Southern Highlands October 2012

Towards the end of October we had a couple of nights booked in the Southern Highlands town of Mittagong. We were so impressed with Chinoiserie, where we had stayed earlier in the year that we re-booked for two nights. October was chosen so we could be there during the flowering season of Dominic's beloved peonies.

We took a route through Sydney and around Botany Bay heading south towards the Royal National Park. Unfortunately we were unable to drive through the park as the road was closed because of an accident. We picked up the route once again just before Stanwell Tops. We stopped briefly to look out at the foaming surf rolling in to the beach at Stanwell Park below.

Continuing on along the coast road, over the Seacliff Bridge at Coalcliff and arriving at the Scarborough Hotel for lunch. It was a pity it was so windy because it is such a lovely place to eat outside.

Lunch over, we continued along the highway and eventually turned off on to the Illawarra Highway to take us up over the range. Passing through Robertson and skirting Moss Vale we arrived at our beautiful B&B in time for afternoon tea.

Chris made us welcome once again and he soon had us sitting down to coffee and cake in our small lounge area. Dominic was just closing up after his open garden for the day. I shall let the pictures speak for themselves.

We spent our second day visiting Fitzroy Falls and Berrima returning to Mittagong via a different route across country into Bowral and up on to Mt Gibraltar. 

We had just enough time to wander around the garden back at Chinoiserie, but Dominic said it would be better in the morning as the peonies were starting to close up for the night.

All too soon we were taking our leave, but not without some more photos of the lovely house and garden.

We drove up to Lake Alexandra before heading home and walked around the lake before heading up the mountain to seek out the waratahs which are in bloom in October. What a sight it was to see so many of the beautiful flowers growing in the wild.

 All in all a very pleasant couple of days away. One I'm sure we shall do again.