This is a great, relaxing way to see the sights of Canberra while you cruise around Lake Burley Griffin.
We parked in the Questacon carpark, only a short walk from the jetty on Queen Elizabeth Terrace where we boarded the “Gull”. Conveniently located near a coffee shop, you can get a snack and coffee if you arrive early.
The boat takes you past many of the attractions of Australia’s capital while giving you a different view of them. The tour guide was very informative, going through the history of Canberra and most of the places we looked at.
Depending on the tour time, the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain may be operating, so you will get a close-up look of the water jet.
This was a fun, informative tour and would be a great introduction for anyone new to Canberra.
The GullWaterloo BridgeCaptain Cook Memorial JetAustralian Merchant Navy MemorialNational CarillonAngel of the NorthParliament House
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Hit by the triple disasters of bushfires, floods and Covid, our visit to Wombeyan Caves was not as extensive as we planned. The fires of 2020 damaged the surrounding country severely, removing much of the vegetation. The heavy rain and floods that followed resulted in land slips and damage to all walking tracks. Entry to the Caves has been restricted by Covid positive visitors and most are closed.
However, we were fortunate that the Wollondilly cave reopened the day we arrived, and Fig Tree Cave had remained open. Our planned two-day visit to see three cave systems and walk some of the bush tracks reduced to one guided cave tour and a self-guided trip.
Getting There
The road into the Caves was very narrow at times making us pleased we did not meet any oncoming traffic. Although the road is being repaired and upgraded it will be some time before it is totally fixed.
Accommodation
Camp sites for caravans and tents along with cooking facilities are managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife. Booking is essential because only limited spaces are available.
Additionally, onsite self-contained cabins and the old post office are available. Again, bookings are essential due to high demand.
We stayed overnight in one of the onsite cabins which although basic was clean and comfortable. With power, air conditioning and cooking facilities, it had everything we needed for a one-night stay. Renovations to the kiosk mean you need to bring all your own food and drinks, because nothing is available at the campgrounds. Remember to bring your own bed linen and pillows too, as these are not provided in the cabins.
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
Officially proclaimed in 1865, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve preceded the declaration of the world’s first national park at Yellowstone in 1872. Accessed from the reserve at the base of the valley the caves are in rugged but scenic country.
Surrounded by intrusive igneous rock which metamorphosed the reserve’s 420-million year old limestone into coarse crystalline marble the area has over 500 known caves.
Wollondilly Cave
Fortunately, the Wollondilly system is one of the best available, so we were very pleased to be able to see it. After buying tickets at the NPWS Office we met our guide who took us through 800m of cave.
It has 520 steps spread over five levels varying from concrete and cut marble to vertical ladders. Because the walkways are wet and slippery in places, good footwear is essential.
The tour took us through some amazing caverns, with fantastic formations. The most interesting were the rimstone pools, which look like tiny, fortified cities, although the other amazing formations are hard to beat.
Entrance to the Wollondilly CaveFig Tree Cave FormationStairs Leading Down into the Wollondilly CaveWollondilly CaveRimstone Pool Formations in the Wollondilly CaveFormations in the Wollondilly Cave
Fig Tree Cave
The Fig Tree Cave is a self-guided tour, with stopping points throughout the cave where commentary plays describing the area. Purchasing a double entry to the Fig Tree and Wollondilly Caves is cheaper than buying the two individually.
Possibly the best self-guided caves we have visited, the formations are once again amazing. During our visit, no-one else was in the cave, making it even better, especially after the commentary stopped and it was silent.
The highlight of Fig Tree is the underground river that flows through it, providing a background of noise of running water. The cave’s exit is a huge cathedral-like cavern where the river enters the cave system, before disappearing underground.
Fig Tree CaveFormations in Fig Tree CaveFig Tree CaveWombeyan Creek Flowing Through Fig Tree CaveFig Tree CaveWombeyan Creek Flowing into Fig Tree CaveWombeyan Creek Going into Fig Tree CaveExit Area of Fig Tree Cave
Wildlife and Scenery at Wombeyan Caves
The area has a large kangaroo population which spent the day lounging on the grass reserve. Around twilight, they became more active, hopping around and finding food.
The next morning, we had alpacas looking through a neighbouring fence while we ate breakfast.
If all walking tracks and caves were operating, a two or three-day stay would be needed to see them all. However, with the closures, an overnight trip was enough time to visit the two caves available. Even then the visit is remarkable and worth doing, despite the reduced activities available. We had a great time here exploring the caves.
The only downside was the access road, because it was so narrow in places.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
This was a fantastic Christmas present from my wife. A 30-minute microlight flight out of Lake Macquarie Airport, with amazing views of the coast.
Operated by Airborne Flight Training, who also build the Airborne M4 Sports microlight we flew in, the flight surpassed all of my expectations.
After a quick safety briefing and the fitting of safety helmet and seatbelt, we were off and flying in no time. We were soon over the coast and heading north towards Newcastle. Flying over places we have hiked has a totally different perspective from 500m. Everything seems more accessible and open, whereas when hiking you feel closed in by the trees. The pilot pointed out places of interest and asked if there was anything specific I was interested in seeing.
Flying over Redhead Beach, we saw the shark tower, while people walked on the beach. At Merewether, the Ocean Baths were busy with swimmers doing laps while surfers waited for waves. On reaching Newcastle the view over the city and harbour was amazing, letting us see further north to Nobbys.
The return flight south took us further inland, so the views changed. Flying in this direction, we could see over Lake Macquarie and Blacksmiths Beach.
Before I knew it, we were back on the ground at the airport and taxiing along the runway. This was an amazing experience that I really enjoyed. The expert and professional pilot made me feel safe at all times which is very important in such a small aircraft. This is a family run business, and the flights could be longer if you wish. See the web for more details.
The Airborne M4 Sport MicrolightAnd We’re AwayRedhead Beach From the AirGlenrock State Conservation AreaMerewether BathsBar BeachNewcastle’s CoastlineView From Merewether to NobbysNewcastle and HarbourThe Coastline of Lake Macquarie From the Air
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
