** PLEASE NOTE: This activity has not restarted after the Covid lockdown period and there is no planned return date.
Each month before our Covid lockdown, Robin took a bus load of residents out for the morning and freely shared her extensive knowledge of the Central Coast area and its many attractions.
This page will be left in place for those who might wish to view earlier outings..
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Outing to Budgewoi, Tuesday February 1st 2022
On our half-day Village Bus outing, we made a detour at The Entrance North so that we could appreciate the beauty of the Lions Sensory Garden, on the shores of Tuggerah Lake.
How lucky we are to have so many lovely places to visit on the Central Coast!
The Garden features native plants and trees, many of which have been donated by members of the community. The Sensory Garden, a joint project between The Entrance Lions Club and our Council, is beautifully maintained.
From the easily accessible viewing platform, we admired the magnificent scenery of Tuggerah Lakes.
The flowering gums, with their masses of red and pink blossoms, were spectacular and admired by all, as we strolled around the Garden.
There are many trees to admire, including a Pandanus.
Tuggerah Lakes is the largest waterway of The Three Lakes System that includes Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah. Large sandy areas separate these lakes from the sea, but they share a common access to the Pacific Ocean at The Entrance via the treacherous Channel.
Approaching our Budgewoi destination, we caught glimpses of Budgewoi Lake. Budgewoi was officially named in 1868. Budgewoi is an Aboriginal word meaning “Meeting of Two Waters”.
We were ready for our picnic cuppa and biscuits which we enjoyed while sheltering in the massive picnic shed in Mackenzie Reserve, on the shores of Lake Munmorah. …. . No, we weren’t sheltering from the rain! It was a glorious day…sunny and warm.
It’s worth going to Mackenzie Reserve to admire the beautiful murals on the outside of the toilet block.
Once again, a pleasant day out….
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Village Bus Outing to Patonga 1st March 2022
We had planned to visit Spencer on the Hawkesbury, but because of stormy weather we travelled to Patonga where there is a large picnic pavilion. Usually, our outings to Patonga are in spring when the wildflowers are at their best.
Our scenic tour to Patonga took us via Empire Bay Dive, Ettalong and Umina. It was a cold, morning with only light rain, but we were well-rugged up and enjoyed our picnic morning tea in the pavilion on Eve Williams Oval. It is near the wharf and opposite a well-designed playground.
Patonga (originally batonga) means oyster in the local Guring-gai language. It has an incredible, fascinating history.
After driving through the very popular Patonga Caravan Park, we visited Pearl Beach and travelled home via Empire Bay Drive. Dave, our driver, detoured so we could appreciate another historic area at South Kincumber …….Mary Mackillop’s Peninsula, just across Cockle Channel from Amy St Wharf at Davistown.
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Half-Day Outing to Toukley on Tuesday 5th April 2022
So, we happily went to Toukley where suitable undercover spots can be found when it rains. Luckily, we experienced excellent weather and were able to enjoy sunny, warm conditions. Our first stop was at the Lions Sensory Garden at North Entrance, where we’d wandered around on our way to Budgewoi in February, also in glorious weather conditions.
The viewing platform allows excellent views over Tuggerah Lake. It is the largest waterway of the Three Lakes System which includes Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah.
A short drive took us to Toukley (originally called Toukley Oukley, the indigenous name). From Wallarah Point, near Toukley Bridge we admired more lake views, this time of Budgewoi Lake.
After our picnic morning tea in the Peace Park at Gorokan, we visited The Federation Gallery, the home of Toukley and Districts Art Society. All of the items on display, and for sale, are made by the Art Society’s talented local members. We were impressed with the paintings, porcelain, hand-painted cards and jewellery AND, of course, we made purchases from the Gallery.
On our way home, Andy drove along Wyong Rd and through Tumbi Umbi.
How lucky can we get? While we were Out and About Loving the Central Coast we had glorious weather.
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Autumn at the Australian Reptile Park
On a warm, sunny morning on Tuesday 3rd May, 12 fearless residents and Andy (our bus driver) enjoyed wandering around the indoor & outdoor exhibits
and up and down the walking tracks at the Reptile Park.
As a young naturalist, Eric Worrell opened a wildlife park at Wyoming, just north of Gosford in the late 1950’s, calling it Eric Worrell’s Australian Reptile Park. He’d started his first tourist venture, the tiny Ocean Beach Aquarium in Umina, 10 years previously and there began the first commercial production of snake venom for the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. Eric’s life was dedicated to the protection of native animals & reptiles and to the development of anti-venoms. Many people owe their survival to the work of the late Eric Worrell and the continuing efforts of staff at Somersby’s Australian Reptile Park, the Central Coast’s leading tourist attraction.
The Park is a great place to visit, even if you don’t want to see the reptiles!! There is a wide variety of native Australian wildlife, including quokkas, koalas, dingoes and wallabies to appreciate, close up. Visitors, young and old, have many opportunities in this wildlife sanctuary to enjoy the wonders of nature.
Robin A.
And here are some pics from the visit;
And so another interesting monthly bus trip comes to an end. I am always amazed at the wonderful array of places Robin finds to take her trips to. You really should join them the first chance you get.
Editor
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WHALE WATCHING in JUNE
Captain Cook Lookout at Copacabana is a premier whale watching location, a short drive from Davistown. It had been 3 years since we had been to Copa on a Village Bus Outing but , once again, we enjoyed ideal weather for whale watching on Tuesday 1st June.
Copacabana Beach with the Lookout high up on the Tudibaring Headland
Some of our fearless and adventurous residents used the steep flight of steps to reach the Lookout’s higher platform which allows panoramic viewing to the south and east. Humpback whales, travelling north, were spotted blowing in the distance. Others in our group happily relaxed on the lower platform, chatting and enjoying the excellent views to the north, over Winney Bay, North Avoca and Terrigal. 
Some of these residents are resting on the lower platform after conquering the steep climb to the top lookout.
Sandstone blocks make handy seats.
Views to the north of Winney Bay and the Skillion at Terrigal, from the lower lookout.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) our fearless residents could not use the track down to Winney Bay as it is closed!
The Lookout is named after Captain James Cook who on 7th May 1770, sailing north on the Endeavour, recorded in his journal ‘some pretty high land which projected out in three bluff points and occasioned my calling it Cape Three Points.’ The Lookout is on First Point (Bulbararing Point) while Mourawaring Point at Macmasters Beach is Second Point. Bombi Point, to the south in Bouddi National Park, is Third Point.
View of Macmasters’ Mourawaring Point (looking south from Copa Beach)
In early European settlement days, Copacabana was known as Tudibaring an aboriginal word meaning ‘where the waves pound like a beating heart’.
The first land grant in the area was made in 1824 to Robert Campbell, a free settler in the Colony. Early settlers lived by small scale farming, timber getting and fishing, often with Aboriginal assistance. In 1954, permission for subdivision was given by Gosford Shire Council and the developers named the area Copacabana after the famous Copacabana Beach in Brazil.
A colourful sign advertising the 5 Lands Walk was in the reserve where we stopped for morning tea.
