Love an Aussie road trip

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[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip.

The wind in your hair, the sounds of nature, the long and winding roads.

OK, quick confession. I've never been on a road trip. I drove from Sydney to Adelaide once, with three mates for a debating tournament. 

And that was a trip...on a road. But it wasn't life changing.

So after what can only be described as a challenging year, I thought why not hit the road with my two daughters, Leah and her two kids. See some iconic sights, meet some locals, and connect with the Aussie spirit.

A mildly OCD, but otherwise completely disorganised, born and bred city slicker, taking four kids through rural Australia. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Sure, we'd planned where to sleep each night. Eyed off of a couple of must see attractions. Even told a few friends we were coming. 

But we also discovered the secret to a great road trip - is not over planning. Leaving room for the magic to happen, being brave enough to venture off the beaten path and meet some amazing characters.

So fasten your seat belts and join me, as I discover regional Australia with Leah and the kids.

Are we there yet?

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[Adam Spencer]:

Today, we meet a French rugby player turned winemaker with a passion for the Italian varieties. And the kids miraculously turn into mini Masterchefs at dinnertime.

G'day Mudgee!

Like most Australians, I love my food and wine. So it made sense for Mudgee to be first stop on our Aussie road trip.

Just over three hours from Sydney and we were nestled in nature, ready to take our tastebuds on a tour de monde and I met just the bloke to guide us.

So I would guess from the name, Jean-Francois, and from the accent, that you weren't born in Mudgee?

[Jean-Francois Esnault, Winemaker, Skimstone Wines]:

Nah mate, I usually say the joke that I'm from Townsville, but no one believes me. I'm from Bordeaux in southwest France.

[Adam Spencer]:

So, born in Bordeaux, now living in Mudgee, I get the impression you love this place and it's Mudgee forever for Jean-Francois?

[Jean-Francois Esnault]:

Yeah, ahhh...Mudgee... Mudgee is an amazing place. The wine community is amazing. I've got extremely good friends here. There there's a bit of a foodie scene around cheese, charcuterie, prosciutto, things like that. Olives. It's beautiful. No, I'm a happy man there. And my wife makes bread, so... can't keep a Frenchman happy if there's no bread!

[Adam Spencer]:

Why don't we go and try some of that bread and cheese right now?

[Jean-Francois Esnault]:

Let's do it.

So, yeah, that's the Cudgegong River just here. That's a little summer retreat when it's very hot in the vineyard, we come here to have a little picnic and drink some champagne and cool down a little bit.

[Adam Spencer]:

(Superb)

[Jean-Francois Esnault]:

And here we've got our picnic lined up. So you guys, please. Let's sit down. Let's eat.

I'm going to go forage. Anyone would like to come with me? All right guys, let's go.

[Adam Spencer]:

First stop into the road trip, and already we were surrounding ourselves in the beauty of the Aussie bush.

Now, the kids did not want to get their feet wet, but it didn't matter. We had the services of a gorgeous Gallic Loch Ness monster named Jean-Francois.

[Jean-Francois Esnault]:

OK, we've got everything, guys, so we can start making lunch. 

Fresh baguette - Mudgee Sourdough. And some watercress freshly picked for garnish. That's Grassland Chicken, smoked in local cherrywood. So you can have a little smell of that. It's pretty, pretty good.

[Kids:]

Oh, I can smell it from here.

[Adam Spencer]:

Relaxing by the Cudgegong River, enjoying home grown food and wine with our new bon ami Jean-Francois, it was magical. Something we definitely don't get to do in the city.

He also gave me a French perspective on what it means to be Australian.

[Jean-Francois Esnault]:

Australians are very supportive of each other. And that's something that's very heartwarming.

When in a time of need and we've seen it in the past few years between the droughts and bushfires and all of that, the Aussie spirit of turning around and saying, let's support my countrymen, it's a beautiful thing. I don't think I noticed that anywhere else, really.

[Adam Spencer]:

So I'd stumbled onto two of my great loves here in Mudgee, home grown food and Australian red wine. Ahhh!

If only there was a chance to play a game of chess. 

