#Wollongong beach sunset

[10timesremoved]

[wileys-russo]

alanna kennedy, “my left side is my best side”, golden hour beach

golden hour II a.kennedy

"mac gimme a piggyback!" you launched yourself onto the taller girl who grunted and stumbled forward slightly, hurrying to grab your legs as your arms wrap around her neck.

"can't your girlfriend do this?" the goalkeeper sighed, alanna a hundred or so metres ahead deep in conversation with ellie and hayley.

"don't act like you don't miss me when we're not on camp maccy." you cooed pinching her cheeks, the other girls turning to make their way down the stairs and onto the beach.

you'd grown up playing football with the goalkeeper and it was her who introduced you to alanna long before the two of you even started dating, but from day one you couldn't help but be drawn to the tall blondes confidence.

"right freeloader off! rides over." mackenzie dropped you down to your feet, racing onto the beach after caitlin who had taken peach off the leash, all of you playing a friendly in wollongong against portugal the coming weekend.

"don't you dare!" you stopped mid step, foot hovering above the sand as your girlfriend appeared. "my vintage dunks are not getting sandy or wet." alanna warned sternly as you gave her an innocent smile, forever raiding her extensive closet which may as well have been just as much yours as hers.

"piggyback then? turn around." you gestured as the blonde simply scoffed. "yeah you wish babe, sit." you nearly fell backwards as her hands fell to your shoulders and pushed you to sit on the stairs.

"lani!" you protested as your girlfriend pulled your shoes off, swatting your feet away as you tried to kick her away. "seriously? i'm not walking around barefoot its freezing!" you scowled as she shrugged.

"stop stealing my shoes then." the blonde smirked, holding them hostage in one hand as the other was extended for you to take. "give me yours then, they're already sandy." you bargained nodding down to the shoes on her own feet.

"why should i walk around barefoot? like you said babe, its freezing." the blonde scoffed as you fixed her with a firm look. "would you like to get laid in the next two weeks alanna?" you warned, her smile dropping and you could have laughed at the speed in which her shoes were stripped off and shoved onto your feet.

"you're like a horny teenage boy." you shook your head in disbelief, accepting her hand up. "well when your girlfriends as hot as mine is, you just can't help it babe." alanna smirked, lightly smacking your ass and stealing a kiss before you could tell her off.

stepping down onto the sand you watched a look of disgust cross the blondes face as she did the same. "why didn't you take your socks off you freak!" you laughed as she groaned.

"fuck i don't know i didn't think about it." she moaned in annoyance, handing you the shoes you'd previously been wearing and bending down to slip her socks off. "lani!" you shrieked as she tossed them at you with a grin.

"you're such a child." you shoved the shoes into her chest and took off walking, hearing her follow after you with an amused chuckle.

"work it for the camera, work it!" caitlin yelled out in a funny accent, mackenzie off running with peach and ellie as hayley posed for photos in front of the water and you all gassed her up. "oi el!" the brunette yelled as the defender zapped past and pushed her, sending her tumbling onto her ass.

"fuck now my jeans are all wet. ellie!" hayley took off after her with a growl, peach sprinting with them. "let me guess. you want trio photos?" you sighed as three phones were thrust toward you, the sunset meaning for optimal lighting as the mostly empty beach was bathed in a soft golden glow.

"would you like me to take these before its dark?" you smiled in amusement as the three girls bickered back and forth about how to pose and who to stand, finally falling into some sort of agreement as you snapped at least fifty pictures.

"okay. our turn!" alanna clapped, grabbing your hand as you hastily passed the phone to caitlin before you were dragged into your girlfriends strong hold.

"c'mere sexy." you squealed as suddenly your legs were wrapped around her waist and you clung onto her shoulders as she teasingly pretended to drop you. "now kiss me like you love me." the blonde grinned before puckering her lips expectantly.

"wait! my left side is my best side." alanna pulled back right before you could kiss her, your eyes rolling as did her best friends as she turned so her left side faced the camera.

"babe that was your cue to go 'oh lani baby you don't have a best side, they're both equally as gorgeous'." your girlfriend reminded, making a face as she clearly awaited the words to fall from your mouth which only curled into a smile.

"just shut up and kiss me you freak."

