FREEDOM CAMP OF THE MONTH

The best stops aren ' t planned. I was simply flicking through the Camps guide as Heatley was driving, and look what we found: the free camp at Tumblong Tavern, NSW. We thought it would suit for the night … and we ended up with a fun country music session from the publican thrown in for good measure!

This little spot is absolutely fantastic. Yes, it is only metres from a main road. Yes, the camp area is quite small. And yes, the pub inside is smaller still.

However, If you are driving past the Tumblong Tavern, I would urge you to stop in. It is one of a kind.

Why? I’ m hesitant to wreck the surprise. We were there on a Friday night, and weekends are when the action is on.

The publican greeted us at the door, sorted out our drinks, and mentioned there ' d be some live music shortly. It turned out that he was the live music – and what a treat. The pub belongs to country singer-songwriter, Owen Blundell.

Owen played guitar with a great range of mostly country, but happily took requests from the audience of pretty much anything. He wrapped up his first set to head off and cook his dinner( fair enough!), and came back later for another round, this time joined by a bloke called Al on guitar and harmonica.

ONE

OF A KIND!

No wonder we had fun – Owen is a multiple award winner for Australian country music and songwriting, with 14 albums. He has been a finalist five times for the category of Male Vocalist at the Australian Country Music Awards, and has received an APRA award for a most-played country song. Owen doesn ' t mind telling a joke as well!

We slept like a top, not even bothered by the highway traffic.

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