A Sublime Lunch Run

30 November 2016 / Story and Photos: Roz Barker

The day dawned bright and sunny, and though we drove through some fog around Bungonia, the 8 cars from Canberra had a trouble-free run through Marulan. We then left the rather boring Hume Highway at Mittagong, driving via the interesting villages of Yerrinbool and Yanderra to the Picton Road, on to the old Princes Highway to Bulli Tops and the Sublime Point Restaurant.

We had originally planned to go through Appin, enjoying the MX5-friendly route through the Broughton Pass, but the road is closed for major repairs, so perhaps this can be revisited another time. The staff at the Sublime Pont Café was very friendly and efficient and the food was delicious. Some even ventured to try the “share” plate with the most enormous variety of meats we’ve ever seen.

After lunch, some of the group had to get back to Canberra and so 6 cars continued on and took the route along the coast via the Grand Pacific Drive to Coolangatta Estate, via Gerringong. By this time the weather was warm and the scenery was delightful. I think we all spied a house or two we wouldn’t mind living in!

Accommodation at the Coolangatta Estate is in restored farm buildings and was very comfortable and after we checked in and rested, we headed to the Shoalhaven Heads Hotel for a relaxed dinner.

Our route on the second day covered Berry, a stop in Kangaroo Valley for coffee, Fitzroy Falls and to Bundanoon for lunch. The flame trees and Jacarandas were at their most beautiful and the company great. All in all a terrific run and one we will perhaps revisit when Broughton Pass is open again.