Hunter Christmas in July at Bungendore

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30 July 2024 / story and pictures by David Gazzard

See all the photos on my Flickr site here https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBBTRw

The weather was cold a pouring rain, not the best for a day of driving but we headed to the Rest stop near the Hawkesbury bridge to start our journey.

10 Cars and 20 members, Christmas hats, jumpers, scarves and smidgen of tinsel where on the agenda. Not to be outdone Dennis and Dianne had decorated their car where it was shouting Christmas cheer for all of us.

Heading out, roofs up, down the M1 highway through North Connex, M7 and turned off on Narellan Rd to make a pit stop at the Mt Annan Botanical Gardens. Here we picked up Bill as he was visiting in Sydney and met us at the first stop.

Now 11 Cars and 22 members avoiding the highway we drove more country roads through Camden, Mittagong, Bowral to our lunch stop at The Primula café at Bundanoon, a lovely little town. Here we had our own function area with open fire where the food and service were exceptional.

After lunch we headed down more country roads but had to have a short trip on the highway then back onto country roads down to Bungendore via Tarago.

Christmas dinner was put on by the Carrington Inn at Bungendore, built in 1885 and was a Cobb & Co post, where we stayed.

As we ventured in to the bar area there was an open fire and we where warmly welcomed with mulled wine, where many of us had a second or third it was so good.

Moving into our function room it was amazing, two open fires and a long white table adorned with so much Christmas, they had really gone all out for us to make it so warm and welcoming on such a cold evening.

The food and service were every bit as good as the decorations and the night was busy with merrymaking and games that Elaine had brought along. Congratulations Dennis and Ray who won the “What’s on your phone” game and all who picked up a lucky dip prize.

The next morning surprised early risers with a hint of snow, video captured by Denise.

Thanks to all who made it a fantastic evening and the Carrington Inn who put on an excellent Christmas in July for us all.