2022 47th Anniversary

A couple of days away at Austinmer to celebrate our 47 years of marriage
Monday 25 July 2022 Forty seven years. Can you believe it?   We decide to spend a couple of days away to celebrate and choose Austinmer as a nice place to stay. For fun, we take the Northconnex Tunnel and go through Sydney. It's a stupid route because it is expensive and time consuming - 1 hr 45 mins to travel 106 kms. Monday 25 July 2022 As we near our destination, we pick up Lawrence Hargrave Drive and drop down the hill to Stanwell Park at sea level. Then we travel across the Sea Cliff Bridge to a place called the Scarborough Hotel at Scarborough. Monday 25 July 2022 We cross the Sea Cliff Bridge. This bridge opened in 2005 to replace the roadway that had dropped away from the cliff side. Monday 25 July 2022 It's only 665 metres long but it's one of those places we always wanted to go but never quite got around to it.
Monday 25 July 2022 It's 41 m high and is of cantilever construction. Monday 25 July 2022 Monday 25 July 2022 To our right is part of the 5 km thick Sydney Sandstone basin that runs from Newcastle to Bateman's Bay and west to the Blue Mountains. At the bottom of these cliffs is/was a large amount of coal. " Permian: 299–252 million years ago; The settling and evolution of swamp forest, which would shape tremendous coal measures. Note, Australia's coal is younger than the Carboniferous coal of the Northern Hemisphere." Monday 25 July 2022 This area is imaginatively named Coalcliff. In 1796 ship-wrecked sailors noticed coal exposed at the cliffs and made a fire from it, attracting rescuers, and giving the area its name.
Monday 25 July 2022 "The Coalcliff Colliery opened in 1878 and was originally developed as a jetty mine. The mine entrance was a horizontal shaft driven into a six-foot thick coal seam that was exposed in face of the sea-cliff, less than forty feet above sea level. Coal from the mine was brought directly onto the jetty. This arrangement made working the mine difficult, as there was limited storage for mined coal and only coal that could be shipped promptly could be mined." Monday 25 July 2022 On top of the plateau is a shaft into the now-closed (1992) Coalcliff mine. It became one of the largest underground and longest-lived mines [in Australia], remaining in production for 114 years. Around the time of its closure, the mined coal emerging at Coalcliff was coming underground from as far away as Darkes Forest 9 kms distant." Monday 25 July 2022 We manage to park the car a short distance away. Proper amazing that is! Monday 25 July 2022 I walk slowly from the car to the bridge. My left ankle is the best it has been but still nowhere near normal.
Monday 25 July 2022 Very elegant construction. The base rocks are about 400 million years old and are quite stable. Monday 25 July 2022 Beautiful bridge on beautiful coastline. We now head for our first stop, the Imperial Hotel at Clifton. Unfortunately there is no parking available so we drive another 2 kms to the Scarborough Hotel at Scarborough. Monday 25 July 2022 This is great. The weather is mild, about 18° with no wind. The setting is right on the ocean and is more than suitable. Monday 25 July 2022 As is the way nowadays, you do everything yourself at the table. Scan the QR code, select the items you want and place your order, pay with Apple Pay. Each QR code also includes the table number.
Monday 25 July 2022 While we wait for our order, Jenni drinks booze that she got from the bar. Monday 25 July 2022 I recline happily sipping a glass of soda water. Monday 25 July 2022 I order fish and chips which comes with proper fresh fish garnished with lemon and tartare sauce. Jenni orders a pasta dish with calamari and clams. Monday 25 July 2022 After lunch, we drive a few more kms south on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and check into the Headlands Hotel at Austinmer.
Monday 25 July 2022 The room is great and the views are the best ever. Even better is that the room is on the ground floor which means we don't have to mess around waiting for lifts (elevators). Monday 25 July 2022 Jenni enjoys a coffee that she buys along the way. Monday 25 July 2022 Just love the view. It's about 2:00pm and we have just checked in. I brought my old Windows laptop with me and it is powered up and connected to the internet. Monday 25 July 2022
Monday 25 July 2022 Jenni takes this picture because the reflections appeal to her. Monday 25 July 2022 I lie on the bed and rest my eyes. While I do so, Jenni goes for a wander around the hotel. Our room is in the building on the right. Monday 25 July 2022 To the north. That's Sharky Beach with the sandstone cliff of the Illawarra Escarpment to our left. Monday 25 July 2022 To the south looking towards Wollongong.