Details about the 5 Lands Walk can be found at www.5landswalk.com.au
Connecting People to People and People to Place, it will be Proudly Held on Darkinjung Country on Saturday 26th June 2021
After relaxing over our picnic morning tea near the Copacabana Beach Surf Club, there was time for browsing through some of the Copa shops just across the road. Andy our driver, drove us to a small reserve alongside Cochrone Lagoon and we were able to look across the water to an area of Macmasters we had visited on our bus outing in May. We headed for home via Cape Three Points Rd to Avoca Beach which was very busy with locals, and visitors from near and far, enjoying the spectacular coastal scenery AND the many eateries.
Robin A
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Bouddi Peninsula Outing, Tuesday 4th May 2021
To reach Wagstaffe (Waggy) on the spectacular Bouddi Peninsula, we travelled via Kincumber and Macmasters Beach (Macs). We made a brief stop near the Maitland Bay Information Centre, at the beginning of the steep track down to Maitland Bay where the paddle steamer SS Maitland was wrecked on the bombora off Bouddi Head, in a gale (later named the Maitland Gale) in May 1898. The steamer had been on its way from Sydney to Morpeth carrying cargo and 63 passengers and crew. Over twenty lives were lost. There were many acts of bravery and tales of remarkable survival. During the rescue attempts, the line to shore broke and 9-month-old Daisy Hammond (who’d been separated from her mother) needed to be cared for, onboard overnight, by Captain Skinner and the boatswain. They were the last ones to be rescued the day after the shipwreck. Many years later Daisy, who grew up in Canada, visited the wreck and when she died in 1988 at the age of 90, her ashes were flown from Canada and scattered over the shipwreck site. Geoff Potter, a local historian, tells the true story of incredible bravery in his book;
“Wreck of the Maitland: A Scene to Make the Angels Weep”
At Marie Byles Lookout, Killcare Heights, we admired the view across to Lion Island, Palm Beach and the Barrenjoey Headland, at the entrance to Broken Bay. It was Governor Arthur Phillip who named the headland “Barrenjuee” meaning little kangaroo or wallaby.
Our view was restricted because of smoke haze over Sydney and low cloud cover, but we were able to spot a helicopter close to the base of the lookout.
Can you spot the helicopter and Lion Island?
The lookout is named after the talented and determined Marie Byles who, from her family’s beach house at Palm Beach, would gaze across the water, through a telescope, to the rugged coastline of the Bouddi Peninsula. She vowed to visit “her faery lands” and, in 1922, she persuaded a group of her university girlfriends to explore the area with her. After travelling by train from Sydney and ferry across Broken Bay, the bushwalkers made their way down to a secluded beach, now known as Maitland Bay. They had to struggle through dense bush, using a tomahawk, compass and map, before shedding their skirts and dancing joyfully and triumphantly on the sand. Marie, ten years after this trek, spearheaded the campaign that ensured the “faery lands” were protected as Bouddi Natural Park, now Bouddi National Park.
There was plenty to see at Wagstaffe (Waggy) where we travellers from Davo relaxed over our picnic morning tea, near the wharf and hall. Other travellers were appreciating our beautiful waterways on the 2 local ferries that passed …. the Sorrento and the Fantasea (Palm Beach ferry).
The Sorrento approaches the wharf.
The totem poles were carved from used telegraph poles. The Bouddi Community carving project commenced in June 2012, under the guidance of a local master wood turner and carver.
On a previous outing in 2013, some residents from our Village had seen the start of the carvings.
The Fantasea ferry approaches from Ettalong on its way to Palm Beach.
That’s Ettalong across the water.
We didn’t leave any butts in our picnic area.
They were proud of their good catch of Blackfish.
It was a good day for fishing off the wharf.
After negotiating the hairpin bends on the steep Ward’s Hill Road, Andy our driver made a detour to show us around the historic South Kincumber area. We drove past the sandstone Holy Cross Church which was built in 1842. Saint Mary MacKillop is known to have worshipped there and it is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in continuous use in Australia today. We were also able to view some sections of the extensive and historic St Joseph’s Centre which is so close to home at Davistown, just across the channel.
Robin A
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Half Day Outing to Wyong Tuesday 6th April 2021
It had been 13 months since our last Village Bus Outing and it was great to be able to relax once again, enjoying our beautiful Central Coast.
We travelled to the Wyong area via Ourimbah and Tuggerah, before stopping for our picnic morning tea in the Woodbury Inn Park, by the Wyong River at Mardi. The Park was just as lovely, with its majestic Camphor Laurel trees, and as peaceful as it was on our previous visit there in October,2019. The grass was just as green, but much longer after the flooding rain in March. Yes, the Wyong River does flood!
We lingered in the picnic shed, sheltered from the light rain while we were finishing our cuppa. The rain did not worry us, but across the road on a rural property, two alpacas and their sheep companion took shelter under a tree.
Our next stop along the Wyong River was at the Old Wyong Milk Factory where it was good to see so many families enjoying a visit, during the school holidays. While it was fine, we made a beeline for the River, at the rear of the property, to view the fish ladder. It is here that fresh water from upstream meets the salt water from Tuggerah Lakes. The Wyong River flows over a course of 60 km, from the Watagan Mountains area to its mouth on Tuggerah Lakes.
We had time to browse, at our own pace, visiting Little Creek Cheese (the Central Coast’s handmade gourmet cheese factory and outlet) and Luka Chocolates where handmade chocolates are made, tasted and sold.
A lovely Tibouchina near the children’s playground
We had time to browse, at our own pace, visiting Little Creek Cheese (the Central Coast’s handmade gourmet cheese factory and outlet) and Luka Chocolates where handmade chocolates are made, tasted and sold.
To finish our round trip, Andy our driver drove us back to Davistown via Shelly Beach, Bateau Bay and Terrigal.
How lucky we are to live on the beautiful Central Coast with so many spectacular views and scenic attractions right on our doorstep!
Robin A
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December Half-day Outing to East Gosford …. Tuesday 3rd December 2019
Our final outing for 2019 was to the Gosford Regional Gallery and the Edogawa Commemorative Garden in Webb Street, on the Caroline Bay foreshore.
The Central Coast Potters Society was holding its annual Christmas sale in the adjoining Community Gallery.
The Regional Gallery Shop had a wide variety of items to purchase, including the very popular small bags of food for the swimming and waddling wildlife. Visitors, young and old, love feeding the ducks and colourful carp fish at the Koi Pavilion in the Japanese Garden.
The Garden was officially opened in 1994 and offers a tranquil setting in which to relax and enjoy nature.
Some residents chose to visit the Archibald Prize 2019 touring exhibition from the NSW Art Gallery and they reported that it was well worth the entry fee of $5 (concession).
We enjoyed, at our own expense, morning tea in the very popular Top Point Café
which is open 7days (8.30am to 4pm).
For the 13 residents from Alloura Waters on the bus outing, it was a busy morning with so many worthwhile displays to appreciate at our Regional Gallery at East Gosford.
Special Thanks go to Susan who supplied the photos.
