Day 28
Friday 24th April
Gundagai – Canberra
159 kms
7 – 21 degrees, sunny
Eight kms out of Gundagai was the stop which Isla had been patiently waiting for since the start of the trip – the Dog on the Tucker Box. The legend of the Dog began in the 1850s with a poem Bullocky Bill by an otherwise unknown author ‘Bowyang Yorke’, about the partnership of the bullockies who opened up the land to settlers, and the dogs who accompanied them and guarded their possessions. A monument with the dog has been created to the early pioneers. Even though the monument is somewhat underwhelming, Isla was very excited to seeing the much anticipated kelpie.
Less than two hours on the Hume Highway to Canberra. Can’t believe the weather Canberra has turned on for us – simply stunning! Just hope I haven’t spoken too soon.
We checked into our caravan park, EPIC – Exhibition Park in Canberra. It’s a great park, large sites, next to the light rail and only $40 a night. It did take a bit longer than anticipated to set up – mainly because we had to move the caravan as the washing machine hose didn’t reach the grey water drain. It needed to be pulled forward three metres.
There was still time to go Cockington Green miniature village in the afternoon. I remember loving this place when I was a child, and also my children enjoying a visit here. What a delightful and fascinating display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings from around the world. Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, our experience was complimented with a ride on the miniature steam train. Isla loved it. So did the adults!
Dinner and an early night as we were getting up at 3am for the Anzac Day dawn service in the morning.
Day 29
Saturday 26th April, Anzac Day
Canberra
3-21 degrees, sunny
We were up at the required time, Frank dressed and looking very dapper, adorned with his medals, and soon transported by shuttle bus to the Australian War Memorial for the dawn Anzac Day service. Approximately 35000 people gathered before sunrise to commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
The dawn service began with a didgeridoo performance by Wiradjuri man and Flight Lieutenant James Evans before the crowd participated in a hymn. Wreaths laid by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the New Zealand High Commissioner, Andrew Needs.
The commemorative address was given by Flying Officer Kbora Ali of the Royal Australian Air Force, whose family fled Afghanistan when she was a child. Her family’s story was very moving. Now an aviator, Flying Officer Ali said she gets to “carry the hope and now the promise to give back to a place I now call home”.
Flying Officer Ali spoke of the meaning of Anzac Day and the courage shown by those who were in Gallipoli in 1915. It was a very special service.
We went back to the van for breakfast as nothing seemed to be open, then went back to the War Memorial with the rest of our contingent for the veteran’s march at 9:30am. More than 1,800 people participated in the veterans’ march, held along Anzac Parade. The march began with a fly-past by an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and a guard of honour made up of first, second and third-year midshipmen and officer cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy. The Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, was in attendance.
Frank marched with the Communicator’s Branch, catching up with some mates he hasn’t seen for 40 years. Isla was very chuffed to watch her Gramps march.
We watched the march – it was very different to Brisbane. The band played which made it a little easier for the marchers. There was also a commentary which helped explain who was who. I’ve veteran was aged 106! There were no military vehicles or tankers though.
Once over, we caught the tram back to the caravan. The tram stop is right opposite the caravan park – very convenient. Frank joined his mates at the Canberra Bowling Club for lunch and a catch up. I went and picked him up later in the day.
A much deserved relaxing remainder of the day, followed by an easy dinner, and an early night … after our very early morning.
Day 30
Sunday 27th April
Canberra
3-22 degrees, sunny
We returned to the Australian War Memorial today – we wanted to see the newly opened section. The Memorial holds a profound place in national heritage, symbolising the sacrifices of those who served. Opened in 1941, it stands in line of sight of the Australian Parliament House, echoing the cost of war and enduring effects of service.
The Memorial has undergone a significant modernisation and expansion of its galleries and buildings to continue narrating the stories of Australians who have served in modern conflicts, connecting the spirit of the past.
It is a place of stories, ever present in the words, images, objects and rituals within. And at its core, this story is one of honour. The behaviour exhibited by the individual on behalf of the collective in the face of challenging circumstances. Memories of past deeds, understood in the present, and for future generations to continue this story.
We spent around four hours in the new Anzac Hall with the highlight being able to walk on the bridge of HMAS Brisbane. Frank had spent many years working on similar bridges so it was a trip down memory lane for him. This is a place where you could spend a week and only touch the surface.