You're kidding me. Ellie, you're up! 

Huh huh baby, still got it!

From lockdowns to home schooling, we've seen more of each other this year than any year I can remember.

But I think this road trip's going to remind us just how important quality time is.

As the sun sets on our first day on the road, I'm drawn to the irony of how we can't get the kids to help cook at home. But on holiday, they turn into mini Maggie Beers and Luke Mangans.

The beauty of our road trip is embracing spontaneity. We've made friends for life with a fine Frenchman, Jean-Francois. We sat by a river we never knew existed. We're creating memories together, on this trip, that we'll talk about for years to come. And that's what it's all about.

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[Adam Spencer]:

Next stop, the world game. 

Some talented 10-year-olds show me I'm living in the past and I talk the FIFA Women's World Cup with a legendary voice of Australian sport. 

I love an Aussie road trip.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo]

[Adam Spencer]:

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, well it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

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[Adam Spencer]:

Today, we have a kick with our next generation of Socceroos and Matildas. And I realise I should stick to my day job and leave football to the talent of regional Australia. G'day Mudgee! 

On a road trip I like to ask a local where the Saturday cricket match or footy game is. I want to hear the beating heart of the community at its best, on the field. Meet the locals, hear their stories, unite or divide over sport. 

[Peter Mitchell, Club President, Mudgee Gulgong Wolves]:

Sport's Australian. If you don't support sport, you're not an Australian as far as I'm concerned. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Ummm... okay. 

Well, no one can doubt your passion Pete, could we perhaps dial it back a notch or two? 

[Peter Mitchell]:

It gives the kids something... an out to do something during the week. 

[Adam Spencer]:

That's a bit more like it. 

With so many famous Aussie athletes coming from the bush, Ellie and I were keen to check out the local talent. 

Now competitiveness runs in our family, so we decided to take a team each and game on. 

[Music]

One thing is clear. The kids of the Mudgee Gulgong Wolves love their football. 

But try as they might, these plucky 10-year-olds had nothing to compare to my silky skills. 

OK, half time. Well, I think it's pretty clear I'm the best player here. Just kick it to me. You get it. Kick it to me. You get it. Kick it to me. Throw-ins to me. Corners to me. Goal kicks to me. I can win this for us! Any questions? 

[Player:]

Yeah Adam... 

[Adam Spencer]:

Yes Rachel? 

[Player:]

You're not very good. What do you mean? I'm amazing. I'm the best... 

[Ellie:]

That old bloke over there... got nothing. It's not about the score guys, it's about having fun. Hands in, hands in. 

(Shouting) 

[Adam Spencer]:

With Diego Maradona and the 'Hand of God' in mind, I seized my chance. 

But that wasn't enough to get us over the line. 

With my ego bruised, local Mudgee legend and the voice of Australian sport, Kenny Sutcliffe, gave me a shoulder to cry on. 

[Kenny Sutcliffe, Australian sports journalist]:

We support one another. We look after one another. And that's what we do best in the bush. 

No one's going to sit around and watch you go down the tube. They're going to stick out a hand and say, let me give you a bit of a break. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Sport is a big part of this part of NSW, isn't it? 

[Kenny Sutcliffe]:

Always has been. It's a community thing. 

[Adam Spencer]:

And of course, in 2023, the Women's World Cup is coming to Australia. How great is that going to be? 

[Kenny Sutcliffe]:

Mate, I want tickets and I want to be there because I've seen the impact it has on the community. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Couldn't agree more Ken. 

So on your next road trip, make sure you check out some local sport. And who knows, we might have just found a future Matilda. 

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[Adam Spencer]:

Next stop, we go on a cycling safari, get up close with animals big and small, and reunite with some very old mates.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo with loveanaussieraodtrip.com.au]

[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip.

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, welll it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Today, we catch up with some friends from the Galapagos and learn about dating and mating in the wild.

G'day Dubbo!

We were a little bit excited about the next stop on the road trip, and I don't know if you can tell. That's because this Aussie gem in Dubbo holds a special place for the Spencers. And we couldn't wait to share it with Leah, Indi and Tai. 

