Terrigal

May 5, 2012 By 8 Comments

Terrigal is located on the Central Coast, approximately an one hour drive from Sydney and caters for locals as well as holiday makers.

Terrigal is a popular tourist destination with a selection of restaurants, cafes, take away food and boutique shops.

The beach is four kms long and Terrigal Beach is located on the southern end. A row of majestic Norfolk Pines line the beachfront esplanade.

There is heaps of water activities such as swimming, surfing, boating, water skiing, diving and fishing to enjoy. There is a rock pool on the southern side of Terrigal Beach, which is ideal for small children. However, it is subject to tidal conditions and at low tide can be empty.

There is a variety of holiday accommodation available and being so close to Sydney makes Terrigal an ideal weekend getaway.

TerrigalCrowne Plaza Terrigal

The Crowne Plaza Terrigal has ocean front accommodation. There is a signature restaurant, two bars, which have amazing views of Terrigal Beach.

The Haven and Skillion

My husband and myself recently met up with good friends (the old gang) at the Haven picnic area. We bought fish and chips for lunch, chatted and enjoyed the ocean views.

TerrigalAt the Haven there are small restaurants, cafes, boat ramp, oval and club house.

After lunch we walked up to the Skillion. The Skillion is the local landmark and is a strange shaped headland. From the top there are stunning views over the ocean and Terrigal.

In the last few years, a staircase and path have been built leading to the top of the Skillion. The locals were not happy with the construction. It has been called ‘environmental vandalism’. As the Skillion is a natural feature, they wish it was left the way it was.

TerrigalWe then walked to the Crowne Plaza for drinks at the bar. It was so relaxing looking out onto Terrigal Beach and the stately Norfolk Pines. What a perfect way to spend a Sunday.

Amenities

There are picnic shelters, bench seats, toilets, electric barbecues are located at The Haven. Dogs are not allowed on Terrigal Beach, however there is an off leash exercise area at the southern headland – see map for location.

Entry, Parking, Transport and Directions

Terrigal Beach has a public beachside car park and street parking. For public transport information visit NSW TransportInfo – Terrigal.

Kerry – Parks in Sydney.

Filed Under: Central Coast Tagged With: , , ,

Royal National Park

April 29, 2012 By 6 Comments

The Royal National Park was established in 1879 and is the second oldest national park in the world, the oldest being Yellowstone National Park.

The park is located 32 kms south of Sydney and covers an area of 132 sq kms.

The park was originally named National Park and was renamed to the Royal National Park after Queen Elizabeth IIs 1954 Australian tour.

There is a lot to see and do at the Royal, from picnics to bushwalking, rowing, swimming and surfing. The landscape is diverse with bush, rainforest, surf beaches, clifftops, rivers and creeks.

Royal Coast Walks

A great way to get to see what the Royal National Park has to offer is on a Royal Coast Walk. The Coast Track is a 30 kms walk from Bundeena to Otford and runs the length of the park’s coastline. The experienced bushwalking guides will take you through an unspoiled coastal wilderness. The coastal views are amazing and there are even waterfalls that tumble into the ocean. Learn about the aboriginal people and the way they lived prior to the arrival of Europeans. The bushwalking groups are kept small, and you can choose from half day, full day and two day tours.

For BOOKINGS and further information go to – Royal Coast Walks.

Royal National Park

This amazing photo is courtesy of Royal Coast Walks.

Picnic Areas and Beaches in the Royal National Park

Royal National Park The Royal National Park has a number of picnic areas and beaches to choose from. The picnic area at Audley on the Hacking River is very popular. The Audley Boatshed hires out rowboats, canoes, kayaks, aqua bikes and mountain bikes. For information, there is a visitor’s centre at the Audley dance hall.

The Royal National Park’s main surf beach is Garie Beach. It is approximately one km long and is a popular fishing spot. Garie Beach has a kiosk and surf life saving club, the clubhouse is available for party hire.