We then spent a couple of hours at the National Arboretum -we hadn’t been there before. The Arboretum is a mosaic of living forests surrounding an entertainment and events hub offering breathtaking views and unique experiences.
With over 44,000 trees from 100 countries across the 250 hectare site, the Arboretum is one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. It is also home to the popular National Bonsai Collection of Australia. The Arboretum is a place of conservation, education, award winning architecture, iconic public art sculptures and a network of multi-use trails. We thoroughly enjoyed our short time there, as were so many Canberran families. Kite flying was a popular pastime with all the children.
We had decided to treat ourselves out to dinner tonight – at First Edition restaurant- Frank and I had been there last year. Conveniently, the restaurant was located at the last tram stop on the tram line, so we trammed it there and back. I have to say the restaurant wasn’t as good as we remembered from last time, but that happens. We still had a nice meal, and we didn’t have to cook!
Day 31
Monday 28th April
Canberra
4-22 degrees
Today was a day dedicated to the kids in our group – the little one, and the big ones! Questacon is Australia’s national science centre, where science and technology come alive in a hands-on experience for all ages. With over 200 interactive exhibits across 8 galleries, we made a huge effort to see as many of those as we could.
We managed to travel to the centre of an Earthquake, then all the way to outer space! All in one day! There was also a captivating Fire Show that had us all totally enthralled. Think hydrogen bomb explosions and sparklers continuing to burn in liquid nitrogen. Our imagination was well and truly inspired with the world of science and technology.
Because the National Art Gallery was the building next door, Frank and I decided to go back for a quick visit even though we were there only two years ago. There was a current Indigenous Art Triennial exhibition – After the Rain which featured 10 large-scale, immersive and multidisciplinary installations that celebrated intergenerational legacies and cultural warriors of the past, present and future. A lot of works by Albert Namatjira, and his family, were on display.
Back at camp, Simon and Frank took on what could only be described as The Great Plumbing Upgrade of Sylvie. Our caravan came with separate hoses for the washing machine and grey water — practical in theory, but in reality it felt like setting up a small obstacle course every time we pulled in. Hoses everywhere, just waiting to trip an unsuspecting camper, or Frank!
With a bit of head-scratching, some tinkering, and surprisingly little drama, the mission was accomplished. A much neater, more streamlined setup – future us will be very grateful. The only thing left is a quick trim of the hoses when we get home… assuming we choose the right saw and don’t undo all their good work.
Dinner, however, was where things really shone. A proper comfort feast. The slow-cooked corned beef had been quietly doing its thing all day, and it absolutely delivered — melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Chantelle worked her magic on the Weber, turning out beautifully roasted potato, pumpkin, and broccoli with just the right amount of crispness. Add a creamy homemade white sauce and some vibrant steamed broccolini, and suddenly caravan life felt downright gourmet.
We wrapped up the day exactly as you’d hope — full, happy, and just a little bit smug about how well everything had turned out.
Day 32
Tuesday 28th April
Canberra to Swansea
405 kms
4-24 degrees, sunny
Sadly, it’s time to start our journey homeward. Another cold morning, and we say farewell to Canberra.
A driving day today – the Federal Highway to Goulburn, followed by the Hume Motorway or M31 to Liverpool, the M7 to Hornsby, and finally the Pacific Highway to Swansea. Lots of highway driving. We had some beautiful coloured trees to start with, which soon merged into Australian bush as we got closer to the coast. I found the many trucks and steep descents/ascents on the Pacific Motorway a bit hair raising at times. My driver had a few terse words to say to me during the course of the day.
We arrived in the pretty town of Swansea at 3.30pm where we checked into the Swansea Lakeside Caravan Park – a great park where we managed to get large sites beside the lake. Also had a great playground and water park for Isla. The weather was considerably warmer than Canberra.
Once set up, we explored the park, then went for a walk along the lakeside edge. Lots of birdlife on the water. Sunset drinks followed by dinner in such a peaceful setting was a lovely way to finish the day.
Day 33
Wednesday 29th April
Swansea – Newcastle – Swansea
15-24 degrees, sunny
Nestled between the sparkling waters of Lake Macquarie and the open expanse of the Pacific, Swansea beautifully captures the sun-kissed magic of the surrounding region. We thought we should spend the day exploring locally.
