FROM THE BEACH TO THE BUSH

22^nd February, 2016

A quick trip back to the Sunshine Coast for some routine doctor's appointments and then we head south once more. We have not stayed at Kingscliff Beach on the far north coast of New South Wales so check into the caravan park for a few days.

Kingscliff Beach

From here it is an easy drive to visit Wok's sister Beryl just over the Queensland border and the three of us go for a drive south along the beaches and then back to her place through Murwillumbah following the old highway. It's a lovely sunny day and a nice lunch at the Kingscliff Bowls Club was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The next day we took a walk along the beach.

Wok is deciding which way to go ...?

It was warm and sunny and quite a few people were enjoying the surf as well as the calmer waters of the inlet at the southern end of the beach.

This paddle boarding surfer girl also likes to take along her dog!

We pack up and head south along the coast to one of our favourite spots – Iluka. The caravan park is situated on the banks of the Clarence River with the surf beach not too far away.

Wok enjoying a stroll along the breakwater at Iluka Beach

The sunsets from our caravan over the water are often breathtaking.

Sunset from our caravan at Iluka

Visitors are not often expected while we are travelling and whilst we are at Iluka an old friend 'Ken Smith' drops in on his way north to Brisbane and our nephew 'Wayne' calls in to spend the night.

Wok, Robyn and Wayne - 'Looking good'

He is heading south to Newcastle with his caravan and manages to slot into the site beside us.

Wayne's caravan & car  -  Our caravan & car

Another unexpected visitor is the early arrival of the Easter Bunny.

Hey Wok - We have a furry visitor !!!

He seemed to be all out of Easter Eggs but Wok found a nice carrot for him to nibble on.

There you go bunny - that should get you hopping again!

After a couple of weeks rest and relaxation we head west over the Great Dividing Range. Our first stop is at Ebor Falls where we take in the view of the upper falls and have lunch

Upper Ebor Falls

before following the ridge to see the lower falls.

Lower Ebor Falls with Upper Falls in background

Then it is further west into the ranges to Wollomombi Falls.

Wok at Wollomombi Falls

These falls only run after heavy rains and while the view is spectacular we make a mental note to stop and see these falls in full swing. They would be awesome!

Wollomombi Falls (no water today)

We stop to take in another lookout not far away where we can see the river winding its way through the gorges.

View of the river winding its way through the gorges near Wollomombi Falls

It was getting late in the day so decided to freecamp at Wollomombi. The town is off the main road and is very small – can count the number of houses using all fingers on both hands. There is one small store but they do have a reserve where you can freecamp with access to toilets opposite. We pulled up beside a table and chairs under a tree and spent a lovely quiet night. In the morning we were entertained by the antics of a couple of parrots after the blossom in the branches right outside our kitchen window.

Who's a pretty boy then ?

We keep heading west and soon arrive at Armidale and check into the showgrounds. We intend to base ourselves here for a week and explore the area. The Information Centre runs a 'gold coin donation' bus tour of Armidale and we book in for the following morning. There are about eight of us on the bus along with a driver and tour guide. We have often travelled through the country city of Armidale heading north or south along the New England Highway, but apart from stopping for fuel have never looked into its history. Our bus slowly drives around the streets while our tour guide gives us an interesting insight into the founding of the town and its many historical buildings. The colourful lives of its citizens is also talked about and we stop at the aboriginal centre and art museum for a walk through. Armidale is now probably best known as being a University city – with the University of New England playing a major economical role in its everyday life. The bus tour has permission to take us through the university grounds as well as a walk through the original building first used by the university – 'Booloominbah'

Booloominbah

Booloominbah was built between 1886 and 1888 for Frederick White (a wealthy rural land holder). When they moved in, the family consisted of the parents and nine children, aged from 25 to 5. He died in 1903 but his widow lived on in the house until a short time before her death in 1933. Between 1916 and 1919 part of the house was lent to the Red Cross as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers. In 1936 the house was given to the University of Sydney as a University College. Lectures began in 1938 and in 1954 the autonomous University of New England was created. Of course the university has now expanded with a multitude of buildings housing different faculties and residential areas but Booloominbah is still used for administrative purposes. We are fascinated by the period furniture still in use in the spacious downstairs rooms and the mottos carved into the wood over arches and fireplaces. The stained glass window in the entrance hall is a wonder to behold. It commemorates the life of General Gordon killed in the Sudan in 1885 with seven scenes from his life. The tour now over we climb aboard the bus and head back to the Information Centre. Our two hour 'gold coin donation' tour has turned into three hours – but we are in the country and time is not so big of an issue. What a wonderful tour! Friendly, informative and the price is unbelievable!

The White family was quite influential in the area and other relatives of theirs took up land holdings. Out near the now modern airport of Armidale lies Saumarez Homestead which was built by F.J. White in 1888. Originally a single story dwelling, the upper level was added in 1906 at the insistence of his wife Margaret.

Saumarez Homestead

The property always concentrated on fine wool production and was run in conjunction with cattle properties near Guyra and in Queensland. F.J. and Margaret died in the 1930's and their unmarried daughters Mary and Elsie lived on in the house until after Elsie's death in 1981, the house and old farm buildings were donated to the National Trust. We take a tour of the house which has been left exactly as it was during the life of the White family. Many family treasures still remain and a wonderful insight into how the daily lives of the people who lived here is gained. It is a grand house but on a completely different scale to that of Booloominbah.

Apart from the farming activities that surround Armidale there are many fossicking spots. Sapphires and other gemstones as well as gold can be found. The area was also frequented by the bushranger known as Thunderbolt and many spots have been earmarked as 'Thunderbolt's Cave', 'Thunderbolt's Lookout', 'Thunderbolt's Hideout' and so on. We take a drive to the north west of Armidale and visit some of the fossicking areas as well as Thunderbolt's trail and stop to look at one of the many lookouts he is supposed to have used. All we can say is if this was one of his lookouts he definitely would have had a good view of anyone who may have been tracking him and had plenty of time to get away.

One of Thunderbolt's Lookouts ... ??

Well our time in Armidale is at an end. We've enjoyed our stay here but it is time to pack up and head south in search of other adventures.