Flying the coop...

A couple of months ago, the other half and I were lucky enough to find two acres of paradise near Cooma in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains. We moved in a few weeks ago and have been madly painting, planting, mowing etc. ever since. 


As well as being really excited about the move, I can't wait to explore our new home town and it's surrounds and the good news is family and friends in Cootamundra mean we wont lose our links to that area either.


Here are some springtime photos from Cooma...

Narlia the Aussie Bulldog

Bruno the Bull Mastiff

Our dogs Bruno and Narlia haven't been too bothered by the move...

Two new chickens for the flock

We have a couple of new chooks to join our old girls - their new run is pretty big and should be a nice home for them when it is done. Dan is in the process of building it and has the main poles and stays in, just waiting on some wire and they should be right to move in.

Chicken run

Cherries!

 Granny Smith Apples

Strawberries

We inherited some fruit trees and have also added some of our own - we are starting to see some fruit already which is exciting!


I look forward to sharing my Cooma adventures!

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

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo, NSW

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo, NSW

Schnapps, Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Thredbo

The Style: Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery and Cafe is a one part classy art, one part Alpine Kitsch and a lot of fun! The Distillery is located on a few acres of landscaped grounds. These are scattered with sculptures, polished granite and even the odd fibreglass horse! There are nice touches like the little orchard of pink lady apple trees which are a key ingredient in the schnapps of that flavour as well as potted tulips in the spring time.


Inside, you could be forgiven for thinking you are inside an old style ski lodge but for the huge copper distilling vats which dominate one part of the cafe. And yes, there are even home made pretzels hanging from a deer antler light shade!

Deer antler light shade, Wild Brumby Distillery and Cafe, Thredbo

Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery, Thredbo

The Taste: Delicious! The menu features a range of European inspired goodies but the pick has to be the German sausages and kraut. They come served with mustard and bread and they are cooked to sizzling, popping perfection. As I cut mine, little beads of fatty flavour oozed out and I can tell you I mopped up every last bit with the bread. (I did make sure to share a little piece with Booza the resident Jack Russell Terrier.) Other continental treats on offer include schnitzel, gulasch and Austrian salad.The Wild Brumby Cafe also offers up sweet treats and has German beer on tap. Breakfast is served from 10am - 12pm and lunch until 5pm.

Sausages and kraut, Wild Brumby Cafe

Icy cold beer on tap, Wild Brumby Cafe

Lemon Cake, Wild Brumby Cafe, Thredbo

Lovely latte, Wild Brumby Cafe, Thredbo

The Service: It was hectic and the staff were clearly rushed off their feet. They weren't bursting with excitement to help but they were efficient and got the job done pretty quickly. When I have visited on quieter days, there has been a lot more help offered so I think they get the benefit of the doubt.

Booza the resident Jack Russell at Wild Brumby

The Location: Wild Brumby is located off the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Jindabyne overlooking the peaks of Kosciuszko National Park's Snowy Mountains. The spectacular views and crisp, fresh mountain air are hard to beat. Take advantage of the outdoor tables in summer and you wont be disappointed!

Wood and stone garden sculptures, Wild Brumby, Thredbo

Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee, NSW

Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Kaybunda Lavender Fields is  one of those places I have heard about about but never quite gotten to. I have meant to see it since moving to Cootamundra so with the smell of Spring on the breeze, I decided it was time to hit the road and see what it was all about. The Lavender Fields are situated a short drive from Junee township and I must say I was a little bit disappointed to see that the 'fields' were more of a smallish paddock of straggly plants...BUT there is a little more to this story. 

Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

I initially hesitated, feeling like an intruder wandering around somebody's private garden but considering the 40 minute drive I had just made, I pushed on. I'm glad I did. The truth behind the fields' lacklustre appearance is that the previous owner became ill and didn't have much time to put into the gardens. Step in a family relocating to Junee from Queensland who have taken on the venture and, it seems, are determined to make it work!

Products on display, Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Products on display, Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Dried lavender bunches, Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Three generations were there when I visited and a bunch of nicer people you could never hope to meet. I asked to see the gift shop and was pleased to see that crammed into the relatively small space, there were several dozen different types of products showcasing Kaybunda's lavender. From lavender lollies (shockingly yummy!) to pet deodorant, from dried flowers to furniture polish, bath salts, lotions and potions, all was available to try before you buy. This was a good tactic because everything was so lovely and I ended up spending up big. All the while, the new owners outlined their plans and hopes for the future of Kaybunda Lavender Fields. They are planning to provide easier access to the garden, add a pergola, expand the store and, most importantly, get the lavender back to its beautiful best.

