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A Pre Christmas Sojourn
  • Jo May
  • Jo May

A Pre Christmas Sojourn

Graham and I decided to make a conference trip to Melbourne a little pre-Christmas wander through Victoria and southern riverine NSW. Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 8, 2025
    Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    Stu and Chris took me to lunch at Peregrin's for my birthday the day before we left - very special!
    The old School, now the Abbey MotelWe went for a walk for dinner. I don't understand this sculpture.Old Goulburn Town Hall where Angus Taylor used to have his office.Angus has been banished from the Main Street, now Kristy rules!Goulburn Post OfficeI love what they have done with these columns on the new Art Gallery.Licensed Sanitary Plumber - we all need one!A rock in the field by the great Anglican Cathedral of Goulburn.St Saviour's CathedralGraham at the CathedralCatholic Cathedral opposite the Abbey MotelRoses Cafe for BreakfastInside the Roses CafeThe Big Merino as we left Goulburn.From the car as we break free of Goulburn city limits.

    Goulburn for my 75th birthday

    Dec 8–9, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We arrived in good order at our excellent motel, The Abbey Motel housed in part in an old Catholic Boys School. We walked around the Cathedral where Daphne was ordained as a priest, thinking of happy memories staying at a local motel with Fred and Helen, and Helen, James and Catherine. It was an historic occasion but also a wonderful family get together.
    As many eateries were closed we had my birthday dinner at Goulburn Workers Club. Very satisfactory.    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    Holbrook is home to a submarine museum. Go figure.
    My sandwich was fantastic!Graham at Holbrook with the torpedo carriersThe Holbrook Hotel, established 1914. Pretty isn't it?The cafe where we had our lunch.Albury - knitted tree jumpers look great!Hovell Tree Park, AlburyMore Hovell Tree ParkThe Mighty MurrayThe Murray moving westAncient tree.

    Albury - deserves a longer stay!

    Dec 9–10, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    From Goulburn we drove towards Albury on the Hume Highway, stopping at Holbrook for a simple freshly made sandwich and some coffee. Arriving at Albury, we were booked in for a studio at the Quest Apartments on Townsend. We ended up with a two bedroom two bathroom apartment. It was more than adequate! I burned the pizza Graham bought from Coles but it was okay. We had salad, cherries and chocolate covered almonds. We then went for a lovely walk after dinner along the beautiful Murray. There we saw the Ancient Tree Art installation Bungambrawatha by Marley Dawson.
    “Bungambrawatha connects people to the Murray River as an ancient site that continues as an important place in the present. Reclaimed from the sands of the river, the redgums are aged from 6400 to 12000 years, according to carbon dating reports from Australian National University. Facing the river, visitors would see the main tree hover above the ground connecting the land, water and sky.”    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    Morning tea at pretty Euroa. It has a proper Main Street with many interesting little shops.
    Euroa also had a Big Magpie!1Flinders St StationMelbourne Town Hall by GrahamInside St Paul's Cathedral MelbourneThe food on offer in Lygon Street is to die for!First stop for coffee out of Melbourne sweet Woodend.Stopping by Daylesford on a sunny day for lunchLunch at the upmarket Daylesford HotelGraham wants a beer too.Gorgeous stained glass windowsMy vegetarian "sausage" roll with apple chutney; Graham has Eggplant Parmigiana with chips!Something in the soil makes the roses very bright and highly perfumed.Daylesford flowers pierce the eye with colour.On the road to Bendigo through this high country.We do love the road!A blue tree ...Mount Franklin

    To Melbourne and out again

    Dec 10–12, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We decided that we would have lunch in Euroa, before heading into the southern megacity of Melbourne. I had a two day symposium at the University of Melbourne, so we were heading to Carlton and the Best Western on Drummond, one street back from the famous/infamous Lygon Street. We had a lovely time with the ANZHES crew, my papers were well received and we had a good time at this hotel. Recommended. I didn’t take many pictures because I was too busy, and our three nights there flew by. Then we were on the road again for our next destination- three full nights in beautiful Bendigo, detouring on the way through the Macedon range to Daylesford where we had lunch. The country around Daylesford is absolutely beautiful and we can see why folk want to live there, near Melbourne but out of it.Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    First evening out for a stroll
    Bendigo Catholic Cathedral, sadly there were many faded ribbons on the fence.The cathedral's front doorStatue in the Our Lady of Lourdes gardenAnother view of his magnificent buildingI was taken with the beautiful architectural features on the buildings everywhereMore features- sorry!2A pair of Insurance Buildings from a bygone eraGrand Destroyer of Worlds!The decorations in the park and the city generally were great.The War Memorial on Monday. Note the flag at half mast for BondiOkay okay more featuresA water fountain designed in 1881. Gorgeous isn't it?Queen Vicky in white marble while poor George V gets bronze in the shade!Oh but don't you love it?Green houses were all the rage1There's a man in this triffid, can you see him?The fountain at the start of Pall Mall, BendigoWar memorial and Post OfficeA row of lightsBendigo Visitors CentreWoman embraces lion.The park was very consoling

    Wow Bendigo is Fantastic!

