I have posted previously about driving to Sydney – and – about the drive to Melbourne and the coffee stops along the way. Here’s a few more things to consider.

The country is looking great. In fact it is quite ‘Un-Australian’ at the moment. We have been on the road to Melbourne a couple of time lately and it is a real pleasure to observe the landscapes. It is so green that at times you wonder if you have not been transported into the northern hemisphere.

As I said in a previous post, the Long Track at Jugiong is worth the stop for coffee. I have to revise this a little. The last couple of times it has been OK – but nothing too special. And the service has been ‘matter-of-fact’. Not the usual for a country town. But still recommended – for now.

One discovery has been Albert’s Café in Euroa (between Seymour and Benalla). It is a gem of a small country town and this café has good food and very friendly service (the owner I suspect). And if you are into architecture, check out the Queen Anne style building (originally a bank) down the other end of the main street. A classic.

On the road north to Sydney there’s always the opportunity to see the changes to Lake George. Here’s one taken a little while ago – then another in late September during some heavy rain.

Further north at Marulan is one of the better cafes, The Meridian. The owners have revamped the place – and if you are into dogs, you will love their walls of photos. Food and coffee remains good with friendly service.

Further north again along the highway is sign that has been tempting for ages. What is this Hanging Rock thing? There’s also the performance whereby someone hangs a rock off the signs – which soon disappears – only to have another reappear. Last time through I gave in and turned.

Nope – there is no hanging rock just a short country road called Hanging Rock Road. If you are interested, there is a large monastery tucked away along the road that has 43 internationally themed chapels built by ethnic communities.

And so to one of our favourite stops, being Mittagong. A great stop off point when you leave Sydney first thing, deal with the exit and then take a break at Mittagong. I have mentioned a number of cafes previously – there are several to choose from.

Here’s one more to add to the list. Turn into Station Street (coming from Sydney, the street before the main forked intersection) and there to the left is a year old café.

This is a gem. It is a Polish café and deli called Nasz Stolik. It is advertised as ‘traditional tastes of Poland; warm meals, cakes, sweet treats and coffee. Their deli has so many things to tempt you. We came home with cabbage rolls (for the freezer) and a host of other yummy things (we had an esky in the car).

And when you return to Canberra you get to see one of the new ‘Welcome To Canberra’ signs. All those graphics , logos and the details do not work especially as you wiz past at 100 kph. I have been an advocate for something creative at the entrance to the city – but these huge things are not that.

Back to the good things.

There’s loads to enjoy if you like to roam and to drive north or south along the Hume Highway – and have the time to stop and explore the towns along the way. Go for it.