Monday 25 July 2022 Jenni has to wait a little while to get a shot of the waves breaking. A mild swell is running but nothing too exciting happens. Monday 25 July 2022 To the south. Beautiful. How lucky are we to live in a country like this? Monday 25 July 2022 This is Brickyard Point at Little Austinmer. Monday 25 July 2022 Brickyard Point. "Swimming: It is one of three hazardous little used beaches owing to the dominant rocks and rips, while Brickyard also has boat traffic. Surfing: At Brickyard, surfers park here to paddle out to the tip of the rock platform off the point where there is a steep right reef break called Headlands. It breaks best when the swell exceeds 1.5 m and is only for experienced surfers. Fishing: All three offer good beach and rock gutters, together with the boat ramp at Brickyard."
Monday 25 July 2022 The sights and sounds of Brickyard Point. Monday 25 July 2022 Our room is part of a hotel that is all part of the same complex. We go into the hotel and have a look around. Monday 25 July 2022 This is the main bar. Monday 25 July 2022 In warmer months, this outdoor area would be fun but right now its way too cold (~14° or so) and windy.
Monday 25 July 2022 It's nearly 4:00 pm and it's starting to get chilly and the sun has lost its oomph. Monday 25 July 2022 Once again, everything is done via smart phone. I think I've lost touch with prices though, everything seems expensive like $34 for about six prawns. We don't order anything just yet but the Souvlaki Bread looks appealing. Monday 25 July 2022 We go for a walk together (now that my eyes are fully rested). Monday 25 July 2022 I read that council had to put up proper fencing to keep children away from the cliff face. This is all public space and not part of the hotel.
Monday 25 July 2022 I love the way the ocean's mood changes through the day. Monday 25 July 2022 It's a little more assertive right now. Monday 25 July 2022 The years take their toll but at least my left ankle is on the mend. Monday 25 July 2022 From our room at ~5:00 pm.
Monday 25 July 2022 Monday 25 July 2022 Even if the sun doesn't sink into the ocean, it's still a magical glow for this short time before the sun sets. Monday 25 July 2022 7:00 pm and we go into the main bar for dinner. Jenni orders a coffee martini. Monday 25 July 2022 My wife, the plonko. The main bar has a lot more people in it and it's noisier. Neither of us is all that hungry after our big lunch so I settle for the Souvlaki bread and Jenni has salt & pepper squid.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 Next morning at 8:10 am and the ocean's mood has changed again. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Half an hour later and the mood has changed once more. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Tuesday 26 July 2022 We go and have breakfast in the hotel. It's a little quieter than last night and we find a table to ourselves. We have our usual breakfasts: poached egg & bacon on sourdough for me, smashed avocado for Jenni.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 We get the car from the garage and park it at the beach. The view to the north is misty and wonderful. Tuesday 26 July 2022 And a misty cloud hangs around the cliff face. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Outside our facilities: hotel suites on the right (out of view) and the pub on the left. Tuesday 26 July 2022 At the beach the surfers are out.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 The old bloke on the right is dressed in a wetsuit and holds his surf board. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Panorama of the beach. A line of ships waits on the horizon. Tuesday 26 July 2022 The black bird is possibly an oyster catcher. Tuesday 26 July 2022 We decide that our first stop this morning will be the Mount Keira Lookout. It's pretty easy to get to, maybe 10 kms to the west of us.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 We're at the top of Mount Keira and the sky is now completely clear. It's a little chilly but pretty good for the depths of winter Tuesday 26 July 2022 Interesting how the clouds form by rising warm air up the cliff face but not on the mountain top itself. Tuesday 26 July 2022 There are some ships visible in this picture. Maybe they line up waiting for Port Kembla to let them berth. Tuesday 26 July 2022 That's downtown Wollongong in front of us.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 "Wollongong had an estimated urban population of 302,739 at June 2018, making it the third-largest city in New South Wales after Sydney and Newcastle and the tenth-largest city in Australia by population." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Wollongong on the left and Port Kembla on the right. