Sir George Luncheon

19 May 2025 / Author: Cathy and Simon Trickett - Photos: Cathy and Simon Trickett, Lili Chi, Rob Wilkins, Peter Wilson

On the drive to the rendezvous point we followed a True Red NC (common as in Canberra!), however we didn’t recognise the number plate. Here we were thinking we’d missed an RSVP or it was some random person just showing up hoping to join in, this would have problematic given the set lunch. Well, it was neither. It was Peter Wilson and his brother, who had bought one of Peters many NCs, just driving out to wish us all the best. Actually, Peter was meeting his motorbike mates at Sutton so just coincidence in the end.  I digress, back to 4 wheels…

The weather was spot on, not too hot, not too cold, clear skies and some lovely autumnal colours, we couldn’t have hoped for better. Leaving Sutton we headed out towards Gunning where we would be having morning tea. This was a quick drive due to very little traffic, always a blessing when you are in convoy.

The Merino Cafe was the chosen spot. Sitting in their courtyard in the warm sun, everybody was enjoying refreshments and a good old chat, but before long it was time to hit the road. We quickly regrouped on the road that would lead us to Dalton.

Dalton. Originally gazetted in 1862 it is a small, rural town located in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. It has a population of around 230 and is situated on Oolong Creek. Quartz reefs containing gold were discovered in the 1860s but were unprofitable when mining was attempted. The vibrancy of Dalton's heyday in the 19th century as a sheep-shearing centre is gone, lost in 1875 when the train line was routed through nearby Gunning.

History lesson over.

We had a pleasant drive on roads that were in good condition and devoid of traffic from Gunning to Dalton and then Jerrawa. We had a brief stint on the Hume Highway before turning off at Bowning.

Whilst there were no u-turns there was a slight detour through Bowning (thanks Google Maps), rather than going the more direct route we went down the main street and then back out onto the highway. Was there much to see, not really, but it did make a change to the normal route.

This run did have some fun with call signs, eg Red Leader and Ghost Rider. We reckon we should all come up with our own. We even have a few suggestions, Blue Budgie, Yellow Peril etc… Maybe something to discuss at the annual meeting?! Which by the way is on 23 August at Yowani Country Club. 1230 for lunch followed by the meeting at 1400 – more info here: Canberra Chapter - Annual Meeting : MX-5 Club of NSW 

Aiming for Harden we did slow down a touch to give a bit more space between us and a b-double fuel tanker that was swaying quite a bit from side to side. However as we were leaving Binalong the tanker pulled over to let us all through, this was greeted with appreciative waves and toots of the horn (if only people towing caravans were so considerate!).

The rest of the drive was rather enjoyable as we weaved a course between paddocks and farm land to arrive at our destination, only 3 minutes behind schedule.

Lunch was typical of the Sir George with platters of very tasty slow cooked lamb shoulder, roast chicken, potatoes and rather spicy green beans. Staff were friendly and service was efficient and friendly.

A slight panic upon departure from Jugiong as one the cars in the group had a flat battery, however jumper leads were found in the boot and we were able to get the car started without any issues.

Getting home was a DIY affair, so following lunch some people stayed around to peruse the handful of shops or get coffee before hitting the road to head for home.

Good conversation, great food, perfect weather and some interesting roads, what more could you ask for.

Well, that’s one run down with two more for us to go in May.

Thanks again Rob for the Relive, in case you missed it on Facebook, you can find it here: https://www.relive.com/view/vXOnAzkLxBv