PORT MACQUARIE ESCAPADE 14-16JUNE
We had a wonderful time on our first 2 night escapade to Port Macquarie. The main attraction was to attend the Robertson Brothers 1960’s TV Variety Show. It was amazing, like a real TV Show being recorded and we were the audience. Unlike any other shows we have ever seen before. On the way to Port, we had a delightful lunch at The Old Bank Café in Gladstone. An historic building beautifully restored with lovely country hospitality. We all enjoyed our meals and the desserts were delicious! Thank you, Tania and Alan for a memorable experience!
We had a lovely relaxing Port Adventure Sunset Cruise, travelling around the Hastings River and canals with great commentary and plenty of snacks, wraps, cakes, fruit and ice cream.
Thank you, Elsa and crew for your hospitality.
We ended the day at Port City Bowling Club for a light dinner, some of us tried our luck at the pokies for the first time! The next day we did some sightseeing and indulged in a bit of shopping at Port Central.
On our way home we also enjoyed more shopping at Ricardoes and finished our escapade with a delightful lunch at Hot Myrtle Kitchen in Grassy Head, what a little Gem we discovered!
GLADSTONE
We once again, by popular demand paid a few visits to the charming riverside village of Gladstone. The girls just love the local boutiques! Our main stop was the Heritage Hotel in Gladstone located in the heart of Gladstone, with views overlooking the Macleay River a great place where we like to spend time sitting back, relaxing and enjoying a lovely lunch. Thank you, Justin & Team for your hospitality !
CHAT & CRAFT AFTERNOON
At the end of June, we decided to get warm and cosy with a get together for a crafty afternoon! What fun we had with different activities! From paper folding to card making, stone painting and gelli pad printing! But best of all we enjoyed the chatter and afternoon tea. A pleasant social afternoon was had by all!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
All month long, we celebrated Christmas in July at the Golden Dog in Glenreagh, with various visits. Stephanie and staff looked after us well, putting on a two course Xmas Lunch including Plum pudding with brandy custard! Some of our visits were not complete without a quick stop at the well know Glenreagh Bakery!
MYLESTOM
For a nice and short trip we revisited many times the small coastal village of Mylestom, located near the mouth of the Bellinger River. Chan’s Chinese restaurant at the North Beach Bowling Club, is definitely one of our favourites. We always enjoy a lovely simple, traditional, great Chinese lunch. And every time we visit, Lincoln and staff go out of their way to look after us and make us feel welcomed. Thank you! We will be back again and again!
FUN WITH NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
In July we were lucky enough to have our friends from Newcastle Uni joined us once again for a fun and interactive morning. And what a morning it was ! Dancing Moves, lots of Laughter, morning tea and Socialising, the best part ! Thank you Daniel and Team, we look forward to your next visit in November !
LAWRENCE VISIT
The Lawrence Tavern situated on the Clarence River has long been one of our favourite spots to visit on a day out. In addition to a country setting Tavern experience, we get to travel on the ferry across the beautiful Clarence River to access it. A great place with so much character, good food, friendly atmosphere and everyone was happy with their meals. We will definitely be back!
BRISBANE ESCAPADE 07-09AUG
We just don’t seem to get enough of Musicals ! In August we decided to attend the Tina Turner Musical at QPAC in Brisbane. We seem to be becoming regulars! So off we went on a 2 night escapade, staying at Hotel Diana, our second home. What a spectacular musical performance, Simply The Best! With a show stopping finale that brought us all to our feet!
On the way to Brisbane we always turn off the highway and make our way to Ulmarra one of our favourite destinations. We visited the Ulmarra Food Co. a little hidden gem!, where we enjoy a lovely, relaxed morning tea in the courtyard under the shade of a magnificent poinciana tree.
Whilst in Brisbane we took pleasure in a relaxing morning cruise along the river. Taking in the sights while enjoying the informative commentary and morning tea. Then a lunch visit to the Lovewell Café located at Mt Gravatt to take in the superb views of Brisbane city and surrounds. On our return home from Brisbane, we paid a visit to Tropical Fruit World at Duranbah. What a lovely time we had, starting with fruit tasting, we discovered some fruits we never heard of. Followed by a guided plantation tractor Safari tour, stopping along the way for the hanging bananas….
We concluded our visit with a delightful lunch at the Café and of course some shopping! We now look forward to our next Musical!
WHALE WATCHING
Once again it was Whale Watching time! After a few tries which we had to cancel due to bad weather, we finally succeeded in going out. We saw some amazing sights, lots of whales, turtles, with superb commentary along the way. Thank you, Jetty Dive, Debbie and Crew, for giving us the most wonderful, unforgettable experience ever! And we enjoyed the donuts too!!!
SANCROX VISIT
As spring was just around the corner, we decided to visit the Abundance Garden Centre located at Sancrox, about 15 minutes west from Port Macquarie. We wandered around the centre and browsed through a fantastic array of plants and home/garden ornaments.
Of course, some shopping as well! We then headed to the Café for lunch. The Café has a lovely outlook across a small lake area filled with water lilies and little turtles that swim right up close to you. What a delightful relaxing lunch we had looking out over the lake watching the birdlife around the bush surrounds. We are sure to return!
MOVIE MORNINGS
Our monthly Movie Mornings followed by lunch at the Chill & Chat continue to attract record numbers. We always love our lunches at the Chill & Chat, great relaxing alfresco atmosphere, the staff are so friendly, great meals and very affordable. Thank you Alison and Staff for a great experience every time we visit !