Our first bus outing for 2020 will be a half-day visit to Ken Duncan Gallery, at Erina Heights, on Tuesday 4th February.
Robin A
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Half Day Outing to Wyong.. late October 2019
On Tuesday 29th October (5th Tuesday in the month) 18 residents travelled in the Village bus to the Wyong area. It was a warm day with smoke haze, reminding us of the early bushfire season. After driving through Ourimbah and Tuggerah, we stopped for our picnic morning tea in Woodbury Inn Park by the Wyong River at Mardi.
There was ample seating, spread under massive trees including majestic Camphor Laurels and we admired our surroundings as we enjoyed morning tea.
Across the road on a rural property, chooks roamed free with 2 young, inquisitive black Alpacas keeping them company.
Plaques have been erected on the original site, giving the history of the Inn. Woodbury’s Inn was established on this site about 1866 by Matthew James Woodbury as a private residence with accommodation for travellers using the Old Maitland Rd. It had a liquor licence. The first known Catholic Church services in the district were held at the Inn, which was also the first Post Office in the area. After the town of Wyong came into being with the opening of the railway line in 1887 it was closed as an inn and became a private residence only for about the next seventy years. Because of its decayed and dilapidated condition it was demolished on 7-1-1978.
Our next stop was also by the Wyong River, at the Old Wyong Milk Factory.
We browsed at our own pace visiting Little Creek Cheese (the Central Coast’s handmade gourmet cheese factory and outlet) and Luka Chocolates where handmade chocolates are made, tasted and sold.
A short stroll took some of us down to the River at the rear of the property to view the fish ladder. It is here that fresh water from upstream meets the salt water from Tuggerah Lakes. The Wyong River flows over a course of 60 km, from the Watagan Mountains area to its mouth on Tuggerah Lakes.
At Chilli Secret Thai Cuisine some residents happily sat, cooling off at the shaded, outside tables awaiting a takeaway order to be enjoyed on our return to Alloura Waters after our enjoyable outing to Wyong.
Thanks go to Jill for sharing a number of her photos with me. Robin A
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Half Day Outing to Patonga.. Early October 2019
On Tuesday 1st October, we had 13 residents on board the Village bus to see the wildflowers in Brisbane Water National Park. It started off a drizzly wet day, but by the time we’d arrived at Staples Lookout the sky had cleared and we were able to stretch our legs, admiring the views over Woy Woy Bay, Brisbane Water and Gosford.
Spectacular views
At Patonga, we had our picnic morning tea which was enjoyed by all. We even had a brush turkey join us for a piece of fruitcake, in the large pavilion.
The views from Patonga Beach are lovely and peaceful.
Andy drove us around Patonga and we saw many campers in the Caravan Park. Heading back along Patonga Drive, we stopped to admire the many waratahs and other native plants which we were able to photograph.
Waratahs on the Warrah Lookout Road.
We arrived back at Alloura Waters at 12.15pm and all agreed it was a most enjoyable morning. We thanked Andy for his safe driving through the beautiful, scenic Central Coast. Joan R
Thanks go to Joan R and Bev W for hosting the outing to view the spring wildflowers in the National Park. The much-appreciated photos were taken by Jill and Joan and I was able to include them in this coverage of the October 2019 Wildflower Outing. Robin A
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Our Full-day Trip to Kurri Kurri ….The Town of Murals, 3rd September 2019
On 3rd September, eleven happy travellers set off for a great day at Kurri Kurri, a town known for its 57 murals painted on the buildings. The day’s weather was perfect and, after a search for a couple of late-starters we set off at 8.45am, first stopping at Cooranbong for a nice picnic tea.
Then off we went to the Kurri Kurri Information Centre where our travel guide Col joined us on our bus. Col told us some of the history of the town.
Once, there were about 160 coal mines in the Cessnock, Maitland and the Kurri Kurri areas but, when mines closed down, the miners and families went elsewhere to work. In the year 2000, the “Towns with a Heart” committee was formed and this led to the start of the mural project. The murals visually tell the stories of the people, events and places that shaped the area’s heritage.
Andy, our Alloura Water’s driver, skilfully drove our bus around Kurri Kurri so that we could admire the murals and take photos. An image of a kookaburra, the emblem of the Town with a Heart, is in each mural.
At 12.30pm it was time for lunch which we all enjoyed at the Kurri Kurri Bowling Club.
Then at 2pm, it was time to depart Kurri Kurri, The Town of Murals, after enjoying our visit. Andy got us home safely to Alloura Waters at 4pm and all agreed it was a great day out.
Joan R
Thanks go to Joan and Susan for hosting such an interesting full-day adventure in the Hunter Valley and for supplying me with their photos, as well as details about the September Village Bus Outing.
Robin A
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Outing to Alison Homestead, 4th June 2019
The home of Wyong District Museum and Historical Society is at the corner of Alison and Cape Roads on Wyong’s first land grant in the 1820’s to William Cape Snr. In 1875, William Alison Snr purchased the three Cape family properties at Wyong, but it’s not certain if a new homestead was built or the existing cottage extensively renovated.
Previous Village bus outings took Alloura Waters residents to Alison Homestead in 2009 and 2011 before an arson attack (at the end of 2011) destroyed most of the homestead and museum exhibits. Fortunately, the other buildings onsite were undamaged. The rebuild of the Homestead took 4 years to complete and the local community generously donated many items of memorabilia to replace what was lost in the fire. It wasn’t until the end of 2015 that the Museum reopened.
Improvements to the Homestead, other buildings and the grounds are ongoing with many volunteers involved. In 2016 on an outing to Wyong we once again were able to admire the peaceful rural views from the front of the homestead, across the wide expanse of green grass and paddocks and enjoy the exhibits.
On Tuesday 4th June 2019 (Brrrrr….) we ignored the predicted weather and visited Alison Homestead, admiring the improved gardens, new displays and the cosy undercover eating area (now equipped with see-through cafe blinds and gas patio heaters). Guess where we lingered over our picnic morning tea.
After our “cuppa and chat time” we explored, at our own pace, enjoying the displays, especially those in the modern newly-built wing.
The outside buildings are filled with tools, period machinery, photos and handmade models relating to the settlement of Wyong and surrounding areas.
The permanent Historic Scale Model Exhibition is housed in one of the outside buildings.
The former Yarramalong Public School slab hut was reconstructed in the grounds, as a classroom highlighting education in the Wyong Shire.
The metal Ned Kelly Sculpture now takes pride of place at the Homestead’s front gate, guarding the mail as a mailbox for 1 Cape Rd.
We appreciated the hard work being done by the enthusiastic volunteers (many of whom are retirees) who maintain the buildings, displays, gardens and lawns, organise activities and guided tours and do important research. They gave us the opportunity to reminisce while enjoying a trip back in time to Alison Homestead.
Andy, our driver, chose our route home to Davistown via Tuggerah, Chittaway, Tumbi Umbi and Terrigal. Some brave surfers were enjoying the swell at Terrigal Haven and some brave residents from Alloura Waters ventured out of our bus to take photos in the wild conditions.
