Santa Monica

Santa Monica city, located west of Los Angeles, California. It's known for its beaches and the Santa Monica pier, as well as its shopping and dining options. 

The taxi from LAX ran to about $50usd and we did have to wait a while to get one, next time we would consider organising a transfer for a few more dollars.

It was late when we checked in so we just grabbed a snack for dinner and chilled in our room at Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel was clean, staff friendly and close to the pier and shops etc.

We opted for a Hollywood tour just to tick off the things you are expected to see, a highlight though was the original Farmers Market which had some great food options for lunch..

We spent some time at the pier with its carnival atmosphere and went for some walks along the beach and streets.

The tour guide gave us a great saying that we use for LA, one and done, meaning we are happy we visited but probably wouldn’t return 

Food wise we did our traditional faves for tourist towns, Cheesecake Factory and Bubba Gumps.

 

Brighton Beach Sydney: A Local's Guide to a Sun-Soaked Escape

Sydney boasts some of the world's most iconic beaches, but nestled south of the hustle and bustle lies a hidden gem – Brighton Beach. Often referred to as Lady Robinson's Beach, Brighton offers a laid-back charm that's perfect for families, friends, or a solo escape.

Sun, Sand, and Serenity

The beach itself is a vast stretch of golden sand, lapped by calm, clear waters. It's a haven for swimmers of all levels, with netted enclosures for a safe and relaxing dip.

But Brighton Beach is more than just a swimming spot.

• Family Fun: Build sandcastles, splash in the shallows, or hire a kayak for a gentle paddle. There's ample space for kids to run free, while parents relax under the shade of an umbrella.
• Beachside Bliss: For those seeking activity, beach volleyball courts are a great way to get some exercise and soak up the sun. There's also a scenic walking/cycling path that stretches along the coastline, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride with a view.

A Feast for the Senses

After a day on the beach, Brighton's vibrant cafe scene beckons. Grab a table overlooking the ocean and savor fresh seafood, sip on a cooling drink, or indulge in a delicious gelato.

The multicultural influences of the area add a unique flavor to Brighton. Explore the specialty stores or browse the local markets for a taste of something different.

A Touch of the Unique

One of Brighton's most captivating features is the constant stream of planes taking off and landing from nearby Sydney Airport. For aviation enthusiasts, it's a front-row seat to the marvel of modern flight.

Beyond the Beach

If you're looking to explore further, Brighton is a great base for venturing into Botany Bay National Park. Hike through coastal scrubland, discover hidden coves, or learn about the area's rich indigenous history.

Brighton Beach: Sydney's Hidden Gem

Whether you're a Sydney local or a visitor seeking an escape from the crowds, Brighton Beach offers a delightful alternative. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and range of activities, it's the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Drip NSW

The Drip in New South Wales is a popular natural attraction known for its beautiful sandstone walls and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. It's located within the Goulburn River State Conservation Area, on the western edge of Goulburn River National Park.

Here's a breakdown of what The Drip has to offer:

Natural Beauty:

• The Great Dripping Wall: The star attraction is a porous section of sandstone wall that rainwater seeps through,creating a natural "drip" effect. This makes The Drip a cool oasis, especially on hot summer days. The surrounding sandstone cliffs and the flowing water create a picturesque scene.
• Rockpools: The base of the dripping wall has shallow rockpools, perfect for cooling off your feet or paddling for little ones (remember, adult supervision is always necessary around water).

Hiking:

• The Drip Walking Track: A well-maintained return track leads you from the carpark to The Drip. The track is around 2 km long (each way) and is considered an easy walk. However, there are some short, steep hills, over 250 steps, uneven rocks, and creek crossings to navigate. It's best to wear long pants and enclosed shoes for a comfortable hike.

Things to Consider:

• No camping or fires are allowed at The Drip. If you're looking for camping options, nearby Spring Gully or Big River campgrounds are good choices.
• The best time to experience The Drip is after a few days of rain when the water flow is at its most impressive.
• During dry periods, the water flow might be minimal.

Overall, The Drip offers a beautiful and refreshing escape into nature, perfect for a family day trip or a short hike.

 

Ebor Falls NSW

Cascading Beauty: A Day Trip to Ebor Falls

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of New South Wales, Ebor Falls beckons nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.This majestic waterfall, along the scenic Waterfall Way, promises a day trip brimming with refreshing sights and sounds.

A Double Dose of Wonder: Unveiling Ebor's Twin Falls

Ebor Falls isn't just one, but two waterfalls cascading down the mighty Guy Fawkes River. The Upper Ebor Falls, formed by the river plunging over two tiers of columnar basalt rock, creates a dramatic scene. A dedicated lookout platform grants you a captivating perspective of the waterfall and the plunge pool below.

