Lookout for spectacular views over Lennox Head and Cape Byron Marine Park. Lennox Head is a scenic 10 minutes drive north along the coast road from Ballina. The views from the headland both north and south are breathtaking and Pat Morton Lookout offers the perfect lookout. At the lookout on this extremely hot and humid day, we welcome the cool breeze!

As we arrive to the top of the headland, there is a hang-gliding company setting up for the day and, on our walk Neil decides to have a go – you’d be hard pushed to find a better spot in which to do this. Lauren is also keen to have a go and, as they complete the necessary paperwork and wait ‘for the wind to be right’ we get our brekkie on the go – one of the joys of outdoor living; it’s easy peasy 🙂

It’s a gorgeous couple of hours spent here. Neil and Lauren thoroughly enjoy the thrill of hang-gliding as they run out over the cliff’s edge and into the clear blue sky. Their 20 mins each goes by so quickly but it is very tranquil as they float about with the birds. Lauren gets to see shark and sting rays but Neil isn’t so lucky.

Our next stop is Byron Bay and we choose to do a ‘drive through’ of this seemingly perfect town. It is beautiful and is buzzing with people and cafes, restaurants and bars line the Main Street. Surrounded by world renowned surfing beaches and lush beautiful countryside, Byron Bay has emerged from being a quiet, surfer’s paradise to being the second most popular tourist destination in New South Wales. As a result, it has developed into a chic and stylish seaside town whilst retaining its relaxed, small village atmosphere and charm.

The original european name of ‘Cavvanbah’ was changed to Byron Bay because of Cape Byron, the name that in 1770, Captain Cook gave to the high piece of land on which the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse now stands. The Byron experience is not complete without taking in the magnificent vista from the Lighthouse and we detour up to the headland before carrying on our way – and it is breathtaking! and we are rewarded with spectacular views across the bay – well worth a stop for more pics!

The drive to our park, now in Queensland(!), takes us through Tweed Heads on the Tweed Coast, a 37km coastline of unspoiled uncrowded beaches broken only by tranquil villages. It is the entrance to Queensland and also where we add one more hour on to the time difference which we learn later on in the day – we did not know about it so didn’t alter our watches, lol. Continuing on the coastal drive and just 20 minutes away from our park are the world famous beaches and bright lights of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast; a much loved holiday playground in the picturesque region of south-east Queensland. It entices visitors with a balmy climate, glistening surf beaches, World Heritage rainforests and exciting nightlife.

Nestled between Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet n Wild and Sea World we are staying at BIG4’s Treasure Island close to all the action. Even before we go outside the park’s gates, we have a great choice of activities in which to participate followed by chilling out in the park’s bar and bistro. This park is in a fantastic location and is also a walk away from Harbour Town Shopping Outlet where there is a cinema, an array of eateries and shops.

On arrival, we are so hot and sweaty that it’s a quick change into our swimwear before hitting the pools and jacuzzi. Bliss! An eventful BBQ dinner and it’s a freshen up before bed. As we near Brisbane, the weather is so hot but it’s the humidity that is starting to take its toll – especially at nighttime and we don’t hold out much hope for a cool, sweat free nights sleep.

Thu, 10th Jan: BIG 4 NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Park, Biggera Water, Queensland …
As expected, it was a disturbed night and we are all up early just so we can sit outside and make the most of the coolest part of the day. On going to the toilet, I see a guy who has just slept under the stars on top of his quilt on the concrete – the most comfortable thing to do it appears, lol. It’s a slow lethargic morning as we decide what to do today. In the end as Neil wants to start looking into our trip to New Zealand, Lauren and I have a ‘girly day’ and what a lovely time we have.