    Dec 12–15, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Three nights in Bendigo were simply not enough. The city, once the richest city in the world, has magnificent public and private buildings, is an internationally recognised centre of gastronomy, and has several museums, art galleries and theatres. I mean, wow! We booked into the Cathedral Motel, having a comfortable and very roomy ground floor studio. A bonus was the free laundry provided by the motel. We knew one of our two days would need to be given to washing our clothes, and that was Sunday.
    And then the world intruded big time and not in a good way. In fact the terrible events at Bondi where a father and son took 16 lives, wounded countless others, and left us all shaken because our beautiful Australian peacefulness once again had been fractured by madmen and their murderous madness. It certainly took the wind out of sightseeing sails. This was probably just as well because all the attractions of Bendigo shut down on Mondays. So we walked in the beautiful central gardens, did some shopping and admired the architecture. We will return to this amazing place.    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    The entry to the Great Stupa
    Inside the film roomWe begin our walk around the siteFeature lights on the pathsChanuka - which reminded us of BondiAn Indian GoddessQueen YiaA parable of friendship " The Four Harmonious Friends"The Four Harmonious Friends storyTwo Important Religious SymbolsThe first symbol - SwastikThe second symbol - OmPrayer Wheels- we spun them allA Lion to protect?Roses surrounding the StupaInside the Great HallFurther inLooking the other wayThe amazing ceiling painted by hand by 50 volunteersÀ jade Buddha - from a single piece of Canadian green jade.Detail from decoration on the pillarsGorgeous eh?A wall of art.Not so handsome but impressiveBodhi tree from the original

    The Great Stupa

    December 16, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Who knew that the largest multi faith centre in the southern hemisphere was 20 minutes out of Bendigo? Opened by the Dalai Lama no less. We watched a little 5 minute film on arrival, then we were given a map of the site and invited to walk around at our leisure. No cost, donations accepted. We met a beautiful dog, a rare Hungarian breed. And had some very pleasant conversations with folk. This place is also a must-see if you are visiting Bendigo and have a car.Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    2We love a picnic!
    Poor shot of the Murray as we left- sorryWater tower art at Mathoura by DulkThe walk begins at JerilderieHistory!Billabong Creek JerilderieA widow maker river gumThe walk at sunsetWalk at Sunset 2Walk at Sunset 3 - an egretGood old Ned!A rough bush picnic settingGraham at sunset

    To Echuca then Jerilderie.

    Dec 16–17, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Moving north into NSW we needed to cross the magnificent Murray River so we decided to head to Echuca and have a picnic lunch there. In Echuca the great paddle steamers ply their trade. It’s a romantic little place with a welcoming feel to it and lots of wonderful gift shops. And lunch was just perfect - a bun with a good Old Bitey cheese for me and added ham and tomato for him; lemon zero for us both. It was hot!!
    From there we moved on to Jerilderie and the worst motel we’ve had - not the worst ever but close. Still the town itself is of interest because it was here that Ned Kelly raided the bank, burned the mortgage documents, shouted the bar and importantly dictated the Jerilderie Letter. If you have not read it, you’re in for a treat (it’s available as a spoken text online - we listened to most of it in the car.) Whatever you think of him - Robin Hood, juvenile delinquent, cold blooded killer, boy genius etc - there’s no doubting his importance as a national mythic figure.
    Jerilderie is on the Billabong Creek, said to be the largest creek in Australia, and they have created a wonderful walk around this managed waterway. We took a walk after our good dinner and slept well despite all. Next stop Wagga.    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    Ghost trees on the horizon- it's flat from Jerilderie to Wagga
    These towers are what the farmers don't want.Capturing art from a moving car is challenging - this at LockhartLockhart is really pretty. Tree lined streets in the raging heat."Pastoral Shadows of Brookong"Tin horse and wagon carrying peopleShadow sheep made of tinShadow horses of BrookongA mountain!!It's dry out here and the land looks like suedeSister and brother!Magpie's Nest set Menu choices - my chicken "rested" on smoked carrots- amazing food!Our fabulous motel, the Carlyle

    To Wagga Wagga on the Murrumbidgee

    December 17, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Once we knew we were going to Melbourne we decided that this little trip would also be an excellent opportunity to see Graham’s older sister Daphne. We booked an excellent motel we had stayed in on previous visits and a table for three at the wonderful Magpie’s Nest restaurant.

