Pub With No Beer Run

23 September 2019 / Report & Photographs by Wayne Lang

On an overcast morning Brett, Carla, Cath & I left home and met up with Gayle, Michael and Greg at "The Puma Service Centre" at Kempsey for the start of Cath's annual "Pub With No Beer Run".

After saying our hellos, we set off to "The Garden Bar & Kitchen" in Fredericton that's nestled within the old Butter Factory and were greeted by our old mate Chris Clarke, who had driven down from Coffs Harbour to join us.

We enjoyed some pleasant conversation over a nice light breakfast and a coffee on the veranda, before setting off up the old Pacific Highway to the Scott's Head turn-off and to the beginning of the best part of the drive.

The twisties along this road are what make it albeit, it's pretty rough in spots. This brought us to the Grassy Head turn-off and then left toward Scotts Head.

We continued the circuit until we got back out to the highway, drove a few kilometres further and then through the back streets of Macksville to the Taylor's Arm road.

A spirited drive got us out to "The Pub With No Beer", made famous by the Slim Dusty tune of the same name, where we found the place almost deserted except for a few locals gathered out the back, so we got in and ordered our lunches.

We chatted among ourselves until our meals arrived, which were very tasty by the way, and then it was back to our MX-5's for the drive out to Bowraville. By this time the wind had picked up considerably and it was nice to and finally reach "The Star Hotel" back in Macksville for a cool beverage.

After saying our farewells to our little convoy, we set off on the drive home via the "concrete sleeping tablet".

A very enjoyable day with nice people and a fun drive, and I'm pleased to report that the promised rain stayed away for the complete drive.

Thanks to Greg, Chris, Gayle, Michael, Carla and Brett who helped make Cath's run a very pleasant one. Until next time.