Thanks go to Gloria and Jill for the extra photos they took on their phones. It was good to be able to use them in this coverage of our June outing to Alison Homestead. Robin A
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Outing to Spencer, 7th May 2019
On Tuesday 7th which was a beautiful autumn day, we travelled through the lands of the Darkinjung people to reach Spencer at the junction of Mangrove Creek and the Hawkesbury River. Our route took us via Somersby, Central Mangrove and Mangrove Mountain where we had a short break near the Community Hall, Fire Brigade and shops.
We were interested to see how the natural bush furniture, made from Bloodwood timber, had weathered from when we had seen it on an outing back in 2016.
For countless years, a majestic Bloodwood tree had graced the area before it was mysteriously poisoned. The tree, unfortunately, needed to be cut down in June 2015, but its beauty can be still be appreciated as the timber was used to make the amazing, natural bush furniture on the site.
Half an hour down Wisemans Ferry Road, we reached Spencer, known as the Hub of the Universe. This small village, in our Central Coast Council area and Robertson Electorate, is regarded as part of the Mangrove Mountain area.
Our picnic morning tea was enjoyed under The Tree fondly known as the Dunkirk Hotel, on the river bank. This stately mangrove tree has provided shelter for community gatherings for over 100 years.
While we were relaxing over a cuppa, cake and biscuits, we chatted to a South Australian couple who had pulled up with their vehicle, fold down van, boat, fishing gear and 2 fur babies (dogs … Tinkerbelle and Missy). They were on their way home via the Hay Plains after travelling extensively along the east coast. Yes, they’d enjoyed our Central Coast area.
Across the road from the Village Store (not open on Tuesdays) there is a park with play equipment, mosaic murals, an historic plaque on a large sandstone rock, picnic table and public toilets.
On 12th June 1789, the Governor and his party, searching for suitable farming land, ventured ashore on a “marshy point” in the area and spent the night in their tents. This was only 3 days after they had gone ashore at Green Point on Brisbane Water. There are easily accessible historic plaques in both areas remembering Governor Arthur Phillip’s exploratory visits in 1789.
Spot the camouflaged ducks in the mangroves.
We were only an hour from home, travelling back to Davistown by the same route we took to reach the Hub of the Universe …. Spencer (originally called Fernleigh).
Robin A
Dangar Island, 2nd April 2019
On Tuesday 2nd April, a group of residents travelled on the Village bus via the M1 to Brooklyn where a delicious picnic morning tea was enjoyed in McKell Park.
It was a short trip by ferry across to Dangar Island, east of Brooklyn
Dangar Island is rich in Indigenous and European history. The Aboriginal people were custodians of the island for at least 30 000 years. In 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip’s party visited the island, staying overnight. The following year he twice used the island as a base for short exploratory trips along the Hawkesbury River. It was named Mullet Island until 1922 when it was renamed Dangar Island.
The Dangar family purchased the island in 1864, paying 76 Pounds for the 76 Acres
Most of the Alloura Waters group spent an hour on the island, while others stayed on the ferry returning to Brooklyn with some of the local commuters.
There was time for lunch and some shopping before we travelled home via the scenic route……. the old Pacific Highway.
The full day outing was organised and hosted by Joan R and Marie N, with Joan supplying the photos and Marie writing a short report for AWARE. Robin A
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Outing to Pearl Beach, 5th March 2019
It was spectacular weather on Tuesday 5th March when we travelled to Pearl Beach. At Tascott we stopped near the IMAG NE sculpture, on the foreshore, for photos and view-admiring.
At the boat ramp we were surprised to see a beautifully restored 1934 Ford Pickup with a small row boat on the tray. The owner is a local boatie who patiently and proudly answered questions from some of our residents, before he skilfully rowed out to another vessel anchored in Brisbane Water.
Nearby, on Brisbane Water Drive, the Highway Patrol was pulling over drivers for breathalysing. No, Andy wasn’t stopped for testing!
After a brief stop at Umina Beach, near the Surf Club, we travelled down to Pearl Beach. As the morning was fine and warm, the “village” was busy with dogs and their walkers, swimmers in the rock pool and sunbakers on the beach.
Andy skilfully parked the bus right at the beach reserve where we were able to use a picnic table, seat and sandstone blocks for our picnic morning tea. We relaxed chatting and gazing out over the beach where locals and visitors were enjoying themselves.
The Crommelin Native Arboretum was a short drive away and some of us took a stroll in the northern section which is entered off narrow Crystal Ave. The Pearl Beach streets have gem names such as Emerald Ave, Opal Close and Cornelian Rd. (Your challenge is to find out about Cornelians.)
Poem …… Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
By Alfred Joyce Kilmer 1886 – 1918 (He died fighting in World War 1)
Our journey home, after a great outing, was via the Rip Bridge and Kincumber.
Robin A.
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Ken Duncan Gallery, February 2019
It was way back, in August 2014, when we last went to the Ken Duncan Gallery on a Village Bus Outing. As it’s always a popular, air-conditioned attraction to visit, especially on a hot summer’s day, it was a good choice for our first outing in 2019.
On Tuesday 5th February 2019 we stopped for an early picnic morning tea in the Terrigal Lions Park on the foreshore of the lagoon, opposite the Scout Hall. Before long, our free entertainment arrived … 3 dogs. The lagoon proved too tempting for 2 of the dogs who were soon in the water. The third dog was a grey and white Whippet which has not yet taken to enjoying the Terrigal Lagoon.
After a quick morning tea, it was time to head off in our bus. Fortunately we didn’t have time for a run up the Skillion.
A short drive via Serpentine Road took us to the Gallery at Erina Heights. There, our visit was off to a relaxing start in the theatrette where we viewed 2 short presentations featuring Ken Duncan’s photographs. Then there was ample time to appreciate the stunning photographic prints, many featuring far-flung areas of the globe, on the walls of the spacious viewing rooms.
The Central Coast is one of Ken’s favourite regions of Australia and that’s why, like us, he chooses to live here. Many of his photos, including The Long Jetty and Pearl Beach, showcase the beautiful Central Coast. We were able to admire and buy numerous items in the Galley shop where books, posters, jigsaw puzzles, DVD’s and fridge magnets feature photographs taken by one of Australia’s leading landscape photographers.
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Mystery Tour, 4th December 2018
On Tuesday 4th December, after an exploratory drive around Point Frederick it was time to travel a short distance to visit the Gosford Regional Gallery in Webb St East Gosford. There, we headed outside to stroll around the beautiful Edogowa Commemorative Garden. This Japanese Garden, officially opened in 1994, is located in the grounds of the Regional Gallery, on the Caroline Bay foreshore.
Inside the main Gallery, one of the exhibitions of paintings was Lotus Flowers by Geoff Harvey, a prize-winning Australian artist whose work is held in Galleries throughout Australia. His exhibition was inspired by the Buddist symbolism of the lotus flower and 3 of Geoff’s paintings are based on his visits and knowledge of the Edogawa Commemorative Garden.
