We broke the 1200 km trip from Mullumbimby to Ariah Park up over a few days. Mullumbimby to Somerton, Somerton to Cowra and then Cowra to Ariah Park.
Day 1, we camped at the Somerton Pub, where we could have dinner and a drink without having to set up the camper.
Day 2, we called into brother Steve's at Mullalley for morning tea and then headed on to Cowra, set up camp at the caravan park in town and then out to dinner with granddaughter, Artie.
Day 3, we visited the Cowra Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. Lots of traditional Japanese performances, martial arts, tea ceremonies, origami/bonsai workshops, and food stalls amidst the gardens' blooming cherry blossoms. This is a pretty spot with a not-so-pretty history. The Garden is located on the site of the World War Two Japanese prisoner of war camp and the site of the infamous Cowra breakout in 1944. The garden was built to commemorate the Japanese prisoners of war who died at the breakout. A great place to visit today.
Lunch at the Gardens and then the drive to Ariah Park in time to set up camp at the showground, late afternoon in time for another beautiful sunset.