Home to, count them, 771 animals from all around the world. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is big. And when I say big, I mean really big! Over 600 football fields big. 

We did our own Tour De Zoo and trust us cycling is definitely the way to get around here. 

We observed an impressive set of hippo's teeth. The whole gang got in on feeding some hungry rhinos. We cycled to all four corners of the zoo and still it wasn't possible to see it all. 

But the highlight of our visit, as is so often the case on a road trip, was to catch up with a couple of old mates. And what makes these old mates a little bit different is the fact that they could live to almost 200 years of age. I'm talking about Pena and Turbo. 

My kids and I are still loving the memories of six years ago when we first met these beautiful Galapagos Tortoises.

[Adam Spencer talking to Mel Frith, Keeper, Taronga Western Plains ZOo]:

I was lucky enough to meet these guys just after they were born. We're talking smaller than the palm of the hand. How old are they now? 

[Mel Frith]:

Pena and Turbo are six years old now. 

[Adam Spencer]:

We don't know yet at age six if they're boys or girls? 

[Mel Frith]:

No, not quite yet. Too small to tell. And the differences between male and female, visually, haven't come out yet. So usually by the time they're 15-years-old, we'll start to see those differences. 

[Adam Spencer]:

So it's not till they're 15 that you've really worked out if they're boys or girls or where they're at. 

[Mel Frith]:

Yep.

[Adam Spencer]:

I remember that feeling myself. 

[Mel Frith]:

(Laughs) 

[Adam Spencer]:

I do remember after I met the babies a few years ago, we came round to the general exhibition and a couple of Mr and Mrs Galapagos were sort of trying to do their bit for the breeding program. Reasonably noisy beasts when they go at it aren't they?

[Mel Frith]:

Very noisy! You definitely know when you turn up what's happening, it's a little awkward to explain sometimes. 

[Adam Spencer]:

My best impersonation would be a sort of... (grunts and noises) 

[Mel Frith]:

That's very good!

[Adam Spencer]:

That's sort of it? 

[Mel Frith]:

Yeah.

[Adam Spencer]:

And my daughters, who are cringing right now, at the time I remember the younger one looked over and realised what was going on. 

And she said, "Dad, that that's so inappropriate what they're doing." 

But it's so important, isn't it, that we keep breeding these beautiful animals. 

[Mel Frith]:

It's very important. They are classified as a vulnerable species, so to be able to contribute to a breeding program in captivity is really important so that we can keep those numbers up. 

[Adam Spencer to Carolene Magner, Keeper, Taronga Western Plains Zoo]:

There seems to be a lot of baby making going on around the zoo at the moment. What are some of the things you have to get just right if two hippos are going to get friendly? 

[Carolene Magner]

Basically, it's like internet dating. So sometimes a studbook keeper looks after one particular species and then they match their genetics to get the best genetic diversity out of the offspring. So that's all done by a computer and sometimes.... 

[Adam Spencer]:

Swipe left, swipe right, that sort of thing? Go out for a couple of coffees, see if there's anything there. 

[Carolene Magner]

Absolutely. Yeah. So we do have to orchestrate and tweak our introduction plans to make the chemistry right. 

[Adam Spencer]:

We were so happy to show Leah and the kids around a place that is so special to us. 

And I love that it's just a short drive away. 

[Adam Spencer talking to the tortoises]:

Good to catch up with you guys too! See you again in 100 years. 

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[Adam Spencer]:

Next stop, we turn our attention from the road to the skies to meet some true Australian heroes. 

I love an Aussie road trip.

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[Adam Spencer]:

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, well it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

It started as a wild idea almost a century ago and now travels to the moon and back 34 times a year, saving Aussie lives. Strap yourselves in as we say - g'day Dubbo! 

I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of ragged mountain ranges... (noise of falling off motorbike) 

Urgh, yes, and ah, gruesome accidents in the outback. And that's where these Aussie heroes come in. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service. Imagine you're living in remote Australia. The nearest doctor is hours away and you're in trouble. Big trouble. Who are you going to call? A bush ambulance? Well, thankfully, it's not this that's coming for you. It's this! An emergency unit in the air. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service cares for 1000 people every day over the almost eight million square kilometres of Australia. And the visitors experience is an important stop right here in Dubbo. It's also the perfect place to give us all some perspective on a road trip like ours. 