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Port Kembla is 8 kms to the south of Wollongong. Port Kembla "is an international trade gateway for bulk agricultural, construction and mining industries. It is New South Wales’ largest motor vehicle import hub and home to the state's largest grain export terminal and second largest coal export port." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Our hotel is down there somewhere.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 Bluescope Steel at Port Kembla. "The Port Kembla steelworks is still the largest of the company's global operations, where currently 2.6 million tonnes of raw steel are produced each year." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Lake Illawarra. "Lake Illawarra is located between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean on the NSW South Coast some 90 kilometres south of Sydney. Water flowing into it is both fresh (from the escarpment) and salty (from ocean tides). The Lake is approximately 9.5 kilometres long and 5.5 kilometres wide, with an area of 33 square kilometres and a maximum depth of 3.7 metres. 13 boat ramps surround the lake and is a popular recreational location. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, prawning, and all water sports." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Our trusty car serves us well again. It's now 10½ years old and it still looks good. With petrol at around $2/litre it's a bit expensive to run though. Tuesday 26 July 2022 From Mount Keira we drive down to Kiama, a lovely coastal town. Port Kembla is at the top of the map and Kiama is at the bottom.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 I haven't been here for decades but when I did, it was before motorways and all motor traffic went through here. Tuesday 26 July 2022 "Welcome to Kiama Presbyterian Church by the sea in beautiful Kiama. We are an evangelical church that loves the Bible and loves the Lord Jesus Christ. At our church you will come to know God personally through His Son Jesus as we live holy lives in the power of God's Holy Spirit." Tuesday 26 July 2022 "The Scots Presbyterian Church is a heritage-listed Presbyterian church at Shoalhaven Street, Kiama, Municipality of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Thomas Rowe and built from 1860 to 1863 by builders Moon & Simmons and carpenters Walker Bros. It is also known as Kiama Presbyterian Church. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Kiama Court House and Police Station. "The Kiama court house is located on Terralong Street and is one of the oldest buildings on the south coast. It was designed by colonial architect Alexander Dawson and built in 1861." "The Police Station residence was one of the earliest public buildings in Kiama. The site for the residence, Police Station and the Court House were marked out in 1849. In 1856, a slab-style lockup consisting of three cells and one keeper's room was built, costing £70."
Tuesday 26 July 2022 Kiama Post Office. "Kiama's first post office opened on 1 January 1841, 13 years after the first offices outside of Sydney had been established, making it one of the oldest post services in the state. The first postmaster was George Hindmarsh, who held the position until 1844." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Kiama has a small harbour. Tuesday 26 July 2022 Tuesday 26 July 2022
Tuesday 26 July 2022 The plaque reads: " Kiama's Obelisk This sandstone survey obelisk was originally installed in 1861. It was the reference point from which all distances in the district were to be measured. In 1959 the obelisk was hit by a runaway truck prompting the council to relocate it to a safer position in Terralong Street. Obelisks symbolise rays of sunlight. They were popular in Victorian cemeteries, particularly in non conformist burial grounds where geometric forms were preferred to religious symbols such as crosses and angels." Tuesday 26 July 2022 When I last came here and all traffic passed through the town, this roundabout was a huge bottleneck. Tuesday 26 July 2022 We now walk to the blowhole through the Blowhole Point parklands. There is a sprinkling of cabbage tree palms here and a lot of healthy Norfolk Island Pines. Tuesday 26 July 2022 A young couple with their lives still in front of them.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 People fish from a quieter spot on the headland Tuesday 26 July 2022 Wonder if they catch anything? Tuesday 26 July 2022 A coastline still untouched by development. Nice. Tuesday 26 July 2022 The Blowhole lookout. "It is one of the town's major tourist attractions. Under certain sea conditions, the blowhole can spray 50 litres of water up to 25 metres (82 ft) in the air, in quantities that thoroughly drench any bystanders."
