Sydney to Kiama

Everyone was very excited, as we picked up the campervan ready to embark on our journey. The first stop was the Australia Reptile Centre an hour north of Sydney. The girls loved seeing all the animals, especially being able to hand-feed the Koalas. Next stop was Anna bay. Where we stocked up on supplies for the journey. Settling in at Birub Beach Holiday Park . We met some friendly locals, enjoyed a drink while the girls played with other holiday makers and got rid of some energy in the pool. Homemade burgers and salad in the camper topped of a great first day.

After exploring the surrounding Port Stephens Beaches in the morning, we travelled south towards the Central Coast. Enjoying a Picnic lunch at Caves beach was the perfect opportunity to let the children burn off some energy: running and throwing the frisbee. In the early afternoon we found ourselves at Blue Bay Camping and Caravan Tourist Park where we went for a quick walk before heading into town to check out the local sites and devour a pizza for dinner.

Today was a big drive, with many stunning views and stops scattered along the way to keep the girls entertained. The highlight of the journey was the breath taking Sea Cliff Bridge. We feasted on a seaside lunch and a surf just before Woollongong., which broke up the long day driving . We arrived at Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park and set up with enough time for a refreshing dip in the pool and walk along the beach. Dinner was a delicious BBQ made with the facilities in the camper and at the campgrounds. A leisurely day was spent relaxing at the Holiday Park including a swim and bounce on the large bouncy mat along with some exploring of seven mile beach. The girls ran wild, playing in the sand and water along the coast. A picnic for lunch was the order of the day, which we all enjoyed.

A quick breakfast of the girls favourite bircher muesli and we hit the road to Kiama where the spectacular blow hole was in fine form. Next stop was Berry which is famous for its quaint shops and cafes. We enjoyed a great strong coffee at the fabulous Milkwood bakery and then we were back on the road to Sydney. We took the opportunity to drive under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Thinking about your road trip adventure, can you recall any of the following?

• Where the best view was?
  Sea Cliff Bridge – stunning views the whole way.
• Where you stopped for a picnic? 
  Caves Beach
• Where was your favourite place/town visited and why? 
   Shoalhaven Heads – beautiful part of the coast and is not over developed. Perfect base for exploring and still close to the beautiful villages of Berry and Kiama.
• What was your favourite experience/activity & why? 
  Driving from Sydney to Woolongong via the Royal National Park. A huge variety of scenery, with lakes, bush, amazing views and coastal roads all in one.
• Top highlights? 
  Surfing at Bellambi Beach, feeding the koala’s at the Australian Reptile Park, seeing the Kiama Blowhole in all its glory.
• Best café for coffee?
  Milkwood Bakery, Berry
• Favourite pub/restaurant? 
  The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough
• Did you have a favourite Holiday Park you stayed in and why? 
  Shoalhaven Heads Tourist Park – perfect location close to the beach, excellent facilities and ideal for kids with an excellent pool, jumping mat and water jets.
• What would be your top tip for other campervan travellers? 
  Allow more time to see and experience everything there is too offer as with a campervan you find yourself stopping more to check out the sights.
• Can you share a recipe from something you cooked in the campervan?
  Bircher Muesli (serves 4)
  
  1 cup oats
  ¼ cup dried cranberries
  ½ cup apple juice
  3 apples (grated)
  ¼ cup milk (soy, rice or coconut milk also suitable)
  ½ cup almonds, roughly chopped
  Yoghurt and honey to top (optional)
  
  Soak the oats and dried fruit in the apple juice for at least 6 hours.
  Put the apple in a bowl, along with a pinch of salt. Add enough milk to bring to a loose porridgey consistency. Sprinkle with the nuts and add a dollop of yoghurt and/or honey for additional flavour. Serve immediately.