[rich-info]

Embrace the Freedom and Explore Wollongong: The Unmatched Advantages of Rental Cars

Nestled along the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Wollongong beckons with its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and an array of attractions waiting to be discovered. To fully immerse yourself in the wonders of this coastal paradise, rental cars Wollongong becomes the ultimate choice, offering a plethora of advantages that enhance your travel experience and grant you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

One of the standout benefits of renting a car in Wollongong is the unparalleled freedom it brings to your journeys. No longer confined by the limitations of public transportation or the constraints of organized tours, a rental car empowers you to embark on spontaneous adventures and traverse the city's hidden gems with ease. Dream of chasing the sunrise at the iconic Bald Hill Lookout or venturing off the beaten path to uncover the charm of Wollongong's coastal villages? With a rental car at your disposal, you have the liberty to craft your own itinerary, allowing you to fully embrace the true essence of Wollongong on your terms.

Flexibility is another significant advantage that comes hand in hand with renting a car in Wollongong. Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacation, a rental car offers the versatility to adapt your travel plans to suit your desires and needs. Want to extend your beach day and catch the mesmerizing sunset over the Pacific Ocean? Or perhaps immerse yourself in the region's breathtaking hinterland, exploring its cascading waterfalls and lush national parks? With a rental car, you have the freedom to modify your schedule, ensuring that you make the most of your time in Wollongong. The convenience of having your own wheels empowers you to seamlessly transition between attractions, embrace impromptu detours, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Comfort and convenience go hand in hand when it comes to renting a car in Wollongong. Modern rental car providers offer an extensive range of vehicles to cater to your specific needs, from compact cars ideal for solo adventures to spacious SUVs perfect for family trips. Equipped with modern amenities and advanced technology, rental cars provide a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Air conditioning keeps you cool during warmer days, while Bluetooth connectivity and GPS navigation systems make exploring the city a breeze. The convenience of having a private and comfortable space to call your own allows for a seamless and stress-free journey throughout Wollongong, ensuring that you arrive at each destination feeling refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Furthermore, renting a car in Wollongong offers a cost-effective option for travelers. While it may initially seem like an additional expense, rental cars often prove to be more economical than relying on other modes of transportation. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, you can efficiently visit multiple attractions in a single day, maximizing your time and minimizing the need for costly taxis or rideshares. Additionally, rental cars provide the convenience of storing your belongings securely, allowing you to immerse yourself in Wollongong's wonders without the burden of heavy bags or backpacks.

In conclusion, rental cars Wollongong provides unmatched advantages for travelers seeking freedom, flexibility, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're traversing the picturesque coastline, embarking on scenic drives through the lush countryside, or exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, a rental car grants you the ability to create your own adventure and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Wollongong. So, the next time you find yourself in this coastal paradise, embrace the joy of renting a car and let the open road lead you to remarkable discoveries and unforgettable experiences in the captivating city of Wollongong. Experience the freedom to explore and create cherished memories at every turn.

[novemberpoet]

Hello

[thescruffyphotographer]

Some glorious outtakes. Once salt water gets on the filter that's it, you're too close to the water

[because-its-delicate]

[yourbesttravelshots]

When you just NEED to get to outside for these views!!✌🏼 Here’s 10 Reasons to visit NSW South Coast, SAVE THIS POST NOW! ☝︎︎⁣ ⁣ 10 REASONS WHY:⁣ ⁣ 1. Stop by Stanwell Tops for amazing views. Have a picnic or fly a kite! 🪁 Rejuvenate here and get ready to continue south!⁣ 2. Explore the stunning coastal hike at Royal National Park. Take a dip in the Figure 8 Pools, sun bake at the secluded Garie beach and more! ⛰⁣ 3. Take a walk over the Sea Cliff Bridge, or even under it too?⁣ 4. Hike to Madden’s Falls and play under the waterfall like nobody’s watching. 🌿⁣ 5. Visit the coastal town of Wollongong & Port Kembla and see the lighthouses.⁣ 6. Take a hike up to Mount Keira Lookout for a view above Wollongong.⁣ 7. Hike up another stunning waterfall at Minnamurra! 🤗⁣ 8. Check out the blowhole at Kiama. 💧⁣ 9. Take some awesome shots at Bombo Headland during sunrise and sunset. 🤩⁣ 10. Get some wine tasting done at all the wineries in Berry! 🍷⁣ And there’s just so many more great things to do in the south coast!⁣ ⁣ Check out the wonderful gallery of @happyevertraveller (⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Credits 🎥)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 🌍 Follow for daily stunning travel photography⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ 📌 SAVE 📤 SHARE ⏬ COMMENT⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Use the hashtag yourbesttravelshots or tag @yourbesttravelshots to be featured :)⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #nswsouthcoast #visitnsw #sydneyaustralia #visitwollongong #travelonfire #liveloventravel #malangtraveller #ihearttravel #crotravel #travelandtour #onlyfortravel #introtravel #tinytraveler #etravel #travelsearth #awaytravel #mytravelphotos #travelagencies #travelexpo #namkrasivotravel #travellush #portboxtravel #topworldtravelpics #travelnomads #travelokamy #traveling_sea #ig_traveldiaries ⁣ (hier: Australia/Sydney) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHaCm0jpfIU/?igshid=1tufb7f3dfayu

[farukhislam]

THE WEEK'S NEIGHBORHOOD: JUMEIRAH DUBAI

The favorite destination for visitors, Jumeirah Dubai, is home to world-class neighborhoods that are known to give residents a luxurious lifestyle. The majority of these neighbourhoods is self-contained and has a variety of amenities and services for residents.

