Berry and Kangaroo Valley

Time is flying by! Left Tumbarumba on the 18th January 2011 and headed for Berry, that quaint little day trip spot for Sydneysiders, just 1.5 hours south of Sydney. Berry is famous for getting money out of wallets and purses, but given its picturesque setting and high quality shops, it tends to be a rather painless experience!

But before we get to Berry, let me digress. The day before we left Tumby, Nancy and Keith rang to say they had made one of their spur of the moment decisions, to take a long weekend in Canberra. After some quick planning it was decided we could meet up for Sunday lunch, and so it was that lunch was had at The Yass Soldiers Club. It was lovely to see familiar faces and share a chat. After all, we have been gone for a month! We overnighted at Yass, and of course included a morning tea stop at The Long Track Pantry on the way to Yass.

We arrived at Berry around lunchtime Monday 19th January, and encountered the first minor hiccup of our journey. Tony, the Manager, had taken our booking for 8 days, but now had the awkward job of explaining that we could only stay 4, as the Berry Show was looming, and the Show Committee, who must wield some real fear and immense power, must take control of the Showgrounds 2 weeks before the Show, and that means all caravanners out on Friday.

Camped at Berry Showgrounds

So we set up camp along with a small group of fellow campers. who had been there for periods of 1 to 3 weeks. Prior to setting out on our journey, we had purchased a publication called "Camps Australia Wide 5". This is a compilation of over 3500 camp sites for both day and overnight stays, all of which are budget priced, and have been researched by the publishers. This was our first stay using the book, but we soon found out that it is a bit of a bible for long term travellers such as ourselves, as it helps keep away from noisy casual campers and day trippers. Everyone at Berry had chosen the place based on the book, so we had some very interesting happy hours, making notes from this interesting group of travellers. Many of the sites require you to be self sufficient as regards power (Berry did not), so it won't be long before the generator is purchased, and the book is widely used.


John's first good snapper.



In Berry, we caught up with Bev and Fred for lunch at Kiama. The day was beautiful and Kiama sparkled. The lunch spot won't be getting a free plug. It was very average, but we have been there before so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. That night the heavens opened, and we really thought the Show Committee did have some clout! It seemed like the warning shots were being fired! But the morning cleared and John and Fred went fishing off Shellharbour. Had some reall fun, catching lots of fish of varied species, including John's first snapper of a good size. Looking forward to more fishing trips over the coming weeks as Fred and John really get amongst the fish. Stay tuna-ed!



Lachlan's 5th Birthday at Berry



Whilst John was on the high seas, Carol was socialising with the neighbours. Young Lachlan was having his 5th Birthday. Lachlan and his 7 year old brother Cooper, are travelling around Australia with their mum and dad, who have taken responsibility for the boys' education. These were two great kids, who loved to play with April, and it was nice to share their birthday with all the fellow campers, not to mention the fact that Carol got to have fairy bread and cake, as well as play 3 legged races and other games. There were lots of small, fun presents bought by the campers, the best one being the harmonicas that were still being played, albeit quite badly, well into the evening. We later learned that the harmonicas were banned from the car!

Now a lot of you will know that there are a lot of good places in Berry to get a feed. But we have to tell you, we found a beauty, called "The Hungry Duck".

The Hungry Duck at Berry. Yum!



We felt we were in need of a "dress up and hit the town" kind of night, so we picked  out The Hungry Duck, and we were not disappointed. The place was packed, in fact we got the last table, so lucky we booked the day before. Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, Crispy School Prawn Fritters, Char Grilled Chicken with Red Vinegar and Shallot sauce, Red Duck Curry, all cooked to perfection, and served with a warm friendly service, it was an experience not to forget. Of course we had dessert! Crispy wonton with Creme Fraiche and summer berries, and Sesame Crisp Parfait with Goje Berry sauce. We know why it is called The Hungry Duck - you waddle out!! A must do if you are in Berry. Right in the main street, just past the pub with the surf boats on the roof, heading south.

After quite some searching due to School Holidays and greedy prices, we decided on Kangaroo Valley for the second of our 4 day stays, and it is delightful. Another Sydney day tripper spot, other than at weekends, it is quaint and quiet. There is a beautiful Golf Resort just out of town, that is hardly used. Can you believe that on Saturday morning I could book any tee time I liked from 8.30am onwards.

No pressure Golf



We have played twice, at a lazy pace, among the kangaroos and ducks, hardly another person in sight. Although, the 6ft Red Bellied Black Snake, that was slithering across the 18th fairway, was not something I usually encountered in a round at Moore Park!

The rest of our time here has been very relaxed indeed. Watching the cricket and tennis, yes the satellite Foxtel is working a treat, reading, and of couse the obligatory walk around the shops. And of course, our little April is having the best time. Almost worn her nose out with all the new found smells!

Tomorrow it is on to Shellharbour. At the current rate of travel, it is anticipated we will be out of NSW some time in 2013!