Tag Archives: beach

Dukes for Coffee in Waikiki 

22 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Dukes for Coffee in Waikiki

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We drove down to Waikiki this morning to go to Dukes for coffee and then for swims.

We parked in the car park at the Waikiki shell and then wandered along Kalakaua Avenue towards the Outrigger hotel where Dukes Restaurant is. Dukes is named after Duke Kahanamoku who was a well known Hawaiian surfing legend.

Walking along Kalakaua Avenue

At the restaurant, we were seated at a table on the lanai which is right on the beach, and we enjoyed the wonderful view. 

The coffee is so good, the location perfect and the music is the best. So good in fact that we decided to stay for lunch. A trip to Hawaii for me is not complete without at least a coffee at Dukes. 

View from Dukes. Looking towards Diamond Head

Lunch. Simple and just right

After lunch we walked back down Kalakaua Avenue towards Diamond Head where we stopped at Queens Beach for our swim. The water was crystal clear and perfect.

After our swims we relaxed on the sand, people watching and taking in the gorgeous Hawaiian sunshine. I had almost forgotten just how good this feels.

Another fabulous day in paradise.

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Picturesque Sawtell – Coastal Australia

02 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in Mid North Coast NSW, Sawtell

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Situated on the mid north coast of NSW,  approximately half way between Brisbane and Sydney is the very beautiful  city of Coffs Harbour.  Coffs Harbour is where my family lives so I am lucky to visit this beautiful part of the NSW coast regularly and often. It is less than a 5 hour drive for me from my home in Brisbane.

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Safe Swimming Area for families

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Main street of Sawtell

About a 20 minute drive south of Coffs Harbour is the lovely seaside town of Sawtell.

With its idyllic beaches, chic cafes and a stunning coastal national park  Sawtell is a delightful destination for a seaside escape.  Its unspoiled beaches, rain-forest, wildlife, wetlands and estuaries, make it an ideal location for outdoor adventures.

Sawtell Beach
Sawtell Beach

We have stopped often for lunch at the Sawtell Surf club which is right on the beach. It not only offers great food but a gorgeous outlook.

20170926_123117Just about a few minutes drive or a 10 minute walk from the centre of  town is the Boambee Headland with its breathtaking views towards the north and down to the south.

Boambee Headland
Boambee Headland
Boambee Headland
Boambee Headland

If travelling south towards Sawtell this is an easy lookout to access. Be sure to drive to the second, higher car park where it isn’t even necessary to get out of you vehicle to enjoy expansive views to the north and also south toward Sawtell.  If you have time there are gentle paved paths down to the ocean. Also, timber stairs which offer easy access to the swimming beach.

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Looking north

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Looking north

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Looking north

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Looking north

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Looking north

Buy a picnic, take it up to the headland and just sit and relax looking out to sea. There are regular sightings of hump backed whales and dolphins.

Looking south
Looking south
Rock pool

Standing on the headland and looking towards the south the views are spectacular.

The village’s main street is adorned with enormous fig trees, which provide shade for boutiques and outdoor dining at cafes and restaurants. Stop in to one of the many restaurants and cafes for a coffee or great lunch or just stop at one of the many table and benches in the centre of the town for a picnic lunch.  The street, trees and cafes in the evening are decorated with lights giving it a fairy tale look.

Main street Sawtell
Main street Sawtell
Main street Sawtell
Main street Sawtell
Main street Sawtell
Main street Sawtell

Happy Christmas from Sunny Coffs Harbour

23 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Australia, Coffs Harbour, Happy Christmas

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Charlesworth Bay

The changing face of Charlesworth Bay

Charlesworth Bay has been one of my long time favourite beaches, so I visit this beach every time I am in Coffs Harbour.  I am always fascinated by the changes I see each time. Of course it is Mother Nature doing what she does naturally.

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It is a small beach which has a relatively protected north east facing aspect and is only about 500 m in length.

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Charlesworth Bay is rarely busy as most people would not know it exists. To access it, there is a beautiful tree canopied avenue leading down to the park and the beach.

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There are picnic areas with free bbqs and facilities including outdoor showers. Often there are RV’s staying there overnight and although that is not permitted I am sure if they are quiet and respect the area no one bothers them. It is a perfect spot to stay over night as it is not far off the hwy, and yet so quiet and secluded.

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It is a dog friendly beach however dogs must be kept on a leash. Consequently, you often see mostly locals there with their dogs

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For swimming there is a section of the beach that has a small surf, good for body surfing or body boards although you will see the occasional surf board.  There is anther small beach up the southern end by the “fisherman’s hut” which is quite private and easy to swim in. And, there are also the beautiful rock pools which are forever changing with the tides and weather.

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If you are ever in the area, pop in, you will be pleased that you did

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To all of my ‘Travelling with Lyn’ blog friends, I wish you a happy and safe Christmas and a wonderful 2014

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Another Happy Day in Coffs Harbour – Happy Easter

29 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in Coffs Harbour

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Yes it is that time again, the annual migration to Coffs Harbour for Easter. B We spent time at another lovely beach and park area known as Park Beach. IMG_1101 It is just a couple of kilometres north of the CBD and is where Coffs creek meets the ocean.  It is a very popular area for everyone especially for families. Coffs & Woolg 2012 Dec 010b DSCF3120b The water is so clean and crystal clear and safe.  There is lots of park area with picnic areas, tables and seats, free bbqs, running water, toilets and showers. IMG_1097 There are cabins that you can stay in close to this beach which makes it a very popular destination particularly for families.  The Coffs Harbour surf club is close by, and offers a fabulous restaurant over looking the beach and ocean.  It is a great spot to sit back and enjoy a great meal,  a cold beer, glass of wine or cup of coffee and watch surfers, or even dolphins in the surf. DSCF3121b Actually there is a variety of accommodation close by with restaurants and take away shops, hotel and bowls club. There is so much to see and do in Coffs. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, drop by and see for yourself. In the meantime,  I would like to wish you all A Happy Easter. Buona Pasqua!cid_69B887537B47479DBA0222FF857517C5@daphnek9ka5354