Wednesday April 24th, 2019

After dithering about Sydney and the route we would take we ended up coming straight up the Hume Highway. Because of a late start, leaving the grounds at about 11.40 a.m., going to the local shops for a coffee, then some shopping, we found we wanted to stop at about 4.00 p.m. We chose a roadside rest area that was very noisy, though with nice trees around. We looked at another rest area on the way today and although we might have been able to park without such a tilt to one side, it would have been just as noisy and I’m glad we didn’t push on when we were tired.

We had a rest on the way on the edge of Lake George, a vast, dry lake with wind farms on the far shore. It can have water and there is a memorial to a family who were drowned in a boating accident.

We coped surprisingly well to going back to our free camping style, with the gas stove and 12v electricity and small inverter to run our 240v lamps. It is certainly easy to set up.

It was quite warm overnight and the weather here in Sydney is forecast to be warm and sunny with nights in the mid teens, so no signs of winter yet. Canberra is going to have some cold nights soon and I wish they would extend to here.

We left early for us, a little after 9.00 a.m. and had a really good run on the fast, but safe Hume Highway. There is some lovely scenery, with tall trees, hills and ravines to cross. We planned a final stop before driving into the city and noticed that there was a botanic gardens on the way, so pulled in there. It was a bit warm, especially as we had lunch in van in full sun, but the gardens are beautiful and there were lots of families picnicing.

We then had 60 kms to go to get to our caravan park. At first we were travelling through outer towns with lots of bush in between. It was pretty easy driving. Then, we were in the city proper, on a ring road, with lots of big trucks and travelling through an industrial area. We couldn’t always make turns on time and Google Maps had to quickly come up with new ideas to get us through. It took a long time, but the caravan park is worth the effort, with easy access to the centre of the city, yet set next door to a National Park, with river walks and lots of trees. We can’t see the city at all.

As it is Anzac Day tomorrow I wonder how we will go accessing the city by bus and train.