Wednesday, January 06, 2010
North Coast
January 1 - 3, 2010
Without an itinerary in mind, we travelled to Gosford where we'd be staying for 2 nights while on New Year holiday at the North Coast.
Day 1
Toowoon Bay
After scouting the area for nearby beaches, we ended up at Toowoon Bay in Central Coast, had picnic lunch then instead of swimming, we just played cards inside the tent.. hehe. The sun was just scorching hot and we reckoned it's not adviseable to swim yet.
Avoca Beach
Around 4:00pm we proceeded to Avoca Beach and enjoyed the waves while the surfers do their thing. What's good about this beach is that the water is still shallow even if you go further from the shore. After swimming I could still feel the slaps of the waves on my face.
Day 2
Australian Reptile Park
The next day we went to Australian Reptile Park, home to a variety of reptiles as well as other Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, cassowaries and Tasmanian Devils. Our first stop was Lost World of Reptiles which exhibits turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and their kin. My fear of snakes hindered me from enjoying this place. We also went to see Spider World, Galapagos Tortoise, Tasmanian Devil, Reptile Show, Alligator Feeding, and Elvis the Crocodile Show.
Hunter Valley
In the afternoon we travelled further north to Hunter Valley. We stopped at Capercaillie Wine Company & Gallery and had some wine-tasting. If only there was no forecast of thunderstorm, we could have visited more vineyards and wineries. Loved the taste of Moscato.
We then proceeded to Hunter Valley Gardens, Australia's largest display garden. We didn't take a tour of the gardens, though, as it was already late and the gardens would be closing soon. It would be better to spend a whole day exploring the sensational sights, colours, and fragrances of the ten stunning feature gardens. I would love to come back here some other time.
Day 3
Lake Macquarie
Despite the gloomy weather, we still decided to go to Lake Macquarie hoping that the sun would show up later. We first went to Swansea Information Centre to enquire and get some brochures. Upon reaching the lake, we prepared and enjoyed lunch and just stayed at the picnic hall. Too bad there's not much that we could do due to rainy and showery periods. The boys went fishing at the wharf and came back with fresh catches in their bucket.
On our way back we stopped at Belmont for some sightseeing and picture taking. I believe there are lots of attractions and activities that can be done in Lake Macquarie so it would be nice to go back on a fine sunny day.
Without an itinerary in mind, we travelled to Gosford where we'd be staying for 2 nights while on New Year holiday at the North Coast.
Day 1
Toowoon Bay
After scouting the area for nearby beaches, we ended up at Toowoon Bay in Central Coast, had picnic lunch then instead of swimming, we just played cards inside the tent.. hehe. The sun was just scorching hot and we reckoned it's not adviseable to swim yet.
Avoca Beach
Around 4:00pm we proceeded to Avoca Beach and enjoyed the waves while the surfers do their thing. What's good about this beach is that the water is still shallow even if you go further from the shore. After swimming I could still feel the slaps of the waves on my face.
Day 2
Australian Reptile Park
The next day we went to Australian Reptile Park, home to a variety of reptiles as well as other Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, cassowaries and Tasmanian Devils. Our first stop was Lost World of Reptiles which exhibits turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, crocodiles and their kin. My fear of snakes hindered me from enjoying this place. We also went to see Spider World, Galapagos Tortoise, Tasmanian Devil, Reptile Show, Alligator Feeding, and Elvis the Crocodile Show.
Hunter Valley
In the afternoon we travelled further north to Hunter Valley. We stopped at Capercaillie Wine Company & Gallery and had some wine-tasting. If only there was no forecast of thunderstorm, we could have visited more vineyards and wineries. Loved the taste of Moscato.
We then proceeded to Hunter Valley Gardens, Australia's largest display garden. We didn't take a tour of the gardens, though, as it was already late and the gardens would be closing soon. It would be better to spend a whole day exploring the sensational sights, colours, and fragrances of the ten stunning feature gardens. I would love to come back here some other time.
Day 3
Lake Macquarie
Despite the gloomy weather, we still decided to go to Lake Macquarie hoping that the sun would show up later. We first went to Swansea Information Centre to enquire and get some brochures. Upon reaching the lake, we prepared and enjoyed lunch and just stayed at the picnic hall. Too bad there's not much that we could do due to rainy and showery periods. The boys went fishing at the wharf and came back with fresh catches in their bucket.
On our way back we stopped at Belmont for some sightseeing and picture taking. I believe there are lots of attractions and activities that can be done in Lake Macquarie so it would be nice to go back on a fine sunny day.
