Quite windy today so thought a walk down into the valley might give us some respite. We decided to go down the Giant Stairs which are behind the 3 Sisters and they certainly lived up to their name. Probably not for anyone with a fear of heights as some of the metal stairs have a big drop when viewed through the steps! Eventually got to the Federal Pass track and a much flatter walk through the forest and away from the wind. Had our lunch near the bottom of Katoom...

Slightly nervous today as we have to face Sydney traffic! Departed Karuah Jetty Park and headed south towards Newcastle. Stopped at a driver reviver stop near the Hawkesbury River and had coffee in the van. I should mention here that of all the dozens of driver reviver stops on this trip, and there’s been a lot, there hasn’t been a single one actually giving out coffee, free or otherwise! Big disappointment! Anyhow, we hit Sydney and thanks to ‘HereWeGo’ ...

Thought we’d have a bigger day of driving today so left Coffs Harbour by 8:30am. Took the scenic route around Port Maquarie which was nice before rejoining the highway and eventually arriving at Karuah, Port Stephens at about 4:00pm by which time the temperature had dropped and the wind had picked up. Therefore we said goodbye to our shorts and tee shirts and hello to our puffy jackets! Had a short walk out to the jetty before settling for the night.

Heading further south again today sadly as we really enjoyed this spot (apart from the previously mentioned attempt to wedge the caravan between two trees!). We chatted for a while to our two campfire buddies from the night before, who we got on well with, before heading off to rejoin the highway again and a drive to Coffs Harbour. Coffs seemed a lot busier than I remember it in 1979 when I was last here although the Big Banana still sat on the side of the highw...

A more relaxing day planned today (thank goodness!) After breakfast we took the kayaks to the lake nearby and paddled across the glassy water for an hour or so. It was so nice! No crocodile, stonefish or stinger warning signs to put us off, just flat water and easy paddling. After this we went for a walk to Red Cliff Lookout, again, a lovely walk and easy going. Then drove to Angourie, north of here and where our daughter, Sarah had been to several weeks before u...