​As most of you know we had our Wedding Anniversary on Thursday. We have officially been married now for 12 years. Not a bad effort I must say.
We were married on 15 October 2003 on the Beach in Rarotonga located in the Cook Islands. A simple ceremony with the most amazing backdrop. For us, it was the perfect way to start married life.
Unfortunately, we could not return here for our anniversary so we chose the next best thing and that was the Central Coast.
The Central Coast is dear to us as this is where Dave proposed to me, a little under 14 years ago. The romantic moment happened after a beautiful picnic filled with our favourite delicacies. Taking a stroll along The Entrance foreshore after dinner, he presented me with the ring and the words every girl wants to hear ‘Marry Me’ that rung in the air.
Our romantic day began with the frantic morning rush dropping the kids off to school. We were free to enjoy each other’s company and do what we enjoy most – Travelling.
The only concrete plans were to enjoy a leisurely drive along the Coastline and to end up in The Entrance to catch a movie.
Taking the Gosford exit off the M1, we headed down Woy Woy Road through the Brisbane Water National Park. 1st destination was Pearl Beach and a Lookout at Mt Ettalong I discovered on a map.
This was new territory to both of us. We had only really been as far as Umina Beach which is very sad I know.
Pearl Beach is one of the exclusive areas on the Central Coast. The Beach itself is quiet, calming with rich golden sand. The locals love taking their dogs for a daily walk around the streets stopping at the corner café for a morning coffee fix and a bite to eat. If you are after a restaurant with magnificent views and quality food, Pearls on the Beach might just be the place.
Returning to the car, we drove back towards the Mount Ettalong Lookout. A small sign to the right with the road leading up the hill to the reserve is easy to miss. At the reserve, there is what looks like a water tower or it could have been a power plant. No actual idea but using our trusty feet we headed on our way to find the Lookout.
Bush turkeys are everywhere on the Central Coast. One bush turkey decided to join us on our walk for a short time. Up the dirt track surrounded by bush on either side, there are pocket glimpses of the ocean. Then out of the blue we discovered a clearing. A large rock shelf juts out and opens to the most spectacular views right across Pearl Beach all the way to Lion Island.
​I’ll be honest, I’m not great with heights especially when it’s a sheer cliff face. But with an opportunity to get a better look, I built up the courage and went near the edge. You know what, I am so glad I did. It is obviously a very romantic place to visit.
Below on the sand were the words ‘Will you marry me’. Of course, it was not from Dave but it was so wonderful to see that there is love everywhere.
The tummy was starting to rumble and we made the decision to head back to the car and drive around past Umina Beach, Ocean Beach to Ettalong. Parking the car, we headed towards the Esplanade. Finding a quaint little café called Coast Café, it was a popular little spot with locals having breakfast. At first I was happy to have a coffee but the smell of bacon cooking and every unavailable table was filled with food, we knew we had to try their breakfast menu.
Dave of course, chose the Bacon and Egg Roll and I chose toasted sourdough with homemade mixed berry and rosewater jam. 2 delicious coffees ordered it came to $20.
​After a delicious brunch, a stroll along the beachfront was our next adventure. Council have been busy fixing up the Ettalong Beach waterfront with new stairs dotted along as a helping aide down to the water’s edge and fresh laid grass.
The ferry that travels from Ettalong via Wagstaffe over to Palm Beach glided peacefully past. This is one trip we would like to do soon.
We could not stay down here as much as we would have liked too, it was time to get a move on to our next destination. Heading over the Rip Bridge and just as the name says, the rip is apparent. The drive through suburbs like Daley’s Point, Empire Bay and down to Killcare is just beautiful. If you ever want a nice leisurely drive, this is a drive for you.
Hidden away in the Bouddi National Park is Putty Beach Reserve. With many stunning coastal walks to choose from and a beach that is breathtaking, it’s no wonder it’s famous with the tourists. Small designated camping areas (suitable for tents) and great BBQ facilities make this a haven for campers and day trippers. Please note that it is a National Park. There are parking metres here or you will need a National Parks Pass to stay. (You can pick one of these passes up from the Local Visitor Information Centre at Kariong).
Back on the road, The Scenic Road to be exact, past the famous Bells at Killcare (Hotel, Restaurant and Spa), we stumble upon another Lookout called Marie Byles Lookout.
We have Marie Byles to thank for the public ownership of Bouddi National Park. If you are an avid photographer or just appreciate natural beauty and landscape, you must visit. On a crystal clear day, without the haze we had, the view ahead is spectacular. You can see all the way to North Head, Bondi Junction, Palm Beach and the Baha Temple is clearly visible. The view sweeps along, all the way around to the Hawkesbury and down to Killcare Beach. It really is a rather extraordinary Lookout.
After this great find, it was time to get moving. Heading north, we followed the coastline past MacMasters up through to Kincumber onto the Scenic Highway past Avoca, North Avoca, through the Centre of Terrigal, weaving our way through Wamberal, Forresters Beach and past Bateau Bay taking the Entrance Road all the way into the Entrance.
Grabbing a quick bite to eat, picnic style, it was time to catch a movie at the little local Majestic Cinemas.
It was the way we like to spend our Anniversary and I am sure we will have any more explorations like this over the next 50+ years.
Happy Anniversary to you, my soulmate Dave, I love you.​