As Australians, we pride ourselves on our ability to pull each other through the hard times. 

And these guys are risking their own lives to fly out to the furthest corners of the country to help everyday Aussies in their darkest hour. And it happens more frequently than you'd think. Every two minutes, somewhere in Australia, somebody rings the Flying Doctor. Every two minutes. 

So in the time it takes you to watch this video, there's every chance someone has reached out to the Flying Doctors for help. Like former patient and volunteer Noel, who owes his life to them. 

[Former patient and volunteer Noel:]

So I've had two flights in the Flying Doctor, one in a bit of a hurry. So I repay them by volunteering out here. It means everything. That's why I'm here today. The Flying Doctor is the Aussie spirit. That's what it's all about.

[Adam Spencer]:

Good on you Noel. The Royal Flying Doctor Service owes its existence to thousands of Australians who donate or volunteer like this bush survivor. 

And Chief Medical Officer Randall Greenburg reckons a lot of it comes down to mateship. 

[Randall Greenburg, Chief Medical Officer, Royal Flying Doctor Service:]

This is a charity. Yes, we've got some government funding, but all of the funding from this visitor centre and donations, that actually keeps it going and that, that is part of mateship. That is part of us looking after each other. So, it's not just me going out to pick them up. It's actually the people that donate so that we can do it. So it's the whole community doing it, to provide health care, all sorts of health care, to the people of the bush. 

[Adam Spencer]:

So on your next road trip through Dubbo, do your bit to support the Flying Doctors. Go and check out the visitor's experience. You never know, your visit might be the difference that helps somebody like Noel.

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[Adam Spencer]:

Next our road trip heads into space, as I feed my inner nerd with somehigh tech in the middle of nowhere. And we meet a local legend uniting people through art.

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[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip. 

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, well it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Today, it's one giant leap for our road trip as we meet the Aussie hero of the moon landing and a local artist whose work is featured on our dollar coin. Commence countdown. Hello, Parkes! 

On day four, we swung through a gorgeous part of New South Wales, which was also an awesome place to break up our road trip. It's the home of the Elvis Festival. Hubba hubba. But many people don't know the crucial role this place played in one of humanity's most incredible moments. Welcome to Parkes. 

Sister city of Coventry in the UK. Now don't get me wrong, Coventry rocks. But can it boast the slick piece of engineering that helped us view the most famous moment in human history? 

[Recording of Neil Armstrong's moon landing:]

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Back in your box, Coventry. Today, we're visiting the CSIRO Parkes Radio observatory, known to millions as The Dish. 

I've always thought that it's an innate part of the human condition to look towards the skies and wonder, 'what is going on out there?' 

Well, thanks to Aussie ingenuity, we've looked at the skies not just with our eyes, but with some of the greatest devices the world has ever built, including The Dish. 

And I think the only person more excited than myself about the Apollo 11 moon landing and Australia's role in the mission is CSIRO's Operations Scientist John Sarkissian. 

[John Sarkissian, Operations Scientist, CSIRO Parkes Radio Observatory:]

We were one of three stations around the globe actually detecting, receiving the signal. But when they switched to Parkes, the picture was so much better, they stayed with Parkes for the remainder.

So the world was able to witness that historic moonwalk with the greatest possible clarity, thanks to the Parkes telescope and to the Australian engineers and astronomers who worked here. 

And on that day in 1969, Australia showed the world what it was capable of. 

[Adam Spencer]:

It's truly an icon of Australian science. And parents, you'll love this. The observatory is a device free zone. 

This powerful telescope could detect a mobile phone on the surface of the moon. So I'm sorry, kids, you can take selfies, but you can't post them. 

And here's a little bit of trivia for you. Despite what you saw in the hit movie The Dish, they never actually played cricket up there. But the gaffer type markings used as stumps in the movie still remain. 

Whilst John continued to feed my inner nerd with talk of Azimuth jacks and Solar time, the kids satisfied their inner hunger with the world famous Dish pies. 

