Leaving Gosford, we quickly link up to the Newcastle Expressway. Nice traveling on multi-lane roads, very easy and driving is more relaxing, especially on busy routes. This motorway enables us to bypass Sydney’s busy suburbs. This is the first time we have used the new tunnel which enables us to link up with all the freeways via the Pacific Motorway Tunnel. Previously entering from the north near Hornsby and The Pennant Hills road involved some slow moving traffic through the suburban roads.
This is a nine kilometre twin tunnel linking the M1 and M2. It is a toll road. It is quite expensive if you are traveling as an interstate driver especially with a van, as they are treated as a truck due to its length. NSW residents can claim back the additional charges whereas visitors cannot. I personally would not navigate around this tunnel to lower the costs and hit Sydney traffic.
Booked a few days in advance into the Berrima Reseve. Booking is essential as there are only 4 sites, with a maximum 2 night stay. No power, toilet facilities, picnic tables, cold showers, BBQ, grey water pump out and fishing in the Wingecarribee River. $18 night
We loved Berrima, the site is only 5 mins from Historic Berrima Village. It is located close to Bowral and Moss Vale at 660mtr, and a pop of 255.
The town has a wonderful history, and was identified early as a major town. It was on the main road from Sydney to Goulburn, with the intention of being a chief centre for manufacturing and commercial interests. Sadly the railway bypassed the town, the population decreased-no new house were built for 100 years.
There are many historic building but using local sandstone. Berrima prospered as it was on the Old Hume Hwy, now sadly bypassed. It has the oldest continuous licensed hotel in the original building. The Surveyor General Inn 1834. Other notable buildings are Anglican Church, Court House and gaol, built in the 1830’s. The gaol is still an active correction centre for females, built mainly by convicts in irons. During WWll the gaol was used as a German-prisoner internment camp.
The Surveyor General Inn
There are some wonderful places to visit in the area. The magnificent Fitzroy Falls, at the top of Kangaroo Valley is close by. Very similar escarpment to the Blue Mountains.
Visited the Bowral Oval Museum where Don Bradman lived and played cricket. Worth the visit, picturesque setting.
Moss Vale is also lovely, a busy town. 9000 pop. Tony Lockett lives here. Expansion from Sydney followed through this area southwards from around 1800, with land grants to various people. The indigenous people had mainly disappeared by the 1870’s, due to the loss of their hunting land to European Settlers.
Bowral is a good size town of 11000. It once served as a rural summer retreat for the gentry of Sydney. Like Moss Vale, ex convict John Wilson was the first European arrival. It is on the main rail line between Melbourne and Sydney. Elevation 690 mtr.
After a wonderful few days we are on the road to Canberra to stay with family. We love Canberra, always some new things to do and sights to see.
The Canberra crew.
Vistited Lanyon Homestead, just outside Tuggeranong. We have been here a number of times before. Great place on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. James Wright purchased the land in 1835 alongside his friend John Lanyon and his brother William and they were allocated convicts to farm the land. Wright was forced to sell Lanyon in 1841 due to financial difficulties. He had established a self-supporting community of 60 people. The property has changed hands a number of times over the years.
With the growth of Canberra, the Federal Government proceeded to acquire Lanyon. The owner at the time, Tom Field had 9000 acres, and he refused an offer of $1.875 mill, and sought compensation of $33 mill. It went to the High Court. In 1974 it was acquired for $3.7 mill. Today the homestead is converted into the Sidney Nolan Gallery which opened in 1975.
It’ as beautiful example of our past with magnificent buildings, convict quarters, stables, period homes and surrounding gardens. Great place for a feed, light snacks, and drinks.
