The 2021 country music festival was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID restrictions, so this year was certainly a huge change from previous years. Thankfully a few events still were able to go ahead, but within the restriction guidelines.
I must admit that it felt weird to be watching The McClymonts at Port Macquarie in January – never thought I’d ever be saying we did that. But….. we did 🙂
Saturday
We departed just before lunch to head across to Tamworth, as Loryn had commitments with her RFS brigade for the morning.
We had a fairly good run across the range, so decided to stop and take a look at Tia Falls. We weren’t sure how much water would be about as the rain had been a bit hit and miss of late.
A quick stop at Walcha for some freshly cooked fish and chips (which were very yummy!!) and it wasn’t long before we were pulling up at Tamworth for the evening. Normally when I come across for the festival it’s camping in the 35 degree temps. But due to COVID we were able to book into accommodation, which again just felt weird.
It was still early in the afternoon and my throat was feeling a tad dry – it was 35 degrees so I was worried about dehydration.
After consuming a couple of nice beverages it was time to clean up a little, before it was decided to head back to the Longyard for dinner. As per normal it was a bloody good feed.
We then wandered across to the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC) for the Country Music Awards. If there was ever one show I’d recommend to attend during the country music festival, then this is the one. The variety of performances normally results in most people enjoying the night, and it is designed for everyone to enjoy (although my bank account never comes out of it looking healthy).
A great night topped off by seeing Travis Collins and The McClymonts being recognised for their efforts. It was also great to see The Bushwackers inducted into the Roll of Renown. Thoroughly deserved, and as per normal they closed the show in style.
Sunday
A nice slow start to the morning with a cooked breakfast provided at our accommodation. We wandered across to the Tamworth Paceway to have a look around.
It was weird driving through the middle of Tamworth with it so quiet. Peel St, Fitzroy St, Bicentennial Park – all open, quiet and very little country related at all. It must be a huge kick in the guts for their economy.
So we were discussing alternative routes back to the coast, when we decided to actually do one of them. So we turned west.
The run across to Thunderbolts Way was really good. You only get along at approximately 80km/h, but with the recent wet weather it was great to see the countryside with a green tinge to it. Mind you, the roadside growth is nuts.
The climb up the range from Dungowan Creek was really good. It’s a shame there isn’t a couple of lookouts along that stretch, as no doubt if cleared a little it would be spectacular. I’ve heard people bitch about this stretch, but coming from the west coast of Tassie – well this isn’t that bad. Just have to drive smart…..
We stopped at Nowendoc for a drink and to stretch the legs. Again the countryside is looking good, although you can clearly see the scars from the fire season. We took the (gravel) Nowendoc Rd option.
Arriving on the outskirts of Mt George, we decided to cut across to Wherrol Flat, and then through Marlee, Mooral Creek, Yarratt Forest, Kundle Kundle on our way home. Why – because Loryn hasn’t been on some of these roads, and we weren’t in a hurry to go back towards the traffic.
There is some bloody big potholes on the roads at the moment, no doubt exasperated by the recent rain. Again the RAV4 has been perfect for this type of touring, and it’s always amusing the looks we get from the 4WDs when we are touring around.
To be honest coming home that way really that much slower or longer, and certainly if we had of gone direct from Mt George then there definitely wouldn’t have been much in it. If I had a dirt bike – there would be no doubt which way I would go.
Anyway, as per normal another great trip away, albeit a short one. Certainly looking forward to the 50th Country Music Awards next year. Fingers crossed the restrictions are eased by that time.