After freshening up, us girlies take the 10min walk to Harbour Town Shopping Outlet; our first port of call being a pedicure. What a treat! Sitting in a massage chair, our feet are pampered for 30mins and look pretty when we leave. Lauren has also had a manicure and we are girls about town for a short while before we settle for lunch. We have booked tickets for the Gold Lounge to see Les Miserables and are feeling very relaxed as we make our way to the cinema. We have fun getting settled in our huge leather reclining chairs in the 28 seater Gold Lounge and the film lives up to all our expectations. We come away from Harbour Town having had a great day together and feel so good. Having caught up with Neil we meet him at the Dublin on the Dock where we while away the evening drinking, eating and just chilling; happy in each others company, finally heading back to Treasure Island in great spirits.

Fri, 11th Jan: Roy and Margaret’s @ Brisbane …
Our final destination is reached today – Brisbane – Queensland’s state capital and Australia’s 3rd largest city. We have accepted Roy and Margaret’s kind invitation to stay at their house for the next two nights and we make our way to Sinnamon Park, a suburb of Brisbane. It proves to be a great ‘home from home’ in which to base ourselves and prepare for our imminent departures.

Having finally decided to make Auckland our first port of call in New Zealand, we head into Flight Direct in Harbour Town to book our flights. We also book our first three nights accommodation to allow us time to make our plans for touring the islands. Before landing on Roy and Margaret’s hospitality, we make one last stop for lunch with the Motor Home at a gorgeous ‘find’ of Neil’s – Forest Lake Park. We feed the ducks, fish and turtles (yes turtles!!!!!) all the scraps from our cupboards – which we will not get chance to use after today.

A very warm welcome awaits us at the Case’s and all three of us are so grateful for their hospitality at this time. 33 days in the Motor Home and Neil and I are ‘vanned out’!!!!! We immediately feel at home and look forward to the space and comfort that is on offer.

We catch up properly with Roy and Margaret after which Lauren and Neil join them for a much needed cool down in their pool. Afterwards, Lauren packs her case and takes it to her room whilst we do a little sorting in the Motor Home before showering and joining our hosts for dinner – NOM NOM NOM! and it’s not long before we need our beds. Gratefully, we climb the wooden hill to nice comfy beds and, as it is still so hot and humid, we appreciate these rooms with fans more than the Motor Home, lol.

Sat, 12th Jan: Roy and Margaret’s @ Queensland …
We have a late and lazy morning before continuing to pack up everything in the Motor Home. After straightening and cleaning everything up (an extremely hot and sweaty job!) it’s late in the afternoon. We go back inside the comfort of the house and freshen up and chill out before dinner – another success story, NOM NOM NOM! Roy and Margaret then take us out for dessert (as you do!) up to Mount Coot-tha Lookout – a popular tourist destination. Mount Coot-tha is 287 metres above sea level, the highest peak in Brisbane and forms the eastern extent of the Taylor Range. It is a prominent landmark 6km to the west of Brisbane and the lookout, restaurant and cafe provide 360 degree views of the City.

The views of the city all lit up are great and the breeze up here is so refreshing; ooh and our puddings are the bees knees, lol x

Sun, 13th Jan: Lauren’s Departure … and our journey to New Zealand …
We pack up our bags for the fond farewell and thank Roy and Margaret for their extremely warm and welcoming hospitality. It’s an emotional day which unfolds as we make our way to the Airport Motel – where Lauren will depart later this evening and where Neil and I leave in the morning.

After returning the Motor Home we walk to the Port for our ‘last supper’ and have a lovely time but, all too soon, we have to make our way back to the Motel, pick up Lauren’s luggage and head off to the airport for her 8.45pm flight. My stomach starts to churn the closer we get to the airport and I crumble as she is checked in 😦 It is another half hour full of emotion before Lauren makes her way out of sight. It’s been a ball having the kids come out to us and we hope they have enjoyed themselves as much as we have enjoyed having them.

PS: As I am writing this on Tuesday, 15th January 2013, I scroll down to complete the diary for Monday, 14th January. As I do so, I come across the following message. It takes a few moments to sink in that Lauren has left it on here and I get emotional all over again:-

” Love you mommy 🙂
Thanks to you and dad for an amazing time in Oz! Enjoy the rest of your trip and G,day mate.
It’s been a ripper. “