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Visiting Sydney 2009

August 22, 2021 by David Herd

Visiting Sydney 2009

Visiting Sydney 2009

Visiting Sydney 2009 I began with breakfast at Dee Why on a beautiful Sydney summers day. Lots of trendy restaurants opposite the beach.

My boss from 1972

Visiting Sydney 2009

 My old boss from Sanyo Office Machines Ross Radford and I caught up for lunch at a Japanese restaurant opposite the Oaks hotel in Neutral Bay . I worked for Ross in Adelaide from 1972 to 1974 then Melbourne from 1974 to 1976.

My boss from 1968, RIP.

Visiting Sydney 2009

John Sprouster my old boss from 1967 when I was a business equipment salesman for Macdougalls Ltd. After 2 years learning the trade in Sydney an autocratic general manager called Howard Barker sent me to Melbourne in 1969 as the State Sales Manager. The problem was he demoted 5 existing sales managers who all found themselves reporting to me. Of course it only took several weeks for them all to resign rather than report to a 26 yo upstart from Sydney. 🙂

Flashback to 1990

Visiting Sydney 2009

Here I am with Ross and John nineteen years earlier at the Hyatt Coolum just north of Brisbane on the sunshine coast.

Breakfast opposite Dee Why beach

Visiting Sydney 2009

This my friends is as good as it gets. 🙂

Oaks Hotel Neutral Bay

Visiting Sydney 2009

One of my favourite drinking holes for many years. Probably one of the best pubs in Australia.

Saloon bar at the Oaks

Visiting Sydney 2009

Very classy indeed. 🙂

Friends from the late 1970s

Visiting Sydney 2009

Warwick Robinson, David Herd and Steve Bates play a round at Concord Golf Club.  Steve has been living in Singapore for several years and he and Anne always let me use a spare room in their luxury apartment whenever I was passing through.  I  was there in 2013 and 2014.

My eccentric friend Peter H.

Visiting Sydney 2009

This and the next few photos I am not going to give the people’s full names, some of them are a little paranoid about being identified on the internet. Remembering of course this is not part of my travel blog just a personal photo album.

Merryl, Peter, Garry and Michael.

Visiting Sydney 2009

  Friends & neighbours of Peter.  

Peter’s view 

Visiting Sydney 2009

A nice quiet part of Sydney.

Chez Maurice & Linda, Balgowlah restaurant.

Visiting Sydney 2009

A very popular BYO restaurant with interesting French food. Usually crowded so make sure you book. The gorgeous South African blonde on the left is Phyllis, then Gary, Merryl and Peter.

Food friends Sydney 2009

Visiting Sydney 2009

Merryl and Peter, great photo, Merryl & her husband Gary now live on the Gold Coast.

Lunch at Cousin Deb’s lovely Balgowlah home.

Visiting Sydney 2009

I used to often stay at Cousin Debs home when I was in Sydney, a terrific location and great hospitality. Sadly I have now been banned as I went down the local shops one day and accidently left the door unlocked for an hour. Oh well at least I do have some great memories from before I was put on the “black list”. 🙂

With cousin Deb in 1984

Visiting Sydney 2009

Notice the top two photos are 25 years apart yet I have a glass of red in both, some things never change. 🙂

Happy group at Deb’s house

Visiting Sydney 2009

 I have known this group for over 40 years.

Sisters Carmen and Antoinette

Visiting Sydney 2009

I have known these two nice ladies since 1977, my how time flies when you are having fun. Well that’s all from my post Food friends Sydney, check out some of my other creations below.

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Sydney Chinese Food

January 5, 2020 by David Herd

Sydney Chinese Food

Sydney Chinese FoodSydney Chinese Food can be found at the very trendy Mr Wong in Bridge Lane not far from Circular Quay. Focusing on Cantonese food in a French Colonial setting, with a large selection of dishes including a huge dim sum selection.

Wonderful decor & atmosphere

Sydney Chinese FoodA very impressive venue as you can clearly see, with a seating capacity of 240 people.

Rather expensive as you can imagine

Sydney Chinese Food Around $100 per head which is probably not over the top for Sydney.

Too much duck is never enough. 🙂

Sydney Chinese FoodJust looking at this photo makes my mouth water.

An ideal setup for lone diners like myself

Sydney Chinese FoodThey cater for all requirements from large parties to lone diners like myself.

