TravelMAY 24, 2019

My Road Trip Along The Australian East Coast Part I - New South Wales

PART I

Last winter (well... summer in Australia), I went on a road trip from Sydney to Cairns, then down to Melbourne and back to Sydney. This was an extraordinary experience and I hope anyone who sees these pictures will get inspired to pursue their own traveling dreams. And to anyone thinking about traveling to Australia but wondering whether is worth it, the answer is a big YES. It is a wonderful country where you will find great cities, amazing beaches, numerous waterfalls, breathtaking rainforests and impressive mountains. Don't hold yourself back and go buy those plane tickets as soon as you can !

Sydney Harbour

Why pay an expansive cruise when you can have a view like this with the public ferries ?

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney

View from the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Opera House

The one and only.
So impressive to see in real life.

Sydney Opera House

Chilling by the Opera.

Sydney Harbour

Another view from the public ferries.

Sydney Opera House

At sunset.

Downtown Sydney during the holidays

Hyde Park

With the ANZAC memorial.
ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".
There is a national holiday but memorials of all kind of ANZAC are widespread in Australia.

New South Wales Public Library

One of the most beautiful libraries I've ever seen.

Sydney Opera House by sunset

I couldn't get enough of the Opera.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is the most famous and popular beach in the Sydney area.

The Iceberg Pools next to Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach

This is only one example but the walls along the "Promenade" facing Bondi Beach are covered with beautiful and original street arts. Some are noticeable for their aesthetics, other for their messages, mainly addressing environmental concerns.

The coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee

Bondi to Coogee is a very beautiful coastal walk along the rocks and seven different beaches, which extends to 6 km if done completely.
The beaches, all in the juridiction of Sydney, are Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee and Maroubra.
For more infos: https://www.sydneycoastwalks.com.au/bondi-to-coogee-walk/

The coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee

Blue Mountains National Park

One hour from downtown Sydney, Blue Mountains National Park is a 2 690km² area where you can hike among mountains and rainforests. The area is notorious for the "Three Sisters" rock formation (sacred Aboriginal site), stunning views and waterfalls. They're called the "blue mountains" because of the fine mist of eucalyptus oil released from the leaves of the eucalyptus trees. The mist refracts light, which makes the haze look blue at a distance.
For more infos: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/blue-mountains-national-park/visitor-info

https://www.scenicworld.com.au/

The Three Sisters

Blue Moutains National Park

Blue Mountains National Park

Little blue lake by the Jenolan Caves

The Jenolan Caves in themselves are very worth the trip. Nevertheless, only a few pictures wouldn't have been enough to convey the beauty of this place. A full article would've done better justice of those 340 billions years old cave, made of limestones and marine fossiles.
A guided tour of the caves is defenitely a great experience you won't forget !
https://www.jenolancaves.org.au/

Fishermans Bay Foreshore

For more infos:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/fishermans-bay-foreshore

Fishermans Bay Foreshore

Kylie's beach - Crowdy Bay National Park

For more infos:
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/crowdy-bay-national-park

Kylie's beach - Crowdy Bay National Park

Kylie's beach - Crowdy Bay National Park

Nambucca Heads

For more infos:
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/nambucca-heads/activities

Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads

Wategos Beach - Cape Byron

One of the most famous destinations in New South wales.
Here you can swim in warm pristine waters and take a walk on a magnificent path along the ocean to an impressive lighthouse.

For more infos: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/cape-byron-lighthouse

Cape Byron - Most easterly point of the Australian mainland

Cape Byron

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Australia Rock - Narooma

I found Narooma and its distinctive features by doing random zooms on Google maps, while planning my itinerary. So although useful websites do exist to plan a trip there, I don't have any to recommend since I didn't use one.

Surf Beach - Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks - Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks - Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks - Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks - Narooma

Glasshouse Rocks - Narooma

Narrawallee Beach - Ulladulla Bay

Rock "pools" are fairly common in Austalian beaches. You can make your own little private pool everywhere if you want to take a break from the ocean and its strong currents (or if you're too afraid of sharks and stingrays).

Hyams Beach - Jervis Bay

Hyams Beach - Jervis Bay

This small beach on the NSW coast is considered one of the most beautiful in Australia. It is, indeed, a beautiful gem.

Hyams Beach - Jervis Bay

Incredibly white sand. Some people even say it's whiter than the sand of Whitehaven Beach, already considered as one of the purest sand in the world.

Abrahams Bosom Beach - Jervis Bay

Another gem of Jervis Bay, less known than Hyams Beach, with lots of "micro-pools" and strange rock formations.

Abrahams Bosom Beach - Jervis Bay

Abrahams Bosom Beach - Jervis Bay

Abrahams Bosom Beach - Jervis Bay

Abrahams Bosom Beach - Jervis Bay

Fitzroy Falls

For more infos: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/visitor-centres/fitzroy-falls-visitor-centre

Fitzroy Falls

Unfortunately the falls were experiencing a drought when I came there, so instead of water there was only a rainbow (which is cool in its own way).

Carrington Falls

When there is enough water, all those holes can be used as little pools of fresh water. Some are even deep enough that the water reach the waist. It's like a free and natural spa.

Carrington Falls

Carrington Falls

Kiama's lighthouse

Another example of ANZAC tribute.
And Kiama's most famous attraction, the blowhole, is right next to it.

For more infos: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/kiama-area/kiama/attractions/kiama-blowhole

Kiama's natural pool

Kiama's natural pool

Such an experience in itself ! The pool is naturally filled by the (rather fresh) waters of the ocean. The waves can be quite strong and push you around if you're not careful.
Apart from the chains, the pool is only surrounded by rocks. But if you're too afraid of hurting yourself, there's also a smaller and shallower pool on the side, more family-friendly.

Kiama

Kiama

Kiama

Kiama

View of the Sea Cliff Bridge

The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive - A drive which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery.

For more infos: https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/stanwell-park/attractions/sea-cliff-bridge

Royal National Park

This huge national park right outside of Sydney has it all: marvelous beaches, coast walks with amazing views, waterfalls, spectacular rock formations... It's a great park to visit if you like long hikes, swimming in natural settings and exploring incredible landscapes.

For more infos: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/royal-national-park/visitor-info

The Balconies - Royal National Park

An example of the strange rock formations along the coast walk.

Coastal Walk - Royal National Park

Royal National Park

Coastal Walk - Royal National Park

The Waterrun - Royal National Park

The Waterrun - Royal National Park

Coastal Walk - Royal National Park

The Wedding Cake - Royal National Park

A wedding cake-looking rock that might collapse at anytime.

Royal Botanic Garden - Sydney

And now, for the following pictures, let me show you some of the flora wonders we can find at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, which is also a must-see if you come to the city.