In this week's neighborhood of the week, we have picked "Jumeirah". "It is regarded as the" Beverly Hills of the Middle East "as one of the top residential communities in Dubai. And this title is completely justified by the glitz and glamour of this culture.

Jumeirah-A short intro

Located along the coast of Dubai, Jumeirah is a residential waterfront area that provides residents with mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea. As a Jumeirah resident, along with numerous conveniences, you will enjoy an upscale and exuberant lifestyle. Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Internet City and Dubai Media City are some famous communities positioned near this area.

For the numerous properties it nestles, Jumeirah is not only renowned for the vibrant aura it exudes, but it has also become an integral part of Real Estate Developers in Dubai success. There are abundant options for them for those searching for residential properties for sale in Jumeirah. Interested buyers can pick any form of living space that fits their tastes and suits their budget, from ultra-luxury villas to apartments and townhouses. Most of these dwellings come with open green spaces such as the backyard and front yard, and swimming pool, particularly villas and townhouses.

Despite being a popular tourist attraction, though offering a peaceful environment, it offers a private lifestyle. Jumeirah residents have easy access to schools, shopping malls, grocery stores, pharmacies, and centers for health care, gyms, and recreational venues. It's a perfect place to live for beach lovers as it provides them with easy access to Jumeirah Beach, the favorite of all.

As villas and townhouses have their own parking space, there's no parking problem in Jumeirah. Residential buildings, too, have ample resident parking space. In paid street parking zones, visitors can park their vehicles.

Jumeirah Dubai Sub-Communities

The Dubai region of Jumeirah is divided into various sub-communities. They are:

 —Jumeirah 1

This sub-community is renowned for apartments and studios. Other than that, villas in Jumeirah 1 are open. Also close by are prominent landmarks such as Dubai Zoo, Jumeirah Public Beach, and Jumeirah Mosque.

Jumeirah 2--

Jumeirah 2 is home to luxury villas that are available in various styles of architecture. This sub-community provides Jumeirah Bay Island and Box park Urban Mall with easy access for residents.

 -Jumeirah 3

For those looking to purchase villas in Jumeirah 3, it is another common option. As they are situated in close proximity, residents can visit Sunset Mall and Kite Beach without any hassle.

Town Walk

This sub-community, founded by Meeras, is referred to as Jumeirah's new urban retail hub. At City Stroll, you can find ultra-luxury apartments laced with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

 Islands of Jumeirah Bay

The Jumeirah Bay Islands, a recent addition to the Jumeirah sub-communities, occupy an area of over 6 million sq. Just ft. It features six residential buildings with a total of 173 apartments facing the area. Other than that, 15 private mansions are also situated in this sub-community. Meeras is also the creator of the Jumeirah Bay Islands. In Dubai, it is ranked among the most expensive areas to purchase land.

Jumeirah Dubai Facilities Nearby

Hotels & Resorts

You can find ample hotels and resorts in and around the city, as Jumeirah is a popular tourist destination. Some of those that are famous are:

Dubai Bulgari Resort

Dubai Four Seasons Resort

Oriental Jumeirah Mandarin

Jumeirah Madinat

From Burj Al Arab

Boutique Hotel of Park Regis

Resort Roda Beach

Supermarkets and Shops

The region contains many supermarkets and convenience stores, making it easy for residents to shop for their necessities. Its branches in and around Jumeirah have common brands such as Waitrose, Spinneys, and Carrefour.

 Other than that, they should go to Organic Foods and Care for hormone-free and gluten-free products along with freshly produced items for those who choose organic and veg choices. It is situated in the Mall of The Village.

Facilities for Transportation

For those who choose to take the subway for commuting purposes, on Sheikh Zayed Lane, near Jumeirah, they may explore various options. These include Noor Bank station, Burj Khalifa station, Financial Centre Station, and Business Bay Station. It is possible to hit most of these stations within 5 to 10 minutes. You can take a bus to the desired metro station if you do not have your own vehicle. The region has different bus routes linking it to these stations. Hilton Beach Club, Majlis Al Ghoreifa, and Rashid Al Hadees Masjid are some of the bus stations situated in this city.

