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Category: Activity

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Scotland Island Ferry on the Pittwater

Houses on Scotland Island

Scotland Island Ferry

Departing from the Church Point Wharf in Sydney’s northern suburbs, the Scotland Island Ferry is a fun cruise on the Pittwater. We found only limited car parking was available, the park next to the wharf was full, as was a council car park down the road. Fortunately, we found a spot on Pittwater Road, only a five minute walk away. So, arrive early to get a spot for your car, because otherwise, you may be waiting for the next ferry.

Planning to catch the 8:30AM ferry, we were pleased to find cafes open at the wharf, meaning that coffee could be bought before we left.

Tickets are purchased from the ferry master once you are on board and seated. Tell him if you will be getting off, or taking a round trip because this will save buying a second ticket. We sat at the front in the open to enjoy the views and fresh air. From here you can also get some great photos of the trip, because you can see in all directions.

The 40-minute trip loops around Scotland Island, while calling into several settlements there and on the mainland. The number of beautiful yachts moored nearby is amazing and they looked wonderful in the early morning light. Calling into the island’s wharfs, you see people’s houses nestled in the island’s trees, their boathouses and jetties.

We had a great time on the cruise and were able to see some lovely scenery.

  • The Scotland Island Ferry
    The Scotland Island Ferry
  • Houses on Scotland Island
    Houses on Scotland Island
  • Houses on Scotland Island
    Houses on Scotland Island
  • Boathouse and Yacht on Scotland Island
    Boathouse and Yacht on Scotland Island
  • Yachts Moored Near Scotland Island
    Yachts Moored Near Scotland Island
  • Yachts on the Pittwater
    A Yacht on the Pittwater
  • Yachts on the Pittwater
    Yachts on the Pittwater

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Blueberry Picking at The Giving Farm

Blueberry Bushes at The Giving Farm

The Giving Farm Blueberry Picking

A great way to spend some time on the weekend is to go blueberry picking. Not only do you get some lovely fresh blueberries, but you spend a relaxing time in the outdoors away from the city.

How to Get There

Located on Durren Road, Jilliby on the New South Wales Central Coast, The Giving Farm uses organic farming practices to supply fresh fruit and veggies. Parking is available on the road outside the farm, but don’t worry it’s only 50m to the blueberry patch. Currently, booking is required to ensure only a safe number of people arrive at one time, so ensure you do this before going.

Blueberry Picking

On arrival, you are met by the friendly owners, who explain the farm and how to pick the berries. You get as many punnets to fill as you want, which you pay for as you leave. Currently it is a requirement that you wear a mask while at the farm and while picking the berries. With twelve different varieties to choose from, we took half an hour to fill a punnet while wandering around the rows of bushes.

Blueberry Bushes at The Giving Farm
Blueberry Bushes at The Giving Farm
Blueberries Ready to Pick
Blueberries Ready to Pick
A Freshly Picked Punnet of Blueberries at The Giving Farm Blueberry Picking
A Freshly Picked Punnet of Blueberries

Other Activities

When we arrived, the field across the road had horses next to the fence, so we took some photos of them. Before leaving, we met the new additions to the farm, some milking goats, who were very friendly.

Throughout the year, the activities change, ranging from tulip and sunflower to strawberry picking.

  • Two Horses in the Fields Next Door
    Two Horses in the Fields Next Door
  • One of the Milking Goats
    One of the Milking Goats

What did We Think?

We had a great time, with friendly people and delicious fresh berries. We will be going back when the other activities are available.

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Penrith White Water Stadium

White Water Rafting

Penrith White Water Stadium

One of the many great legacies of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, is the Penrith White Water Rafting Stadium, which still caters for elite athletes, but also has given locals the opportunity to experience the thrill of rafting.

Penrith White Water Stadium Entrance
Penrith White Water Stadium Entrance

Booking

Booking beforehand is essential, so phone and book well in advance on (02) 4730 4333. The staff member will give you all the information you will need, and send a confirmation email, which also contains the necessary details for this thrill.

Arriving a half an hour beforehand gave us the opportunity to complete the necessary paperwork and grab some wetsuits and to see the local kayak club training, which was great.

The stadium provides all of the required safety gear, helmet and life vest. If needed, wet suits are available for hire, but not essential, as t-shirts and shorts are acceptable. However, for safety, closed in shoes are essential. Bring a change of clothes as you will get wet, even if you don’t fall in. The bathrooms are huge and have a big area for changing. There are also lock up areas to store your bags and valuables until you have completed rafting.

The trip starts with a safety briefing and a description of the next hour’s events, as well as life vest and helmet fitting. Safety is their priority, and the briefing made us feel very safe. We did not start our lap until everyone was happy that we were ready to do the course. It is also emphasised that you can get out at any time, so if you feel unwell or are not enjoying the experience, the guide will stop at the next safe stop and you can get out of the raft.

The Course

The course starts at the loading ramp where we carried the raft into the water, followed by instructions from the guide in how to paddle the raft. Once they are satisfied that you are OK, the fun begins with a trip up a conveyor belt, that transports the raft to the upper pool. From here, you follow a circular route through rapids, back down to the starting location. We managed about eight trips in our allotted time, each one becoming more difficult at our request. The guide decides how difficult, each trip is, depending on how your party is going.

We had a great time and highly recommend this for anyone looking for a more adventurous experience while being in a safe environment.

Part of the Course
Part of the Course
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on