IT TOOK EIGHTEEN MONTHS FOR DAVID HOSKING TO CREATE THE IDEAL ROADTRIP THAT WOULD BEST SHOWCASE NEW SOUTH WALES TO FRIENDS WHO WOULD BE SEEING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND HIS EFFORTS WERE VOTED A MAJOR SUCCESS.
When David and his wife Kerin heard that fellow GemLife Bribie Island homeowners Patti Varga and Tony Jericevich had never visited New South Wales, they immediately set out to change that and show them around.
Both couples hired an Explore by GemLife motorhome to undertake the month-long journey which took them to some of the top tourist and scenic destinations in the state.
“Patti and Tony only came to Australia five years ago from South Africa and were really keen to see NSW, and we wanted to show them. I really enjoyed putting our itinerary together which included places we could stay, tourist spots to see, and attractions we could check out. It turned out to be the perfect mix and we all had such a good time,” said David.
The list of destinations visited was extensive and included places such as Mullumbimby, Tamworth, South West Rocks, Belmont, Kiama, Berry, Huskisson, Merimbula, Eden, Canberra, Mandurama, Katoomba, Hill End, and Sofala.
“There was something of interest everywhere we went, and we were able to stay a few nights in places like Canberra where Patti and Tony got to see Government House, the war memorial and the museum,” said Kerin.
At Tamworth, the country music enthusiasts visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and took in all the sights such as the large Golden Guitar in the town’s main street. They also stopped at the old gold mining town of Hill End, where Kerin explored one of the mines.
“It was fascinating, although a little scary as well. I couldn’t find anyone down there, so I kept walking and came across a skeleton, so I headed for the closest ladder to climb out again!” she said.
Patti and Tony enjoyed every moment of their NSW adventure and couldn’t pick a highlight, saying everywhere was so different and had its own magical appeal.
“Canberra was a beautiful city and Hill End was fascinating with all the old mines, but the best thing was being able to do the trip with our friends while enjoying the comfort of the motorhomes,” said Patti.
What’s it like travelling together in separate motorhomes?
“Travelling in pairs like we did was great. We had a lot of fun doing things together, took it in turns at cooking and shopping, and were able to all pile into one motorhome to play cards, dice games or have a chat. When it got hot, we sat outside. We always got sites next to each other and had one vehicle facing forward and the other facing the opposite way, so they opened onto each other. It was ideal,” said Patti.
Would they do it again? “You bet! We had a fantastic time and we all got along so well.”
Homeowners can find out more or book an Explore motorhome at GemLife.com.au/Explore