Tuesday, May 06, 2008

There and Back Again

We have just returned from a wonderful driving holiday to New South Wales - particularly to visit the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. We stayed at the zoo overnight, which was absolutely worthwhile. The zoo accommodation is under canvas, but with luxuries such as heated tile floors and a proper wheelchair-accessible bathroom. The "lodge" was a central gathering place with common room, bar and restaurant. Our package included a three course dinner and full buffet breakfast, three 'close encounter', behind-the-scenes tours of the zoo, free bike hire - and the provision of a wheelchair-accessible taxi to drive us to the various exhibits on the tours.

While the zoo was definitely the highlight of the trip, we also had a lot of fun staying in odd places and visiting such attractions as the 'Crystal Kingdom' in Coonabarabran and the botanic gardens in Goondiwindi. Listening to audio books in the car made the time pass quickly - with family favourites "The Hobbit" (read by Garry) and "Fawlty Towers", as well as some Lemony Snickett. The kids were marvellous the whole way - waking up cheerfully, never complaining, and providing great conversation and entertainment along the way.

No doubt you will read more on the other blogs... but that's all I have time for just now.