Route 62 – South Africa
Knysna – Oudtshoorn – Calitzdorp – Ladismith – Barrydale – Montagu – Robertson – Worcester – Paarl – Cape Town
Outeniqua Mountains near Oudtshoorn
Take a photo tour of Route 62, South Africa
On a recent trip to South Africa, we travelled one of South Africa’s most scenic drives – Route 62.
While based in Knysna we planned to spend a few days in Cape Town. The direct route from Knysna to Cape Town is just over 5 hours driving time, or 480kms, on the N2 – the coastal road. However we love to travel inland – along Route 62 – a much more scenic trip with majestic mountains, country landscapes and charming towns along the way.
Blue Mountains – A Day Trip from Sydney
The Blue Mountains
If you are visiting Sydney, we can recommend a day trip to the Blue Mountains.
Anytime of year is good however it is a bonus if you can see the mountains in autumn or spring.
If you have the time, we suggest doing a circular route – driving out of Sydney along the M4 onto the Great Western Highway through Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath. When you reach Mount Victoria we recommend returning to Sydney via the Bells Line of Road.
It is a big day out but you will certainly see a lot.
Driving time to Katoomba is about two hours from Sydney. (more…)
Jindabyne
View over Lake Jindabyne
Jindabyne is the gateway to the snowfields of the southern Kosciuszko National Park – Perisher, Charlotte’s Pass, Blue Cow, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Thredbo.
We arrived in Jindabyne the week before the official opening of the 2011 ski season. In previous years we had passed through Jindabyne on the way to the snowfields without giving it much thought. However, after staying a few days we discovered that it is a very pleasant town.
At this time of year there is an influx of young people looking for jobs for the ski season. Everyone we come across is incredibly friendly, enthusiastic and helpful. (more…)
Sydney to Broken Hill via the Murray River
Sydney – Goulburn – Crookwell – Cootamundra – Echuca – Swan Hill – Mildura – Wentworth – Broken Hill – Silverton – Dubbo – Sydney
Line of Lode Miners Memorial & Restaurant, Broken Hill
An area of NSW that we didn’t know well was the Murray River and Broken Hill region so we did a driving trip along the Murray River, out to Broken Hill, returning to Sydney via Dubbo.
Day Trip from Sydney to Wollongong via Royal National Park and the Seacliff Bridge
One of our favourite day trips from Sydney is the drive south via the Royal National Park, through the towns of Stanwell Park, Austinmer and Thirroul to North Wollongong. A highlight of the trip is the Sea Cliff Bridge and the spectacular coastal views.
Leaving Sydney we drive out past the airport, following the signs to Rockdale/Wollongong. Just beyond the airport, there are good views over Botany Bay from along the Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands. The foreshore of Botany Bay has been landscaped in recent years to provide a walking/cycling track and grassed areas for picnicking.
Royal National Park
Once through the southern suburbs of Sydney take the turnoff to the Royal National Park. Established in 1879, it is Australia’s oldest national park and covers an area of 132 sq kms. The Royal National Park was the second national park to be established in the world, after Yellowstone in USA.
The Royal National Park is the beginning of what is known as the Grand Pacific Drive – from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond.
Jervis Bay – Weekend Trip from Sydney
Visiting Kiama, Gerringong, Gerroa, Berry, Huskisson, Kangaroo Valley, Burrawang and Bowral.
We left Sydney on a Saturday morning, hoping to stay a night in Huskisson. The plan was to explore the coast between Sydney and Jervis Bay over the next two days. It was what we call in our family ‘a flash tour’ – touching on many places in a short time, with a view to going back to where we liked the best.