Parkes, and the surrounding region, sits proudly on Wiradjuri land. And it's an incredible community. 

The Wiradjuri language is taught in public schools, and it's a real example of how modern and ancient Australia can coexist. 

Someone who can speak to this is local Peak Hill artist Sauce Towney. His work has featured on everything from a one dollar coin to the famous Parkes art trail. 

[Sauce Towney, Artist:]

The multicultural society that we've got now, you know, it broadens the spirit even more. And it brings a lot more together, I think. 

So to share that with more people and they bring their own little Australian spirit into this world too - into this area. Well that's awesome!

I think that that's awesome. And more of us get together and bring people together and, and share it all. That's one of the reasons why I'm doing the Wiradjuri patterns. 

[Adam Spencer]:

And just a few weeks after we visited, it was announced that the newly Heritage Listed Dish was gifted a traditional Wiradjuri name, Murriyang. What a great decision to honour the world's first ever astronomers. 

So next time you're in Parkes, pop into Murriyang and join the ancient tradition of looking to the skies and wondering.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo]

Next up, us city slickers get our hands dirty with farm work and visit some old family friends. And I sit with a mate on a boulder. Trust me, it rocks.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo with loveanaussieroadtrip.com.au]

[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip. 

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, welll it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Today we are welcomed with open arms by a mate who's taken the family bush. And we city slickers hang with some sheep. Well, well, Wellington. 

They say sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. Well, that's certainly the case on our Aussie road trip.

There's nothing like a few hours on the road to listen to some music, brush up on some TikTok moves and crack out a few vintage dad jokes. 

Why would you never die of starvation in the desert? 

[Adam's daughter]:

Why? 

[Adam Spencer]:

Because of all the sand which is there! (Laughing)

[Adam's daughter]:

No! That was so bad... 

[Adam Spencer]:

Sand. Which - is - there. Sandwiches there. 

[Adam's daughter]:

Ohh we know...that's so bad... 

[Adam Spencer]:

My mate Tom pulled up sticks a year ago. And, looking for a tree change, and perhaps a happier life - moved his family to Wellington, slap bang in the heart of New South Wales. 

This is Tom's property just over a year ago, ravaged by drought, like thousands of other properties around the country. 

We had no idea what awaited us on Tom's farm, but it was part of the road trip we simply couldn't miss. 

Well, what a difference 12 months makes. To the land, to my mate and to his family. 

[Tom Power, Farmer:]

This is my family farm. So my family moved out here in 1978, I went away to school as a lot of people did out here and never really returned. I bought it off them probably 15 years ago. And so it's something we've always wanted to come out and bring the kids out and experience what it's like to grow up on a farm.

Wellington's a bit of a secret gem. It's blessed with natural beauty. 

Just over the ridge over there, we've got Burrendong Dam, which is three times the size of Sydney Harbour. We've also got the Wellington caves here, again, often overlooked by people.

But when they do take the time to stop in and have a look, they're always blown away by exactly how big and how amazing they are. 

[Adam Spencer]:

One of the things I wanted to explore on this road trip was that I've considered myself like as city slicker as they get, but everyone knows someone - they went to primary school, high school, uni with, the next door neighbour - who now lives in the middle of nowhere. 

If you go and catch up with them, want an experience - my kids were doing things this afternoon on that farm that you couldn't put a price on it as an experience? 

[Tom Power:]

Oh, there's no doubt about that whatsoever. They are priceless experiences and it's great for those kids to have that sort of a childhood. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Life on the land is a big part of the Australian story. And it can be very thirsty work at times. 

Now while I don't speak sheep all that fluently. I have spoken with plenty of people on our road trip so far about the Aussie spirit. 

So many people talk about a sense of camaraderie, which it turns out really come to the aid of my mate when he fled the city. 

[Tom Power:]

A family moves to a country town like this, and despite the fact that the farmers out here are absolutely, completely busy, they are more than happy to lend a hand.

They're not precious about the information that they've got or the type of sheep that they've got or the way in which they farm. 

