Dive Bombing Pelicans, Tea Gardens, Port Stephens

We left the pier where we had landed to walk across the bridge and discover Hawkes Nest. The dreadful racket of the pelicans waiting for a free feed attracted my attention. They were coming in  from all directions, divebombing into land.  Screeching and squawking as they fought with each other over the scraps from the fishermen cleaning their catch.

Tea Gardens panorama taken from the bridge linking Hawkes Nest. Tea Gardens sits on the Myall River flowing into Myall Lake and   surrounded by Myall National Park, the Myall River emptying into Port Stephens.

Tea Gardens Panorama

Beautiful yacht

 We caught the ferry, a quaint, old fashioned boat, from Nelson Bay, after missing the first trip by ten minutes, we had to wait for the next schedule. We could hear the chugging before we saw the boat. We all looked at each other with apprehension, as the boat pulled into the pier, we were a little concerned that we wouldn't make the trip.

Our mode of transport was a little more rustic, quaint, antiquated, but cute

Wind power

Canoeing the Myall Lakes

House without mortgage

Diamond Head, Port Stephens, panorama photos

A visit to Diamond Head, for Sunday lunch, this is the view, I can't stop using the panorama setting on my Fuji Xe2.
What a glorious secluded spot in the Crowdy Head National Park, with the beachside caravan park almost full when we visited even out of season. With a modern amenities block, picnic tables and on the beach, what more could you want for a holiday.

We had a wander on the beach, through the rocks, and the boys went for a quick swim, using the beach shower after and we spent a relaxing afternoon enjoying the company of good friends and a picnic lunch.

Seagulls on Diamond Head Beach

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Diamond Head Beach

Diamond Head Beach

Diamond Head Beach

Strolling Diamond Head Beach

Waves on Diamond Head Beach

Seaweed in rockpool on Diamond Head Beach

Visiting Goannas - Harrington

Staying at the Big 4 Caravan Park on the Beach at Harrington, there were a family of goannas resident in the bush next door. They visited the park regularly. They are quite vicious and not to be played with

 

Goannas are regular visitors

Harrington pier strectches into the bay

Trying out the panoramic setting on my new Fuji Xe2.  The Harrington breakwall stretches across the mouth of the Manning River, controlling floods and tides

Sunset dinner at Ibis Styles River Lodge Harrington. A beautiful hotel with an Irish Pub, we watched the sun set over the Manning River. Our meals were delicious and we had some great company

Kookaburra watching over the caravan park residents