Large selection of Dim Sum

Sydney Chinese FoodOther than Japanese Dim Sum is my favourite way of eating.

Waiting to be cooked

Sydney Upmarket Chinese FoodFor all you amateur chefs out there who want to cook Cantones roast, just follow THIS LINK.

Sydney Chinese Food

Sydney Chinese FoodAlways nice to see the busy chefs working.

Mr Wong is owned and run by the Hemmes family, who for over 60 years,  began as an iconic fashion house started by John and Merivale Hemmes. Merivale’s fashion beginnings were soon followed by the  hospitality business, opening a Thai tea café within their Sydney CBD fashion building in 1970. From here, Merivale’s hospitality roots were firmly planted.

Merivale is now led by CEO Justin Hemmes, whose creativity and knack for pushing the boundaries has made Merivale what it is today. Hemmes has become a pioneer within the Australian hospitality industry, growing the ever-expanding Merivale portfolio to over 70 brands and venues.

Sydney Chinese Food That’s all folks

Sydney Chinese Food

Thanks for visiting my Sydney Chinese Food photo blog.

Here are some more posts to check out 

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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 
 
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1g Duck

 

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Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

August 4, 2019 by David Herd

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia which is officially known as Flagstaff Beach, is the northernmost beach in New South Wales. It’s at the mouth of the Tweed River and the rocky headland Point Danger, which also marks the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Sand transport system

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia The Project is a sand transport system that collects sand from the southern side of the Tweed River entrance at Letitia Spit, and pumps it under the river to outlets on the northern side. From there the sand is transported by waves and  currents to nourish the southern Gold Coast beaches. 

Great view of the beach

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

We are standing on a cliff in QLD looking across Flagstaff Beach to NSW.

Surfers waiting for a wave.

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia There seems to be many personal and indescribable experiences in their lives that keeps them paddling out again & again. Plus the willingness to wait for them often defines a surfer more than his or her individual ability.

Bring it on.

Surfing Duranbah Beach AustraliaThe waiting is really worth it.

Everyone loves the beach

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia Not just surfers, kids with their mums & dogs as well. 🙂

My friends from England

Surfing Duranbah Beach AustraliaJoan Baptist & Bill Austin from Wiltshire visited Australia in 2010 & naturally I took them sightseeing along the coast. The following week we drove down to Sydney.

They actually got married in England yesterday August 3 2019 after being together for over 20 years.

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

Surfing Duranbah Beach AustraliaIt’s not just the board-riders who love to surf. Kite-boarding is an action sport combining aspects of wake-boarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, skateboarding and sailing into one extreme sport. A kite-boarder harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be propelled across the water, land, or snow. Wikipedia

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia

Surfing Duranbah Beach AustraliaI’m guessing he is heading for a cold beer.

OK, I’ll meet you at the pub. 🙂

Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia This is what the Beach Boys call a “surfer girl”.

Thanks for visiting my Surfing Duranbah Beach Australia photo blog.

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1g Duck

 

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Fabulous Australian Seafood

August 2, 2019 by David Herd

Fabulous Australian Seafood

Fabulous Australian Seafood

Fabulous Australian Seafood is probably the thing I miss the most living overseas. Good avocados are a close second.  Writing this article is bringing back so many wonderful seafood feasts in the land down under. 🙂

The photo above & in the header was Xmas lunch 2003, I was happy to spend Xmas day alone with my best friend Ziggy (my Doberman) enjoying my beautiful home that I built in 1990. I ate magnificent seafood and washed it down with my favourite white wine from Margaret River in W.A. a Salitage unwooded Chardonay, life could not get much better than this. 🙂

Avocado & fresh prawns

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

A perfect combination, add some fresh white bread loaded with Gluten. 🙂 This feast was at Edgewater restaurant on the Isle of Capri in Surfers Paradise Australia.

The famous Australian mudcrab

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Absolutely delicious & ideal for a long leisurely lunch with a very cold NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

I have caught & eaten hundreds of them.

Fabulous Australian Seafood

For 10 years from 1990 I caught a huge numbers from my jetty at 106 Upton St Bundall until they replaced a bridge in Crombie Avenue destroying their breeding grounds.

Mudcrab prices have gone through the roof.

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Especially if you buy them at the seafood shop in the Brickworks centre on Ferry Road. $73 a kilo is way above my budget.

Charis seafood at Labrador.

