2 October 2024 - Mulwala to Albury (via Rutherglen & Howlong)

Up betimes at ClubMulwala Resort to take advantage of the included 'free' breakfast at the Diggers Bistro which appeared to the Prop to be more like a canteen than a bistro.

.         Diggers Bistro at breakfast time

In order to get to Diggers Bistro one must first negotiate the roccoco intricacies of the interior decoration of ClubMulwala. This can prove quite challenging at 8.15 in the morning!

A small sample of the very 'lively' interior design at ClubMulwala 

Surprisingly, or perhaps un-surprisingly, at 8.30 am there were a few punters chancing their arms (as the saying goes) on the one-armed bandits at ClubMulwala.

A small portion of the very tasteful 'gaming lounge' at ClubMulwala

The quality of the breakfast at Diggers Bistro was quite acceptable and relatively inexpensive for those who had to pay. However, the Prop had the uneasy feeling that the cost of his breakfast was being subsidised by the early-shift punters seated at the nearby poker machines.

Having subsequently checked out of ClubMulwala we were (unlike the Hotel California) allowed to leave. 

We crossed the bridge across the mighty Murray River and entered the Victorian town of Yarrawonga (which apparently means 'cormorants' resting place' in the language of the Mulla Walla people). We then headed to Rutherglen at the centre of Victoria's wine region and were pleasantly surprised by what we found.

             Rutherglen streetscape

The local butcher - the steaks are too high

I'll bet it used to be a bank, not a B&B

A shop that sells opportunities to Anglicans?

.                 The Star Hotel

.               The Victoria Hotel

.             The Rutherglen Hotel

Unusual roof architecture - boarding house or possible bomb shelter?

Having left NSW to enter Victoria earlier in the day we decided to re-enter NSW to visit Howlong (which according to Mrs P's local knowledge would eventually deliver us to North Albury and the 'Glenmorus Memorial Gardens' (i.e., a cemetery)

Probably the most impressive building in Howlong is the Court House Hotel. The hotel has survived and appears to be thriving whereas there is no longer any sign of a courthouse.

         The Court House Hotel, Howlong

Speaking to a local solicitor the Prop was unreliably informed that the town got its name because disappointed barristers who had appeared in the nearby courthouse would invariably be asked:

"Howlong did your client get?"

Brazen advertising of illegal gambling at the Court House Hotel! Howlong has this been going on?

Making our way to the Glenmorus Memorial Gardens' to pay our respects to several departed rellies...

...we then made our way to Noreuil Park (on the banks of the mighty Murray River) to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air before booking in to our accomm.

The mighty Murray River at Noreuil Park, Albury