We took a quick weekend camping trip to test out the bikes with the gear. It was to be a easy ride using mostly bike paths from Wolli Creek to Sutherland (approx. 20km).  From there we would take the train to Kiama, and then a small local train to Berry.  Camping at the Berry Showgrounds for the night we would then ride out for a day trip to Seven Mile Beach (approx. 12km).  Despite getting prepared the night before it still took quite a while to get going. Unusual scraping noises had to be investigated, panniers to be rearranged, and finding bike paths took a bit of time.  Also getting used to how heavy the bikes were with all the gear, there were a couple of little hills near Sutherland that I was pushing the bike up! That said the bike paths near Wolli Creek are fantastic.  Well maintained, mostly separate from pedestrian paths and away from roads.  It was a stunning day.

Bike path going underneath the M5 highway, following the creek.

The bike paths were stunning running all the way from Brighton-Le-Sands to Taren Point, following the beaches most of the way.

Jumping on the Sutherland-Kiama train was ok for a bit, until a lady with a pram, a man with a suitcase and another bike came on! We had to stand with the bikes leaning on us so to be able to shift them quickly if needed for the other commuters. The Kiama-Berry train had only two carriages and an entire group of school kids on an excursion.  Lesson learned, try not to take two loaded tour bikes on a train at midday!

We set up camp at the Berry Showground Camping (approx. $9 for an unpowered site). This camping site has 48 powered and unpowered sites and is animal friendly. There are free hot showers (you’ll receive a door code once you check in), the local pool is located through the back gate (about $3.50).  Berry Train Station is just on the corner as well.  Berry is a beautiful heritage town with lots of unique shops and great local food.

Our little camp set up!

Berry Showgrounds

Just one of the beautiful heritage buildings in Berry.

The next day we cycled out to Seven Mile Beach.

Made it! Bike less heavy without the camping stuff, we brought our panniers with us though, but they were just filled with snacks, towels and a picnic rug.

The beach was gorgeous, it was an overcast day so there weren’t many swimmers, mainly surfers in wetsuits.

We just hung out on the picnic rug.

We mostly shopped for lunch and dinner ingredients at the local IGA supermarket, things like pasta, veggies, sausages, bread, ham and cheese and chocolate.  But on Saturday morning we treated ourselves to one of our favourite spots: Sourdough Bakery (109 Queen Street, open 7 days 7am-6pm)

Sunday morning we jumped on the train at 6.15am, to avoid as many people as possible.  Our bikes were right up near the door for the Kiama/Berry local train.  As it is only two carriages long, that was the only spot.  The train conductors were so nice to us though, and even helped lift the bikes.  It was so early there weren’t many people at all, and they were kind enough to use the door at the other end of the carriage.

Then all the way home to unpack and relax with plenty of time to spare!