Day 1: Off to Murrurundi

 Finally loaded up after a few days effort, we left our storage paddock this morning at 10.30 am, heading of to our first destination, the country town of Murrurundi.

It was a miserable 312 km drive in light rain pretty much all of the way to Singleton, where we stopped for lunch. From then on the weather started to clear and by the time we arrived in Murrurundi, it was fine.

We planned to free camp at one of the 2 hotels in town, both of which offer free camping areas for RV's. We decided on the Royal Hotel and were not the first there, but managed to secure a spot at the back of the hotel.

The plan is to dine at the pub tonight, but first we decide to stretch our legs and check out this historic little town.

The Royal Hotel has quite a history, established in 1863, and spent some time as a Cobb & Co staging post. It has been extensively renovated and seems a very popular venue.

Entrance from the carpark

A bit of history and a venue for the  music entertainment

The building is still in good condition with a new roof after a hailstorm some years ago

A wander across the road had us heading towards the Page River that flows through the town. Flowing through a narrow gully, it looks like it could create a few problems during heavy rainfall. There is a steep drive down to a causeway that crosses the river and a very old suspension bridge for pedestrian access.

The causeway is in a deep drop down into the river

The swinging bridge, the third bridge built at this crossing (others washed away by flood)  was built in 1927.

A further wander on took us past the police station and courthouse, obviously heritage buildings.

The Literary Institute, with Stocks installed outside (obviously for those who didn't appreciate the Arts).

A wonderfully restored slab hut was nearby.

The main street, called Mayne Street is a bit underwhelming, but it is a small town with a lot of history

I ventured a little further down the main street, crossing over the river, to check out the alternative camping arrangements at the other hotel in town, that offered the same deal, free camping, 24 access to showers and toilets. Much to my surprise the White Hart Hotel, had a huge area available for campers and no one taking advantage of it ?

White Haret Hotel

Generous un-utilised free camping spots

Back to our van for a bit of a rest before dinner, we strolled over to the hotel for a drink and dinner at a bit after 6pm. whilst there was a lot of activity in the pub, finding a cosy spot by the fire wasn't a problem, and we enjoyed what could only be described asa typical pub food.

Ambiance of the dining room