They're really, really happy to see someone else succeed, particularly someone who's as novice as I am at farming. 

[Adam Spencer]:

You told me you were going to come here for a year. I get the impression you're not going back in the immediate future. 

[Tom Power:]

It's amazing how quickly things change and how quickly the kids are settled into schools and life out here and how much they actually really do genuinely love being out here, riding their motorbikes around and meeting new people and having a totally different lifestyle to one which was on the beach. 

[Adam Spencer]:

It's great to catch up mate. 

Likewise, really good to see you mate. 

[Tom Power:]

And thanks for coming out and taking the time coming and visiting us. 

[Adam Spencer]:

So next time you're on a road trip, look up an old mate or check out a farmstay. There's a beautiful patch of Australia just waiting for you.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo]

[Adam Spencer]:

Join me and the gang next time as we go on a kayaking adventure that can only be described as wet and slightly wild... Strap yourself in for a...yeah... not all that scary ride.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo with loveanaussieroadtrip.com.au]

[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip. If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, welll it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Today we ride the rapids of an iconic Australian river and we indulge in some classic bush hospitality with Sherri the Sherrin. G'day Gloucester!

I've always said there's a big difference between being what anyone else would call lost, and I like to call geographically fluid.

But a warning to those of you who, like me, have become wedded to our smartphones and GPS - phones don't work in the middle of nowhere. You should really have an idea of where you're going before you set out.

We are making long term memories on this road trip. But in 2021, you know what they say. If you didn't capture it with a selfie, it didn't happen. I didn't realise I was on tour with the Kardashians.

What better way to show the kids of today how spoiled they are with their fancy pants digital devices than a good old fashioned human sundial? Minutes and seconds of fun. (Laughing)

Today is all about the great outdoors, incredible Aussie locations and some of the most picturesque countryside around, forged out of all things, a volcanic eruption some 68 million years ago in what is now central New South Wales. This is the Barrington River.

After a briefing from the local version of the 'Solo Man', we were ready to go and test ourselves on those rapids. Brian got us practising paddling, without paddles, for three or four hours before trusting us with plastic in hand. 

Now don't let Ellie's backwards kayaking fool you, she's not off to the Olympics. She had absolutely no idea  what she was doing. That's it, darling. Fake it until you make it. Ditto for Leah. 

Brian doesn't just give those thumbs up away. You have to earn them. This is clearly kayaking of a level he has rarely seen on these famous waters. 

[Adam Spencer while in the kayak]:

That's not funny Leah, we're about to capsize here so please don't laugh. Ok you go... Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go.

Get out of our way because we can't... I can't control us! Don't panic. 

We're fine. We're fine sweetheart... 

[Adam Spencer]:

Okay. 

So maybe the thumbs up from Brian was a bit premature. But luckily enough, there was some mountain biking on offer for those with the energy. 

And just when we thought we'd had enough activity for the day, we happened upon the Aussiest backyard I've seen in a long time. Complete with sheep and a goalpost!

It was the perfect opportunity for our beloved Sherri the Sherrin, the seventh member of our road trip, to enjoy a little family activity. 

And a big thanks to the kind hearted farmer who waved us in and drove off. We didn't even get his name. Talk about awesome Aussie spirit. I bloody love this country.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo]

[Adam Spencer]:

Next stop, we'll visit some furry hospital patients. I get challenged to a bush fight by a very handsome devil. And who says that in Australia you can't find camels, on a beach?

[Love an Aussie road trip logo with loveanaussieroadtrip.com.au]

[Adam Spencer]:

I love an Aussie road trip. 

If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, well it doesn't get much better than Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Today I meet my long lost marsupial cousin and country legend John Williamson. Well, kind of... you'll see. And the kids take to the sand dunes for a bumpy ride. G'day Port Macquarie!

As we prepare to point our car to the coast for the final stretch of our road trip adventure. We caught up with some amazing Aussie wildlife, some famous, some lesser known. Does anything say Australia more than seeing a koala in a gum tree?

Sleeping, eating, sleeping, having a scratch, sleeping or...yeah, sleeping?

