A TRIP INTO THE MOUNTAINS PART 2

As you all read last time we did this trip from Hannam Vale. We drove along the dirt road up the mountain and on to Watui Falls, intending to do the loop around.

We got as far as the Flat Rock Lookout after seeing that beautiful view, and came upon that fallen tree where I had to turn around……doing that 100 point turn.

We had always planned on doing the other side so we could see the caves and lookout. 

So off we went today with another packed lunch as we read that the road was in much better condition. 

This time we started from Moorland and took the Coopernook Forest Road.

The road was in much better condition and it was also well signed. So we are enjoying the trip up the mountain, when from out of nowhere comes this F##*g great truck…loaded full of logs!

Well…..this rude truck driver came closer and closer, slowly, and was determined to get us off the road quick. All I could do was reverse as the road was again, narrow.

So Ed jumps out of the car, and carefully guides me backwards into a very small pull in just off the road…….and off goes this bloody great truck full of logs. 

We both look at one another and start laughing……as yet again, it just tested us out ……and off we drove, no more surprises please! 🥴🥴

First stop, Vincent’s Lookout. We turn in and we’re greeted by a ROAD CLOSED sign…..so another turn around….and back on to the next stop. 

Newbys Caves. 

Looking forward to the caves…along the track we go…which was quite good…..and turn the corner….yep….another tree down!

Oh really!!!! WTF did we do wrong! ????  Is this the tree Gods laughing at us!?

Just then a car drove up behind us, I get out to tell them and they tell me they knew about the tree and have just gone and borrowed his mates chain saw!

At last! Something good is happening. 

They were such a lovely young family with 2 small children who were so lovely. 

They lived locally, so wanted to clear the road. 

Poor Ed ….it was such a big job and when it was finally cleared…he was knackered. Those logs were so heavy. He did a great job. I got a video, but unfortunately can’t post it. 

So we did get to see the caves, which weren’t really caves as such, but just a huge overhang formation, but the walk in there was so peaceful with the small stream running along the pathway. 

I think Ed needed to hang on to that rail as his legs were like jelly.





So we had lunch, and a well deserved cuppa for Ed, and off we went to the Starss Creek Rainforest as there was a board walk that takes you through the forest, so we were looking forward to that.

But, after travelling a fair way to it………you guessed it……another blocked road!

So once again……another U turn……..carefully done……and back we go.

Found the road back, and back down the mountain we went. We’d had enough 😂😂

We got stopped halfway down by a couple of travelling internationals as they were lost…and I felt like screaming at them…..find your own way back….🤣🤣🤣 but we were nice about it and explained which roads NOT to take and off they went. 

On our way home we stopped again at the tiny little village of Croki along the river and there were a few people of our generation celebrating Australia Day!

With their beautiful Holden Cars 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

The good old Aussie “Shaggin’ Wagon” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


Went for a small walk around the streets, all two of them…..

There’s a Triumph car on the left under all that tangled vine! 🤣

Swimming enclosure as the river is tidal seawater. 

So after another cuppa, and being there by the river, we had a good laugh about our day and couldn’t believe we achieved what we did and are still sane 🤪🤪

Once again, now we are back at the van…….it’s just all about those memories. 

❤️❤️❤️

Stay safe everyone