Day 326 Taree

Tuesday 22 November


We left Katoomba early for todays long drive.  It took us 250km to reach the edge of the forest, driving through both the Blue Mountains and the Wollemi National Parks.  The roads, particularly towards the end of this section, were superb - empty good tarmac, fantastic views and ...twisty! Oh for a bike! It was obviously popular with bikers as there were numerous warnings and road safety messages aimed at them but today we hardly saw a car let alone bikes.

Smith's Lake

Next was a rather boring section on the highway passing a huge open cast coal mine and some built up areas before we turned off onto the Lakes Way.  Not surprisingly this passed several lakes, though most were disappointingly hidden from view, and ended up at the coast. 


 At Bluey Beach we finally got to stretch our legs and go for a swim.. Well not much swimming was done as there was very strong surf.  It was like a super strong jacuzzi!  We got nicely pummelled, did some body surfing then lay on the beach to dry off.  Just behind the surf a pod of dolphins was patrolling the area when we arrived but soon moved off.

Bluey Beach

Bluey Beach

We drove through some fairly affluent areas, firstly past large houses which all seemed to have a paddock and horse or two attached then more large houses each with it's own jetty and mooring on one of the lakes.  Ian spotted a tourist sign to Hawkes Point Lookout so we diverted to see it. We parked at the end of a lane to the sound of thunder.  We decided it wasn't too close so set off up the marked path, up and up and up!  We were just thinking of giving up when we reached the top and and large metal tower.  The views from the top were spectacular, particularly of the rapidly approaching storm!  Time to turn back. We passed this sign explaining the name of the place.

Approaching Storm

Finally we arrived at a great little motel in Taree. Our room is slightly bizarre as it has a bedroom and separate kitchenette/dining area containing a whirlpool  bath.  It was just big enough for us to share and wash off all the sand we'd acquired in unmentionable places. Finally a simple meal in the motel restaurant in the company of a lovely New Zealand couple and the motel owners.  A great day!