Don't get me wrong, I love a good kip. But these eucalyptus munching snooze machines could sleep for Australia. They do it for up to 22 hours a day. 

Last summer showed us the tremendous ravages of bushfire on koala populations.

And here at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, they're all about looking after sick and injured koalas and rehabilitating them back to health. 

Cheyne Flanagan is the Clinical Director. But she's not just any old koala wrangler. She addressed the United Nations on 2020 World Environment Day about the impact of the savage bushfire season on koalas and other wildlife. So when Cheyne talks about koalas, you'd do well to listen. 

And an interesting fact, bushfires aren't actually the main reason most of Cheyne's patients are here. 

[Cheyne Flanagan, Clinical Director, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital]:

Most of our patients are chlamydia patients, followed by hit by cars and attacked by dogs. And then there's a number of other ones. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Don't get me wrong, I was loving my chat with Cheyne, but it suddenly took a turn for the awesome. (Koala grunting)

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

It's the depth of your voice.

[Adam Spencer]:

(Yeah)

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

He's hearing. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Really? 

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

He's challenging you. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Bring it on! Well, let's get to Evans Head CW. And it's not unusual here for the koalas to have two names - both the name and where they're from. What's Evans Head CW do to wile away his hours? 

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

Well, Evans Head CW is on mating duties. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Yeah, dude! 

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

So, umm, yes... 

[Adam Spencer]:

Mainly because of the voice? He's the sort of Barry White of the koala collective. 

[Cheyne Flanagan]:

He's the Barry White, yeah. And he's clinically clean, that's why. And he's got an eye missing, but the rest of him's fine.

[Adam Spencer]:

A wonky eye with a deep voice and popular with the ladies. I love this guy.

There's even a koala wing named after their patron. Country music icon John Williamson. Doesn't get any more true blue than that. 'Hey True Blue' than that. 

[John Williamson;s "Hey True Blue' music plays]

[Adam Spencer]:

While I was comparing notes with the master and Liv was getting the obligatory selfie, Leah and the rest of the crew went to catch some waves at a nearby beach, but they caught some camels instead. 

Most Aussie beaches offer great surf, but this - wow! Hairy, sweaty, to be honest, a bit stinky. 

These long haul trucks of the outback used to carry pianos, bales of wool, mining equipment, you name it.

So I'm pretty sure that lugging Leah and the kids around beats the old school back breaking kind of work. 

And it turns out with camels, once they're up and going, it's all smooth clomping. But the launch procedure and sitting back down, well, that can be a bit of fun. 

So if I can offer a piece of advice, of course, it takes a bit of planning, but make sure you leave some time on your Aussie road trip to stumble onto the unexpected. 

You never know what or who you might run into. Am I right, CW? Bro? Yeah, yeah, yeah? Left me hanging.

[Love an Aussie road trip logo]

[Adam Spencer]:

Our Aussie road trip is almost over. 

Next, we visit one of Leah's favourite holiday spots, connect with Indigenous culture. And I show I'm just as bad at beach cricket as I am at football. 

[Love an Aussie road trip logo with loveanaussieroadtrip.com.au]

[Adam Spencer]:
I love an Aussie road trip. If you're loving the Aussie spirit that we've encountered on this road trip, well it doesn't get much better than 
Australia's best talent uniting for the annual Australia Day Broadcast. Catch it on your ABC, 26 January, 7.30pm AEDT.

[Animation: #loveanaussieroadtrip with Adam Spencer]

[Adam Spencer]:

Our final stop is one of Leah's favourite coastal getaways. And you'll see if I'm truly the Bradman of the beach. South West Rocks, rocks! 

We've saved the best for last. Stunning South West Rocks is a special laidback part of the New South Wales coast, perfect for a beach getaway. It's also a well-loved annual holiday spot for Leah and her kids. 

My girls and I we're looking forward to feeling the sand between our toes and getting to know this seaside gem with them. 

After 10 days and almost 2000 kilometres on the road, the kids were weirdly enthusiastic about starting our visit at the Trial Bay Gaol. 

[Kids]:

Welcome to the trial of Adam and Leah. 

Adam makes the worst dad jokes all the time. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Absolutely not guilty. My dad jokes are awesome. They are so funny.