Tuesday 26 July 2022 "There is a second, less famous blowhole in Kiama, commonly referred to as the "Little Blowhole" by locals. It is much smaller than the other (called the "Big Blowhole"), but due to its narrow shape, it is more reliable than the Big Blowhole, and in the right conditions can be equally spectacular." Tuesday 26 July 2022 "The blowhole was formed from basalt lava flows approximately 260 million years ago and was first discovered by local Aboriginals who named it 'Khanterinte'. The blowhole was first written about by George Bass on 6 December 1797. Bass had captained a crew of six and set out on an open whaleboat to explore the south coast of Australia. He noticed the blowhole after anchoring his boat in a sheltered bay" Tuesday 26 July 2022 "In 1992 seven people were killed when a freak wave sucked two Afghan families into the blowhole, a tragedy compounded five years later when two more members of one of the families died at the picturesque site." Tuesday 26 July 2022 "According to the placard at the blow hole, water shoots out of the blowhole because of pressure that forms in an underground chamber. As water fills the chamber at the end of the tunnel, pressure builds. When waves subside, the pressure inside the chamber pushes water up through the blow hole."
Tuesday 26 July 2022 The text: "Kiama's proximity to the Sydney markets ensured its early settlement. At least one resident arrived in the First Fleet in 1788. Kiama's maritime history, historic buildings and impressive natural landscape including blowholes, make it a unique town on the east coast." "In 1831, David Smith, originally a cedar-getter, built the first house in Kiama. By 1836 the residents petitioned the police magistrate at Wollongong requesting that the town be laid out. In 1839 NSW Governor, Sir George Gipps, approved the design for the village of Kiama and proposed that the price of land to be two pounds per acre." (Paid to the native people of course). "The deepened harbour (Robertson Basin) was completed in 1876. It was designed to better accommodate the coastal steamers and other ships that transported people, goods and produce along the coast. The distinctive Norfolk Island pines along Terralong Street and in Hindmarsh Park were planted by the council in 1897." Tuesday 26 July 2022 Council planted these pines in 1897. This makes them 125 years old. Tuesday 26 July 2022 We go back to where we parked the car, a short distance from the church. Tuesday 26 July 2022 It's now nearly 1 o'clock so we head back to our digs.
Tuesday 26 July 2022 We skip lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon in our room; Jenni on her iPad and me on my laptop. For dinner that night we have a light meal in the pub. I have banana bread and Jenni has baked sweet potato chips. Wednesday 27 July 2022 The next morning at about 06:30, Jenni gets up early to take a picture of the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean. Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 A parting last look from our window.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 We have breakfast at around 08:30. I have the best yoghurt/muesli I've ever had and Jenni has vegetable fritters. Wednesday 27 July 2022 Before heading home to Mount Colah, we visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden a little to the west from North Wollongong. Wednesday 27 July 2022 This is the local botanical gardens of the Illawarra area; established in 1964. It was opened in September 1970 Wednesday 27 July 2022 The garden is co-located with the historic Gleniffer Brae house, used for functions and the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. It's that building up the hill a bit. We didn't know where we were going and initially parked in the Conservatorium.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 "A creek runs through the garden and into a small lake. This creek joins Para Creek and runs into Puckeys Estate Reserve." Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Unfortunately, most of the trees are not labelled. However, Google Lens is useful to identify some of the plants and trees.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Azaleas in the Woodland Gardens. Wednesday 27 July 2022 From the text: "The Woodland Garden was established in 1981. It comprises a collection of cool climate trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials predominately from the northern hemisphere. The pre-existing tree canopy of the native Turpentines and Paperbarks provided the required shade to establish this collection. Initial plantings included a range of exotic trees, including Magnolia, Maple and Dogwood. These trees now form the mostly deciduous canopy that allows light to penetrate in winter whilst filtering the harsh summer sun." Wednesday 27 July 2022 "An intensively planted area, the Woodland Garden features a tiered design of canopy trees with an understory of small trees and shrubs sheltering the ground dwelling herbaceous perennials, bulbs and annuals. Many of the species are not commonly grown on the coast, but are thriving in this developed environment. Woodland plants require a humus rich cool soil that imitates the natural accumulation of leaf litter or leaf mould. This habitat is achieved through the regular addition of organic matter aided by falling autumn leaves and the abundance of groundcover plants keeping the plant roots cool." Wednesday 27 July 2022 In the Woodland Garden
