We have spent the last two days at Tea Gardens Country Club (doesn't that sound posh). Of course we are only staying in the car park, but we do get power. Not bad for $11 a night. Of course one of us had to become a member of the Country Club first - for the grand sum of $5.50 for two years membership.

On our way to Tea Gardens we went through Forster-Tuncurry, a twin town joined by a bridge, but both in the same state. We had spent a week here some years ago in a time-share resort, so had checked out the area quite well. There were a few nostalgic moments.

Tuncurry is the north end, and is the more down to earth part with old fibro cottages and a cinema from the 70s. But it has certainly gone more up market than last time we were here, with a few multi-storey apartments on the waterfront. Forster, on the other hand, is the throbbing metropolis with shops, cafes, bars and multiple accommodation options. Nice to touch base again, but happy to move on.

Tea Gardens only had four spots, and they don't take bookings. So the lady suggested we come fairly early. There was one van there, and another arrived at the same time as us. The last spot stayed empty until quite late, so we needn't have hurried, but then you never know. We went into the club for the Trivia Night that evening and joined another couple's team. Good fun.

Tea Gardens is a small town on the north end of Nelson Bay. Most of the action is at the south end, and we had initially planned to drive there. However that would involve driving back to the highway, a long trek south, then an even longer drive along the south edge of the bay. We found that we could take the Tea Gardens Ferry direct to Nelson Bay across the water - faster, cheaper, and less hassle with driving, parking etc. So we stayed the extra day - ferry into town at 10 am, all day there, then back on the 3.30 ferry. A lovely relaxing day.

Nelson Bay has several separate townships / beaches spread around the bay, but the central CBD was where most of the action was. We had checked out all these smaller places eight years ago on our previous trip (on the back of a motorbike), but this time could only see things within walking distance.

Again some nostalgic moments - Red Ned's Pies (crab, prawn and barra - Yum!), enjoyed to the dulcet tones of some buskers in town. A long walk along the coast, with some great views. Then a relaxing beer in a chic bar overlooking the marina. This is the life.

A nice relaxing day with no driving - preparing for a monster day of driving tomorrow across Sydney and out the other side.

Georgy's bit

"Tuncurry-Forster," as we arrived from the north this time. It has hardly changed over 20 years. Same feel, same Cinema 3, the only difference noticed is in Tuncurry having a more up-market main street with less asbestos in the air.

Tea Gardens is a gorgeous river front town, with the Country Club/sports bowls/pokies/bistro/trivia night ...etc, and best of all - powered parking spots. A massive rig pulled next to us carting fundraiser cyclists with all their gear but they were very quiet, exhausted from 150 kms a day, in the saddle. Or seeing these bikes, it is a more appropriate description to say "saddles in" (guess where).

Nelson Bay is lovely and lively and best reached by ferry with minimal driving. Lunching on a great pie while enjoying a live concert, priceless. literally. Our last hour waiting for the ferry was in this lovely Mexican restaurant balcony overlooking the bay. What is not to love here? Even a beer stuffed with a lime wedge was cool.