Crescent Head 1-6 November 2020

37 Eager travellers met their coach captain Phil at Rockdale Railway Station setting out on their planned trip to Crescent Head. Due to COVID-19 this was a trip with a difference; some of the planned sightseeing and evening entertainment was excluded. However, due to the flexibility of our driver and tour operators suitable replacements were found. 

One of the sad events was the closure of the Slim Dusty Centre which was a disappointment for all and the inability to be accommodated at the Pub with No Beer due to social distancing. 

Not to be outdone the trip was outstandingly successful and the Rockdale travellers “gave their all”

Travelling north we stopped at Brooklyn for morning tea continuing via a very scenic route through Peats Ridge. Many honesty boxes were by the side of the road for fruit, vegetables and horse manure.

Our lunch stop was at Taree Craft Shop run by senior volunteers; they served excellent sandwiches plus an apple pie.  We promised to call in on our way home to taste their  home made Devonshire tea and cakes. Again delicious. Great job ladies. 

During our six days on the road we saw a lot of evidence of the devastating fires in 2019/2020. The heavy rains over the past few months have assisted in the regrowth of the vegetation considerably.

One of the highlights was a cruise on the Hastings River – Osprey, pelicans and dolphins were plentiful and fun to watch their antics. 

We managed to participate in the Melbourne Cup with sweeps and purchasing tab tickets at Panthers over lunch. We sat in the coach outside Cassegrain Winery to listen to the running of the cup.  Congratulations to the winners of our sweeps.  

A visit to the Fudge Factory brought the sweet tooth’s to the fore. 

Another highlight was the visit to Smoky Cape Lighthouse – a very large goanna rambled through the gardens; this was very special as even those who grew up in the bush had only seen small goannas in the wild. 

Trial Bay Goal was well worth the visit.  Other points of interest were the Folk Museum in Bowraville and the Butterfly Farm just down the road. For the young at heart they provided a prehistoric animal show and statues. 

The final night was very entertaining and a suitable finale to another great trip.