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Much cheaper than the brickworks, but don’t be fooled by the price shown here, it was 2010. 🙂

Fresh seafood from Woolworths

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

My friend Phil Thomson & I enjoyed this great selection from Woolworth’s at Southport Park shopping mall.

Eagles concert Brisbane 1995

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

My friend Ross Kennedy & I have a seafood feast in the carpark before the concert.

Fabulous Port Macquarie seafood.

Fabulous Australian Seafood

It does not get better than this. These oysters were $15 a dozen & the prawns cost $10, both were as good as anywhere in the world.

Hastings River Port Macquarie

Fabulous Australian Seafood

All along the NSW coast there are seafood shops just like this. 

I have eaten oysters all over the world, please check out THIS LINK.

Mambo Number 5

Fabulous Australian Seafood

A little bit of Monica in my life, A little bit of Erica by my side, A little bit of Rita is all I need, A little bit of Tina is what I see…….
This was a fabulous night at the Freeway Hotel in Artarmon in Sydney, wonderful seafood & an abundance of eye candy. 🙂

Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...)

Sydney Fish Market

Fabulous Australian Seafood

This wonderful market has every variety of seafood you will ever need, check out their site here.

Murray Cod & Garfish

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

So fresh they almost jump onto your plate. 🙂

Pony Dining Eagle Street Pier

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

I usually prefer raw oysters but sometimes I’ll live dangerously. TripAdvisor rate Pony #168 of 3,868 Restaurants in Brisbane. Personally I think they are way too generous.

Baby Barramundi at the Lazy Lobster in Labrador, July 2019.

Fabulous Australian Seafood

I should have ordered the Lobster. 🙂

Seafood Chowder at Omeros Bros.

Fabulous Australian Seafood

Certainly one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants.

 Fabulous Australian Seafood

We shot this video at Omeros July 2019.

Best prawns I have ever eaten.

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Just buy them fresh from the trawlers on the Spit at the Broadwater.

Here are the trawlers

Fabulous Australian Seafood

The medium prawns are about $25 a kilo. just call Curly on 0417 668 591, he’s one of the boat owners, he will let you know what they have in stock.

I have saved the best for last.

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Chevron Island Seafood is the best value on the Coast, I have been a customer for 30 years. See more of Chevron Island on THIS LINK, it’s where I plan to live when I return to Australia around 2022.

Sometimes I just have prawns & scallops

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

Cooked to perfection.

Sometimes oysters natural

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

That’s my friend Frank lurking in the background. 🙂

Other times I have my special dish

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

A mixture to die for, thanks Warren.

My photos are being seen

Fabulous Australian Seafood

I will have to remind Frank & Warren about the free publicity I am getting for them, surely I deserve a few dozen free oysters? 🙂 🙂 🙂 

Half price lobsters in December 2020

Fabulous Australian Seafood 

China, aka “The Bully Boys”, have placed restrictions on many Australian imports, such as barley, coal, wine & seafood. Consequently lobsters are on offer at half price. Due to Covid-19 flight restrictions I can’t enter the country without 2 weeks isolation, sadly I’ll miss out on these great bargains. 🙂

Thanks folks for visiting my Fabulous Australian Seafood photo blog.
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Check out these great food photo blogs.


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Sensational Sydney Fish Market

July 12, 2018 by David Herd

Too much seafood is never enough.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market

Sensational Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont Bridge Road is always a hive of activity. We were there on a Monday in July 2018 and it was as crowded as a Sunday.

A very famous name….

Sensational Sydney Fish Market The Doyles family first opened their doors in Watsons Bay in 1885. Since then and for over 5 generations, the Doyle family have been serving Australian Seafood in a number of outlets around Sydney.

Doyles at Watsons Bay in 1982

Sydney World's Best Harbour I’m with my girlfriend Helen Burke in 1982 at one of our many lunches at Doyles.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market

Sensational Sydney Fish Market Australian seafood is as good as you will find anywhere in the world.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market

Sensational Sydney Fish Market As they say in the classics, “shop till you drop” at the Sensational Sydney Fish Market. 🙂

A perfect lunch

Sensational Sydney Fish Market Sydney rock oysters & fresh prawns.

Did I mention oysters?

Sensational Sydney Fish Market I just spent 4 days on the Gold Coast & 3 times I visited Chevron Island seafood to swallow a dozen Coffin Bay oysters from South Australia. My good friend Frank is the owner & discounted them to $20 a dozen.