In the adjoining Community Gallery, the Central Coast Potters Society was holding its annual Christmas exhibition and sale. The Society celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 and the pottery items on display showed just how many talented and imaginative potters live on the Central Coast.
Thank you JR and JW for taking the photos on our half-day mystery outing.
Our picnic morning tea was enjoyed in Phyllis Bennett Reserve at the entrance to the Regional Gallery where the picnic tables are shaded by impressive towering trees such as very old Camphor Laurels.
Before our morning ended we drove around the East Gosford area, admiring the well-cared for houses and gardens. In Russell Drysdale St we located the buildings used by Central Coast groups including the Family History Society, Potters Society and the Handweavers, Spinners and Textile Arts Guild.
It’s no mystery to us! We know there’s so much to enjoy on the Central Coast. Robin A
The Entrance & Toowoon Bay, 30 October 2018
The third outing in spring was on 30th October which was the fifth Tuesday of the month. The outing to The Entrance and Toowoon Bay was hosted by Joan and Marie.
The Entrance takes its name from the narrow channel which connects Tuggerah Lake to the ocean.
The Entrance is recognised as The Pelican Capital of Australia. The very popular Pelican Feed, which started over 20 years ago, takes place daily on the waterfront at 3.30pm.
The photos were supplied by Joan R
Thanks Marie and Joan for hosting the enjoyable outing to The Entrance and Toowoon Bay. Robin A
Morphet, 2nd October 2018
Our destination was Morpeth via Cooranbong where we stopped in the popular park, enjoying a delicious morning tea provided by hostess Joan R.
We then visited Cooranbong’s Elephant Shop and we were very impressed by the magnificent display of gemstones in the adjoining shop.
As we continued our journey, Andrew our driver commented on points of interest such as the Maitland Gaol and the building where Cobb and Co used to change their horses. The countryside was very green and the Hunter River at Morpeth was very full.
Most of the shops at Morpeth were open including the Alpaca shop, Teddy Bear shop and the Lolly shop. Some of us indulged in a little retail therapy! There were plenty of eateries and some of us dined Al Fresco for lunch.
Some people indulged in an ice cream at Maccas on the way home after a pleasant day out.
Photos taken by Joan R Details about the outing from Marie N
Thanks go to Joan and Marie for hosting such an enjoyable full day Village Outing. Robin A
Patonga, 4th September 2018
On Tuesday 4th September we set off on our half-day outing to see the wildflowers in Brisbane Water National Park. We travelled through Kariong, getting out at Staples Lookout in the National Park to admire the extensive views over Woy Woy Bay and Brisbane Water.
A brief stop in Woy Woy’s Correa Bay reserve, at the bottom of Bulls Hill, gave us more water views to appreciate.
At Patonga, our picnic morning tea was enjoyed in the large pavilion on Eve Williams Oval not far from the ferry wharf. We spent time chatting, strolling and exploring the area and watching the Fantasea Ferry making a stop at the wharf while we fed the lone brush turkey which had greeted us at the pavilion.
We knew we’d be able to have a close look at the waratahs flowering along Patonga Drive as we headed home. Earlier that morning, as we travelled down to Patonga we’d seen the tell-tale splashes of red. Homeward bound, we stopped at the start of the Warrah Trig Road which leads to Warrah Lookout.
Robin A.
Toukley, 7th August 2018
On a blustery, August day we headed straight for Toukley on our first half-day Village outing in our new bus, travelling through Long Jetty and The Entrance. A short drive through the busy Toukley shopping area took us to the Peace Park on the Budgewoi Lake, near the Bridge. There we enjoyed our picnic morning tea and admired the lake views. We were surprised to find that the adjoining Commercial Fish Co-Op in the Park had closed down recently.
It’s always a pleasure to spend time browsing in the Federation Gallery/ Gift Shop in the Park. The talented members of the Toukley and District Art Society produce a wide variety of items and the friendly volunteers are proud of the numerous attractive displays of paintings, porcelain, cards, jewellery and other gifts. Of course, a number of small purchases were made to take back to Alloura Waters!
Our journey home on Tuesday 7th August took us back along Wilfred Barrett Drive, through Wyrrabalong National Park to The Entrance. Instead of travelling through Erina, our route though Terrigal gave our views of the Skillion, the shape of which is regularly changing because of weathering and rock falls.
Robin A
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Whale Watching on Tuesday 3rd July 2018.
The rain cleared overnight, giving us an ideal, cool morning for whale watching. There were light winds and smooth seas and YES we saw whales on our half-day outing to Copacabana.
From Captain Cook Lookout on Tudibaring Head, the tell-tale blows enabled us to spot Humpbacks frolicking and surfacing as they cruised northwards.
Some of us enjoyed the panoramic view from the top platform of the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.
On 7th May, 1770 Captain James Cook, on the Endeavour, sailed north along this part of the coastline. Looking back, he described in his journal 3 headland points and called the area Cape Three Points. The Lookout is named after him.
Others were happy to stay on the lower level with views to the north over Winney Bay, North Avoca and Terrigal.
Our picnic morning tea stop was at Bonnie Lookout near the Copa Beach Surf Club. Bonnie Lookout is named in memory of Bonnie Hawkins who, as a long-time resident of Copa, was tirelessly involved in many local projects helping the community.
We were thrilled to see, in the distance, more whales blowing just off the southern end of Macmasters Beach (Macs).
Andy, our bus driver, skilfully drove us up and down many of the steep roads in Copacabana. Our journey home was via Cape Three Points Road to Avoca Beach where we enjoyed sightseeing from the bus.
On our half-day outing, we covered only a small area of the scenic Central Coast, but there was certainly much natural beauty to appreciate.
Robin A
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5th June 2018, All around Brisbane Waters
By making a variety of purchases at Spotlight, Bunnings and Officeworks we supported some of the larger shops in West Gosford. We were certainly ready for morning tea when we reached Fagan Park at Point Clare. Peter Fagan was an early pioneer of the district and his family befriended the poet Henry Kendall, allowing him to stay in the small stone cottage now known as Henry Kendall Cottage.
We’d just finished our picnic morning tea when light rain started to fall. So it was time to head indoors again for more browsing, admiring and buying ….. at the nearby Fairhaven Shopping Village, formerly called Vintage Fair. We enjoyed our Op shopping in the main Op shop, the Old Schoolhouse and the various buildings with “upcycled” furniture, tools and toys etc.
Proceeds from the sales go to our Central Coast based Fairhaven Services. Fairhaven has grown from modest beginnings over 50 years ago, when Fairhaven School for children with a disability was opened. In 1984 it relocated to Narara, becoming Glenvale School (NSW Department of Education).
Earlier this year, a special icon was introduced to be used by Fairhaven. The dragonfly was chosen for its characteristics of transformation and adaptability, ability to see beyond limitations and living life to the fullest. The green dragonfly character is known as Bunji, which is an Aboriginal word for friend or mate.
Today, Fairhaven provides three key services…. accommodation, employment and community support for people with disabilities on the Central Coast.
There were other areas around Brisbane Water to admire, even though the skies and waterways were grey as we travelled along Brisbane Water Drive to Woy Woy.
