Dog on the Tuckerbox and Bullocky Bills, Gundagai, NSW

Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai

Bullocky Bill's, Gundagai

The Dog on the Tuckerbox is right up there with the Big Trout on the road trip must-sees in southern New South Wales. Made famous through a bush ballad, the Dog on the Tuckerbox sits proudly overlooking the back end of the Hume Highway just north of Gundagai township. Its a little bit hard to know why he looks so pleased with himself because his surrounds have become less than idyllic but still, in that way dogs do, he seems happy none the less. There have been suggestions that the dog be moved to try and maximise his visits but this has met with resistance so for now, he is still firmly in place. 

Bullock dray, Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai

If you decide to stop off and pay him a visit, PLEASE don't expect him to be a 'big thing' along the lines of the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour - in actual fact, he is tiny. I was a bit surprised that there wasn't more to him but when I looked a bit harder, I noticed that he is quite a handsome little fellow and slightly less tacky than some of Australia's other road trip stop offs. Just near the Dog, there are some old bullock drays and other bits and pieces to look at as well as a small shop selling souvenirs.


To find the dog, look for the BP Service Station which seems to dominate the area - rather than race in there, follow the signs from the service station a little further north. 

Bullocky Bills, Gundagai

Local produce, Bullocky Bill's, Gundagai

Local produce, Bullocky Bill's, Gundagai

Local Produce, Bullocky Bill's, Gundagai

Right near the dog, there is what may be his saviour from obliteration - Bullocky Bills. This place is a treasure trove of locally produced food from Gundagai, Tumut, Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga and Young including sauces, chutneys, olives, licorice, lollies, soap, cleansers, dried fruits and also craft. If you are the type of person who likes to sample what the area you are visiting has to offer, you will seriously not be disappointed if you stop here. 

Bacon and egg roll, Bullocky Bill's breakfast

Alongside the preserved foods, there is also a Dean's Fruit Shop which sources locally grown fruit and vegetables at really reasonable prices. Last but not least, there is the Bullocky Bill's Restaurant which dishes up decent food(burgers, sandwiches, salads, pies, cakes) to power your next stretch of driving. Bullocky Bill's has been Good Food Guide reviewed and recommended and whilst it isn't five star dining, it is fresh, generously portioned and a lot tastier than anything the big fast food chains have to offer up. 

Bullock dray, Gundagai

So next time you are on the Hume Highway in Gundagai, resist the urge to stop under the Golden Arches. Pay an Aussie icon a visit, support local growers and get a decent meal before you continue on your way. I'm pretty sure the old dog would be pleased with the attention.

Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai