TEAR OUT MAP #26

THE RIVER TO THE MOUNTAINS A LOT OF TAR AND A BIT OF GRAVEL, AND A LOT TO SEE WORDS/PHOTOS COLIN WHELAN

NOWRA

Pretty much all you are going to need is available here. Everyone I’ve ever dealt with at the Tourism Office just south of the bridge has been knowledgeable and helpful although like all VIC’s they have no idea about the state of the unmade sections of surrounding roads.

The best feed and relax I’ve had is at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Junction St.

Most of the fuel and the two bike shops, Great Southern Motorcycles (T 02 4422 8889) and Nowra Motorcycles (T 02 4422 9681) are on the highway south of the town.

Oh but don’t speed here, this place is on a par with Goulburn!

NERRIGA

There ain’t nuthin’ but the pub here but it’s very popular with riders.

I’m not too sure why, apart from its location among some good riding roads and trails. They don’t seem to have any special facilities or services for riders and there is no outside non-smoking area (bring on June!!!).

Allow a bit of time if you are stopping here coz the service can be glacial when there’s a bunch in the bar.

BRAIDWOOD

The two pubs here both have awesome fires in the winter and both are very friendly. One time I dropped by, the manager of the Royal Mail was in dispute with the owner and had barricaded himself inside the pub for weeks. The locals sent in food on a flying fox rigged up to the balcony as they drank at the Braidwood across the road.

A popular day trip for the public servant masses of Canberra with a good few cafes and restaurants. Best is probably the Albion on the corner of Duncan. They make their own stuff and the soup in front of the fi re will keep you going for the rest of the trip.

Next door is the bakery with top pies and pasties but give the coffee a miss.

The Shell on the corner of the Kings Hwy and Elrington south of the town sells 91 and 98.

COOMA

Somehow this town’s history rich in European migrants saves it from the soulless impersonal seasonal capitalism of places like Bright in Victoria. Think of it more as the capital of the Monaro rather than a hub for the snow crowd.

You’ll get a warm reception and a good feed at the Alpine Hotel but there’s a full range of food from Kuma Pies to the Two Vaults restaurant along the main drag.

The BP south of the town is now closed so all fuel is now up at the north end of the main street, but there’s plenty of it there.

If your steed is in need, High Country Motorcycles on Sharp St is the place to go. (T 02 64522822).

For you, the Alpine Hotel, which welcomes motorcyclists, is a good choice.

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