Instead of the usual quick trip back to Davistown on our village bus, we extended our outing by relaxing on the ferry Saratoga on the 30 minute trip from Woy Woy to Empire Bay.
The Brisbane Water area is beautiful, even on a grey winter’s day. We had a very enjoyable time exploring it on our extended half-day outing which lasted 4½ hours. . Robin A
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1st May 2018, Outing to Long Jetty and The Entrance
The foreshore of Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty was the perfect place to visit, in perfect weather, on Tuesday 1st May. Our first stop was at the Long Jetty which reaches 351 metres out into the deeper waters of the Lake.
The original Long Jetty was built in 1915 from the trunks of paperbark trees, its purpose being to transport passengers on the ferry service, to Wyong, using the deeper parts of Tuggerah Lake. Early in 1927, severe storms washed away the original jetty and Erina Shire Council arranged, by tender, for the rebuilding of the iconic structure.
Today, it’s an interesting stop on the cycleway/walkway which stretches around the Lake.
In 2015, to celebrate the centenary of Long Jetty, an extensive photographic display of historic photos was erected on 2 of the outside walls of the public amenities block.
It’s time to leave the picnic area at Picnic Point … a jewel of Tuggerah Lake.
On such a glorious autumn day, we travelled home via Shelly Beach, Toowoon Bay and Bateau Bay to Davistown … THE jewel of Brisbane Water.
Robin A
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3rd April 2018, Outing to Mangrove Creek Dam
The dam is the largest of our 3 water storage/supply areas on the Central Coast
To reach Mangrove Creek Dam on Tuesday 3rd April, we travelled through Kariong, Somersby and Kulnura (meaning in sight of the sea or up in the clouds). The picnic area, high above the dam, is impressive with its beautifully maintained facilities. We appreciated the peace and tranquility of the bushland.
We spent a leisurely hour there enjoying a cuppa and cake, admiring the views from the easily-accessible viewing platforms, chatting and also reading interesting details about Mangrove Creek Dam on the display boards. We also met up with a couple from our Village and their 3 grandchildren from Queensland. They’d travelled by car to the dam and then to Wisemans Ferry via Spencer on their day’s outing through the Central Coast Hinterland.
Our trip home included a stop at the wonderful Kulnura General Store which has been run by an Indian family for the past 7 years, providing a friendly, essential service in the rural community.
We then travelled down steep Bumble Hill and through the beautiful Yarramalong (meaning cedar country) Valley with its historic buildings, turf farms and lush countryside with a variety of livestock. On a beautiful autumn day, our half-day outing in the Hinterland had taken us through some of the most picturesque areas, just an hour’s drive from Davistown. The wide open spaces were seen at their best with green pastures, brimming dams and well-fed cattle and horses.
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6th March, 2018, Outing to Katandra Reserve
Katandra is an Aboriginal word meaning Song of Birds
Spot the Kookaburra in the grass.
This natural bushland reserve, at Mt Elliot, is part of Central Coast Council’s COSS (Coastal Open Space System) and has spectacular views from St John Lookout, looking out over the Matcham Valley towards Terrigal and Erina and even farther to the Baha’i Temple in northern Sydney.
The Lookout, 200 metres above sea level, is easily reached from the picnic area.
At the Lookout we found it interesting (and sometimes challenging) recognising natural and man-made features…..the most prominent being Erina Fair.
Our group, some of whom had been there on a previous outing almost 3 years ago, enjoyed relaxing in such peaceful surroundings.
Before our picnic morning tea, there was time to wander and spot the birdlife, massive trees, rock formations and unusual ant mounds.
A visiting local who can’t read the sign
- Domestic pets are not allowed. However, horse-riding is permitted on designated trails in Katandra Reserve.
We didn’t need to go horse-riding as our village bus was using its horsepower. We travelled back down and up The Big Dipper (Tapley Rd) and along The Ridgeway to Lisarow. Niagara Park Shopping Centre is where the Sara Lee factory outlet sells a wide variety of edible products. Some of us also found bargains to purchase in the Samaritans Charity shop which is in the same shopping centre.
Our round trip took us through some of the most picturesque areas of the Central Coast. How lucky we are to have COSS reserves such as Katandra, Rumbalara, Mt Ettalong and Kincumba Mountain so close to Alloura Waters!
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February, 2018, Outing to Woy Woy
Why Woy Woy? The history of the area, home to the Guringai Tribe, is fascinating and we were reminded of this on our outing on Tuesday 6th February. At Tascott, we stopped near the IMAG NE sculpture on the foreshore and admired the views across Brisbane Water towards Green Point.
Our picnic morning tea was enjoyed right on the point in the popular Lions Park at Woy Woy where there’s always much to see. Families were using the playground equipment; some people were in the shallow water filming a children’s series for ABC iview; the Saratoga ferry passed close by in the Channel on its run from Davistown
Film Makers
Just as we were leaving this historic Brick Wharf area, another bus arrived with residents from BlueWave Living (formerly named Woy Woy Community Aged Care).
Our next adventure was when we visited the Governor Arthur Phillip monument which is in a small reserve at the end of Orange Grove Rd, overlooking the Rip Bridge.
It had been on a previous bus outing way back in 2015, that the owners of a VERY STEEP block of land adjoining the reserve, proudly explained to us about a new modular home they were building there.
On this outing, ie February 2018, we were warmly greeted by the neighbour’s dog, a Labradoodle called Copper. Copper is a Delta Therapy Dog. Delta dogs and their owners make regular visits to aged care facilities, hospitals, mental health units, schools and disability groups. As volunteers, they offer pet therapy … a chat, a paw to shake or a coat to pat. One of the places Copper visits is BlueWave Living at Woy Woy.
Our Cook’s Tour of the Peninsula continued as we drove through Booker Bay, Ettalong and Umina before viewing the historic Runway Park in Trafalgar Ave, Umina. After years of neglect following its operation as a runway in World War 2, the formerly unnamed park was given a complete makeover last year thanks to Federal and State funding and enthusiastic local support.
Homeward bound, as we drove over The Rip Bridge, we were reminded of Governor Arthur Phillip who, over two centuries ago, found that rowing against the ebb tide was impossible. His boats and crew had to wait for the tide to turn before passing through the rapid current of The Rip.
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Spring Has Sprung
Once again we have reports of three recent bus outings under the heading of “Spring has Sprung”. There was some difficulty due to bus breakdowns but these did not deter our intrepid travellers..
Tuesday 3rd October 2017
Patonga was our destination this time. After admiring the excellent views from Staples Lookout on Woy Woy Road, we made a brief stop in the small reserve at Correa Bay at the bottom of Bulls Hill.
The sandstone wall is the right height for exercising
In the waterside village of Patonga, we enjoyed our picnic morning tea and admired beach and bay views from the small reserve opposite the oval.
