Blue Mountains

Local wildlife

Let's take a quick exploratory trip through the country, despite the strong wind. Shortly after departure, the rain returns to accompany us. When we arrive in Grafton, the sky seems to open up slightly, revealing the colors of the sky. The road continues to be a state highway with several lanes for passing occasionally. The positive aspect of the speed limit is that we can observe the daily life in these not very touristy locations. This was our goal, but we are also offered this opportunity beyond what we desired! It's true that there aren't many trucks and we still manage to maintain an average of 80/90 km/h. They are continuing to build the highway to decongest the towns along the Hwy, but with about twenty years of delay, taking into account the recent development of the country. Just before Newcastle, we see "wildlife crossings". These are simply wooden poles on either side of the road connected by a tubular mesh, like a net, to allow animals to pass through. We don't know which species dare to cross the road, climbing onto a pole, crossing while clinging to the net below, and finally descending from the opposite pole. These wildlife crossings are approximately 500 meters apart.

Blue Mountains

On the Pacific Hwy, we still encounter rain, cold, and several crossings of small towns. Arriving in Newcastle, the highway becomes a two-lane motorway and we manage to maintain speeds of 100/110 km/h. The speed limit is low despite the motorway being well-maintained, as it allows for U-turns and access from side roads. We have lunch with our usual delicious meat pie at a motorway restaurant that resembles Uluru. The landscape is hilly, covered by bushland. Arriving in the northern outskirts of Sydney, we turn west towards the Blue Mountains, passing through Windsor and then along the Bells Line of Rd to Lithgow, where, as always, it's raining. We follow the road alongside the tourist railway and remain on a wide ridge, with occasional views of flowering orchards in their typical spring attire. We are staying in an American-style motel with parking right outside the room, which is already great considering the weather. The accommodation is pleasant, although the building is quite old. We have dinner at a small restaurant that we never would have expected to find in a rural town like Lithgow. It's even chic! The entrance leads to a reception area, which then opens onto two hallways leading to the rooms, where a fireplace provides both warmth and decoration. The owner, who also serves as a waitress, suggests some typical dishes. We try a kangaroo fillet that will definitely stay in our memory for a long time. A culinary experience worthy of the best restaurants.