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There are beaches out there. There is dense bush. There are cliff-faces. My job applications are sent, and the sun is shining (like it has been for weeks). Rather than waiting for the phone to ring at home, I dusted off the adventure bike for a trip up north.

Manly Beach

My new partner Aaron is returning from China next week, and I want to show him part of the life on the road, disappearing into nature. I want to do it right – I want him to like it. For a first time cycling the mini-Himalayas are not on the menu. Neither are multi-lane highways. For a first time camping, some facilities are needed – this is not to be a toilet and shower-free stealth camping experience. I want to get there without a car. All these requirements make for a difficult proposition. This is not bike-friendly Europe.

Dee Why Beach

The coastline around Sydney is hilly with alternating cliff-faces and beautiful beaches. The nicest coast roads are blocked by rivers or cliffs, pushing the cyclist to the (very) main roads slightly inland, that avoid the detailed twists and turns of the coastline. I followed these roads thinking this is too hilly and there’s too much traffic for a pleasant first bike experience.

Then I hit the end of the Palm Beach peninsula, caught the ferry, and left the feel of the endless Sydney beach suburb, and entered the bush.

Palm Beach Ferry

On this dead-end bushland peninsula, in the Bouddi National Park, the traffic is gone and the bush is out. It was beautiful and peaceful, and also steep up and down. I couldn’t cycle with Aaron here yet. Maybe bushwalking? I stayed at a beautiful camp spot on the beach.

Sunrise at Little Beach

Continuing north, I joined the main road again and left nature. Roads, suburbs and big caravan parks followed the coast – until the next Conservation Park north of Budgewoi – Munmorah State Conservational Area. Another beautiful place to explore.

Birdie Beach

I need to find a good way to get there from the train line that runs 15km inland. The route I took to the train to return home, along the Pacific Highway, isn’t the answer. Maybe when I continue this trip next time, I will find a better solution.