Mother’s Day Delight

It’s Mothers Day here and we wake up to glorious sunshine. There is an exit from the park straight onto the beach, so we take that and aim to walk the 2 miles to Tomaree Head Lookout, that is 161m above Shoal Bay. The beach walk is great, with firm white sand to step on and, now and again, crystal clear fresh cold sea water washes our feet to keep them cool. As it is getting warmer, we stop off for a beer at Salt Bar, part of Newcastle and Port Stephens Game and Fish Club. We go upstairs and you have to sign in to be a day member. It is heaving, but we find a spot and have a couple of drinks. Then, at the stroke of noon, there is a mad rush to the bar, albeit a long orderly queue forms, where pre-ordered food was being collected. The portions were massive. We decide it is too late for us to order any food (we would have probably had to wait a couple of hours) so try somewhere else. Along the coast path, we see a sunny spot to sit and order some fish and chips to share at Sea Rock Cafe. Again, because of Mother‘s Day, it is very busy, so there is a wait, but it is worth it, as the fish is delicious.

So off to the summit of Tomaree Head and as we climb the trail, we get to see the fantastic views of the many beaches. Up at the top, we try to see any whales that are currently migrating, but to no avail. But the walk was worth it, just for the views alone. Our evening meal was booked early at Litte Beach Boathouse, that was on the other side of the bay. We get there for sunset and the whole setting, with the restaurant at the edge of the water and the now red/orange sun dipping into the sea on the horizon, was completely relaxing. The meal was great as well and we retired early, given we had walked a fair few miles today.