Distance traveled = 1392km
Our final week on the road begun as chilly as last week
ended. We enjoyed a lazy morning and hearty breakfast before a short walk to
the “Pioneer Settlement”. It’s here the 1890’s has been recreated showcasing an
Australian village on the Murray river. Having already enjoyed the settlement
on our previous trip we were keen to show Danni and Garth the highlights of
this place, however much to our disappointment many of the attractions weren’t
operating due to the time of year, nevertheless that didn’t stop us as we spent
most of the day at the settlement. The blacksmith held us in awe as he
manipulated steel using old school techniques, while a ride in the old Dodge was
a must. By late afternoon we were back at the van park where the kids quickly
resumed their love of the jumping pillow while we relaxed with a drink in hand
and a very friendly magpie. Our Saturday night was spent having some quality
time with the kids in the games room.
We woke on Sunday morning with the mercury barely in the
positive, the wind chill made it feel even worse. Winter in Victoria in a swag was
becoming very tough, with the temps expected to plummet even further over the
coming days we decided to have our next few nights indoors…. Back on the road
the wind showed no sign of letting up as we crossed back into NSW. This final
border crossing making it feel like our holiday really was nearing an end. We
zigged and zagged our way across the Hay plains before arriving at Deniliquin.
This was one of those little must-see towns as I’d heard so much about the
“Deni Ute Muster” that I wanted to put a place to the name and with the muster
only a few weeks away the venue and town were getting spruced up. Pushing
further across the farming plains we rolled into Jerilderie for a late lunch
and a history lesson on Ned Kelly….. By late afternoon we’d made it to Wagga
where the comfort and warmth of a cabin would be our home for the next 2 nights.
We completed our day with our feet up watching Sunday footy on the tv.
Monday morning reminded us why we’d chosen to stay in a cabin,
the temp at 7am was -2deg (felt like -4.6). The car and outdoor surrounding furniture
was covered in a heavy frost, but thankfully we were all cosy inside our cabin.
After a lazy morning undertaking some domestic chores, we headed out for a bit
of sightseeing, however since we’d been to Wagga on numerous occasions there
wasn’t too much new for us to see. Instead
some of the family chose to do some retail therapy while the other half did
some geocaching therapy. With the family content with this outcome we enjoyed a
relaxing afternoon around Wagga. By early evening the temperatures were once
again dropping to single digits and by lights out it was already subzero.
Tuesday dawned once again in the negative figures but there
was an air of excitement especially with the kids as today we were heading to
snow country. Our kids had never seen snow so the prospect of seeing and
touching it had them buzzing…. Leaving Wagga, it didn’t take long before the
mountainous country loomed in the distance. We stopped briefly in the township
of Adalong and Tumut before having lunch at Blowering Dam. Shortly after
leaving the dam catchment and the first snow sighting was made, the recent cold
snap had provided a dusting of snow further widespread than normal. This was
all it took to excite the kids even further and soon afterwards we’d pulled up
so the kids could have a play in the icy snow beside the road……. With time on
our side we made the short detour into Mount Selwyn where the midweek crowds
and conditions were favourable allowing us to spend an hour in the snow. None
of us were appropriately dressed for the conditions but that didn’t stop us
having a great time for the kids first snow experience. Back in the car we were
soon arriving at our Jindabyne accommodation which would be our base for
another few nights. A relaxing but early night followed as the prospect of a
big day on the snow had us all keen.
Wednesday couldn’t come quick enough, when the curtains were
pulled back to reveal perfect clear skies our excitement levels grew even
higher. Just after 8am we were at Bullocks Flat Skitube getting fitted out with
our snow gear for the day ahead. The steep skitube ride soon had us at Perisher
Valley where the expression and excitement on the kid’s faces was priceless.
With us all rugged up looking like the “Michelin Man” we headed outside for a
day in the snow. After watching and learning the hype of the season skiers we
joined the que for our ride to the top of the mountain. Our other traveling
family who were regular skiers had joined us as we disembarked at Perisher mid
station. It was here the fun began as we all enjoyed some fun in the soft snow,
the kids enjoyed snow fights, made snow angels and so much more. The nearby
café provided the perfect backdrop for us to recharge with a hot coffee before
we jumped back on the chairlift for the ride to the top station. At 2000m above
sea level and with the winds starting to howl we were thankful of our warm ski
clothes. The views were postcard perfect with snow as far as you could see and
it wasn’t long before we’d built our very own snow-man, complete with features
and clothing…. With Garth and Danni heading back to Smiggins to ski we decided
to descend the mountain as the kids were keen to try tobogganing and tubing.
After obtaining our sleds we were soon ready for our first downhill run of
human tenpin bowling, I say that because the rules were pretty simple –
toboggan down, get off to the side of the slope and walk back up hill. But no,
so many foolish people wanted to walk back up the main slope where they were
perfect tenpins for the out of control toboggan riders….. It proved to be so
much fun. We spent a few hours here alternating between tubing and tobogganing
but eventually our weary bodies told us it was time to call it a day…. Heading
back to Jindabyne we all rejoiced in what had been a fantastic family day on
the snow. By nightfall we’d met up again with our travelling buddies where we all
enjoyed a nice meal in the nearby restaurant marking the end of our 8-week
adventure together.
Thursday dawned with an air of sadness, our 8-week
“purposeful meander across oz” was coming to an end but not before one more
thrill. As we packed the car, it started snowing! After playing in the snow all
day the kids could now see it falling, all be it only for a brief time – they
were so excited…… The 5-hour drive home required one minor detour into Canberra
where we officially completed our goal of visiting every mainland state and
territory in 8 weeks.
For now, our adventure across Oz had come to an end!
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