Continue your exploration and discover the Lower Ebor Falls. Here, the water tumbles down a single drop, offering a different visual treat. For the Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional custodians of the land, Ebor Falls held deep significance. They called it "Martiam," which translates to "the great falls," a testament to its power and grandeur.

Walking Trails and Scenic Lookouts: Immersing Yourself in the Beauty

Ebor Falls caters to visitors of all fitness levels. A short, wheelchair-accessible loop walk takes you from the carpark to an impressive cantilevered lookout, where you can witness the falls in all their glory. Another scenic lookout provides a broader perspective of the gorge and the surrounding bushland.

A Feast for the Senses: Nature's Symphony at Ebor Falls

As you approach the falls, the sound of cascading water fills the air, a melody both powerful and calming. Breathe in the crisp air, invigorated by the negative ions generated by the mist. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds flitting through the trees, and with a little luck, you might even spot a majestic wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead.

Beyond the Falls: Exploring Ebor's Environs

Ebor Falls is just one of the many natural wonders in the region. If you have extra time, consider venturing further into Ebor National Park and exploring the picturesque Long Point Lookout or the dramatic Wollomombi Falls, the tallest waterfall in New South Wales.

A Perfect Escape: A Day Trip to Ebor Falls Awaits

Ebor Falls is the ideal destination for a refreshing day trip. Pack a picnic basket, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to be captivated by the beauty of cascading water, lush landscapes, and the invigorating embrace of nature. Whether you're seeking a short walk or a longer exploration of the surrounding park, Ebor Falls promises an unforgettable experience.

Carnarvon Gorge Camping 2021 (Carnarvon National Park)

Our second trip to Central Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park in one year shows how much this place attracts and captivates thousands of visitors each year.

The fact that the visits were about 11 months apart is purely a distance thing with it being around a ten hour drive from Brisbane. We chose both times to tow our caravan up there and spent a few days exploring along the way including a stop at Lonesome National Park just down the road.

Or if coming from the west try Salvator Rosa section of Carnarvon National Park. Unfortunately it was closed on our visit but is definitely something to go back to.

Carnarvon Gorge Accomodation 

From a caravan perspective you can stay at Takarakka or Sandstone Park. Both these parks offer tent or van camping with Takarakka also having cabins. Takarakka is located along side the creek and has full facilities while Sandstone Park is up on a ridge with only toilets but spectacular sunset views.

We stayed in both and can say that they are hard to split for each of their respective strengths.

Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge is located a little closer to the park entrance and while we haven’t stayed there, we have dropped into the cafe and it is absolutely worth a visit (closed Mondays at time of writing)

The walks,

You can do anything from a 300 meter walk to the Rockpool up to a multi-day hike at Carnarvon Gorge.

Some of our favourites are the standalone Mickey’s Creek and the main gorge to the Amphitheater, Moss Garden, Ward’s Canyon, Cathedral.

Take plenty of water in the form of a camelbak as there is no water on the trail and the gorge sections could take six or seven hours if you do the full gorge to Big Bend with stops at each of the above.

Sun protection and a good camera is a must for this trip but whatever you take you are carrying it a long way. Hiking sticks help with the creek crossings and remember to bring your rubbish out with you.

Best time of year would be April to June and August to September. 

Reviews - Places. Andrew Drynan Park

Andrew Drynan Park.

Nestled in a quiet valley with a great outlook and clear running stream is this great family reserve.

Crystal clear "Running Creek" flows down from the Border Ranges national park and provides a centre point for campers, particularly in the warmer months as a great place to cool off.

In the cooler months sitting around a warm open fire and your troubles drift away.

There is plenty of exploring up and down the creek banks for the energetic and plenty of open space for kids to kick a ball around.

The odd train rattles through the hills but this just adds to the ambiance.

Day trips from here can be up to the National Park to see the loop track or further south to take in the beautiful county towns and grab a counter meal at one of the locals.

Some sites will be a challenge to get level but there are plenty of sites around.

The caretaker lives across the road and visits each morning.

All up highly recommended camp ground.

Quote from Scenic Rim Regional Council website http://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/national-parks-and-camping

Andrew Drynan Park Andrew Drynan Park is 47km from Beaudesert and 19km from Rathdowney on the Lions Road, south of Beaudesert, and Running Creek. It has an impressive backdrop formed by Mt Chinghee. The drive from Brisbane will take a couple of hours. The park is divided by Lions Road. Running Creek is a lovely flowing creek which is very inviting in summer and the park offers a great bush camp among the tall trees. Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and swimming. BYO drinking water. Pets to be restrained. No showers -- a dip in the creek will keep you clean. Please don't use soap or detergent. Directions: At Rathdowney, turn left into Running Creek Rd. Park located on Running Creek approximately 17km south east of Rathdowney.

$6 adults, $3 children (5 to15), $17 family, free for children under 5 years old Ph: (07) 5544 1281