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Welcome to the Rainforest Collection: "Beginning with only a few remnant species and the natural creek line, plans were made in the late 1970s to create an area to resemble the Illawarra rainforest. Initial plantings took place in 1978 although major regeneration works were not undertaken until 1981 when 600 species native to the Illawarra were planted." Wednesday 27 July 2022 "The current rainforest consists of both native and exotic rainforest communities. Dense plantings of tree species form the canopy and complement the remnant stands of Turpentine and Melaleuca to form part of the closed canopy, allowing only filtered sunlight as seen in natural rainforest systems. Mixed plantings of shrubs, ferns, epiphytes and ground covers represent the natural composition of a rainforest community allowing visitors to view these species in conditions they would naturally occur." Wednesday 27 July 2022 We enter the Succulent section and look for US Desert species from the Sonoran/Mojave Deserts such as the Joshua Tree, Ocotillo, Cholla and cactus such as the Saguaro.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Unfortunately we do not find anything Sonoran but we do see an immature saguaro. It is starting to grow arms but these take about 50 years to develop and the specimen is nowhere old enough. Wednesday 27 July 2022 "The Succulent Collection displays a diverse selection of species primarily from dry regions of the Americas and Africa.   Construction began on this area in 1982. Thousands of cubic metres of soil fill was used to mound the area incorporating inclines, flat areas and broad slopes. Large boulders were installed to form rocky outcrops and the scree slope area." Wednesday 27 July 2022 "Planting began in 1983 and was completed in 1986. The Succulent Collection features Aloe, Agave, Euphorbia, Mesembryanthemum, Crassula, Euphorbia, Yucca, Sedum, Kalanchoe and Echeveria species, many mature specimens when planted." Wednesday 27 July 2022 " One of the more spectacular specimens is the Dracaena draco, Dragon Blood Tree. The red resin exudes from the bark after wounding. The medicinal and colouring properties of this resin, and that from other dragon trees, was recorded by the ancient civilisations of Greece and Rome. It continues to be used in medicine, dyes, varnish and incense to this day."
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 "Many succulents grow in semi-arid or temperate regions which receive intermittent rainfall each year. Succulents thrive in poor shallow soils and have shallow root systems allowing them to utilise water from small amounts of rainfall. " Wednesday 27 July 2022 "Succulents have unique morphological (function) and physiological (form) adaptations to cope with drought and defend themselves against enemies. Most retain water in their leaves, stems or roots. Many protect themselves with spines or thorns whilst some have waxy or woody protective coverings to reflect sunlight and decrease water loss." Wednesday 27 July 2022 "The best time to view this collection is in June and July. This is the time when the Agave and Aloe send their flower spikes towering into the sky. In spring the carpet of mesembryanthemum flowers beneath the Dragon Blood Trees also provide a spectacular display."
Wednesday 27 July 2022 A search of Google Lens tells us this is a kind of Aloe Vera. Wednesday 27 July 2022 This might be Sonoran or desert USA. It looks like it may be an Agave of some kind. Wednesday 27 July 2022 We're seeing this at the best time of the year. Wednesday 27 July 2022
Wednesday 27 July 2022 A parrot sucks nectar. Wednesday 27 July 2022 It's a Rainbow Lorikeet. Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022
Wednesday 27 July 2022 We thought this might be a Boab but a nearby plaque describes it as a Queensland Bottle Tree. Wednesday 27 July 2022 These apparently attract bees as a good place to build a beehive. Wednesday 27 July 2022 We work our way around to the Duck Pond which is pretty murky because of the continuous rains we've had over many months. Wednesday 27 July 2022 A small kid feeds the ducks.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 The seagull takes off as I approach. Wednesday 27 July 2022 The rotunda. Imagine an Army Band playing here on a balmy summer's night. Wednesday 27 July 2022 Imagine if this water were clean and blue. How lovely would that be? Wednesday 27 July 2022 A Christmas Goose is being fattened up.
Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 Wednesday 27 July 2022 My best guess is that these are serpentine trees but I'm probably wrong. I suspect I'm wrong because serpentine trees were mostly destroyed by land clearing and only a few pockets survive in the Sydney Region; These trees have been planted in a row. Wednesday 27 July 2022 It's all over. We get in the car and drive back via the M1 for a few kms. Near the top of Mount Ousley, we take the Picton road and join the M31. From there it's M7 and M2, through the Northconnex Tunnel and back onto the M1. We're home in a bit over an hour. That's all folks!   Click to go to home page