Famous Murray Cod.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market For some strange reason I don’t think I have ever eaten this iconic Australian fish.

Anyone for a swordfish steak?

Sensational Sydney Fish Market Looks very interesting indeed at the Sydney Fish Market.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market still busy after 2 pm.

Sensational Sydney Fish Market Half the lunch crowd had left but there were still lots of people eating.

Giant crabs

Sensational Sydney Fish Market These monsters would be perfect for a long lunch.

My lunch companions

Sensational Sydney Fish Market My brother Bryan Herd on the right & Viv Kennelly. Thanks for visiting my  photo blog.

Here are some more posts to check out

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             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks
Surfers Paradise Party Animals
 
 
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A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

April 18, 2017 by David Herd

Driving south from Gosford to Sydney.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour were all waiting for me after my leisurely drive down the east coast from Surfers Paradise in QLD. 

It was a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

The historic Roseville Cinema

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 On the road between Hornsby & Sydney is The historic Roseville Cinema on the Pacific Highway, noted for its art deco facade. It became Traynor’s Picture Palace in 1919, but did not become a full-scale cinema until 1936. Roseville Cinema was renovated & updated to two screens in 1995.

Approaching the Harbour Bridge

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Not too much traffic on a Sunday morning.

World famous Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

A fabulous iconic Sydney landmark.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Huge ships dock at Circular Quay because they are too tall to go under the Harbour Bridge.

Naturally Bill had to climb it. ?

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 Being an ex Para Military man who has made over 500 parachute jumps my friend Bill Austin naturally had to climb to the top of the bridge, and what an amazing view he had from there.

Sydney Harbour Ferry

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Circular Quay ferry terminal.

The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Opened in 1933 it is certainly Australia’s best known landmark.

 Holiday Inn Old Sydney

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

For a very good room rate at the Holiday Inn walking distance to Circular Quay just book through THIS LINK.

From the Manly ferry

Sydney World's Best Harbour

After leaving Circular Quay we pass the Opera House on the way to Manly.

Rose Bay 

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

These boats are moored at the Royal Motor Yacht Club of NSW.

The Sydney Harbour foreshore.

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

Sydney harbour is quite amazing, certainly the best in the world.

Arriving at Manly

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

About a 45 minute journey across the wonderful harbour.

My lovely friend Sue from Shanghai

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

A beautiful summers day at Manly.

A little further north.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Dee Why beach is about 7 kms north of Manly.

For a good place to stay 1/2 way between Manly & Dee Why just book through THIS LINK.

Lets jump to the South side of the harbour

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

Here is the city skyline from Watsons Bay.

Doyles on the Beach

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 On this the original site, Doyles opened Australia’s first seafood restaurant in 1885.

Catalina Restaurant Rose Bay

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

 Family-owned waterfront restaurant known for its upmarket seafood dishes and open veranda bar.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour Bondi Junction

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

The junction is very quite indeed of a Sunday. 

 Maroubra Beach

Sydney City Boats Beaches Harbour

This trip I skipped Bondi Beach & went further south straight to Maroubra. For lots more photos just follow THIS LINK.

Back a little north to Coogee

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

More photos HERE.

 Ronin Hood Hotel Waveley

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

ORIGINALLY BUILT BY TOOTH & CO. IN 1938 & RECENTLY RESTORED TO ITS ART-DECO GLORY, THE ROBIN HOOD HOTEL IS LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF BRONTE AND CARRINGTON ROADS IN WAVERLEY (CHARING CROSS).

Wonderful antique pub signs

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

When I was growing up I remember these great signs were on most Australian pubs. 

Typical old Australian home in Waverley.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

I would hate to think what it’s worth today, Sydney prices are outragious. 

House prices in Waverley

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

As you can see you need plenty of money to live in Sydney. 🙂 

My road trip from QLD has ended

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

My Honda rental car never missed a beat, time to head to the airport.

Apex Car rental

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

It’s worth checking their promotional prices, ofter you can get a terrific rate to relocate one of their vehicles. In my case I rented for 6 days at $19 aud per day. Picked it up at Surfers Paradise & dropped it off at Sydney airport.

A great trip down the coast.

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

Certainly one of the world’s great coastlines.

A Qantas kerosene canary

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

However I’m flying Singapore Air which leaves Qantas for dead.

Novatel Brighton Beach

Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour

As we taxi out you can see the Novatel at Brighton, so if you want to stay near the airport just book through THIS LINK for an excellent rate.

