Into New South Wales

Fancy being kicked out of Ipswich because a circus is coming - thought we were it...........we didn't plan to do much distance today and so headed south to Warwick past the Amberley Air force base (not open today of course), the road being hilly to start with, becoming mountainous through Cunningham's Gap which just seemed to go on and on and on..........and up and up...........

We avoided Stanthorpe and then took the fruit drive (another tourist drive, go figure) where all we saw was dying localities, closed stalls,possibly due to the bypass of the Cunningham Hwy - we should have stuck to the highway. At the border of QLD and NSW is the town of Wallangara which is where the rail line gauge changed, meaning all passengers and freight had to change to a new train. The station has been fully restored and contains a cafe and history displays. A town that is making the most of their past to ensure their future.

Into Tenterfield and of course, we started singing the damn song. It is one of the homes of Federation and in fact one of only three designated Federation towns in Australia (no we don't know where the others are). There is history here other than Peter Allan, even if his maracas are in the information centre. A run up to Mount McKenzie lookout, the Cork tree that was planted in 1861 (seedling brought from England in a jam tin) and is the largest cork tree in Australia, the Tenterfield saddlers house (he was real) and then that was enough for the day.

Tenterfield Rail Museum

The railway museum was close enough to walk around the corner too, even if it was closed. Lovely old building in the setting sun and also a market place on Saturday (which Julia will visit no doubt).
Leaving Tenterfield, after having two large nails removed and the van tyre repaired, we headed south wards again via Lismore and Casino over the ranges with lovely views and in towards Ballina, a coastal village where we had previously spent time on holidays. Due to the holiday crowds we were staying about 11k to the north at Alstonville, which is apparently to historic hub or the service centre or something of the area for some reason. Not enough time to figure out why. The Ballina fair was on with music e, buskers and food stalls which we managed to catch the tail end of in the late afternoon sunshine. A walk along the harbour wall and then back to the van for a late dinner.

Ballina surfers
 

Sunday was the long drive from Ballina to Beringen, the start of the water fall way. Our route took us through seaside towns of Yamba, McLean (a Scottish town with tartan on lamp posts), Uranga, all as we drove past massive rivers. Interesting at the time was the speeding boats with skiers on the bridge to bridge (Grafton to Harwood bridge and back, 108k at 120mph -ouch). This area is known as the Northern Rivers.
Parked the van at the Bellingen show grounds and then a 60k visit south the Scott's Head to meet up with relatives holidaying from Sydney. Beach walk and dinner and ready to fall into bed much later than we normally do.

Bellingen coffee

With not far to go on Monday we spent some time walking the streets of Bellingen which is, apparently, an old hippie town. We managed to find an upstairs cafe which had the best coffee for the whole trip - gave the heart a real kick start. Managed to find a couple of bargains in the recycle shops so all in all a pleasant morning.
A slow trip north along the picturesque, steep, narrow and 14k climb along the Waterfall Way. Not many running falls unfortunately as it has been so dry. We made a stop at Doriggo and a visit to a local woodwork display, amazing what people can make with wood - very envious. Out of Doriggo is the Dangar Falls which was well recommended and slightly impressive. Lunch stop at the much more spectacular Wollomombi Gorge and falls, no water but very deep and impressive.

Dangar Falls

Wollomombi Gorge

Finally into Armidale into a very strong wind and a possibility of RAIN - not sure what that feels like as we haven't seen any for 7 weeks.