The crew initially booked just a one-night stay on 25-26 Jan at the Beachcomber Hotel & Resort in Toukley, Central Coast. Just as a quick getaway because of the Australia Day holiday. We booked the rooms along with 5 other families/couples - us, Luzons, Madulis, Carungays, Esquerras, and Laxamanas. But the plans changed a bit because of some last minute decisions, so the one-night become several days of vacation for some of us.
Sunday, 23 January
After fulfilling our duties in Church, we, Luzons, Carungays, and Madulis headed up north because the 3 families booked a 2-night stay at the Squid's Ink Motel in Belmont NSW, which is also in Central Coast. Our family joined them for the day which we spent relaxing by the lake, chatting, taking photos, playing guitars, while the kids play. We had alfresco dinner at the resort with food that we brought and cooked. At night, we left the 3 families in their accommodations and drive back home to Sydney. The 3 families stayed on for the next 2 days working-from-hotel.
Monday, 24 January
We got up early and went for our planned trip to Canberra. Left home at around 6:30am hoping to get the Questacon early, but unfortunately they didn't have any walk-in spots available. So we changed plans and went to the Australian Mint instead. We arrived there just in time for the 10:30am guided tour.
After the mint, we visited Pattisez, our favourite milkshake shop which we visit every year. I mistakenly ordered sweet potato fries which Ethan ended up likely. It's was sad to see the toy shop near Pattisez already closed. We had some good memories there.
We ended our trip by visiting some places around Belconnen Lake before heading back home to Sydney.
Tuesday, 25 January
Early rise again for our original Australia Day plans. We drove straight up to the Central Coast to meet the Esguerra family at the Long Jetty Wharf. The McDonalds breakfast we brought was perfect for the sunny but breezy time at the wharf. After a stroll through the jetty and enjoying the breeze and fishes, we continued our journey to meet the rest of the crew.
Second stop was at the Caves Beach. It was a lovely piece of paradise. The kids enjoyed swimming and splashing while the adults posed for photos, of course.
Next was a short photo stop at Catherine Hill bay.
Then a impromptu stop at one of the Thai restaurants in The Entrance. The owner actually was closing shop but when he saw 4 families looking to eat, he was happy to welcome us and open up again. Oh, thank you for the treat, Uncle Jon!
At around 2pm, we headed to the Beachcomber Resort to check in to our rooms and refresh. The kids immediately headed to the swimming pool. At night, the kids decided to all stay in our room to have a pizza party while watching Encanto.
The adults went out for a night cap (ie, Lemon Lime Bitters) at the Beachie restaurant in the resort. It had a lake view and had really good ambiance. And of course, had some great spots for photoshoots!
Wednesday, 26 January
Everyone decided to enjoy the expensive accommodation and sleep in until it was time for checkout. At around 10am, we all checked out together and headed to the Norah Head Lighthouse, which wasn't too far away.
Then at 12pm, we headed back to the hotel for our booked lunch at the Beachie restaurant.
After lunch, we headed down for more photos while the kids play at the playground and small animal farm. And then we all said our goodbyes and all went back to Sydney.
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