Siam Sunset

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An hour away from Bangkok we have a beautiful sunset. Thanks for visiting my Sydney Boats Beaches Harbour photo blog.

                     Here are some more posts to check out
 

           Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Click here to check out Beach Rd Pattaya.

Australian adventures


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Road Trip South Australia

April 13, 2017 by David Herd

Road trip with Japanese students.

Road Trip South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Road Trip South Australia reminds me of the last frontier and the road trip I took in 2003. Three Japanese students, Yukako, Megumi & Noriko & I travelled from the Gold Coast in Queensland, through Broken Hill  NSW to Coober Pedy in South Australia, a fascinating opal mining town where most of the population live in underground houses, then on to Ayers Rock and back home to the Gold Coast via Hervey Bay where we went whale watching. On our marathon journey all through the Australian Outback we traveled 7,300 kilometers  which was around 82 hours behind the wheel. 

The above photo is at Tenterfield on the New England Highway.

Peter Allen Motor Inn

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This famous Australian singer son writer was born in Tenterfield. For a discounted room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Listen to Peter sing one of his famous songs about the Tenterfield sadler.

The first stage

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Across  NSW to South Australia.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Our first day on the road, we will overnight in Broken Hill.

Trades Hall in Broken Hill.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 The Trades Hall is Broken Hill’s most historically important building. 

Broken Hill in outback NSW.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Broken Hill over 1,100 km (680 mi) west of Sydney and  surrounded by semi-desert.

For a very good discount on a Broken Hill hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Typical outback building

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 In the 19th and early 20th century Broken Hill was home to a community of Afghans. Afghans worked as camel drivers in parts of outback Australia, and they made a significant contribution to economic growth when transport options were limited. The camel drivers formed the first sizeable Muslim communities in Australia, and in Broken Hill they left their mark in the form of the first mosque in NSW (1891).

Wilmington South Australia

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

 Wilmington is a farming community, known for sheep, wheat and barley, but more recently for the planting of olive groves.

Road Trip South Australia, the general store

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Wilmington is 305 kilometres north of the state capital, Adelaide.

This was at Byron Bay near the start of our journey.

Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia

Such lovely young girls,  Noriko Megumi & Yukako. Thanks for visiting my Surfers Paradise Road Trip South Australia photo blog. Next stop is Coober Pedy.

 Lots more posts here;

   Zagreb Croatia                      Rio de Janeiro                  Brisbane River 

Zagreb Croatia bars restaurants        a7ff7566-9628-434d-a2b1-8c6e8b9a9021       IMG_0100

       

     Koh Samui                                   Korea                                  London

32780a6c-baf6-428a-bd71-68b1bed30b4c         Changdeokgung Palace (2)        IMG_7042

         Bangkok                                   Osaka                                     Pattaya

Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

Bangkok Hotels        Pattaya Hotels
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Pattaya live webcam
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

April 1, 2017 by David Herd

  Beautiful clean beach

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie 

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

 Flynns Beach Port Macquarie NSW is about 500 metres long and sits between to rocky headlands. Located about 3 kms from the city centre & about a 7 minute drive.

Surf lifesaving club

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

Includes a cafe where you can relax and take in the view of the beach and the ocean.

Pick up your supplies here

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

There is a grocer with a liquor situated close to the road leading down to their beach, pick up your local newspaper, a bottle of wine & a few beers then enjoy your day at Flynns Beach Port Macquarie NSW.

 If you really want some great food.

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

 These oysters were $15 a dozen & the prawns cost $10, both were as good as anywhere in the world.

Fresh seafood here.

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

 On the Hastings river in the centre of town here is a shop selling fresh seafood.

Location

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

Just a 7 minute drive from the centre of town.

Holiday Park

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

A beautiful park beside the break wall at the entrance of the Hastings river. 

Just north of Flynns beach

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

The entrance to the Hastings River, featuring the painted rocks of Port Macquarie.

 Port Macquarie

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

Jagged rocks at Flynns Beach Port Macquarie NSW.

Trees cling to the cliff

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

Interesting trees hanging on to the cliff at Flynns Beach.

Beautiful Flynns Beach

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

A perfect location to relax and enjoy your day.

Flynns Beach Resort

Flynns Beach Port Macquarie

Located adjacent to the beach, for a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my  Flynns Beach Port Macquarie NSW photo blog.