What about the one - we were driving past the cemetery? 

I said, 'That's really popular.' 

You said, 'Is it?' 

I said, 'People are dying to get in there!'

Bang! 

While Leah and I did some hard time, the kids took in Australia's most scenic gaol. 

It took 13 years to build and finally opened in 1886. It was even used as an internment camp in World War One. 

The scenery is nice, but meeting the locals even better. 

Ellie and Tai were keen to brush up on their surfing skills. And who better to get them shredding the waves than longboard legend, Belen Fuller. 

Surfing is one of those things, that like someone like myself to trying to stand up on a board for virtually the first time past the age of 50, remarkably hard, the younger kids start, the easier and the better, it seems? 

[Belen Kimble Fuller, Owner and Coach, Salty Girls Surf School]:

Oh they're so agile, and their bodies pick it up so much easier. 

[Adam Spencer]:

Little low centre of gravity... 

[Belen Kimble Fuller]:

Low centre of gravity and they have fun. They're not taking themselves serious. And that's the big, beautiful thing about this. 

It's the one thing that you can have conversations with any person in the world because it's the ocean and we all can kind of relate to water somehow. 

[Adam Spencer]:

A lesson from a pro surfer made all the difference. The kids were at home on the waves in no time. 

I, on the other hand, have a policy of not taking on waves under 12 foot. So I left it to the kids. 

Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

But I would definitely recommend booking a surfing lesson for the kids on your road trip. They'll be stoked. 

And does anything, say, an Aussie summer more than a game of beach cricket? 

Regardless of what version you play, six and out in the ocean, can't get out first ball. One thing is for certain. Even when they're playing against 11-year-olds, middle aged pretenders get the fantasy voice in their heads. 

I think it's just perfect that a famous game of Aussie beach cricket, here at the beautiful South West Rocks on the magnificent New South Wales mid-north coast, is the way we draw stumps on our great Aussie road trip. 

We've had the best time. We've caught up with friends. Been to places we've always wanted to be. Been to some places we've never heard of! Hopefully brought a few laughs, a bit of fun and some much needed mullah to beautiful parts of this lovely country. 

I hope I've also encouraged you to go on your own great Australian road trip. I might see you on the road. 

Until then - over and out! 

So from our families to yours, happy Australia Day, and here's to a ripper 2021!

[Jeremy Fernandez:]

And look who we have here now, it's the host of Love and Aussie Road Trip, Adam Spencer. Good to see you, mate. How are you?

[Adam Spencer:]

Australia's most scrumptious newsreader, Jeremy Fernandez, give him a big round of applause. Isn't he doing an amazing job, ladies and gentlemen? Great to be here, mate.

[Jeremy Fernandez:]

Good to see you. Now, it looks like you had a smashing time down there.

[Adam Spencer:]

It was incredible. My lovely girlfriend, Leah, and I decided, let's take our two plus two equals four kids, Ellie, Olivia, Indie, Tai, throw him in a car, go on a road trip around New South Wales. Six people, 10 days, 3000 kilometers. What could possibly go wrong?

We had a wonderful time as we smashed our way through Mudgee, Dubbo, Parkes, Gloucester, Wellington, Barrington Tops, South West Rocks.

I'm here to tell you, rural and regional Australia is where it's at.

[Jeremy Fernandez:]

Tell me what your particular highlights were.

[Adam Spencer:]

And look, as a group of six just coming together, that sense of communion was wonderful and coming together and connecting with community.

As they said we've already talked about in this broadcast, we're talking areas that have had a tough last twelve months.

And as clichéd as it is that Aussie spirit, that resilience, that warmth, we were welcomed into towns, into restaurants, into cafes, into sporting places, into farms and people's homes and form memories for life.

A few highlights, I totally geeked out at the Dish, that was unbelievable.

The kids rode camels in Port Macquarie and a group of 10 year old soccer players in Mudgee absolutely made me look like an old hack. That's the way it goes.

The message of Love on Aussie Road Trip is next time you get to plan something, get out there in the beautiful rural and regional areas of this wonderful country.