We started in the harbour city of Newcastle which was 45 minutes away. I was last there about 8 years ago for a conference, but because it happened to be very wet at the time, and I was basically working, I didn’t get much time to look around, but remembered it would be worth revisiting. With stunning beaches, a vibrant arts scene and a number of historic sites, Newcastle proved to be a destination with a little bit of everything. We have earmarked it as somewhere we need to come back to and spend some time.
After doing a drive through, and noting all the very cute terrace houses and historic buildings, we enjoyed lunch at the Honeysuckle Inn in the Honeysuckle dining precinct. Very relaxing looking out the harbour watching all the water activity.
After lunch we drove up to Strzelecki Lookout at the top of the cliffs to take in the stunning views of the beaches and Pacific Ocean. A breathtaking 450m coastal walkway, the Memorial walk offers unparalleled views of Newcastle’s coastline, the city, and the expansive Hunter Valley. This impressive structure was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli and the commencement of steelmaking in Newcastle, serving as both a tribute and a historical monument to the men and women of the Hunter region who served their community and country.
Driving back to Swansea we enjoyed seeing the smaller towns and communities along the way.
Just south of Swansea was Caves Beach, named after the ancient sea caves that can be explored at low tide. We had chosen the right time to be there, so had a lovely time clambering over the rocks and finding tunnels through the caves.
Back to camp with time to do a walk along Lake Macquarie’s foreshore. Sunset over the lake was again stunning. We continued to enjoy the serenity of our lakeside spot whilst eating our dinner. A visit by the local possum was entertaining – he was very keen on getting into Chantelle and Simon’s bin, until Simon spoilt all his fun by taking it away!
Day 34
Thursday 30th April
Swansea to Tamworth
294 kms
18-24 degrees, sunny
A driving day today. Isla had to say goodbye her newly found d duck family. I’m sure she was running a Duck Day Care Centre.
From Swansea, we headed to the New England Highway, through Maitland and Musselbrook, then stopping at Aberdeen. We found it hard to find a good stopping spot. Of course when we got further along the highway we found lots of nice stopping spots. Making a note that Murrundi (possibly a nice overnighter), Willow Tree and Wallabadah are all nice little towns for coffee stops.
It was early afternoon when we arrived in Tamworth, checking into Paradise Gardens Big 4 Caravan Park. Nice park, but very small sites – short in length. Obviously designed before big caravans were made. It was very warm, we weren’t use to wearing summer clothes!
Once settled in, we went into town to have a look around. The last two times we have been there were for the country music festival, so the town looked a little different.
An easy dinner – our second last night for this holiday, so I was trying to use up what I could from the fridge. The breeze had come up and we were suddenly looking for jumpers. Down to 10 degrees overnight.
Day 35
Friday 1st May
Tamworth to Stanthorpe
350 kms
10-19 degrees, cloudy
Another driving day. A nice stop at Uralla – a walk through town. Isla found the tiny doors outside a lot of the shops intriguing. The pies from the pie shop in Uralla were voted unanimously as the best ever of the trip – by Frank, Simon, Chantelle and Isla!
From there, it was Glen Innes, a brief stop at Tenterfield, and onto our final destination, Stanthorpe. The entire area is suffering with drought at the moment – everything is looking so dry.
Of course, it was so special catching up with the Stanthorpe family again—those moments always feel like coming home. And the highlight? An unforgettable dinosaur performance by Poppie-Rose and Isla—full of drama, flair, and plenty of prehistoric attitude! I’d say Poppie-Rose has a very promising future on the stage… watch this space.
Day 36
Saturday 2nd May
Stanthorpe to Brisbane
234 kms
12 – 24 degrees, cloudy
Pack up day. We bid a fond farewell to everyone and started the last leg of our adventure. We stopped at Warwick at our favourite car wash place to clean up the car and caravan – a big improvement. The caravan had become very dirty over the past five weeks.
A coffee and a coffee/last pie stop at Aratula, and we were soon dropping off the van at Salisbury. Whilst we love the new caravan, we had a long list of “issues” that needed fixing. Lucky we had the first service booked in three days time.
A truly wonderful holiday—made all the better sharing it with Chantelle, Simon and Isla. There’s something special about that carefree, easy rhythm of life on the road… the kind you wish you could bottle up and take home with you.
Total distance travelled 6750 kms
Total fuel cost
Total accommodation cost
Glammy Goes Global 