Gliding Down the Clyde
Day 1. Saturday 20 March 2021.
This section can be done as a day trip.
Join us on the Clyde River aboard the ‘Cruise Ship’, Merinda on her trip to Nelligen from Batemans Bay. Get up close to dolphins, sea birds, oyster leases and the ongoing construction of the new bridge.
An early start to the day so we don’t ‘miss the boat’. Assemble at Nungarry Rest Stop, Dunmore at 7.00 a.m. ready to leave at 7.15 am sharp. Then it’s a zoom straight down the Princes Highway to the Milton Heritage Bakery, situated just through Milton at the traffic lights and the turn off to Mollymook - 197-201 Princes H’Way. We will regroup here for morning tea and meet others who will be joining us on the run to the Bay. For those in need, an earlier stop can be made at the Bewong Roadhouse, 28 kms south of Nowra. (Caltex).
We will leave the Bakery no later than 9.30 am and travel the 60 kms to Batemans Bay. After crossing the Bay Bridge, make a sharp left and you will then see the Merinda moored at Innes Boat Shed (1 Clyde St) at the end of the parking lot. Some flexibility might be needed as the parking has changed with the bridge construction.
The reason for leaving early this morning will now be clear. The cruise people would like us to arrive at 10.45 (or earlier) so that we have time to do our Covid check ins and pay for our tickets before boarding. Ticket prices are: $50 & $48 Concession.
PHEW!!!! RELAXATION TIME!!
The boat then takes us downstream for about 15mins before calling back at the wharf to pick up our fish and chips which we will then eat on board. On arrival at Nelligen there will be ½ hour to have a beer, icecream or paddle our toes in the river before setting ‘sail’ again and arriving back in Batemans Bay at 2.30.
After the Cruise make your way now or later, to the Araluen Motor Lodge, 226 Beach Rd, Batehaven where 12 rooms have been set aside ($150/room). Please contact the Motel on 44 726266 and mention Illawarra MX-5 Chapter to secure a room.
Around 5-5.30 pm there will be the usual nibbles etc before our dinner at the Motel at 7.00pm. Donegans Steakhouse has been booked but this could change.
Day 2 Sunday 21 March 2021.
Breakfast do your own thing.
9.30 am departure from Batemans Bay and wind up the Kings Highway to Braidwood, 62ks. Time to explore the shops and the historic buildings before lunch at a venue TBA.
After lunch wend your way home after enjoying another fantastic MX-5 weekend!
Whichever route you take, Wollongong is 200-220 kms home.