-Institutes of Education

It is ideal for families because of the availability of renowned educational institutions. The Jumeirah Baccalaureate School is located in Jumeirah 1, one of the most famous schools in the city and a "very strong" certificate holder from the "Information and Human Development Authority"

 Other prominent educational institutions in the neighborhood and around it are:

Private Al Shurooq School

International School at Raffles

English School at Horizon

Jumeirah High School GEMS

There's no university in Jumeirah, but in Education Village, which is located only 20 minutes from Jumeirah, you can find several of them. The University of Wollongong Dubai, Middlesex University and the American University of Dubai are some reputed universities among them.

Facilities for health services

Within Jumeirah, many top-notch health and aesthetic facilities can be found. There are some of these:

 Hospital for Medicare

Hospital Emirates

Hospital Neuro Spinal

Centre for Pediatric Specialty Medicare

The British Lasik Centre for Cosmetic Surgery and

Clinic of Aesthetica

Cosmetic Skin & Laser Core Derma line

Such health care and aesthetic facilities boast state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment. In addition, in these centres, you can also find expert and seasoned practitioners.

 In Jumeirah Shopping Malls

It's no surprise that one of the famous neighborhoods in the city won't feature them, as Dubai is known as the haven for shopping centres. Within the radius of this city, you will find ample shopping centres. Near Jumeirah, some popular shopping centres are also located.

 In and around Jumeirah, some of the famous shopping malls are:

Mercato Shopping Mall: It was designed by a renowned Italian architect, Danielle Morelli. There are 140 service outlets and shops in Mercato Shopping Mall and it is considered among the city's top 10 malls.

Jumeirah Plaza: It's not the largest of the malls, but a visit is always worthwhile. Specifically, Jumeirah Plaza is your go-to place if you want to shop in a peaceful and crowd-free place. Sunset Mall: Featuring high-end stores and various dining options, it is located in Jumeirah 3.

The Dubai Mall: Definitely, no introduction is required. It has everything, right from eating options to retail stores and entertainment venues. It can be accessed from Jumeirah in just 12 minutes.

Cafes and Restaurants

Jumeirah is no less than a paradise for food-lovers. A selection of restaurants and cafes offering a multicultural culinary experience are located here. You will find them all in Jumeirah, whether you are fond of Arab cuisine or like eating Indian fare. High-end eateries are also nestled in the popular shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants in Jumeirah.

These are some of Jumeirah’s popular restaurants and cafes:

Al Bawadi Reem

About Nusr-Et

Restaurant Sammach

COYA Peruvian establishment

To Scalini

Seafood Shop 2

Gourmet Omnia

Café One

Sea Fu The Sea

Japanese Restaurant Itadaki

Village of Turk

Fridays for TGI

Seafood Restaurant Sardina

 You can also head to Costa Cafe, McDonald's drive-thru or Starbucks if you're up for a fast grab.

 Jumeirah Worship Centres

Jumeirah creates worship centres for Muslims, Hindus and Christians to appeal to the diverse communities belonging to various faiths. Among them, not only in the region, but throughout the city, Jumeirah Mosque is the most famous. It is the oldest mosque in Dubai.

In Jumeirah and its close proximity, other religious centres are:

Baptist Church of the Emirates

Buddhist Temple of Mahamevnawa

Temple Gurdwara

 The Beaches

Jumeirah residents have convenient beach access as it is nestled along the coast of Dubai. Among them, some popular beaches are:

 Playa Jumeirah

Beach at Sunset (Umm Suqeim Beach)

La Mer (A residential development on the beachfront)

Beach Kite

 The beaches are surrounded by hotels and restaurants in Jumeirah. In addition, they also have a range of visitor events lined up.

 Jumeirah Residential Properties

 In Jumeirah, residential properties include flats, villas, townhouses and penthouses. If you are searching for smaller living rooms, you will find studios as well. These units are sold in various configurations. For instance, you can choose from 1, 2, or 3-bedroom options if you are looking for Jumeirah area Dubai Apartments for Sale Cheaps. Similarly, villas, penthouses and townhouses also have different numbers of rooms.

It is important to note that in this city; most residential buildings are typically low-rise. You will not, therefore, be able to enjoy the striking views of the Dubai skyline. Still, this particular shortcoming is compensated for by the rest of the features.

