Winters grey cold sends shivers to all Silvers. The cold brings Nomads to the road. All vans, wagons, 4 wheel drives, mobile homes and conveys point north for the start of the journey through the mighty mid north coast.
The Pacific Coast is the most popular travel experience for the grey nomads, a road trip of surprises. The mid north coast and its vast hinterlands beckon the roamers to stay and play. The region offers seaside and hinterland historic towns, green valleys, gushing rivers and magnificent beaches.
Lake Macquarie is a geographical marvel only a short drive from Sydney. A fabulous water-world with lake and beach sharing your peripheral vision.
Blacksmiths is a great surf beach known for its hosting of Surf Carnivals and large events in Summer, is a quiet stop this time of year.
In Dungog Shire, there are numerous riverside picnic areas, some very remote walking trails through sub-tropical rainforests or through a misty swamp. Why not try a guided tour through the Barrington Tops National Park or catch a movie at the oldest working cinema in Australia. Come and visit Dungog and stay for a day or a week. Visit www.dungog.nsw.gov.au for all your information and needs.
The locals are friendly and resilient in Dungog they have survived 2 floods from massive storms that lashed the east coast last year and the community of loyal helpful people pulled
through in true Australian country spirit. This is another reason to visit and support our country friends, you will always be welcome in Dungog.
Don’t forget to grab a bottle of wine and pick up some freshly shucked oysters from the pristine Wallis Lake at Graham Barclay Oysters in Forster, a great stop in the migration of nomads where our readers enjoy fishing, swimming and beach walks in this fun holiday town. The freshest oysters around! www.barclayoysters.com.au
Take a trip into the hinterland through the green hills of the Manning Valley. The road that runs along the coast in this area is spoilt with fine white sandy beaches, where whales can be spotted on their migrations and dolphins play in the surf.
Make sure you visit one of the 125 NSW State Forests on your trip North. You will find well defined walking tracks with spectacular lookouts that oversee panoramic landscapes where wild animals abound in their natural habitat. Preserved monuments of prehistory watch over lush forests & raging rivers. All amenities are free. The newly established Coopernook Forest headquarters would be a good place to start. Located on the border of Coopernook & Landsdowne Forests it is a must see or respite for all travellers. Everything is free. Bush walks, picnics, or an overnight stay-Free! Free electric BBQs, free sheltered tables to picnic on. Free flat areas to set up your tent, caravan or motorhome between tall trees of the Eucalyptus family.
A clean, green area brimming with stories of the forest, the Tramway, cottage & Timber Mill. Make Coopernook Forest Headquarters your friendly forest oasis of calm on your journey up or down the coast. Take the Forest Road exit [via Jericho Rd.] off the Pacific Highway. Only 1½ hour drive to the coast, Crowdy Head & Harrington. Do not miss COOPERNOOK FOREST HEADQUARTERS, go to http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/ here & other NSW State Forests.
On the coast, the historical town of South West Rocks has grey nomad written all over them. Trial Bay Gaol opened in 1886 is a landmark on the point here. Horseshoe Bay Markets are a special attraction, every second Sunday. Loads of stalls selling all modes of art, sweets, local organic treats, produce, vintage clothing, banana smoothies, craft, local hand-made scented candles & home décor. Live music & beautiful people make this market in the park a wonderful experience.
Just a short drive away is Nambucca Heads, a perfect spot for retirees with everything nearby. This thriving centre on the mid north coast has plenty of pretty beaches for a swim or a walk. Great shopping & places to relax by the river or the surf & a diverse art & food scene makes Nambucca a real gem. A great place to meet up for a lunch, dinner or a few cold ones is the Nambucca Heads RSL. Hosting fantastic views, Nambucca RSL offers all recreational sports & racing on its screens, a fun place to mingle, friendly locals & fantastic food go to http://nambuccarsl.com.au/ for more.
Nothing screams freedom as loudly as the convey of silver Sliver along the Pacific ribbon stopping where they want, when they want. Staying as long as they like or just passing through, no-one can ignore the growing nomadic army on their glide without care through the Mid North Coast.
