What is this you might ask? I know I did!
I was introduced to these in Kangaroo Valley - it’s a finger lime, or caviar lime. They have recently become more popular here as a ‘gourmet bushfood’ and grow in the lowland subtropical rainforest and rainforest areas of coastal Queensland and New South Wales. The globular juice vesicles (also known as pearls) have been likened to a “lime caviar” which can be used as a garnish or added to recipes. The fruit juice is acidic and similar to that of a lime, but not as tart.
My new, most favourite Australian breakfast - passionfruit and finger lime on yoghurt - so delicious!!
Some gorgeous scenery at Kangaroo Valley!
Flying foxes (bats) play a crucial role in the Australian eco-system by being one of the most efficient pollinators and seed dispensers of native Australian forest trees. They can fly long distances each night (up to 50 kms) distributing pollen and seeds throughout the forests and vegetation. There was definitely no shortage of flying foxes here in Kangaroo Valley.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Kangaroo Valley, built in 1888.
Kangaroo Valley Public School opened in 1884 and the original school building, seen here, is still a part of the current school structure.
The Kangaroo Valley courthouse was built in 1910 of local stone. The asymmetrical main building includes a residence and lock-up as well as the courthouse itself.
Some of the old buildings on the Main Street
How can you not have a meal at “The Friendly Hotel”?
The back patio was a great place to have a drink…
…and have a fun time with friends.
Church of the Good Shepherd (Anglican) was built in 1872.
Wild iris
Here’s an interesting wine bottle! Made out of 100% recycled plastic (and of course recyclable itself), and the shape allows for easier storage than round bottles.
Unfortunately I didn’t see one, but wombats live here … there are signs everywhere.
Hampton Bridge in Kangaroo Valley is a 77m long suspension bridge, built out of local sandstone. It was opened in 1898, just six days before floods washed the old, decaying, timber truss bridge which originally spanned the Kangaroo River, away.
The Kangaroo River is 47 kms long and is named because of the abundance of kangaroos that live near where it flows.
That’s not us, but we put our kayaks in at this same spot.
And here we are, just before we set off. It was a gorgeous paddle - I didn’t take my camera, for fear of it getting wet, but my friends were braver and shared some photos.
A couple of MANY water dragons we saw along the way.
Here we are, the four of us having a great time!
Some magnificent reflections on the glass-like Kangaroo River.
Further down the river it was wider, more exposed, and we had to paddle harder against the wind. Still lots of fun though.
A friend of a friend lives very simply in an old bus in Kangaroo Valley, and looks out onto this amazing view!
After our kayaking adventure we left Kangaroo Valley and headed back to the coast. Bellambi Beach is in north Wollongong and I had time for one last swim before saying good-bye to my Point Clare friends. I have certainly had a wonderful time with them!!
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