31/03/2026
After three solid days travel we have reached Rutherglen and are now camped up on the banks of one of our favourite spots, Policeman’s Paddock.
A few noteworthy stops along the way include Carcoar and Gundegai.
Carcoar is a delightful little village in the central west of New South Wales. Shopping highlights include The Rustic Flamingo - fabulous vintage paraphernalia, Tomolly Homewares and Gifts - unfortunately closed and I would dearly have loved to poke around in there. Last but certainly not the least was lunch at The Village Grocer, recently purchased and refurbished by Neil and Edwina it is an absolute delight. We both chose the salad for lunch, featuring fresh figs, roast pumpkin, pomegranate, rocket and grilled chicken- just yum! The coffee is also really good. Neil and his beautiful team greeted us like old friends and we were made to feel very welcome.
Next stop Jugiong! Also in this region of NSW Jugiong features a great free camp, perfect for travellers heading down the Hume Highway. It’s also home to the Long Track Pantry, to my dismay Tuesday is the only day it closes. Oh well there’s always next time.
A quick stop in Gundegai to visit the doggy on the Tuckerbox, have an icecream, grab some fresh farm apples and a visit to Train Stop Antiques. Wow is all I can say, what an amazing collection of vintage and antique goodies.
Tonight we are camped up in a branch of the Murray River near my spiritual home of Rutherglen. For those of you who know me well you know that Rutherglen is just one of my spiritual homes, also included in the list is the Coonawarra region, the Barossa, the Grampians, areas of Tasmania etc, etc. Just give me a river and a bottle of wine and I’m a happy chook.