[lurephotography]

Secret beach?? . . . #photography #instaphotography #photographer #photo #picoftheday #photooftheday #landscapephotography #landscape #nature #naturephotography #sunset #naturelover #naturelovers #nature_photo #naturepic #naturepics #viewpoint #landscapehunter #beach (at Wollongong, New South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CB4AJIBH0co/?igshid=cbn9214h05s8

[bighandslittlefeet]

Hello Everyone!

So we left Sydney in Val the Van and have been on the road for six days now! It's been marvellous. We’re not sad to see the back of Sydney, serving coffees and running escape rooms can only hold your interest for so long, and I think we packed in all of the good touristy stuff in the first two weeks, so by the end of two months we were definitely hankering for something new! We’re sad to say goodbye to our friends and new work colleagues of course, but the open road beckoned, and on Sunday we set off in a freshly packed Val. We made a short stop for coffee at Four Brothers for Espresso and had a cheeky egg and bacon sarnie and then began the journey properly.

We headed south to go north, hitting up Jervis bay as we had been told by numerous folk that it was truly unmissable. It took us a good five hours to get down, owing to bad traffic on the main highway, it looked to us in passing that a lorry driver had had a serious near miss and was on the side of the road shedding tears to a police officer, meanwhile, we were all diverted down into the valley and onto the b roads. A lot of traffic wound its way through two very picturesque, but very small, seaside towns. Eventually though we made our way out of Sydney and further and further south.

Jervis bay is a nature reserve park with stunning beaches known for their high silica content which keeps them cool and makes them brilliantly white to look at. As we arrived at the park boundary we decided to buy a two day pass, after talking with a really nice park keeper who was sure that the campsites inside the park were a rip off and we’d do much better commuting in and out. So we drove in, the road becoming less and less sealed, further and further, the bush growing more and more tangled and dense. We came to the end of the road. The far end of the peninsula. The furthest beach. We did the obligatory suncreaming and made for the nearest beach. The view was stunning. A sweeping bay with white sands as far as could be seen interspersed with pockets of green and rocky outcroppings encroaching on the shore. We soon realised that this particular edge had quite a lot of rocks and weeds in the amazingly clear water and made our way back to Val, and proceeded to the other side of the headland. This beach, similar in beauty, was replete with a smattering of folks, swimming, eating, sunbathing, and so we felt more comfortable getting out togs off and jumping in. Val came with a full face mask snorkelling kit and two other normal snorkel masks and mouthpieces, so we took the opportunity, as recommended gain by friends, to do a bit of snorkelling. It was chilly water, but gloriously clear. We could see small silvery fish about a handspan in length, and a few jellies here and there. The sand quickly dropped away into the bay and we stuck to the shallows. Later, reading a pamphlet on the beach we would find that we were meant to always face the sea, as sharks were regular guests of the bays! Luckily we were spared any sightings that day!

After a short nap on the sand and a dry off in the early afternoon sunshine we made our way back out of the park. We drove to Hyams beach, another stunner, but the sun was beginning to get low on the horizon and we were starting to get peckish. We made our way to a shop to pick up foodie stuff, the plan was to make a bit of a mexican feast, poached chicken, smoky pepper mole, quac, salsa, blackened corn, and warmed mini tacos. We then made our way over to another site we had identified at bream beach. We couldn’t have done any better, well priced, on the edge of a lake and the people who greeted us were so super friendly. And the kangaroos. They lived on the site. 15 of them, just out of season, so there were some very small young ones! Very cute and very friendly. We watched the sunset with a glass of wine and had leftovers as it was too late to cook.

The next day we headed back into the park. We headed to steamer’s bay, a secluded beach a bit of a hike from the nearest parking spot. It was recommended no swimming, and as we crested the hill we could see why, the beach ran long and shallow and must have had quite a significant drop off as the swell was immense, waves taller than our heads relentlessly crashed onto the beach. We descended the steep staircase into the bay and walked the beaches length and breadth before turning back to the staircase and the walk back to Val. That night we made the feast and ate very well indeed. The next morning we set our sights on hunter valley, a location renowned for its wine and more importantly north of Sydney. We set off and broke the journey for a coffee and a bite in Wollongong, a small seaside town just south of Sydney. A lovely cafe playing Paolo Nutini, served great coffee and a bacon and egg roll - scrambled this time, not fried, and with a nice tomato relish. The BNE as they are called here, seems to the staple of cafes rather than the BLT, as in the UK. I think it is rather excellent. The time in Wollongong was rounded off with a walk up to a lighthouse and along the coast for a little stretch before once again we headed back towards Val. Some of you may know that Becca and I have a collaborative Google map on which we have been bookmarking places to see and go on this trip and we actually had one marked for this town. As we walked back through town to the car park, we passed Chicko’s a fried chicken hut - we couldn’t remember for the life of us why we had tagged it but it looked like it was doing roaring trade. We would have had some had it not been for the lovely food we had just had! And also, fried chicken mid morning seemed a little odd!

