We had a cloudy, wet drive to Port Macquarie but were happy the rain waited and didn’t interfere with our previous Byron Bay beach days! We arrived at our small B&B by mid-afternoon and were greeted by our super-friendly host, Paul, and some delicious home-made treats. After getting organized, the sun was shining so we decided to head for a walk along the coast to the nearby Tacking Point Lighthouse.
Alex taking in the ocean views.
Beautiful and deserted beaches have not been hard to find along Australia's coast.
View of the lighthouse (and incoming storm clouds).
By the time we reached the lighthouse the sky had begun to look a little ominous so we hurried back to our B&B to get ready for a quiet little Christmas dinner in town. Many of the local restaurants were closed for the evening but we were lucky to get a spot for two at the local bowling club. We missed being surrounded by our families but given the beach atmosphere and warm weather it didn't really feel like Christmas anyway!
We woke up Friday and decided to hike along the beach into town for a late brunch. As has been the case with our other beach walks in Australia, we were treated to some great scenery.
The rocky beaches and overlooks continue to remind us of California.
Striking a pose on the rocks.
The trek was a little over three miles so by the time we got there we were pretty sweaty (and ready to refuel!). Since it was Boxing Day, most restaurants were closed again but we lucked out with a great café that was still serving breakfast, LV's on Clarence. Thankfully we were able to perch there for a bit because it started pouring almost immediately after we got inside.
Alex had "The Big Brekky" - a favorite of his in Australia because, well, look at it - and I had the Paleo: two poached eggs, spinach, smoked salmon, bacon, roasted tomatoes and avocado, which was basically as amazing as it sounds.
We waited for the rain to stop - or at least partially stop - and then began the walk back to our B&B, completing six miles! After getting cleaned up we drove to the Koala Hospital to see some native koalas up close. The Koala hospital is a non-profit refuge for injured koalas where volunteers nurse them back to health; we were lucky to see these guys in a semi-natural environment and got to learn a bit more about them.
This is Harry and I love him.
Oh hi! I didn't see you there.
Port Macquarie is the last stop on our road trip before returning to Sydney tomorrow so we are packing up the car and getting ready for New Years with my dad and stepmom!