Maria caught the train from Chatswood to Strathfield; i met her opposite Strathfield Station. Fortunately, I managed to get a park in front of Oliver Browns, so we had a quick coffee and then we were on our way.
We drove into Goulburn and then detoured to Crookwell. On the road into Crookwell you now see many wind turbines. This has caused disquiet in country areas a recent Four Corners programme highlighted the fact that some neighbours now don’t speak to each other. There are those who are opposed to the turbines, and those who are happy to have them on their land for a fee.
The time was moving on so, we were fortunate that the bakery was still open. We had late lunch here, and then went on to Lindner sock factory in Crookwell. We both bought a lovely merino woollen scarf; mine was cream and Maria’s, heritage red. On each visit to Crookwell i usually purchase colourful socks.
We arrived at the Grand Mercure, Goulburn late afternoon to check in. We decided on dinner in the Edge Restaurant, as it was too cold to go out.
Tuesday morning, July 9 2024 we left the Hotel at 945 is to have a look at some of the beautiful buildings in Goulburn. After a frittata and a morning coffee in the Park Restaurant in the main street, we walked across to the park. The stunning Court Building was opposite the park.
A lady stopped us in the street for a chat .She was a retired Art teacher, of American background, who had lived in Goulburn for many years. She moved from Sydney to Goulburn as she loved the town. She had watched me photographing the beautiful buildings and said that this is what attracted her to Goulburn. And she mentioned that Goulburn had a wonderful Regional Art Gallery.
She proudly told Maria and i, that she lived in a heritage listed cottage. She suggested that we have a look at the churches. The Anglican Church was not open. However the Catholic Cathedral was open and showed off its majesty of its $8million renovation. We noted Rosas Café nearby.
At almost 11:45am we left for Yass. On the way into Yass we noticed substantial work happening on the right hand side of the road. I checked with one of the locals, who said that the area is for 400 houses to be built here.
The source told me that this area was on its 3rd clearing, something which the locals fail to understand. The area floods and the locals have questioned its suitability for housing.
We called into my favourite shop in Yass, Merchant Campbell. Lunch followed in a café where i enjoyed a wonderful beef pie with sweet potato .and Maria enjoyed her coffees. After late lunch, we drove on to Gundagai arriving at about 4pm. We enjoyed the beautiful countryside along the way-cattle one side and sheep the other. Fortunately the bakery was still open in Gundagai, so we grabbed a coffee.
Off to our motel where we unpacked what we needed, and then off to our dinner at the Ex Serviceman’s Club.
Wednesday morning July 10 2024 we had breakfast at the art deco Café Niagara in Sheridan Street, Gundagai. It was very busy, and the regulars were all welcomed by name! On the wall is a framed photo and article about John Curtin dining along with his War Cabinet in 1942, in the restaurant, late at night. There are a number of interesting photos on the wall. And in the front window is the 2023 National Trust Heritage Award, which was awarded to Café Niagara for their renovations.
I chatted to an elderly couple sitting near the window. The lady told me that “her mother had been Curtin “s secretary, and what a lovely man he was.”
We had a look at the old Railway Station in Gundagai, which is now a museum. Unfortunately, it was closed. We looked at the viaduct, and went to the Tourism Centre to view Rusconi’s Marble Masterpiece. The Tourism Centre is being rebuilt, so there was no access allowed.
So we then drove to Junee, one hour away to visit the Junee Chocolate and Liquorice Factory. It was school holidays, and was very busy with visitors. I had a milk chocolate drink and Maria had dark chocolate- very decadent .We made some purchases, and decided to go to town for lunch. I had a lovely lunch at the café on Junee Railway Station and Maria enjoyed her coffees. The Sydney to Melbourne trains stop here in Junee, and Junee to Melbourne is a convenient 5 hours.
In the afternoon, we paid a visit to the Junee Roundhouse Museum. The development of Junee was dictated by the railways. The Roundhouse is one of the few surviving working roundhouses in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built between 1942 and 1947. Half of the roundhouse is used for maintenance and reconditioning locomotives and rolling stock. The other half is the Roundhouse Museum which was opened in 1996.
The museum displays steam and diesel locomotives along with some passenger carriages. It is home to the only NSW accident train which included a steam crane built for the US Army in the 1940’s. And the most wonderful model railway, which was donated by a former local resident, is on display. Big kids and little kids will love it –it is amazing.
Maria and i, had dinner in Lotts Hotel in Sheridan Street, Gundagai. I enjoyed the most wonderful cutlets and vegetables, Maria had fish, chips and salad . And for desert, we both had rhubarb pie something that my late mother used to make. The pub was very busy when we arrived. However, as it was cold, people left after a meal or their few drinks. Or as the publican said “they come in and do what they have to and leave.”
Thursday morning July 11 2024 we woke to heavy fog and 5 degrees. Again we frequented the Café Niagara for breakfast. We left Gundagai at about 11am to visit the Dog on the Tuckerbox and to take some photographs.
We drove onto Yass for petrol and an early lunch. And then back down the Hume Highway to Goulburn for a well -deserved stop at the Paragon Café. I have not visited this café for some years, but it has been beautifully renovated. It also has a fascinating history, which features on the back of the menu.
After Goulburn, we continued along the Highway. Unfortunately, i was too busy talking (as i am known to do) and i took the M7 turnoff by mistake. Fortunately i found an M4 turnoff there were cars everywhere! Maria and I made it to The Oaks in Delhi Road to have dinner at an Italian Restaurant. After dinner, I drove Maria home to Chatswood.
I returned home on Friday at lunch time after a busy 4 days in the country. I collected Teddy from doggy sitting late afternoon, and everything was back to normal! Another successful road trip completed.
If anyone thinks that these places do not make excellent road trip destinations, then they are mistaken. The country towns have lovely cafes, are proud to show off their heritage buildings and attractions, and the people are lovely. Most of all the countryside is stunning. I thoroughly enjoy all my country road trips.
Anne Field July 30 2024
