After two hours in Coffs Harbour, I decided to cancel one night. I assumed there is not much going on and it would be waste of time. I was right, Muttonbird Island and the harbour was all. Oh well, I did
another walk through Coffs Creek, before I caught the bus the following day. As expected, the bus was late and so I arrived also later in Port Macquarie. Before I got off the bus, another guest (local) and the driver had a big discussion about swearing. Anyhow, I asked the driver where the YHA is. He didn’t know and says i should ask the local guy. I think he knew only one backpackers in Port Macquarie, which was in another direction of mine. But i didn’t know either, so i trusted him. When I arrived at the mentioned hostel, i saw that he’s wrong. So, I asked a guy across the road for
the right way. He sent me also in another direction, which i found out later, when i stood in front of a Thai take-away / dine-in restaurant. The answer from a guest was ‘it’s on the other end of town, mate’.
I was so depressed, that i called the YHA and explained the situation. According to my notes the reception would close at 9 pm. It’s already 8 pm, when i called him. I also assumed that i would need
another hour to get there, but he says he’s waiting for me. Next question, how do i get there as fast as possible with all my heavy luggage!? I needed a ride. It took me a few cars until a nice guy stopped and offers to bring me to the right place. My assumption was right, it would have taken me another hour to get there, if there hasn’t been Steven. I think this hostel was the smallest, i’ve ever
checked in on my trip around Australia. Just a bit more than two decades of beds, a small kitchen & a restroom. Really nice! I also had one day to discover Port Macquarie, which was enough, though. The day started with loads of sun, where I decided to walk one of the nice walks in and around the Port. Before I went back to the hostel for lunch, I bought some fresh veggies, drunk a coffee latte with soy milk talked to Steffi. I wanted to meet her in Newcastle on sunday. The next point on my program should be a visit at Koala Hospital. I was a bit late for the guided tour, but found the group and joined them for the rest.
Done! The sun was still behind the clouds, so my return way along the beach wasn’t that nice. It would have been better with more sun. Anyway, can’t have it all!
Now, since three days I’m in Newcastle and looking for a job. Made my decision to look here and not in Sydney. The train ticket from here to Sydney is just eight bugs. Means it doesn’t matter when my traveller pass from Greyhound expire in February. It’s not much loss, as it would have been from Mount Tamborine.
So, cross your fingers for me, that i’ll have a job till end of this week. The good thing is, that i’ve started working (two hours) for free accommodation yesterday. 
Best greetings from windy Newcastle
Kat