It was a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

                    Here are some travel posts to check out 

              Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Gosford Central Coast NSW

March 24, 2017 by David Herd

Brisbane Water

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 Gosford Central Coast NSW is located on Brisbane Water just 80 km north of Sydney. Growing up in Sydney this area was where our family would spend our annual holidays.

Breakfast at Tommys Cafe at Gosford

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Before driving to Coogee in Sydney I decided I needed a good breakfast.

Scrambled eggs & avocado

Gosford Central Coast NSW

On Turkish toast of course. 🙂 TripAdvisor rate #6 of 101 Restaurants in Gosford.

A delightful spot in Gosford Central Coast NSW

Gosford Central Coast NSW

I wish I could find Turkish bread in Thailand.

Perfect sunday morning in Gosford

Gosford Central Coast near Sydney

From Gosford it’s just a short cruise to the magnificent Hawksbury River, 

Starship Cruises

Gosford Central Coast NSW

The “Lady Kendall” will take you on a 2.5 hour cruise for $37.

 Gosford Sailing Club Club

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 Located on the foreshore of Brisbane Water. Check it out through THIS LINK.

Shooting some photos

Gosford Central Coast NSW

I never go anywhere without my Canon. 🙂 

A perfect place for a row.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Opposite the Leagues club.

Gosford Central Coast NSW Central Coast Stadium

Gosford Central Coast NSW

 The stadium has picturesque views over the Brisbane water.

Quality Inn the Willows

Gosford Central Coast NSW

Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent discount.

The Settlers Tavern

Gosford Central Coast NSW

A terrific T Bone have Settlers Tavern at 2 Hely Street, West Gosford. They have a great menu for a local pub, check it out on THIS LINK.

All the meals were excellent

Gosford Central Coast NSW

My friend Geoff had the pasta & his ex fiance Nana ordered a huge meal of steak & seafood. Geoff is a regular visitor to Thailand, follow THIS LINK to see his 50th birthday party.

Time to head south to Sydney.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

The last leg of my road trip is just a short drive south to Sydney along the Pacific Highway. 

And here I am approaching the bridge.

Gosford Central Coast NSW

It’s been a great drive down from from Surfers Paradise  to Sydney stopping at Kingscliff, Yamba, Port Macquarie, Forster-Tuncurry, Gosford & Coogee. Also dropped into Maroubra which is a place I have not seen for over 50 years. Just click on the links to see my photo blogs.

Thanks for visiting my Gosford Central Coast NSW photo blog.

         Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.       

     Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Forster Tuncurry north coast

March 24, 2017 by David Herd

Arriving at Tuncurry

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

 Forster Tuncurry north coast NSW was my first stop on the way from Port Macquarie to Sydney in March 2017. A population of over 18,000 people it is a holiday destination for many Sydney people who are only a 4 hour drive away.

Over the bridge to Forster

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

The bridge is 631 metres long and was built around 1956, prior to that it was a half hour ferry trip between the two towns.

 View from Forster to Tuncurry

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

It is really a magnificent looking structure.

A fisherman & a pelican

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Who is going to catch the first fish? My money is on the Pelican. 🙂

Up a lazy river……

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

There are so many places here you can go by boat.

A boating paradise.

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

More water than land around Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW.

 Talking about boats….

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

This one is almost identical to the boat I owned in Sydney in the 80s. One of my most interesting experiences occurred on NYE 1981 on Sydney Harbour, follow THIS LINK for the story of THE GREAT ESCAPE.

The main St in Forster

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

As you can see the main street is nothing to get excited about.

Nice little coffee shop

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

I’m happy as long as I find a good coffee shop with the daily newspaper. 🙂

If you have the time take a cruise

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Unfortunately I was heading south to Gosford so I didn’t have time for a cruise.

Cruise prices

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

 Not too many alternatives here.

You could have fun on this boat

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

As long as your friends contributed to the fuel cost. 🙂

Forster Tuncurry north coast weather

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSWAn absolutely beautiful climate in Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW.

We always seem to come back to the bridge

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

No doubt it is the most memorable landmark in the area, and probably even the whole NSW coast.

Over the bridge & back to the highway.

Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW

Next stop Gosford, thanks for visiting my Forster Tuncurry mid north coast NSW  photo blog.

For an excellent discount on your room rate in this area just book through THIS LINK.

                    Please check out these fabulous posts 

         Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

That’s all folks

1g Duck

Check out these great photo blogs.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos