Snowy Mountains to South and Sapphire Coast (NSW, Australia) road trip.
We are always keen to get away from the rat race of Sydney and venture out to quieter places in nature. So this holidays we decided to do something different. Instead of doing the usual planned trips, staying in hotels and visiting popular places, we decided get off the beaten path (challenge our 4wd), visit remote areas and camp…with our toddler!! We were warned it wasn’t a good idea, we did it anyway.
We were glad we did as a great adventure was had by all three of us. We visited many national parks, countless remote beaches, found ourselves in company of no one many times, had visits from wild animals (some that spooked the hell out me), met interesting people and even climbed Australia’s highest mountain peak carrying our little one (happens to be the easiest mountain to climb). None of which was planned.
We did have our challenges which became good learning for the next trip. It reminded us to be open and flexible when things don’t go as expected like bad weather, booked out camp sites (Xmas time not a good idea!!) or wild animals getting to close for comfort.
The aim was to travel cheap (although buying all the initial camping gear and 4wd accessories did cost a fair bit but we saw it as a good investment for future adventures). We ended up spending a lot more by staying in hotels during thunderstorms, eating out more then we intended etc (had to try the local cuisine). The trip also pushed us to tackle our own inner issues as well as learn to work more as a team.
It definitely wasn’t easy with a toddler, but it proved you can go out, have unique adventures and fun even with a toddler (she happens to have the same passion for outdoors like her parents which made it easier).
I thought I’d seen enough of this country and needed to venture overseas to experience unique and beautiful places. This trip however taught me that there are incredible places to visit right in our own backyard and a cheaper way to travel (one that allows greater freedom as well).
As with all travels, there is always interesting tales to tell. The following events took place at different camp sites (we also got bitten by blood sucking March flies everywhere we went):
Day 1 – running away from big goannas raiding the campsite (up to 2 mitre lizards) p.s – not cool when you have serious reptile phobia.
Day 2 – running away from red belly black snake living near the tent.
Day 3 – camp being raided by pack of wild horses in the middle of the night!! No sleep that night.
Day 4 – running away from each other!
Day 5 – running from massive Thunderstorms while travelling the coast. In spirit of making most of bad weather, we managed to see a nice sunset, take good photos, try good local seafood amongst other things.
The photos below captured the highlights of our trip. I’ve included a map of the roads we traveled. I’d encourage you to find your own paths as well. That’s part of the adventure.
Amazing waters (Ben Boyd National Park). I see why they call it the Sapphire Coast.
Wind Turbines – this was a very remote place we came across on the way to the coast. No one around!
The pinnacles walk had breathtaking scenery.
The Oatlands brewery was our favourite place to visit and eat (with cutest farm animals) – Merimbula
Most refreshing swim if you can brave the very cold waters (blue water hole)
Camping at a Farm Stay was pretty cool surrounded by farm animals.
Beautiful Historical Huts
The Wharf Resturant at Merimbula had nice ocean views (aquarium at the bottom) and this platter which was best we have had. It was not cheap but worth it.
Byeee – see you next time
Roads we travelled. Luke found these randomly through google maps.
Little Koala and dad climbing Mt Kosciuszko Summit
The trout is well known for this region so I had to try it. This dish at a local hotel was one of the best fish dishes I ever had (Jindabyne).
Camp fires was one of my favourite highlights
Nice local organic coffees
This was our favourite camping spot with beautiful scenery ( Mt Kosciuszko National Park)
Blue Water Holes (Mt Kosciuszko National Park).
Coming across pretty wild flowers while bush walking.
Saw this beautiful church with yellow doors. (Bodalla).
Blowering Dam wall. This dam is huge. You can camp around it (Tumut)
Inside the Ben Boyd Tower
Beautiful sunset at Merimbula. A pretty seaside town.
Green Cape Lighthouse with wombats!
Tish’s Travels & Photography Page Liked · January 15 · Edited · Some hair rising moments lol
We really enjoyed a refreshing swim in these clean and clear streams.
Tish’s Travels & Photography Page Liked · January 15 · Edited · Disaster Bay lookout (Ben Boyd National Park). My favourite lookout.
Masala omelette was my favourite breakie at the Longstocking Brewery (Merimbula)
One of the my best swims. The water was clear and calm that day and I had this little beach to myself (Huskisson).
A great sunrise. We camped right next to the beach at the holiday park (Eden)
Visiting the cascades.
Unique cloud formations on our road trip
Beautiful sunset at Merimbula beach
Exploring the sealife at Merimbula aquarium resturant
Beautiful sunset at Merimbula. A pretty seaside town.
Exploring the little creeks.
Cuddling up to a sheep at the animal farm at Longstocking Brewery.
Beautiful scenery on the climb to Mount Kosciuszko
Something we had to watch out for everywhere we went.
This small creeks had water so clean you could drink it and many people did! (Mt Kosciuszko)
Camping in remote areas like this (Deua National Park) where the only facility was one pit toilet. It’s right next to a river where we collected all our water. It was great experience until goannas decided to greet us the next day! Lol
Perfect camping spot in the forest next to a river
Prettiest beach we ever swam at (Ben Boyd National Park)
Family adventures – climb to the top of Australia’s highest mountain peak.
Colorful houses a long Merimbula shores.
Tuross Falls Lookout. The was to this lookout was through a peaceful forest. Although the waterfalls was far away, it was worth the walk.
The landscape at this Eden beach was worth capturing with different colors and shades
A lone tree with interesting clouds along the road at Thredbo.
Someone enjoying their new camping chair
This was our favourite camping spot with breathtaking views.
Loved this white stemmed gum trees. It made for beautiful unique landscape (Snowy Mountains).
We are definately talking the hike through this gorge next trip.
Have you spent time enough in nature lately? What are you doing to live your life fully? Go out and do what makes your soul smile!! Life’s too precious to not enjoy it or wait for things to happen to then enjoy. Make every moment count now!
P.S – A lot of places we visited were unspoilt and beautiful. We want it to remain that way so please be mindful to take care and not leave rubbish etc behind. That goes for anywhere you travel. Enjoy!!
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