PORT Stephens Friendship Group members have just completed another successful annual trip, this time to the coast and country of NSW.

The trip started in excellent weather, with stops at Bald Hill at Stanwell tops, Austinmer and Wollongong, before staying at Kiama on night one.

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The Friendship Group’s President, Keith Hobbs, told News Of The Area, “Port Stephens coaches provided us with a special event during the afternoon as we visited HARS (Aviation Museum) at Albion Park.

“HARS reconstruct aircraft for flying purposes and we were lucky to see a replica of the Southern Cross aircraft as well as climbing onboard planes.”

During the next three days; the group stayed at Batemans Bay where they visited Mogo Wildlife Park, viewed the location where the granite stones were excavated for the Sydney Harbour Bridge during 1928 to 1932, enjoyed an excellent trip to the Bodalla cheese factory, and a cruise up the river Clyde.

As the group left Batemans Bay, they travelled the Kings Highway and after suffering exceptional rain, they climbed into fine weather, passing through Boorowa for a great morning stop and then onto Canberra for a quick tour and a visit to Cockington Green to review the fabulous creations, before travelling to Cowra.

“During our visit to Cowra, we visited the beautiful Japanese gardens as well as the old POW camp and other historical locations all in fabulous weather.”

After leaving Cowra, they visited Carcoar to review the Toy Museum and lovely old houses, and then on to Bathurst and Mount Panorama.

“It was with great hilarity that our driver Neil provided a detailed description of his coach’s expertise during a full tour around the racing track in a time of thirteen minutes plus – a little bit slower than the cars in two minutes and twelve seconds.”

The Group then visited Portland to review some exceptional murals and had the last night of their journey in Lithgow.

On the final day, they spent some significant time at Katoomba, visiting the three sisters and riding the Skyway, Scenic Railway and Gondola.

“It was great fun for us all to share prior to travelling home.

“What a great holiday and all catered for, mixing with 26 of us friendship folks, seeing the coast and having cruises, visiting the country to see the old village buildings and the green countryside, great visits, food and accommodation and on completion everyone wants to do next year’s trip,” Keith said.

Keith invites everyone to join the Port Stephens Friendship Group and share in their activities and fun.

To find out more call Keith Hobbs on 0417 439 632.

By Marian SAMPSON