Hello

Our main purpose at Port Stephen was to go look for dolphin in the open water. With some luck, we managed to spot a few! Given that it was nearly the end of their migration season, it was quite lucky for us to spot a few swimming beside. Still pretty thrilled about it! :)

After which, we went over to Stockton Bight sand dunes (nearby) and tried sand boarding! It was quite fun and judging from the photos you can see how good we were at it. We had fun sliding our asses off and climbed all the way back up again just for that few seconds of adrenaline rush. So fun!


We went ahead with PJ Tours and I won't say it was very worth it. Most of the time was spent traveling to Port Stephen (inevitable) and the 4WD they promised us turned out to be on a minibus?! But it was still quite bumpy though so still get that experience of rolling over sand dunes on 4 wheels I guess... Yeah, so I would recommend driving or find a better tour provider.


#2 Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is located slightly before Port Stephen so a 2 hours drive from Sydney will bring you there. It is one of Oz's oldest and major wine regions. So what do we do?? Wine-tasting of course!

We went to 4 or 5 wineries and the wine is really different from all the wines I have drunk in my life (disclaimer: I don't really drink). Since I don't really drink and for me to be able to appreciate the wines mean they are really good and smooth on the palate. Give it a try even for those who don't drink because they give only a small amount (duh, it's a tasting).



Hmmm. There was no grape on the vine for us to see because it wasn't the right season too. Besides wine-tasting, we also tasted cheese and chocolate at different areas specialized in different things. So worth it.

This time, we went for another tour provider, Sydney Booking Centre. If I didn't remember wrongly, the driver was very friendly but again you can't choose the driver. I think this tour is more worth it but frankly speaking, I think it's because of the food that I get to eat (#glutton).

Maybe I just have to pick a better tour provider for Port Stephen and I would still recommend the above two tours if you are looking for something to do outside of Sydney city.

XX

The Grounds is located further away from the CBD area and requires a short walk in if you are coming by train or bus. But if you ask me, I think it is totally worth the journey to get there. You can find two cafes, one florist shop (Is there a name for it?) and an area with some animals that will probably be your breakfast or brunch later (I'm kidding).

Right: They named the pig 'Kevin the Bacon'

W: https://thegrounds.com.au/



W: https://www.brewtownnewtown.com/

#3 Black Star Pastry 

This place in Newtown is only famous for one thing: Watermelon Cake !!!

Seriously, the Watermelon Cake is the best thing ever. It just has that light and juicy taste (which is normal of watermelon) which is surprising when you eat a cake? I love it so much I keep going back for it (even after a year).

Left: Eggs on Toast ; Right: 'Super Food Mesquite Vanilla Pancakes'

#5 Showbox Coffee Brewers

This cafe is spotted at Manly Beach, a 30 minutes ferry ride from the Circular Quay. The prices of the food are slightly more wallet-friendly, maybe because it's located further away. Funny thing is we looked at an outdated menu online which I originally wanted to have their shakshuka but settled for their mushrooms on toast instead. It didn't disappoint I must say!

Left: Pegg Roll ; Right: Mushrooms on Toast

Left: Flat White ; Right: Iced Latte

W: http://www.showboxcoffee.com.au/

Fun fact: flat white and avo on toast are both Aussie creation!! (and other tasty food)

And I am done!! Doing a food post is much more tiring than doing a scenery post...