Back on the road we blasted the tunes until we climbed the foothills, into the mountains, and finally the valley. An uncanny sense of deja vu took over as it seemed we were transported into the South of France, vineyards and gateways with no fences, lined the route sporadically. Until we hit the towns which were a strange american cultural mix, I could have been in France, although driving on the wrong side of the road! We pulled into the campsite we had booked and set up camp, the temperature was cooler here, and so we shrugged on some jackets and walked across the way to a brewery. We got a tasting platter of local brewed beers, reasoning that tomorrow we could do the wines. We sat and chatted as the sun gto lower and lower in the sky and decided to have a bite to eat at the brewery. A very satisfactory fish and chips and chicken parmo later, and we were contentedly strolling back to camp for a deep sleep.

The next day we did our first campsite wash. The temperature was up so the clothes hung in the sun and were dry in no time. We were soon picked up by our tour which we had booked in Sydney a few weeks ago as a sort of early Christmas treat to ourselves. When in Rome… The tour had been recommended by a friend and was run by a winery/restaurant known as Two Fat Blokes. Julie, our van driver came picked us up at the gates of our site and warned us that today we would be drinking around a bottle and a half of wine each and so had plenty of water on hand - we rubbed our hands with glee. The other couples on the bus were Swiss and American and we picked up a trio of Irish women before making our first wine stop at Leogate. The nine of us sat at a long table outside under a shaded canopy and we were served a flight of 10 or so wines of varying styles and ages. They were all young and fruity and really quite nice. My old world sensibilities have definitely been eroded by this experience. We barreled back into the van, after a few obligatory photos of the vines with the mountains in the background, and began the drive to the next cellar door. Conversation was much more lubricated, thanks I am sure in no small part to the copious quantities of wine just imbibed on near empty stomachs, and we began to chat with the Americans, who turned out to be an Australian and an American who had been dating long distance and were here during their week together. I was asked who my team was, which I had no reply to, until Becca told me he was enquiring about football - at which point I was at even more of a loss. Grasping at straws I related how many people in the UK seemed to be interested in the NFL now, and I myself had picked up a t-shirt at a charity shop which I had been reliably informed was to do with an american sports team, but which I had bought because of its florid tie-dyed aesthetic.

The bus rounded the corner and we were suddenly in a spanish villa. An uncanny sense of deja vu washed over me again, as were were ushered through large oak doors into a high vaulted room. The dude who lead our tasting this time had a very nice pair of DMs on and was a pretty chilled and nice guy. Another flight of wines and we were soon in the van on our way to the two fat blokes pop up restaurant where we had been promised not only nine more wines to taste but also a flight of tasty cheeses to accompany them. The cheese was phenomenal. I’m proud to say the best of the cheese was imported from good ole europe! It was stunning. A real range, and all of them worked very well together on the palate. A new cheese, which I had not had before - a labna, was incredibly creamy and flavoured with a light floral tang. The smoky, the creamy, all went together with the light, the fruity, the well bodied, the red, the white, the rose, and the liqueurs that were placed before us. Placed by, frankly, our alcoholic guide, who admitted to always having at least ten of such and such a bottle on standby, and could happy put away a bottle or two of x and y wines by herself! Much respect. The tasting was made all the more hilarious by the bunch of Irish lasses who had the most amazingly over the top reactions to every cheese we had, it was either ‘the best fucking cheese I have ever tasted, oh my god, Sairosie, have you actually tried this cheese, it's incredible’ to ‘it literally tastes like, and you’ll forgive me for saying this - bird shite’. It was a hoot.

We were the first to be dropped off by the van and we settled into the van quite merrily, making our pre-planned ham and cheese toasties as our designated drunk food. But! These were no ordinary ham and cheese toasties!! As I set about making the roux to form the basis of the cheese sauce, Becca sliced the sourdough breads and began buttering every side. Soon we could begin construction. A doorstop slice of bread, a smear of the cheese sauce, a slice of edam, a few slices of chunky deli ham, a slice of edam, another smear of the mustardy cheese sauce, and finally another double buttered sourdough slice to complete the architectural marvel. Straight to a hot pan, toasted to a golden crisp on both sides, the innards, steaming and goopy. A triumph if we don’t mind saying so ourselves.