It was so dry, with sand instead of grass, in October 2017
There was grass, instead of sand, in that same reserve in October 2013
Tuesday 31st October 2017, Mystery Tour
We enjoyed a second outing in October, replacing the one cancelled in September. Where did we go on our round trip? After passing through busy Terrigal we visited Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park. We were there to enjoy the panoramic coastline views stretching as far north as Norah Head
Sculpture by the Sea
On our way to our morning tea stop, we drove past Bateau Bay and Shelly Beach …. places we’d been able to spot from the Lookout. In Swadling Reserve at Toowoon Bay we were enthusiastically greeted by some lucky dog owners and their lucky pooches, heading home after their off leash outing on Shelly Beach.
Pebbles the greyhound is wearing a Green Collar and doesn’t need to wear a muzzle
Swadling Park has excellent picnic facilities which impressed us all as we relaxed over our picnic morning tea. There was time to wander around the reserve before driving down to view Toowoon Bay Beach and the entranceway to Kim’s Resort.
Andrew, our driver chose our route home and what an excellent choice he made, taking us through Tumbi Umbi and the beautiful Holgate and Matcham Valleys before reaching The Entrance Rd at Erina Heights.
Tuesday 21st November 2017
Our final outing for 2017 was to Brooklyn on Tuesday 21st November, using the bus borrowed from Broadwater Court Village. Guess where our Village bus needed to be, once again. Andrew drove us south along the scenic Pacific Highway, with bright splashes of yellow Coreopsis flowers adding colour, on both sides of the Old Road.
We were glad to stretch our legs when we reached Brooklyn Park in Hornsby Shire.
Our picnic morning tea was enjoyed in Lower McKell Park in the area adjoining the tidal swimming baths on the Hawkesbury River.
En
We had time to explore Brooklyn in the bus. We drove up and down some of the steep, narrow roads to reach Parsley Bay, and also Upper McKell Park which is high above the Bay.
The area is very popular with tourists, locals and foraging brush turkeys
Some tourists
Male Brush Turkey
Governor Phillip named the Hawkesbury River in 1789, after the Baron of Hawkesbury (Charles Jenkinson
It’s so peaceful here in Upper McKell Park.
Our trip home was faster on the M1 Motorway, but not as relaxing as our drive down to Brooklyn had been hours earlier. On our three round trips in spring, we travelled on numerous roads, winding through numerous areas with beautiful scenery but, for many of us, Davistown is hard to beat.
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Winter Wonderland, 2017
** Your Webmaster has been away on holidays for an extended period over winter so no posts of trips were put up for you to view. Robin has kindly compiled the last 3 trips into one report for June, July and August and this is reported below as “Winter Wonderland, 2017″**
In winter we enjoyed 3 half-day outings, under blue skies, covering a wide area of the Central Coast, from the Bouddi Peninsula in the south to Lake Macquarie in the north.
Tuesday 6th June
Our destination was Wagstaffe on the Bouddi Peninsula and we travelled through Killcare Heights, admiring the views from Marie Byles Lookout.
We relaxed in the sun, having our picnic morning tea near the Wagstaffe Hall and Wharf.
Tuesday 4th July
It was an ideal morning for whale watching from Captain Cook Lookout at Copacabana.
Our picnic morning tea, with spectacular views, was enjoyed near the Copacabana Surf Club.
Tuesday 1st August
On our way to Summerland Point, we decided to have a break and stretch our legs at Budgewoi. In Mackenzie Reserve, on the foreshore of Lake Munmorah, we enjoyed a warming “cuppa” while a biting wind blew.
In Summerland Point Reserve on the shores of Lake Macquarie, we were sheltered from the wind and spent a pleasant half hour strolling, chatting, sitting in the sun while admiring the views, or happily having a swing on the play equipment.
Although a bit chilly on occasions we still enjoyed our “winter wonderland” outings….
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May 2017, Full Day Outing to Hunter Valley Zoo
Our previous Village outing to Hunter Valley Zoo, at Nulkaba in the Cessnock area, had been way back in May 2011…
Six years later, on Tuesday 2nd May 2017, we were glad to stretch our legs and have our picnic morning tea in perfect weather at Cooranbong Park, on our way to the Zoo.
Hunter Valley Zoo has been open for 10 years and is the home for many native and exotic animals and birds.
It’s a small, private zoo supported by the local community and well worth the trip to the Hunter Valley to be able to enjoy close encounters with so many animals such as meerkats, koalas, roos, dingoes, monkeys, camels, farm animals, reptiles and countless birds … large and small.
A volunteer program is run for animal and wildlife lovers, giving them the opportunity to work with the animals and participate in the daily shows and talks.
There are picnic tables under cover, free barbecues and seats for the visitors. The animal enclosures are immaculately kept by friendly, enthusiastic keepers and volunteers who are very proud of the zoo and the animals in their care.
A star attraction is the meerkat display. 6 year old Savanna is the only adult female and she has had 2 litters of meerkats this year, with the youngest 4 pups having been born in March.
And so it was goodbye from Alloura Waters for another ??? Years.. Robin A
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April 2017 Half Day Outing to Avoca
We found some bargains whilst browsing in the Erina Clearance Centre at the start of our half-day outing on Tuesday 4th April. Some residents bought colourful small toys called Nooks, suitable for Operation Christmas Child which is supported annually by our Alloura Waters Craft Group
Our morning tea was enjoyed in the spacious picnic shed, right at the end of Avoca Drive on the southern end of Avoca Beach, near the rock shelf.
Some experienced surfers were in the surf just off the rocks, while a couple of beginners were receiving, on the sand, a private lesson from David’s son, Cory.
It was a good morning for strolling along the path above the shallow rock pool and rock shelf.
Some of us were happy to sit and relax, chatting to other residents and visitors to Avoca Beach.
This part of the Coast was originally inhabited by the Awabakal Aboriginal people. Avoca (an Irish word meaning great estuary or where the river meets the sea) was named by an Irish army officer, John Moore, who was given the first European land grant in the area in the 1800’s.
On our trip home we made a brief stop, in the Terrigal area, at George’s Fruit Barn which always has a wide selection of tempting products.
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March 2017 Half-Day Outing to Pearl Beach
On Tuesday 7th we saw water, water everywhere but fortunately, the rain droplets were few and far between. At Tascott we stopped to admire the views across Brisbane Water, looking towards Green Point. The IMAG NE sculpture is a favourite attraction for photo snappers and photographers
After driving along the waterfront at Ettalong and Ocean Beach, we stopped for morning tea, using the sheds in the reserve near Umina Beach Surf Club.
The Peninsula Recreation Precinct opposite our picnic area was a hive of activity as parents with children on scooters and bikes enjoyed themselves. We had time to look at the large and powerful surf pounding Umina Beach, or sit and chat, or get introduced to a dog owner from Henry Kendall Village with her cavoodle Hermione …… a Sandy “twin”.
At Pearl Beach, we had a slow, short stroll in the Crommelin Native Arboretum, entering along the track which leads from the tennis courts in Opal Close. This special place in Pearl Beach which we all enjoy consists of 5.5 hectares of mostly open forest, developed and maintained by volunteers.
At the end of 2016, a $15000 Emergency Tower, complete with a defibrillator and shark kit was installed near the Beach amenities block. Money was raised for the emergency items by local residents and Federal Government funding was secured for the purpose-built cabinet which stores the equipment.
