Waterfall Way

As the rivers journey from the high tablelands of New England through the rainforests and down to the Coffs Coast, they create some spectacular waterfalls along the way.  As we drove inland and upwards, through the towns of Bellingen,  Urunga, Dorrigo, Uralla and Armidale, we stopped to admire the waterfalls and hike in some of the beautiful national parks.


Here are some of the highlights:

• A delicious Mocha coffee in great surroundings in Bellingen, followed by a perusal of the local shops including the impressive Emporium Bellingen.
• The waterfalls of course.  Ebor Falls was my favourite.
• A gorgeous (though longer than expected!) hike through the rainforests of Dorrigo National Park. The rain had just stopped and the forest had that amazing fresh smell.  We were in awe at the huge vines which in places, seemed to have completely devoured the trees they clung too.  The undergrowth abounded with all sorts of different fungi and the hike ended in the climactic spotting of a large Carpet Python.  A very exciting moment!
• Listening to the blood soaked audio book of World War Z in the car all about a zombie apocolypse. It's been adapted into a movie starring Brad Pitt to be released later this year - it will be very interesting to see how it's been done.
• A delicious steak sandwich in Ebor.  As they say, hunger is the best sauce.
• Camping and hiking in The Cathedral Rock National park (somewhat basic in it's amenities) and doing an amazing hike up to the top of Cathedral Rock for spectacular views.
• Getting to drive Dani's car - what trust!  Especially when she let me take it off road for the drive into Cathedral Rock.  It's going to be hard going back to my little Toyota! 

Waterfalls of Waterfall Way

Dangar Falls

Ebor Falls (Upper)

Ebor Falls (lower)

Wollomombi Falls

Dorrigo National Park

The highlight of our hike: a Carpet Python

A viewpoint on the way

Great letter box

Next stop on our trip

Cathedral Rock

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Hike to Flint and Steel Beach (Kuring Gai National Park)

Inspired by Andreas and Ingrid's visit, I decided to do this hike myself.  And I'm really glad I did.  The beach is secluded and tranquil with beautiful colours in the rocks, especially at dusk.  Well worth the somewhat steep climb back out again.

Dusk light

Feathered friends

I took my 400 mm lens with me as an afterthought and am glad I did as some of the local birds put on a good show.

Proof I was there

West Head viewpoint

There are beautiful views of Palm Beach from West Head but difficult to capture it in photographs as the trees get in the way. A great spot for a bit of quiet contemplation.

Table Mountain (Cape Town)

Table Mountain, the jewel of Cape Town. I never grow tired of coming up here on foot or by cable car to look down onto the beauty of the city and sea below.