Royal National ParkAnother popular spot is Wattamolla beach. The picnic area sits on the escarpment that overlooks the lagoon and out to Wattamolla Beach.  There is a waterfall, the water from the creek tumbles into the lagoon.

Jibbon beach is the start of the coast track. The beach is north facing and is usually calm and ideal for those who don’t like surf. There are aboriginal carvings close by.

So Much to See and Do

Royal National ParkThere is so much to see and do at the Royal National Park, it is not possible to see and experience everything in a day. It is a place you can keep coming back to and explore. Some areas of the park are quiet busy, however if you go off the beaten track you can find some very quiet picnic areas.

The Royal National Park is home to a variety of mammals including ringtail and bushtail possums, sugar gliders and swamp wallabies.  The Royal is also rich in birdlife like the sulphur crested cockatoos, rosellas, rainbow lorikeets, eastern whipbirds and the list goes on.

Entry, Parking, Public Transport and Directions

Entry fee is $11 per vehicle to the Royal National Park and there are parking areas at all the major beaches and picnic areas. The gates are locked at 8.30pm to all park areas and opened each day around sunrise.  Public transport is limited, a ferry runs from Cronulla to Bundeena, visit NSW TransportInfo.

Kerry – Parks in Sydney.

Filed Under: Sutherland Shire Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Camellia Gardens

April 9, 2012 By 3 Comments

Recently, we met up with friends at E.G Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens. This was the first time we had visited the gardens, and it was amazing.

The gardens began back in 1970 as a Captain Cook Bicentenary project and named after the late Professor E.G Waterhouse, who was an expert on camellias.

Camellia Gardens overlook Yowie Bay and are located at the corner President Avenue and Kareena Road, Caringbah, in the Sutherland Shire.

Our friends have young children, and we sat at the picnic tables next to the children’s playground near the Tea House, had a coffee and chatted. What an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon and the children were kept occupied, having fun on the play equipment.

Camellia Gardens We then bought some duck food from the Teahouse and went down to the duck pond to feed the ducks. The garden is an ideal place to go for a walk, there are paths that lead through the gardens and the park has a lovely relaxing atmosphere.

The Teahouse

The Teahouse is located near the top gates and over looks the gardens and is open for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a Devonshire or High Tea, The Teahouse caters for special dietary needs and there is also takeaway foods.

Camellia Gardens

Weddings

Camellia Gardens is an ideal location for a garden wedding. There are four stunning areas in the park available for ceremonies and photography, the gardens make for a beautiful backdrop in photos. The gardens are also popular for christenings and naming ceremonies. All ceremonies and related photography need to be booked through Sutherland Shire Council.

Camellia Gardens Amenities

Camellia Gardens

There are two playgrounds at Camellia Gardens one located next to the Teahouse and the other near the BBQ area. There are picnic tables, bench seats and toilets. For people with a disability, there are toilet facilities adjacent to the lower entrance and in the Teahouse adjacent to the top gates, which has an MLAK lock.

Entry, Parking, Transport and Directions

Entry to the gardens and parking is free. There are two car parks, the upper car park is off President Avenue and the lower car park off Karrena Road. There is also transport by  train and bus services, visit NSW TransportInfo – Camellia Gardens.

Kerry – Parks in Sydney.

Filed Under: Sutherland Shire Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort

December 4, 2011 By 19 Comments

After all these years, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is still my favourite holiday spot and weekend destination. Originally, it was known as Blue Lagoon Caravan Park. Back in the 6o’s, Mum and Dad would bring us here for our annual holiday, and we loved it. When we reached the entrance at the top of the hill to Blue Lagoon mum would always say, take a deep breath and smell the sea air. We would stay in the onsite caravans that sat fronting the beach. Mum and Dads best friends would come with their two daughters and my brother, and myself would have a ball.

When I grew up, I continued to holiday at Blue Lagoon, at first with friends, then with my husband and daughters. Back in the early nineties we bought a popup caravan and Blue Lagoon Beach Resortwould holiday at Blue Lagoon. Our favourite holiday spots were Blue Lagoon and Horseshoe Bay Caravan Park at South West Rocks. We ended up selling it when my daughters got to the age that they did not like going on holidays in the caravan.

Blue Lagoon Beach

Blue Lagoon Beach lies between Shelley and Bateau Bay Beach. The beaches are separated by two rocky headlands on the north and south side of Blue Lagoon. There is a reef that extends across the beach approximately 200 metres offshore which creates a lagoon. The beach is ideal at low tide for young children.

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort

Blue Lagoon Beach ResortBlue Lagoon Beach Resort is approximately one hour drive north of Sydney. The resort fronts the beach and has beachfront and beach side cabins, as well as powered caravan and camping sites.

There is an amazing resort style pool, with toddlers water playground and spas, which makes swimming great all year round. There is also a children’s playground, tennis court and volleyball net. In school holidays, there is a kid’s club.

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is an ideal holiday location for families. The resort is close to shops and attractions, including The Entrance. The Bay Village Shopping Centre is a short drive from the resort and within walking distance.

Directions go to Google Map – Blue Lagoon Beach Resort.

 

Filed Under: Central Coast Tagged With: , , ,

Christmas in the Park

November 13, 2011 By 13 Comments

With all the celebrations leading up to Christmas, celebrating Christmas in the Park with family and friends is a lot of fun.

At Christmas time, the weather in Sydney is usually hot and ideal for spending outdoors. There are heaps of amazing parks to choose from and most of them have children’s playgrounds.  Which will keep the children amused for hours.

Christmas in the Park is ideal for a large group of family and friends, check out the park and see what picnic shelters are available. Some large shelters need to be booked in advance through the local council. Most shelters don’t need to be booked, and you may need to organise someone to get to the park early to reserve the shelter. Another suggestion would be to find a good shade tree.  Ask everyone to bring a picnic chair or rug and organise a few portable tables. Don’t forget to take the fly nets to put over the food.

These days we all lead busy lives, and Christmas can be a stressful time of the year, and should be enjoyed by everyone. By having Christmas in the park, it takes the pressure off one person having all the costs and food preparation.

Christmas in Australia

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It brings family and friends together to celebrate the festive season.  Each year my family put up the Christmas Tree in the lounge room. Some years have been a bit of a challenge when the dogs were puppies, and they would pull the baubles off the tree. This year will be another challenge as my youngest daughter brought home a blue cattle dog who is  four months old, and the poor little fellow is deaf.

It would be lovely to have a White Christmas, but in Australia, it is hot and sometimes Christmas day can be a scorcher. Thank goodness for air conditioning, which makes cooking a traditional Christmas lunch more comfortable, such as roast pork, chicken and turkey. If you prefer a cold meal rather than hot, there is cold meats and salads, a favourite is the Christmas leg of ham. Seafood also is very popular such as prawns, oysters, lobster, crab, mussels, scallops and even the Balmain Bug.

My favourite Christmas desert is the traditional plum pudding. I use the recipe my mum gave me, which was given to her from a French lady many years ago who used to work in a French chalet. Another favourite is the pavlova and fruit platter. At Christmas, there is a wide variety of fruits in season such as peaches, plums, mangoes, cherries, watermelons, etc.

Some people may choose to have a barbeque or spend the day at the beach, Bondi Beach being very popular especially, with tourists.

Christmas would not be complete without a couple of vases filled with the New South Wales Christmas Bush. This is an Australian native plant. The tree grows to approximately 3.6 metres and has small leaves. The Christmas Bush flowers in late spring with creamy-white small clusters of flowers, around Christmas the flowers become larger and turn a brilliant red.

Christmas in Sydney

Christmas in the Park

With so many amazing parks around Sydney, it is easy to choose a park suitable for your Christmas Celebration. Most councils hold Christmas events in Parks such as Carols by Candlelight. Go to you council’s website and check out what is on in your local area.

From Parks in Sydney, we wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.

Today’s group writing project contains the word Christmas.  Please have a look at the other posts that also  incorporate the word Christmas.

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , , , , , ,
« Older Posts