Jindy Andy Mill

01 May 2026 / Story: Rose Smith; Photos: Rose Smith

Jindy Andy Mill

 

22 April, 2026

 

It was only a small group of us today—Keith & Sue, Peter & Jill, Geoff, and myself—but what we lacked in numbers, we made up for in style. After all, we were driving the finest MX5s ever built: the NCs, in a striking trio of red, blue, and white. Unsurprisingly, there were no dissenting opinions on that matter.

 

Our day began at the Big Red Bus in Tomerong, where we enjoyed coffee and hot chocolate—remarkably without the usual queue. Spirits were high, and as a group we opted for the longer, more scenic route along Naval College Road to the highway. Despite a few potholes and ruts, it was an enjoyable drive. Along the way, we passed a crane truck that had failed to make a bend and ended up in a tree. The vehicle looked worse for wear, but thankfully the driver appeared unharmed. We were all relieved to have missed that drama.

 

I had been a little concerned about the right-hand turn onto the highway, given the major overpass roadworks, but aside from a brief pause at a boom gate, we all made it through without issue. After a short stretch on the main road, we turned onto Forest Road—and that’s where the real magic began. The road was clear: no cars, no caravans, no trucks. Just us, the scenery, and of course, strictly adhering to the speed limit.

 

A brief delay at roadworks near the entrance to Jindyandy Mill gave us a moment to admire our surroundings before arriving at our destination. Our first stop was the antiques store, where Keith was in his element—especially after spotting a few car model kits that caught his eye. With prices as reasonable as they were, we had to remind ourselves that MX5s aren’t exactly known for their storage space.

 

We wandered through the rest of the shops and the Mill until hunger set in, leading us to Von’s Vintage Café for lunch. Quaint and welcoming, the café delivered on all fronts—good food, generous portions, and fair prices. The menu catered to every craving, from hearty hot meals to sandwiches, sweets, slices, and cakes. Two of the group opted for rissole sandwiches—an unusual menu option, perhaps, but by all accounts delicious. With daily specials and everything homemade, Von’s proved to be a highlight. The special milkshakes were also hard to resist, but we did.

 

After lunch, it was time for the lolly shop—a colourful treasure trove that, fortunately, we visited on full stomachs. Beyond sweets, it offered Christmas decorations, candles, children’s gifts, and more. Only one purchase was made initially, but temptation lingered. Rose soon returned to the Mill to pick up a couple of Nina’s multi-award-winning Belgian chocolates. Keith followed suit—and promptly enjoyed his purchase on the spot. Meanwhile, Rose and Geoff showed admirable restraint, saving theirs for later with a cuppa. Sue made a quick return to the café for a slice to take home… and made it clear it wouldn’t be shared with Keith.

We all headed home content, with full stomachs, a few treats in hand, and plenty of laughs from a thoroughly enjoyable day.

 

Thanks everyone for such a great outing.