Port Stephens, Taree, Port Macquarie

Lookouts and Highways

Leaving beautiful Nelson Bay today, so decided to check out all the lookouts before we go. There was one walking distance from our caravan park, so did this early in the morning before we checked out. Amazing views of the bays and the oceans.

We then headed into town to check out a place we had found the previous day called Red Ned's Pie shop. It had a list of very unusual sounding pies, and had won many awards. We tried Kangaroo Teriyaki, and a seafood pie with lobster, prawn and barramundi. Yes, it tasted as good as it sounds! Check them out on redneds.com.au.

With a good brunch to tide us over, we headed for one more lookout before we left town. More amazing views. This place is absolutely gorgeous.

Headed off to the highway, and thought we would check out Taree on the way. There was a rest area just a few kms south of Taree, so we thought we would stay in town all day, then retire there for a free night. Checked it out before town, and were told in no uncertain terms, with very unfriendly signs, that NO CAMPiNG was allowed, despite it being listed as an overnight site in our camps book. Also as we were checking it out, we had another downpour of rain, soaking us to the skin. Not as auspicious start for Taree.

So we drove into town, found it a bit old and all over the place. Streets were narrow and crowded. Following signs to the Tourist Info Centre, said it was in 4 kms, although we seemed to be in the middle of town. So we followed the sign anyway, and eventually found it - yes, 4 kms out of town. By this stage we had had enough, and decided to push on.

We drove past Forster and Tuncurry as George informs me we had been there before. I really don't remember, but OK, I'll take his word for it. We pushed on to Port Macquarie. Now we have definitely been there before. We spent a week in a time-share apartment there a few years back. But we were happy to stay there one more night as it is a lovely town.

We stayed in a caravan park that had the most amazing position - one side open to the river, the other to the beach, and the third to the town. Right in the middle of everything. It was actually across the road from the apartment we had stayed in previously. At that stage we had thought if we ever camp here, this would be the place to stay. And it is.

Our site looked onto the river, which was lined by large rocks which had been decorated by all sorts of graffiti. It seems the local council provided a few cans of paint for anyone who was interested, and said, "Go for it." Most were basic - just names and dates, but some were quite artistic, and a few quite poignant tributes to loved ones.

GeorgeY's bit

The roads of Taree were squishy and squiggly and featured many elaborate potholes, but still a sunny and seemingly nice town. Applied Rule 1 in finding your way and followed a sign for parking, with long spots reserved exclusively for cars with trailers. So given the nature of the camper with the extended balcony, headed for it. The parking was mostly empty, but in the few spots reserved for trailers, there on each was a small beaten up rust box with a P plate on it. Had to negotiate an elaborate exit, meanwhile. Spat the dummy and drove off, heading for the Tourist Info place, which was 5 km past town. (Great planning to place it on the way out), and the lady was busy with some one.

Waited a while, then decided the weather is poor and the place depressing. We have been ignored long enough, so now it is time to move on. It is ideal driving weather, so decided to continue on to Port Macquarie. There you go, horses for courses. Days for resting and soaking up sunshine, and others for foot on the pedal and go go go.