The next day we took to the road, bidding goodbye to our strange little campsite in the rolling vines of Hunter Valley. We made a stop at the two wineries we had visited prior to the two fat blokes stop and bought a couple of bottles for Christmas. We then made our way over to Nelson Bay. We spent some time durdling around on a very lovely beach and then made our way up to the headland lighthouse which had stunning views of the bay. We had a spider - an australian coke float, and shared some scones and cream. A questionable variant on the British Cream tea, to be sure. That night we found ourselves in a lovely beachside campsite next to the beach. We tried for another walk but the wind was so strong that it was like being sandblasted. We quickly gave up and turned in as the sun set. That night we found the joys of staying in a powered site, the next day all of our gear was fully charged and the fridge was lovely and cold, now flashing error signs for us as the second battery contended with watery first morning light falling on the solar panel. We set off towards Seal rocks, our next stop, having been recommended a campsite there known as Treachery Camp, by a colleague of Becca’s in Sydney. En route we decided to have lunch at the Rick stein signature restaurant. We hadn’t had any fresh fish yet and we had been looking forward to it down here. So we opted for a fancy meal to treat ourselves. We drank sparkling water on the balcony and ate spiced crab and wonderfully fried fresh fish, and bbq’d king prawns. It was fab!

Soon again we were on the road, barreling along the edge of lakes, and through winding twilight forests. Before we knew what hit us we hit the unsealed road and poor Valerie began to bounce and scream like no-ones business! We slowed to a five km/h crawl and still felt like we were sat on a giant washing machine. After a three kilometre stretch we hit the campsite and found ourselves in the midst of the remains of a festival type hangover. To top it off we were told that they didn’t assign sites we just had to find a spot ourselves. We were a little stressed and found ourselves between some trees - which we soon found out dappled our solar panel! We set out for the beach which was desolate, windy and beautiful. But alas we had no signal and had not expected being without it so couldn’t contact family to let them know we’d be off grid for two days. We didn’t feel like decamping either - only wanting to put Val through that dirt track once more when we left. We made some cracking food though, a very tasty cassoulet, and soon the rabble rousing crowd left and it became a much more young family beach vibe place. We grew more comfortable and relaxed.

We rattled our way back down the unsealed road two mornings later and were soon back on the road towards Port Macquarie. And I’ll leave you with this little tidbit of the next installment - koalas, friends and drinking - oh my.

With Love, Hugs, Spotty Signal and Low Battery Level Power Packs,

Sam and Becca

X

[joon8483-blog]

Sunset. #nofilter . . . . . #해변 . . . . #sunsetphotography #suset #beach #wharf #sky #sun #air #breathe #nature #heal #world #visitnsw #australia #sydney #호주 #여행 #호주여행 #사진 #photooftheday #photography (at Wollongong Harbour) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCQVJL0n8kr/?igshid=1s7l0ffcoi34g

[zaynyeefilmfordreams]

Kiama, NSW

Photos taken in Kiama and Wollongong. These places are located along the south coast of Australia with super duper picturesque coast line. I never thought I am lucky enough to see that part of the earth. 

Sea Cliff Bridge; It took us some effort to reach the hilltop. That’s how we climbed through a hidden entrance at the side of the road. 

After all, the view is much worth.

Location: Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong

Too late to catch the sunset at the light house but I can still remember the night view and the sound of breeze were so healing.

Location: Wollongong Head Light House

Forced my friends to get some stars photography with me. It was pretty cold and dark at night and we thought it is already spring so we didn’t dress warmly. Thank y’all, though you’re quite afraid of the darkness. 

Waking up in a cozy Airbnb at Kiama. What a view, right at the porch of the house. 

Location: Kaleula Crescent, Kiama, 

Some thrift shop you’d only see it in a horror movie. Kiama has one in it’s neighbourhood.

Location: Collin Street, Kiama

With my partners in crime.. 

Location: Kiama Rock Pool 

Imagine how chill can you be, when you live at the south coast of Australia. 

It took quite some effort to walk through this slippery rocks and stones given that we are now well dress for it. It doesn’t have a direct walkway to see the Cathedral rock, so what we did was park our car and walk along the coast line for around 20 mins (don’t really remember but it wasn’t short distance) and pass through the rocky beach side. 

But look at the view again. 

