I awoke at 7 am in the rest stop located 20 kilometers north of Woolgoolga. My goal for the day was to reach Port Macquarie, a town renowned for its beaches, wildlife, and historical penal colony. After getting up, I headed to the gas station for a quick stop and then made the decision to hit the road. However, ongoing road works caused a traffic jam, momentarily disrupting my journey. While road construction was a common sight on the route to Sydney, this particular delay proved to be especially inconvenient due to the resulting traffic congestion.
My Second Traffic Jam in Australia
After opting not to endure the highway traffic jam, I decided to exit and find a town for breakfast, although I can’t recall the exact location. A shopping mall conveniently situated next to the highway caught my attention, and I headed to Subway for breakfast. While at the mall, I took a leisurely stroll and eventually purchased some ice from Coles supermarket. I emptied the water from my cooling box and replaced it with the ice. Resuming my journey, I re-entered the highway queue. This marked my second encounter with a traffic jam in Australia, following the one I experienced after leaving Brisbane a few days ago. After enduring a 30-minute wait, the traffic gradually began to move again, allowing me to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour and cover some distance.
Opting to bypass Coffs Harbour, I headed straight to Port Macquarie. By noon, I reached the town and took a drive around to familiarize myself with the surroundings. I stopped at the information center to inquire about the city’s library, as I was seeking access to power and Wi-Fi. Spending a total of 2 hours at the library, I was impressed by its spacious and clean environment. What stood out was the library’s unlimited free Wi-Fi, a feature not commonly found, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Having faced an upload failure for the website yesterday, I managed to resolve the issue today, bringing a sense of relief.
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Following my time at the library, I decided to explore Tacking Point Lighthouse in Port Macquarie. Although my initial online research didn’t reveal promising views, I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival. The vantage point offered breathtaking scenery, even on a cloudy day with comfortable temperatures. Fortunately, a parking spot opened up as someone left, and I seized the opportunity, considering there were only four free spots available. Capturing the picturesque surroundings through photos, I then settled on a bench to relish the solitude, savoring a coke and chocolate. The tranquility of the location, devoid of any crowds, added to the enjoyment of the moment.
Following my visit to the lighthouse, I had planned to explore a national park south of Port Macquarie, but the weather took a turn with a light drizzle. Adjusting my plans, I decided to spend some time in the library. An hour later, I took a stroll inside the mall and sought out a supermarket for some small snacks. After completing my mall routine, I attempted to find a shower, but my search proved futile. To address this, I discovered a sleeping spot that offered showers for 4 dollars. Located 50 kilometers south of Port Macquarie, I left the town to reach this facility.
Approximately an hour later, I reached the Royal Hotel in Kew, situated just before the town entrance. I parked my car and inquired about the possibility of staying overnight. Initially, I believed there might be a fee of 10 dollars, but to my surprise, there was none. Furthermore, they informed me that I could access their showers as long as I made a purchase. Agreeing to this, I returned to my car to retrieve fresh clothes and a towel.
The Royal Hotel in Kew
As night fell, visibility was scarce when I reached the first floor of the hotel. The dimly lit corridor bore a striking resemblance to the eerie settings often featured in horror movies, evoking memories of films like The Shining. However, the atmosphere here was even more unsettling due to the outdated decor. The Royal Hotel lacked a modern touch, and the cafe/dinner area had the ambiance of an American western bar. The overall feel of the hotel’s first floor was eerie and unsettling, reminiscent of the haunting environments explored in youth TV shows like ‘Scary but True,’ where people embarked on ghost hunts in abandoned places such as hospitals or prisons. This location seemed fitting for such a scripted TV show.
The bathroom and toilets were situated at the end of an unlit hallway, prompting me to regret not having my camera to capture the unique corridors. After a brief three-minute search, I managed to locate the light switch in the bathroom. Fortunately, the shower was clean, alleviating my primary concern. Given the apparent age of the Royal Hotel, which I estimated to be from around 1960, the sink and faucets exuded a vintage charm, reminiscent of fixtures in my grandparents’ house. As I revise this in 2024, I’ve learned that the hotel has a history dating back to 1891. The rooms displayed on the website appear to be well-renovated, making it seem like a safe choice for booking now.
A Rough Night
Following my shower, I opted for a meal in the restaurant—a $10 hamburger. I took advantage of the power supply to charge my phone, returning to my car an hour later to jot down some blog articles. Attempting to get some rest around 11 pm, I endured a difficult night and found sleep elusive. The thought crossed my mind—perhaps this hotel was haunted after all.