    The drive from Jerilderie takes on a surreal flatness and the eye plays tricks. It’s mesmerising. The towns along this stretch of the highway make an effort to attract the eye at least and I thought I was seeing things at Brookong but no, there were tin sheep, tin horses and so on for some distance out of town.

    We had a beautiful visit with Daphne and the meal at the restaurant thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. It was great to catch up.    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    The dry country out of Wagga was poetic in its way.
    Image suggesting a marriage ...We had morning tea at Young on the way to Bathurst and had a great talk with our young host.Bathurst Historical Society rooms are in this very impressive Court House.The society had a great display on Lady BushrangersArrival at the Hydro MajesticGorgeous art deco everywhereDetail art deco lightFire place in the huge loungeMore art decoAh the view!The long lounge ... my favouriteSublime hardly does it justiceAgain1The view from dinner in the Boiler RoomThe Boiler RoomNow that's a door!Christmas decorationsThe loungeMe in the hall of the Belgravia wingMore mountainsTea anyone?The view from our roomAmazing bloomFarewell Hydro!

    To the Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath

    December 19, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    From Wagga, our journey left the flatlands and gradually rose up through the western slopes. First we drove to Bathurst through the blazing heat in air conditioned comfort, watching the country become more interesting, with more water, hills and valleys. We stayed at Bathurst overnight so we could visit the Bathurst Historical Society rooms for a research project I have been working on for some time. I was able to copy notes from a few books and lodge a research request. We will see what this yields.
    The next day we headed for the beautiful Blue Mountains where we had splurged on a top hotel, the Hydro Majestic. This is a historic establishment was opened in 1904 as a wellness retreat by department store owner and general oddball Mark Foy. The hotel was patronised by the great and good, such as Dame Nellie Melba, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and our first Prime Minister, Edmond Barton, who actually died there in 1920. It is said to have ghosts.
    Ghosts or not, the hotel accommodation has seen better days in the Belgravia wing where we were. There were few guests and that’s perhaps the fault of a very high tariff. The breakfast was pedestrian although the view was simply to die for!! I would go there for the high tea but not stay there again.    Read more

  • Jo MayA Pre Christmas SojournTraveler
    Merry Christmas from the Adge Hotel, Surry Hills
    The foyer, AdgeMore foyer - colour and movement hereWe are on level 3 ...More level 3 artOur room has character!Our shower is unique and see through!The ultra minimalist design for King LearThe Cast and CrewLeaving SydneyHolland America ship and Harbour Bridge from the roadFlags at half mast.Our first action was to close the blinds to keep out the hot wind. Home at last after a fab 2 weeks

    Sydney, King Lear & Home

    December 21, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Our last night away was spent at the Adge Hotel and Residences in Riley Street Surry Hills. Johanna found this hotel for us conveniently located not too far from the Belvoir Theatre 🎭. We three had booked to see Colin Friels’ version of King Lear, the pinnacle of any actor’s career. The hotel is quirky and excellent value for Sydney. We liked everything about it.
    The play was exciting and, while minimally staged, lost nothing for it (unlike a minimalist “The Seagull” we saw in London). In fact the lack of costumes and props may have been a plus, allowing us to concentrate on the words, difficult words despite our familiarity with many of its phrases. Standout performances were given by Peter Carroll as the Fool and Raj Labade as Edmund. Alison Whyte was amazing as a female Gloucester. Her blinding on stage was cathartic. Friels’ performance drew heavily I think on our knowledge of a certain type of alzheimers, as well as the resonances of the sociopathic narcissism of Trump. In fact the staging of this play at this time of disorder in world politics was perfect commentary to our situation.
    Speaking of which as we leave Sydney on the first week anniversary of the Bondi massacre, we note the flags lowered to half mast on the Harbour Bridge.

    "Machinations, hollowness, treachery, and all ruinous disorders, follow us disquietly to our graves." (King Lear, Act 1, Scene 2)    Read more

    Trip end
    December 21, 2025
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