Well on Tuesday we saw the best chance of sunshine so we decided to pack it up late that afternoon and got on the road about 5:30 pm and forfeited one nights stay at Chinderah for the opportunity to have a dry pack up. We drove south to Ballina and checked into the Comfort Inn which had great parking for the caravan out the back. the motel stay was a must because we had reports that it absolutely poured down after we left and to think and hours down the road makes all the difference in the weather.
The next morning (Wednesday) we woke to beautiful blue skies and was given a recommendation of driving down to Armidale through Grafton then follow the signs to Ebor and it takes you on the Armidale Road. The idea behind going this way was to stop at the old Nimbodia couching station for lunch and we were very happy that we did. Spectacular views and atmosphere see the photos to tell the story.
On the road again we got into Armidale a bit late and discovered that the ensuite site that we had booked was barely bigger than a porter potty! So we moved over to just a normal powered site where the amenities block was lit like a sporting field all night. For what reason I don't know.
The next day (Thursday) we spent in Armidale and the first stop was the information centre which was very helpful and located next to a very big park that had 4 different playgrounds. The trees in the park were amazing with all the autumn colours on the trees and the leaves on the ground. The town itself is beautiful with a lot of historical looking buildings that make it very picturesque.
We took a drive out to the Dam where there were painters along the waters edge doing landscapes. How I would have loved to be doing that.
We made our way back into town and went to visit the university grounds where the main building is very beautiful and the grounds are very well organised. It's hard to believe that the University of New England has been there for so long and is still so successful. There are other schools in the town as well as the church that are lovely buildings.
We were given the recommendation to go to the Grand Hotel for a good pub meal because it had a playground. It had 2 things in a great big sand pit and they called it a playground. We tried to order our meals first time at 5:45pm and Andrew was ignored by the kitchen staff and one of the bar staff informed him that the kitchen didn't open until 6pm so we waited until then. When Andrew went up the second time he was told that the kitchen was still not open and it was 6pm!!! So we walked out and went into town where we found the White Bull pub. It was great. Great meals, good service, and clean facilities and it had atmosphere, not like the Grand Hotel. We were all fed and out of there by 7:15 pm.
The next day (Friday) we packed up and headed to Coonabarabran via Tamworth and Gunedah. Check the next post for our adventures.
