Off to the Murray

 11th July 2025

Having taken our van to Hawks Nest after picking it up, we sorted out a few teething issues and are now heading off on our first extended trip down to the Murray River and SA. Leaving Sydney at a leisurely 10 am, our first destination is Jugiong, just ff the Hume Highway past Yass. The weather is less than ideal with strong westerly winds gusting to 30 knots in part of the trip but it did not pose any major towing issues other than very healthy extra fuel consumption.

We were in Jugiong in the early afternoon and opted to stay in Jugiong Memorial Park, next to the showground. It is a huge open space near the river, with plenty of room for everyone and toilet facilities, water and a dump spot. The only cost is a suggested donation which seems to be $10 per night.

 


There is a pub across the road, The Sir George Hotel, which looks like a good place for dinner after a day on the road. Fortunately we wandered over there at about 5.45 pm, (it was already dark), and were astounded at how busy it was. Despite a large dining area it was fully booked and we were offered a table but had to vacate it by 7 pm for the guests who had booked it.


The Sir George Hotel

Apparently the pub was purchased in 2022 by high profile hotelier Fraser Short for $14 million. It certainly appears to have been turned into a money spinner.

With little time for settling in for a gourmet dinner, we opted to share a pizza and salad on the side, washed down with local red. The food was very good and the wine drinkable.


Back to the van, our first task was to fire up the diesel heater as it is very cool in Jugiong. The heater is a godsend.

Tomorrow we are heading off to Rutherglen where we intend to stay for 3 nights and have a good look around. Hopefully it wont be quite as cold there.

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