Along the coast of the Southern Ocean is a stretch of road which precariously hugs the cliffs – beautiful sandy beaches and rugged cliffs- spectacular. We started the day early with coffee in a shop that had a cute bicycle – see photo. Then found a marvelous beach to wade in. And further down a great light house, funky home, interesting realtor For Sale sign & funky home. Photos to follow…

After a long day of driving we arrived in Geelong – near Melbourne. An industrial town on the water and close to the Great Ocean Road. We found a cute Airbnb and the owner had been to the Sheepdog Championship in Heber City – crazy! We are finding a few more fun things about OZ – drive through liquor stores –when in a hurry! And restaurants that only serve dinner til 8:30 – polar opposite of Spain! Which led us to great take out pizza- silver lining. Geelong worked great for an early start to the Great Ocean Road/ which we loved!

As Jack is only with us in Australia for 3 weeks – we are speeding through a bit of the country and this section was one of those times. We went through the mountains & tall tree forests / magnificent. Touched a bit of farming region inland along the Murray River/ interesting. Saw more Roos in the fields – always fun. And some small farming communities and very sparsely populated areas

The wildlife in Australia is interesting. Marsupials so different and birds are spectacular. The brightly colored Lorakeets are beautiful and white & black cockatoos are fun to watch. Bell birds / such a distinctive voice. And a few birds we never saw with sweet voices.

We love the beaches of Australia and there is a lot of beauty -inland- as well. We had so much fun with Jo & Mac and they suggested heading inland as we made our way to Melbourne. We found the majestic beauty of the tall tree forests humbling. And the farmland around the Murray River to have its own beauty. The populated areas of this section of OZ are pretty sparse and it is on this trip section that we see our first roaming emus – fun!

Greg is having fun adjusting to driving on the other side of the road – it is tough and he is such a sport to take on the task. He loves to tease us by turning on the wipers instead of the turn signal / oh the little things! And he is a master of the roundabouts.

Oops wanted add to a note on Sydney – we attended a Beatles show at the main theater st Sydney Opera House – performance amazing- singing tunes with Greg & Jack- priceless–amazing g views of Harbor, fabulous performance hall, memorable performance.

On to Merimbula

We are looking forward to reuniting with Jo Thorpe & MAC in Merimbula. So much fun!

First we went down to the beach & jumped the waves – Jo & Greg attracted a sting ray in the surf – exciting! Went to the nature center and met native wildlife including meeting a Kangaroo -up close & personal! Jo took us on a hike at the boardwalk where we found oysters, and ate one that we found -delicioso! Jo then led us on a bush hike where we met the cutest wallaby; munching her lunch while we watched about 10feet away- precious little rascal. Had fun celebrating Mac’s birthday with amazing food and the best pavlova in all of Australia & Mac & Jack camped on the beach all night- very cool experience. Jo’s friends invited us to play 9 holes of golf at the 4th toughest course in Australia – fun – gorgeous- humbling–we had a blast! Then shared a luscious picnic dinner at the beach with Jo & Mac’s friends – sunset was beautiful – comraderie so fun.

Jo showed us the kangaroo ‘ hang out’ spot & we loved seeing the roo community up close. Moms & joeys, so many Roos including the patriarch of the group-huge!

This is where we note our fav notes of Sydney:

-love taking the ferries around Harbor – Harbor Bridge- Luna Park- Opera House

-chatting with local woman who shared her 92 years of thoughts during our bus ride

/ Darling Harbour area – sites & aromas of Chinatown

-Mrs Macquarie Chair park NYE fireworks- seeing flying foxes fir first time, getting Soaked and Muddy abyss- Woodstock style – jammed into primo spot to watch amazing fireworks, walking home – running into spider web & SPIDER at 2:00a & bloodcurdling scream ensued!

Oh Boy!

New Years Eve starts in Sydney Australia and they certainly know how to celebrate!

Jack, Greg, I and 18,00 of our new friends chose Mrs Macqueries Chair to celebrate NYE.

We went to the park, queued up for 2 hours and then once in – found our spot – at Noon. We got comfy. Napped. Walked around. Ate. Drank.

Around 7:30p – it stated to rain – then pour. Most abandoned their spots – opting for some shelter under huge trees. Muddy-soaked -still smiling we were determined to see the fireworks. The rain was in our favor as many abandoned the prime viewing spots. Around 8:30p we staked our prime viewing spots – this meant we stood in one spot-packed in.

The family fireworks started at 9:00p. AMAZING. There were spectacular fireworks at the bridge & 2 other locations.

Definitely worth the wait.

Photos next.

luna park is a great amusement park at Sydney Harbor