Jamberoo Pub

09 November 2023 / Story: Valerie Reed; Photos: Rose Smith, Linda Downing

South Coast Chapter trip along mountain passes to Robertson and Jamberoo

Thursday October 26, 2023

We took part in another excellent South Coast Chapter run on Thursday, October 26.  After weeks of near drought, a cold, wet change was forecast, but we all crossed our fingers and the day dawned bright, a bit cold but dry. 

Five MX5’s and nine club members took part.  The run was excellently organised and led by Bob and Linda Downing, with Rose and Geoff, Fred & Kim, Paul R and Ian & Valerie Reed all just enjoying tagging along.

We met along the way at the United Petroleum station at Tomerong, and then travelled in convoy via Nowra and along the coastal route to our first stop (for coffee, what else!) at Kiama Downs.  This back way north is really scenic but now that the Berry and Gerringong by-passes are up and running, is little used.  It is an interesting route for those who might not know it, running as it does behind Seven Mile Beach.  Travelling north, you first pass by the big Manildra industrial methanol plant, then drive through farmland and paddocks, vineyards and wineries, with views of the Shoalhaven River at some points.  Later we seemed to drive through a tunnel of trees arching over the road.  With the tops down, we felt at one with nature, even just passing through as we were.

After our coffee stop and as Bob put it, fully caffeinated, we set off, driving up the steep and winding Macquarie Pass to Robertson.  Again, the views and scenery were just lovely (perhaps only fully appreciated by passengers who didn’t have to navigate the numerous hairpin bends!)  The area had obviously had more rain than our coastal strip, as the fields were green, and the many old deciduous trees were looking great in their fresh spring green.

There is a famous pie shop at Robertson, (and those of us who didn’t know what a good lunch was awaiting us took advantage of that to stock up for dinner. Big mistake.) 

Then on to our final destination – the lovely country village of Jamberoo and a great lunch at the Jamberoo Pub.  The trip from Robertson to Jamberoo was another treat – along the recently re-opened Jamberoo Pass.  We were able to see the remedial work that had been done after what was obviously a huge landslide during the Big Wet.  Again, many hairpin bends and some fun conditions for driving.

All in all, a great day out, and thanks again to Bob and Linda for their excellent groundwork and organisation.

 

Valerie Reed