The Beach is not patrolled and is hazardous for swimming
There was a 3 metre swell, keeping surfers out of the water on the day of our swell outing.
Our journey home after a busy, enjoyable morning was via The Rip Bridge and Kincumber.
Robin A
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Outing to Toukley Tuesday 7th February 2017
On our half-day Village Bus outing we made a detour at The Entrance North so that we could appreciate the beauty of the Lions Sensory Garden, on the shores of Tuggerah Lake. The flowering gums, with their masses of red and pink blossoms, were spectacular and admired by all as we strolled around the Garden.
Tuggerah Lake is the largest waterway of the Three Lakes System that includes Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah. Large sandy areas separate these lakes from the sea, but they share a common access to the Pacific Ocean via the treacherous Entrance Channel.
Still on the shores of Tuggerah Lake, we enjoyed our picnic morning tea. We were refreshed by a lovely southerly as we admired the beautiful views across the lake from our picnic tables in the Canton Beach Foreshore Reserve. Way back in the late 1850’s, Chinese fishermen used the area as a base for catching and curing fish that were then shipped to Queensland, the goldfields and also back to China.
A short drive through Toukley took us to The Federation Gallery, the home of the Toukley and Districts Art Society, in the Peace Park on Budgewoi Lake.
All of the items on display and for sale in the Gallery are by the Art Society’s talented local members and we were impressed with the paintings, porcelain, hand-painted cards and jewellery. Purchases were made from the Gallery and also from the adjoining Commercial Fishermen’s Co-Op.
Once again, a very enjoyable outing appreciated by all…
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November Bus Outing
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Damaging storms and wet weather in June and July meant we had to twice change our plans to visit Point Frederick. It was third time lucky, when on Tuesday 15th, we rugged up (but also took our insect repellent) for our half-day outing to Long Nose Point …. as it was originally called.
A large memorial lists the names of those buried, between 1840 and 1953, in the Point Frederick Cemetery (on the site now called Pioneer Park).
After our exploratory stroll, it was time to travel a short distance to East Gosford for a picnic morning tea. This we enjoyed at picnic tables in the grounds of the Gosford Regional Gallery and Art Centre in Webb St. Inside the Art Centre, there was ample time to buy ……local handcrafts beautifully made by the Central Coast Creative Craft Group. The Gosford Art Prize exhibitions were viewed in the Regional Gallery and small bags of fish food were bought in the Gallery Shop. Outside, we appreciated the beauty and tranquility of the Edogawa Japanese Garden.
Another enjoyable trip Robin…..
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Bus Outing to Spencer, October 2016
On Tuesday 4th we travelled through the lands of the Darkinjung people to reach Spencer on the Hawkesbury River. Our route along Wisemans Ferry Rd took us via Somersby and Central Mangrove before we had an interesting short break at Central Mangrove near the Community Hall, Fire Brigade, shops and health facilities.
For countless years, a majestic Bloodwood tree grew on this site until it was mysteriously poisoned. The tree needed to be cut down in June 2015, but its beauty can be still be appreciated …. just as we visitors did.
Half an hour down the road, we came to Spencer on the north bank of the Hawkesbury River. Known as the Hub of the Universe it is a small village in our Central Coast Council area.
We sat in the Dunkirk Hotel using the wooden picnic furniture under The Tree, enjoying our picnic morning tea ….. cuppa, cake and biscuits. This mangrove tree has provided shelter for community gatherings for over 100 years and is fondly known as the Dunkirk Hotel.
Across the road from the Village Store is the park with the play equipment, mosaic mural, historic plaque, picnic table and public toilets. The store is not open on a Tuesday.
On 12th June 1797, the Governor and his party, searching for suitable farming land, ventured ashore on a “marshy point” in the area and spent the night in their tents. This was only 3 days after they had gone ashore at Green Point.
Even though the Village Store wasn’t open, the friendly owner was keen to talk to us about Spencer ….. on his private wharf/outdoor dining area.
Before leaving Spencer, there was time for a chat, relaxing in the Dunkirk Hotel where our bus awaited.
Report and photos by Robin A
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Outing, August 2016
On 2nd August, the half-day Mystery Tour of our local area went ahead as planned and fine weather prevailed in the morning. At Green Point, we visited the stone obelisk marking the area where Governor Arthur Phillip went ashore on 9th June 1789, on his second exploratory voyage, searching for suitable farming land.
At Yattalunga (meaning watering hole) we saw the newly completed wharf and the environmentally friendly seawall which was built to help stop erosion of the foreshore.
Saratoga Oval was our next stop and we took the opportunity to walk the short distance along the boardwalk. The picnic shed at Lintern St Wharf was where we had our morning tea, with views across the channel to Riley’s Island. It was originally called Shell Island and its interesting history is well-documented.
As soon as we started to enjoy our picnic morning tea we were greeted by the local birdlife …… ducks, lorikeets and noisy miners.
We were surprised to see another visitor …. a tourist coach driver from Sydney …. and we clapped and cheered when he skilfully parked his long Volvo coach between a car and a tree. What a pity he had to move the coach when he discovered that he was at the wrong wharf
Later, we saw the coach in another tight parking spot at Central Wharf waiting to pick up day-trippers off the ferry from Woy Woy. It had been an interesting morning for us on our Mystery Tour and we appreciated the opportunity to explore the local area by seeing the sights / sites in Green Point, Yattalunga, Saratoga and Davistown.
Robin A
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Winter Outing, July 2016
The changeable weather has caused disruptions to our monthly Village bus outings. The planned outing to Point Frederick in June was cancelled because of widespread storm damage on the Central Coast. In July, a wet start to the day meant another change of plans. On a wet winter’s morning we headed for Budgewoi on our half-day outing, making a brief stop at The Entrance North.
Sensory Garden
The Sensory Garden on the shores of Tuggerah Lake is always a popular area to visit…..at any time of the year.
On Tuesday 5th July, by the time we reached Mackenzie Reserve on the shores of Lake Munmorah at Budgewoi, the weather had started to clear but we still appreciated being able to use the largest picnic shed on the Central Coast for our morning tea.
Under a blue sky, on our return trip to Alloura Waters we made a short detour to locate The Art House which is Wyong’s $12.7million cultural and performing arts theatre, opened in April this year.
Robin A
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Brisbane Water Outing, May 2016
Our half-day outing enabled us to support some of the shops in the West Gosford area by making purchases at Bunnings, Officeworks, Spotlight and the Salvation Army Op Shop. After browsing and buying, or just enjoying a short walk on the Point to Pelicans Cycleway, we were ready for morning tea. Along Brisbane Water Drive, we stopped at Fagan Park at Point Clare for our quick picnic, the park being named after Peter Fagan who was an early pioneer of the district.
Refreshed, we were ready for some more browsing, admiring and buying …. this time at Fairhaven’s Vintage Fair shops. There was time to visit the “upcycled” furniture and liquidation sheds, the main Op Shop and the Old Schoolhouse with so many handmade items.