AKA the holiday you have when you can’t go anywhere.
Sometimes, due to time constraints and lack of funds, you can’t go on a trip, not even overnight. So at those times, if you can spare the time, take a day trip out of your ‘ordinary’, and you’ll come back as refreshed, relaxed and renewed as if you’d gone for the weekend.
Winter had been cold and then suddenly a warm Spring day was upon us, and we had nothing planned. We decided to go to the National Park, purely to see what we could see. Had we actually put some forethought and planning into this, we could have worn appropriate shoes for bushwalking and packed a picnic lunch….but we didn’t, so we looked enviously at the family that had set up their BBQ while enjoying this view.
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Because of the three year old, and lack of maps and drink bottles, we decided to do the ‘bush walk’ down to the beach, as I remembered doing it as a child and knew it couldn’t be too far (because I was a lazy whinger and my parents wouldn’t have set themselves up for that!!)
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The walk takes about 15 minutes. Lots of stairs, but easy. The beach had 2 other families on it, one with small children, so definitely something anyone could do. This was when I really regretted not bringing lunch – it’s spectacular. Peaceful and a world away from the madding crowds. We could have been anywhere. The kids played on the beach, while I basked in the sun and watched the yachts go by from a large rock, as the water lapped the sand.
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Eventually we had to head back, as the kids were getting hungry…we drove round to Akuna Bay and had a nice lunch (though because we are 5, it was costly!) at the café at the Marina. Then headed home, relaxed, sleepy and lamenting it all had come to an end. Just like a real holiday!
The cost, had we prepared a picnic, was $11 to park in the National Park. With a map & drink bottles, we could have done a longer walk, as there are many. Next time….
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http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ku-ring-gai-chase-national-park/west-head/lookout
http://www.driftwoodcafeakunabay.com.au/
Linking with #TravelTuesday and #MCoW
West Head! I'd forgotten. Been there many times - and I must go again soon. Akuna Bay area is a favourite of mine though, with the kids and a soccer ball and a picnic. Gorgeous pictures - it's one of my favourite areas. Who knew there was a cafe???
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's those spur of the moment day trips that become the best.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a beautiful spot. I love finding small treasures close to home, I always try to tell people that travel can include adventures in your own 'backyard'. Thanks for joining in my #wednesdaywanderlust link party
ReplyDeleteLook at that water! I am a huge fan of day trips! And try to take one at least once a month. Thanks for linking up! :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy random days out in my own back yard. There is a lot to discover outside your own front door
ReplyDeleteIt's always great to take a day trip now and again! You never know what you'll discover. Thanks for linking up with #WeekendWanderlust!
ReplyDeleteLove that holey rock. A picnic would have been worth the carry once you arrived. I remember the days of paying for family meals out, ouch!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful scenery! and I can see how a picnic lunch would have been perfect. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteWhat a great spot for a picnic.
ReplyDeleteDay trips are a wonderful way to get away without all the hassle and expense of a proper vacation. Looks like you found a nice spot for your outing. Cheers - Ellen
ReplyDeleteFantastic photo of the rocks with the holes, so interesting. You really made me laugh when you called yourself whiny. Too bad you didn't have lunch, but it sounds like it was a great adventure anyway.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I like how you said it's a place to go when you can't go anywhere :D haha
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with #MondayEscapes
How lovely - sometimes those days where you just get up and go are the most memorable, even if they're not the most organised... #mondayescapes
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! That beach looks idyllic! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful looking park, it is easy to see how you could spend a full day there if not longer and a perfect way to feel like you have been away. Water always has that effect on me. Sometimes too much planning can make a day trip feel hard work and it is great to just take off without all the preparation and have an excuse to eat out! That said I hope you get the chance for a return visit with your picnic too. Thank you for popping over and sharing this beautiful spot with me on #CountryKids
ReplyDeleteIt looks incredible and what a beautiful day for it. Sometimes I plan and other trips are purely spontaneous. I hope you get to return to this gorgeous spot soon, maybe with a picnic next time? What a view! Thanks for linking up to #MyFavouriteTrip Polly x
ReplyDeleteSometimes spontaneous trips turn out to be the very best, but I'd have shared your frustration about the lack of picnic. Next time? Thanks for linking up with #TravelTuesday!
ReplyDeleteI love taking day trips like that and I think they are as refreshing as a vacation.
ReplyDeleteLove day trips, sometimes a spontaneous day trip is so much more interesting than a planned overnight trip! Love the rock with holes in it.
ReplyDeleteWest Head... interesting name! You guys are so lucky to have such beautiful beaches down there...
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you did something out of the ordinary. You know better for next time (hope it comes fast)!
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia. This looks beautiful! Yes, feeding 5 people in a restaurant these days is expensive. Even when I'm traveling solo I often hit up the grocery store, and put together a picnic lunch. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteHonestly a trip down the road in Australia is everyone's dream holiday, lovely to see your photos I'm feeling homesick!
ReplyDeleteWren x
Great post! It's good to discover places close to home! I hope you remember to take a lunch on your next adventure :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!