Nelson Bay Nov 2022

page 1 file= NelsonBayNov22.htm
INTRODUCTION
While waiting for the new PRADO to be delivered, mid Jan-23, we decided to do some short trips in the
HYUNDAI, to iron out any potential problems, with any gear and travel arrangements. We had become
aware that whenever possible, it was WISE (almost mandatory) to pre-book accommodations. Previously,
you could roll up to any town or village and walk into a suitable MOTEL room, without pre-booking.
Lately, in past 1-2 years, with Covid restricting overseas travel, and the proliferation of GREY NOMADS,
it has become necessary to pre-book accommodations, well before departure, whenever possible.
We have found "Booking.com" to be as good as we need, having used them extensively in the past.
Our intention on this trip, was to travel South to Nelson Bay, just North of Newcastle, stopping at 
Nambucca heads on the way South. At Nelson Bay, we had decided to SLUM it at the "Anchorage Hotel"
at $695/nite, and look at :- Soldiers Point, Port Stevens, RAAF Williamtown and Parj's favourite Beach
Buggy site, the Stockton Sand dunes…now closed apart from Beach access.
Now let the photos tell the storey :-
Heading South, from Gold Coast to Nelson Bay, via Nambucca Heads.
Car packed and ready for departure, Gold Coast. Lookout in Woolgoolga, Nth of Coffs Harbour.
SIKH Temple, Woolgoolga, well restored recently. Massive NEW harbour works in Coffs Harbour.
View of Nambucca Heads, from River Mouth View from inside "Miramar Motel" Nambucca.
View from Nambucca Motel, $140/nite. Parj Serving WENCH in RSL club, beside motel.
said as good as Anchorage @ $695/nite ! Meals, $45, as good as Anchorage at $150++
Getting flat tire repaired at Beaurepairs, N-Hds. At Soldiers Point, Port Stevens. Pam posing
Very cheap at $70, including "used" tyre ! with LOCAL pelicans who ignored her, huh!!
Outside our "$695/nite" room at Anchorage,  Parj reckoned $140/nite at Nambucca Heads
Nelson Bay or Port Stevens. Bloody posers Eh? was just as good, Eh? Pam didn't agree.
Pam at rear of $695/nite Room. Poser eh ? At least she caught us a DECENT fish to eat.
Parj checking his boat in the harbour, Pam outside restaurant…expensive meals !!
Thought we'd do a day trip South to RAAF Williamtown, Stockton Dunes & places in-between.
Gan Gan lookout, on way South, 1 of many. Fighter World, RAAF Williamtown. I believe an
old mate from 15 Course, Neil Smith, retired
Air Vice Marshall, did this display, GREAT.
Pam beside an RAAF Mirage. Bit faster than Poor PARJ, never got to fly around in these
her Cessna 172 she used to own, fly and SWAN or later fighters, Mirages, Hornets, sigh.
around to various 5 * resorts. Jesus weeps !
Looks TERRIFYING, don't she ? Last but not LEAST, old Spitfire less wings.
EXCELLENT display, NEIL, very well done. Doing the Point COOK museum next,  Eh ?
I believe Neil Smith, ret'd Air Vice Marshal, from number 15 Course, was responsible for this display.
From RAAF Williamtown, we went to the Stockton DUNES, which Parj and his mates from the DUNE 
BUGGY club used to visit, yearly. This had some "humungous" high/steep dunes, which even the BEST
Buggies with Subaru Engines, needed a LONG/FLAT runup. Most got airborne at the top.(if they made it)
For some reason, the steep dunes were closed to vehicles some 5+ years ago, leaving only BEACH
driving. Parj was keen to see what/where he was silly enough to do, while younger and more mobile.
We could only go to the ENTRY, as our Hyundai TUCSON was only a 2WD. Dropped in on most beaches
& resorts on way back to Nelson Bay, to do our final fling on the Cruise Ferry, Moonshadow Eats & Beats.
This was an EXCELLENT cruise/meal with superb entertainment by a lady singer/urger. She got most
people onto the dance floor and making fools of themselves on several POLES, floor to ceiling.
Pam & Parj were glad to watch. PAM was VERY relieved they did NOT hold a KAREOAKY session. She
had heard Parj performing previously, and was afraid most people would jump overboard to escape him ?
Entry to Stockton Dunes, far as we got this time. The Moonshadow Eats/Beats ferry. Excellent
value, good food, music, ferry trip.
We were 1st on board. Good table, views. Lady singer was great. Got many dancing and
POLE dancing. GREAT value, good fun.
Returning home The return home, of about 710 km, was easily done in 1 day, with the usual traffic
JAMS from the Qld. Border to home. Very enjoyable and EASY trip, preparing for MORE to come.
We will do another trip in the Hyundai TUCSON, in Dec-22, visiting friends & rels on the way and back.
This report will follow shortly. We expect to get the TOYOTA PRADO mid Jan-23, as promised. This will
need some preparation and short  "SHAKEDOWN TRIPS", to say Moreton Island and or YEPPOON.
We then plan the MASSIVE trip to BROOME, via Simpson Desert, Alice Springs, Tanami track to Halls
Creek, Broome, then to Darwin via Gibb River Road, and home via East Coast. About 4 weeks duration.
Plan to leave mid Apr-23, trip report will follow soon. Cheers to all readers.
=====================================================================  END HOME