Lunch on the banks of the river
Lunch on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
After leaving Rankins Springs we continued on our journey west heading for home. Driving over the Hay Plains can lonely and there are long stretches of straight road. Most people probably find this section boring, but we are always fascinated by the subtle changes of vegetation as one travels into the drier parts of far south-west New South Wales.
I also enjoy trying to identify the bird species seen along this stretch. While the vegetation may be sparse in places, the bird life is surprisingly varied. Half way between Rankins Springs and Hay we stopped for a mid-morning cuppa and snack. In the twenty minutes we stopped I managed quite a long list of birds.
Our next stop was on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River in Balranald (see photo above). We usually carry a picnic lunch with us whenever we travel as we never know exactly where we will be when we stop. It saves finding a place to buy food, too. We also have hot water with us for a cuppa as well.
The river flood plains near Balranald are covered by huge River Red Gums, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which make a beautiful backdrop for a picnic lunch.
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
On the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Balranald
Rankins Springs, New South Wales
No Comments »23rd March, 2011; Category: Birds, New South Wales, Parks and Gardens, Picnics, Trip report
Allan James Park, main street of Rankins Springs, NSW
On our way home from visiting family in Sydney last year we stayed one night at Rankins Springs. I was pleased that we could do this because on many other occasions we had only driven through this delightful little town in mid-western New South Wales.
On several occasions we had stopped for a short break, including one occasion when we had lunch in the Allan James Park shown in the photos on this page. It is a lovely park with many shady trees and it takes the traveller off the busy main road through the town. It is a good spot to rest, relax, have a cuppa or a meal before heading off west towards Adelaide, east to Sydney, south to Griffith or north to Lake Cargelligo.
The park also affords a good introduction to the birds of the area. This town is something of a mecca for birders with many species easily seen here, including Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Apostle Birds, White-winged Choughs and Red-rumped Parrots.
Allan James Park, main street of Rankins Springs, NSW
Beautiful lunch time visitor
Silver Gull, Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Silver Gulls make excellent photographic studies. This is because they are generally quite unafraid of people, especially at the beach, in picnic areas or open air restaurants. On our visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney last year this individual decided it was worth hanging around where we were sitting in the hope of a few morsels to eat. It was sadly disappointed because we only sat at the table for a few minutes while we had a drink break.
Morning tea at Gundagai, NSW
Morning tea at the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai, NSW
On the second day of our trip to Sydney earlier this year we set of from Narrandera early after breakfast. It was a cool morning and the mist gave an eerie, gloomy atmosphere for the first hour or so. During this time we drove through the rural city of Wagga Wagga. On several other occasions we have stopped in this beautiful city, especially to visit the beautiful botanic gardens near the city centre. As we were on a tight schedule we pushed on, driving straight through. Our next stop was near Gundagai.
We arrived at the ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’ roadside stop in time for morning tea. More about this famous dog in coming days. After refuelling we found a lovely picnic area for a break.
The air was still crisp but we were pleased to find a sunny spot to have a cup of tea. The autumn leaves in in this area made a beautiful picture. I will feature them in a post in a few days’ time.
Morning tea at the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai, NSW
Morning tea at the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai, NSW
Lameroo Caravan Park, South Australia
Caravan Park, Lake Roberts, Lameroo, South Australia
Lameroo is a small service town in the mallee districts of eastern South Australia. The town provides goods and services for the surrounding wheat and sheep farming area.
The town is also on the quickest route from Adelaide to Sydney, so we usually go that way when going to visit family. On our most recent trip we stopped here for morning tea on the first day of our holiday. The picnic ground is a grassed area next to the artificial Lake Roberts. Barbecues are provided in the shelter shed (see photo below).
There is also a small council run caravan park (see photo above). This is a relatively new addition to the facilities in Lameroo. As you can see, there was no-one staying in the park when we were there.
Picnic and bbq area, Lake Roberts, Lameroo, South Australia