Kariong - Sydney

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Karen's bridge partner Pippa has an Aunt Jackie and Uncle Peter who live in Kariong (just west of Gosford and north of Sydney) who very kindly offered to put us up for a couple of days whilst we toured the area.  

Day 1

Although still a bit shaky from the day before and after a minor car repair, the drive down from Harrington was lovely.  We took the scenic route along the coast road - properly tarmaced!  Stopping at Old Bar and Forster before entering the Lakes.  It was just like driving alongside Loch Ness.  



After the lakes we headed for Tea Garden/Hawks Nest which Pete had recommended.  Whilst it was a dead end it was well worth the trip out.  We then stopped in Tea Garden for lunch and David had the best Oysters Kilpatrick he has ever had.

After lunch we headed for Newcastle but didn't have time to stop as we wanted to stop at The Entrance before heading to Pete and Jackie.  The Entrance were just starting their annual Lakes Festival so the area was buzzing.  Sadly we couldn't stop for the fireworks but had fun watching the pelicans.


By the time we arrived at Pete and Jackie's the sky was looking very ominous and the heavens started to open whilst we were looking at the sculptures made for the 2000 Olympics.  Each country was asked to provide a sculpture.  So our visit was cut short.  

 


Day 2

It poured hard all night and was still raining as David and I drove into Sydney the next morning.  We had booked afternoon tea at Koi for Karen's birthday treat (even though she had already been treated to a lovely Italian meal by Nat - picture below) as well as a way of saying thank you to Jackie and Pete for having us.  They were going to meet us there as Jackie has a dreadful cold which has gone to her chest.



Now I don't know how many of you are Australian Masterchef fans but we are.  Koi was started by one of our favourite contestants Reynold Poernomo and his two brothers.  He was reknowned on the show for his amazing desserts.  We regretted not visiting when we went to Sydney with Nat and Rob on our last visit so we were determined not to miss it this time.   As we were talking to Jackie and Pete about Koi, it turns out that their daughter is best friends which Julie Goodwin - the first ever winner of Australian Masterchef and they even have one of their family recipes in one of her 2nd cookbook - small world.

We wanted to drive over Sydney harbour bridge.  Everyone had told us driving in Sydney was horrendous and you didn't do it but we found it no worse than London but it was still pouring with rain.



Koi was amazing.  I think both Jackie and Pete were pleasantly surprised.  When you see these creations made on the TV you always wonder what they would taste like and they didn't disappoint - they were phenomenal.  Really light and just so full of flavour.   All elements could be tasted - amazing.  I have run out of adjectives.



Day 3

We woke up to blue skies again.  We decided to follow the route the Tourist Office had highlighted for us around the Gosford Peninsular with a couple of addition from Pete.   It is a lovely area surrounded by water.  We saw some amazing houses on islands with water on 3 sides.  It was a lovely day's drive and here is a selection of pictures, unfortunately we don't remember all the names.







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