Day 6 Thursday 19/6/2025, Cassilis to Uralla, minus 1 to 15.5

That was the coldest night we’ve had in the van, and at least being on power we had electric blankets to keep us warm.

The water that drained out of our tanks last night is now frozen on the ground. Over in those new corrugated iron bathrooms there are icicles hanging from the showerheads, so without our own water we write off the chance of an early start. We have a slow breakfast waiting for the tap outside to thaw so that we can get some water to heat to wash the dishes. Eventually, after much tip toeing across the frosty lawn the showers are ready to provide a good hot scrub. Our 80 year old neighbour who’s been soaking up the warm sun while waiting for the water, tells us that they lost their Riverina farm in the last drought, she and her son are heading north for the winter to give him a break from severe chest problems.

On the advice of the Cassilis locals, we take the road to Merriwa (that’s merry war), and what an interesting little town it is. From there it’s the road to Scone (as in Sloane) “It’s a bit up and down but it’s bitumen”. My Godfather it’s bumpy, but it is pretty. Historic Bunyan looks more like the place that people go for a boozy camping weekend with dreams of restoring their bargain-priced unliveable shack.

We’re in the Hunter Valley now and Scone is horsey. A large, rather manicured town it is surrounded by picture perfect horse studs. Finding a parking space for the van we go in search of lunch. The home-made steak and bacon pie has the most tasty pastry we’ve ever tasted in a pie and with tender chunks of steak. That one is going on our pie chart. Cafe on Kelly is the place to go.

We had intended to spend the night at the Royal Hotel at Murrurundi, but although both the pub and the town look interesting and inviting (aka sketch worthy) it is only just after lunch so we decide to press on to reduce the length of tomorrow’s drive. The trip up through the Hunter is magnificent, finishing with another colliery as we climb up the range and join the New England Highway.

The New England has more roadworks to contend with but they’re a damn sight better than potholes. We skirt the suburbs of Tamworth (Australia’s home of country music) before climbing the Moonbi hill up to the tableland. Lo and behold we see the 4th change in vegetation today.

The showgrounds at Uralla are excellent, well managed, neat and tidy. We know this town well and this is our third stay, so while Woody walks into town I draw a shed. As you do.

Dinner tonight is air fryer chops and sausages with vegetables. It’s a quiet night with a beautiful sunset.

Buttons? There’s a red button to activate the boom gate, a big button on the wall to flush the toilet and another big button to activate the amply timed shower.

Today’s winning names:

Murdering Hut Gully

Gooloogong Goonoo

Accom: $25.00, Fuel: $45.66 Towing Kms: 320kms