Location : Kiama Cathedral Rock 

Car park location before seeing Cathedral rock : North Kiama Dr 

[novemberpoet]

Wollongong

[michellesangstercreativeima-blog]

Last nights sunset. . . . . . . . #sunset_vision #sunset_captures #sunset #beach #oceanphotography #oceanlover #madeofocean #flomocean #visitshellharbour #shellharbourphotographer #wollongongphotographer #ilovensw #australiagram #seeaustralia #photographysouls #naturephotography #nature_brilliance #naturesbeauty #sky_brilliance #skyscape #pink #canonaustralia #artofvisuals #beachphotography #beachsunset #coastalstand #seascape #vitaminsea #wollongong #igerswollongong (at Shellharbour, New South Wales)

[sunroselegist]

[breaksandbites]

Sydney has got loads of tourist attractions which include Madame Tussauds, Sealife aquarium, Luna Amusement park etc etc but they really did not appeal us in any way – We have been to the Madame Tussauds in Malaysia, have visited Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo and have ridden the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrariworld as well. That is why we were not keen to expend again on the same kinda activities there in Sydney.

However, Opera House and Harbour bridge were the showstoppers for us in every way, loved visiting them again and again – we were not left with much choices you see :p lol. But yeah, they are sights to see for sure!

One thing that we have not done in our lives yet is skydivingggg. It is hell expensive there in Dubai plus their calendars are always too full in case you find yourself willing to spend that much money one day. So you just cannot stand up and go for it any weekend there. The charge for the same is relatively less there in Sydney though, so we decided to JUMP! 

Remember my Ammi and younger sister were visiting my one-more-younger-sister Samina there in Aussie land? (You can read and recollect the memory here because I know it’s been a while) They also reached Sydney to join us for the life-risking-JUMP (exaggerating much I know :P).

Excited and a little nervous about the experience we reached the location, got ourselves registered and waited for the announcement commencing the said adventure – BUTTT as there is always a twist in our stories, there was one waiting for us at the Diving Centre too; the sky was full of clouds and it was raining that day. We waited and waited for the skies to get clear but guess that was not going to happen that day. We took some pictures and came back unsuccessful.

This is such a hilarious one 😛

Posing with youngest sister 😉

US with the plane we were eyeing to fly but alas!

We had one more spare day with us in Sydney so we rescheduled our booking to the next day and kept our fingers crossed. But the other morning was all wet and cloudy as well. All our plans were RAIN-WASHED. Rain never looked this much depressing to us 😦 Better luck next time, probably.

This rain did not let us Sky Dive 😦

ANZAC bridge

After wasting our last 2 days, it was now time for HI to leave for Dubai. I had planned to stay back for one more week with my family there. Samina had chalked out our plan for the rest of the days. The first day we went to Wollongong which is a coastal city about 1.5 hour drive away from Sydney.

The day was hot, humid and super sunny (we were all like ‘Well played Rain’.. lol) but the place was so serene and peaceful. We had a great time exploring the whole area. A breathtaking beach stretch with rock pools spread across the shore, a harbour ahead and numerous play areas for kids. And you can also catch sights of pelicans there. Perfect place to hang out for a day!

Sharing some of the shots I took there

❤

Me and Bushy once again

E all tired from too-much-traveling

Waves hitting rock pools ❤

Rock pool!

The Lighthouse at Wollongong

Beach side

The other side of Light House…

Mommy Baby missing Papa 🙂

The waves crashing ❤

Wollongong Harbour below…

Now that’s not me, Samina and bushra posing here 😉

These seagulls were definitely bothering everyone around! Did not like their poking attitude at all

Look at this tree!

Caught this pelican in my lens at the beach side of Harbour – best shots of the day! Aren’t they? 😉

I also came live on my Facebook page from there as well, the session was a little interrupted though. Check it out below:

We were munching throughout the day but hunger struck us around evening because no matter how lovely the place is in front of the eye, the stomach wants REAL FOOD! lol. So, we fed KCC’s (King’s Chargrill Chicken) burgers to our rumbling tummies. Beware: Keep your food out of sight of those seagulls or else you will have to share your meal with them. We did! Hahaha

After that the kids enjoyed some more time playing in the park before we headed our cars towards home at sunset.

The pictures are taken just before settling into the car. Look at those mesmerizing colorful scenes ❤

Came home and hit the bed right away that day.

The next day, I went to Opera House and Harbour bridge yet again for the LAST time in that trip (lol… that was too much of those two landmarks) before leaving for Shepparton where I just relaxed and enjoyed quality family time with my mother, sisters and the newest member of our family – Inaaya laddoo ❤

This sums up the last few days of our trip FINALLYYYY! Lol. This was the loooongest vacation ever I know *facepalm*

I had a great time relishing these beautiful memories while penning down all the details for you guys, will be drafting the summary post for Sydney soon – I have some secret hacks and awesome recommendations for the ones who are about to travel there 😉 So watch out for that!

  In & Around Sydney – Trip Of Lifetime (Final Days) Sydney has got loads of tourist attractions which include Madame Tussauds, Sealife aquarium, Luna Amusement park etc etc but they really did not