Taronga Zoo

Thomas, Davis and I went to the Taronga Zoo in Sydney a few weeks back. After a two and a half hour train ride to Sydney we took a ferry to the zoo.

ferry to the Taronga Zoo

Taking the ferry is something different for us, so we enjoyed it! You get to see some of the best views of the city. 

View of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from the ferry

The zoo is located on the shores of the Sydney Harbour so you can see views of the water from most areas of the park. We were told to take the sky buckets up to the top and then walk down to the bottom but we ended up all over the place. Some of our highlights were obviously seeing the Koalas, Kangaroos, Wallabies, and Tasmanian Devil. Davis loved looking at the bird exhibit and petting some rabbits.

View getting off the ferry at the zoo

Thomas and Davis on the Sky buckets

sleeping Koala

Tasmanian Devil

Elephants have the best view

Kangaroos

View from the sky bucket

Koala - awake!

Giraffes with a view of the skyline

View looking down at the sea lion exhibit and harbour

We all had a great time at the Zoo! 

We needed to get on the 8 o'clock train so we had time to head back to Circular Quay for dinner.  We walked around the Sydney Opera House, taking a bazillion pictures and enjoyed dessert while we watched the sunset.

Jamberoo and Kangaroo Valley

Last Saturday we went on a scenic drive with a couple from church. Our first stop was Saddleback Mountain. Beautiful views of the NSW south coast.

 

After morning tea and cookies at the Lamberts home in Kiama, we drove to Carrington Falls. We were the only ones there which was nice. We enjoyed looking at the native plants/flowers as well.

Next stop was Fitzroy Falls. Again, amazing views of ...everything.

We enjoyed seeing a different part of Australia's landscape, since we are living on the coast.

We also had a picnic lunch near a park so Davis could run off some energy and had an afternoon snack in Kangaroo Valley. Cappucinos and a passion fruit pastry for Thomas and I and Davis enjoyed a neenish tart, which we hold responsible for the last 20 c r a z y minutes in the car! two words: sugar rush

Gerringong - tour of the town {part 1}

Gerringong is a town located about ten minutes south of Kiama in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia in the Municipality of Kiama. At the 2011 census, Gerringong had a population of 3,456 people. (from Google)

Thomas and I have enjoyed the transition of city life to beach life. Gerringong is about the size of PRUMC! Some things we have enjoyed is the slower pace of life, less options for eating out, grocery stores and yes...shopping. It makes life easier, simpler.

Some of our favorite spots so far include a coffee shop a few doors down from where we are living, a playground for Davis right across from above coffee shop and a restaurant with a million dollar view and one of the best cappuccino's I have ever had.

Coffee Shop:
Blue Espresso Bar 

We usually stop in here for a coffee and head over the playground for Davis. They have sandwiches and pastries as well.

Butcher:
Adam's Quality Meats
We bought some delicious chicken skewers from here. Chicken satay and chicken honey soy. Good prices and an easy meal.

Grocery Store:
Khan's IGA Supermarket located in Gerringong
Woolworths in Kiama
Gerringong Fruit Barn: fresh fruits and veggies

Restaurants:
Werri Beach Fish Shop 

Located right across from the beach on Pacific Ave. Local, family owned restaurant that serves fresh fish and chips.

Sea Vista Cafe
Beautiful views, great food and a great cappuccino.

million dollar view

Zucchini and Haloumi Fritters

Cappuccino

Perfect Break Cafe
Vegetarian Cafe.  Fresh and Delicious

Marinated Tofu Sandwich

Scoops Ice Creamery and Cafe
Best views of the beach from the hill. Davis' favorite spot!

Gerringong Uniting Church
We have been welcomed into the church here and are so very grateful for the church members. We have been invited over for lunch, out for coffee, to gym classes, boat rides and drives around the town. Thomas stays busy during the week with different activities with the church. Sunday there are two services, a 9 am traditional service and a 5:30 contemporary service followed by dinner. Davis and I usually attend the 5:30 service. Monday is Thomas' day off so this is when we usually take day trips to explore.

Gerringong Uniting Church also operates a conference center here in Gerringong. Chittick Lodge. We attended an open house today and got a look at the great space.

Davis and I attended a playgroup that meets at the church on Friday mornings. He enjoyed playing with other kids his age and I enjoyed getting to know other moms in the area! We also attend another playgroup that meets at the Anglican Church on Monday mornings.


What's next....

We are heading up to the Taronga Zoo in Sydney this week!

Jervis Bay

We drove down to Jervis Bay, about an hour from Gerringong, this past Monday. Members of the church invited us to spend the day on their boat. It.was.amazing.

The water was crystal clear...and freezing, but the sun was shining making it a beautiful day to be on the water. We went on a cruise around the bay, stopped at Booderee National Park to walk on the white sand beach and had a wonderful lunch on the boat. We are grateful for people showing us parts of Australia. This country is breathtaking.

the water was crystal clear

Aussie Aussie Aussie

Port Jackson Shark Egg

forgot the type of fish this shell is from..Abalone maybe?

view from the boat

Lindsay, Christine and me

First Mate Davis

another beautiful view

Looking for dolphins

Davis loved riding on the boat

champagne toast on the boat

Davis and Buckley playing hide and seek

dolphins swimming alongside the boat! Crazy