TK Adventures – March 2022.  

Part 4 of 4 Dubbo to Nelson Bay with What’s Up Downunder

Stockton Beach Holiday Park is a hidden gem just a short drive from the heart of Newcastle. It’s immaculate and has everything you could want whilst on holiday in the area. Best of all, it sits on the doorstep of Stockton Beach, the perfect place for those folks who like to feel a little sand between their toes and the salt breeze through their hair! The What’s Up Down Under crew and I would be based here for a few days as we finish off our Dubbo to Nelson Bay journey.

Paragliding was the first activity on our ‘to film’ list. I was going to get great pleasure watching Macca jump off a cliff! I reckon I’d be way too nervous for that kind of caper! When we arrived at Newcastle Paragliding near Merriweather, Nathan, our pilot, said he’d prefer to have someone a little lighter than Macca due to the low winds. Our Producer, Harry, looked at me and said, “are you up for it Tanny”? I thought to myself, isn’t life about ceasing the moment and living on the edge! With that, next minute, I was harnessed up in tandem with Nathan and jumping off a cliff. Yippee…it was superb. I felt like a bird, soaring through the air and gliding over neighboring houses, up the cliff face and along the coastline. I truly have to say it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had and would definitely do it again.

Next day, we had another early start, this time, Macca and I were meeting Chris from Newcastle Famous Tours located at Queens Wharf Tower. The vehicle which we were to do our sightseeing in was not actually a tram, instead, it was a very comfortable bus decked out to look like an old fashioned tram, it was very dinky.

I thought Newcastle was mostly big mining trucks, trains, cargo ships waiting to come in to get their haul of coal and high viz workers, but I could not have been more wrong. Our Tram Tour took us to King Edward Park where the stunning beaches and grand mansions occupy this area. Chris’s commentary was terrific and so informative. We also visited Anzac Memorial Walk which honoured those great men and women who have fought to keep our country free. I found this walk so moving that it brought me to tears.

Our one hour Tram Tour sure packed a punch. With its astonishing blend of history and current changes to the city’s lifestyle, I have certainly gained a greater appreciation of Newcastle after this experience and look forward to seeing more of it someday.

Soon we were off to Nelson Bay for some more filming. I remember being on tour in this region a few years back at West Diggers Club, which was the venue where I performed. One thing that has always stayed in my mind about this area is it has to be one of the most picturesque places I have ever visited.

Whilst we were in the area we hooked up with Bruce and Nicole from 4WD Tag Along Tours. I did not know what to expect or where they would be taking us, but I actually think that makes for half the adventure. Before too long we were winding our way down a bumpy dirt track to one of the most beautiful Bays I have seen. The crystal clear waters made for a fabulous place to snorkel or dive, maybe some fishing or just a nice place to cool off. I could have sat there for hours taking in the magnificent vista but it was onto the next part of our tag a long trip, the sand dunes!

Rolling sand dunes like I’d never before! Some parts I found to be downright scary. The dunes sprawled for miles and in some places incredibly steep. For a moment I expected to see Lawrence of Arabia coming over the horizon! This place would have to be one of the best locations to put your 4WD rig through its paces. And being in the experienced company of Bruce and Nicole, you would be in safe hands, I know that’s how they made me feel

Next day, our first stop was the Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounter. They have a variety of baby Stingrays and Sharks and adolescents to the big daddys of them all, the Tawny Nurse Shark. Owners, Ryan and Lia have named every one of their beloved animals and are a wealth of knowledge which they were happy to share with their guests.

I was super excited to have the opportunity to pull on a wetsuit and hand feed some of these marine creatures. Funnily enough, some of the shark varieties had really rough skin whilst the rays and eels were smooth and slippery like peeled hard boiled eggs. Kids of all ages are catered for here and without a doubt, like me, would really enjoy all that Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounter has to offer.

We were up at 3.45am the following morning getting ready to drive to Port Stephens to meet the crew from Dolphin Swim.

As the sun was creeping over the horizon, it just so happened to be one of the coldest mornings on record for some time and the 16 knot westerly wind wasn’t helping. However, our eagerness to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity soon kept the chill off our minds.

On board we went through a safety briefing then into our wetsuits and heading off in the very comfortable 6 metre catamaran. Before too long we climbed over the bow of the boat into a huge net which the crew then lowered into the water with us in it. Our drive master Andrew, was in the water with us, helping with instructions and making us all feel safe and secure.

As we drifted along the crystal clear ocean at about 3 knots, dolphins started darting and diving in front of us, beside us, in fact all around us, it was truly spectacular. I think they were just as inquisitive of us as we were of them. Our snorkels and face masks allowed us to put our heads right under the water which gave us great views of the dolphins playing in their natural environment. This was certainly one of the highlights of our Dubbo to Nelson Bay film shoot with WUDU. All I can say is, you have to really try this for yourself to believe it.

With my suitcase packed and boarding my plane home, I found myself smiling, filled with happiness just knowing that Australia has it all, from the beaches to the bush. When you are next planning a getaway give the Dubbo to Nelson Bay route a go for yourself, I know you will love it as much as I did.

Happy trails,

Love
TK

I hope you have enjoyed this little blog on my Adventure with What’s Up Downunder.

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