Lavender, Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

Rosemary, Kaybunda Lavender Fields, Junee

So whilst you certainly wouldn't need a whole day to see Kaybundah, if you are near Junee and looking for some lavender scented gifts (or even a little treat for yourself), really consider stopping by to support the Kaybunda Lavender Fields. With any luck, it is a place that will become bigger and better with time!


Kaybunda Lavender Fields is located at 126 Murrulebale Road, Old Junee (about a five minute drive from town).

Boorowa Irish Woolfest (Running of the Sheep)

Running of the sheep, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Whilst Pamplona in Spain may grab the world's attention for the annual running of the bulls, a sleepy town on the South West Slopes of New South Wales has its own quirky tradition - the running of the sheep. The running of the sheep is part of Boorowa's Irish Woolfest which pays homage to the town's Irish history and the strength of the sheep and wool industry in this area.

Pipe band, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Antique tractors, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

The Boorowa Irish Woolfest sees the tiny town's population swell and this year, estimates were that 18,500 people visited for the event. Thankfully, the rain which arrived just in time to give thirsty crops a drink had the courtesy to stay away for the festival. Talented artists, craftspeople, cooks and growers had their products for sale creating a real carnival atmosphere with many doing a brisk trade.


There is absolutely no denying that the sheep are the stars of the day though with crowds packed shoulder to shoulder and several deep the entire length of the street to cheer them on. At 12pm sharp, they gamely barrelled the length of the road to cheers and cameras flashing - they have even been the focus of a documentary which will be broadcast to an estimated audience of 30 million in China! 

Prize merino fleece, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

The sheep were followed by a parade with a focus on all things Irish and all things country - basically, lots of celtic pipe bands, lots of sheep and LOTS of the ubiquitous tractors which seem to have a habit of turning up at every festival in country New South Wales!

Common Ground Bakery artisan bread, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Local olives, Boorowa Irish Woolfest 

Crafts, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Overall, the Boorowa Irish Woolfest and the running of the sheep offered up plenty to do - in addition to the market stalls, most shops in town were open for the day as well as some rides for the kids, live music and plenty of food from sausage sizzles through to sit down meals. If you are looking for an interesting story to tell your friends, pencil in midday on the Labour Day Long Weekend and make the trip to Boorowa for the Irish Woolfest running of the sheep!

Tumut Valley Violets, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Design a Candle soy candles, Boorowa Irish Woolfest

Boorowa is located three and a half hours drive southwest of Sydney or one and a half hours drive north west of Canberra.

Useful links:

Boorowa Irish Woolfest Official site

Tumut Valley Violets

Common Ground Bakery

Doolan Country Jams

Floriade Nightfest, Canberra, ACT

Tulips, Floriade Nightfest, Canberra

By day, there is no denying that Floriade is beautiful but by night, it is a sensory experience which takes you way beyond just looking at thousands of flowers. For some reason, I found that the inky night sky blocked out distractions and the visual focus was on the flower beds themselves rather than the myriad of passing daytime distractions. 


The sharp crunch of gravel underfoot was interspersed with soft sploshes as my feet smashed into puddles, magnified by the darkness. Add to that the smell of damp earth, rain and flowers hanging on the petrified, icy cold air and the tingle of frost kissing your cheeks and it all combined to create a unusual experience. Maybe it is because usually, you garden in the daytime which made the Floriade Nightfest so special, maybe it was just having more time and less crowds so that each display could really be enjoyed. I'm not certain what the magic ingredient was, but I can heartily recommend Nightfest!

Tulips, Floriade Nightfest

Ferris wheel, fairy lights and flowers, Floriade, Canberra

As well as the flowers, Floriade Nightfest offers up some other suprises too with cooking and flower arranging demonstrations, movies on an inflatable outdoor screen, cocktail bars, and even the chance to have your hair and makeup done at Garnier World. Add the Floriade Nightfest market which offered up arts and crafts, candles, soap, clothing and a heap of interesting food stalls into the mix and the event really lived up to it's theme 'A feast for the senses.' 

Night market, Floriade Nightfest Canberra

Floral display, Floriade Nightfest, Canberra

Floriade and Floriade Nightfest are located within Commonwealth Park Park off Commonwealth Avenue and Parkes Way, Canberra. There are free shuttle buses from the Canberra CBD or it is an easy five minute walk from the city centre. Floriade runs annually from mid-September. (Remember to rug up because the Canberra nights at this time of year can still dip below freezing...brrr!)

Floriade Nightfest, Canberra

Lanterns, Floriade Nightfest

Useful Links:

Floriade Official site