Joadja Historic Town and Distillery trip report

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Joadja Historic Town and Distillery trip report

Joadja Historic Town and Distillery
15-16 September 2018

Participants:

  •   Ross and Monica Waples (trip leaders): Land Rover Defender 90 and camper
  •   Andrew and Jan Lockley: Land Rover Discovery and camper
  •   David and Anne Darke: Toyota Prado and camper
  •   Alex and Shirley Brincat: 
  •   Brian and Diana McDonnell: Land Rover Discovery and camper
  •   Kevin Phillips: Mazda BT and camper
  •   Paul and Kaylene Koppe: Land Rover Discovery and caravan
  •   Michael and Lynne Thomson: Range Rover and camper
  •   Mark and Lynelle O’Flaherty: Land Rover Discovery and camper

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Day 1

We all met at Berrima Village and enjoyed a coffee and a leisurely walk around the village.  The ladies could not help themselves and of course went shopping, relishing the interesting craft and wool shops, preserves and the most popular was the lolly shop.  The men were content to congregate and chat. This was followed by lunch at the Surveyor General Hotel.

We then proceeded to Joadja Historic Town where we were welcomed by the owners Val and Elisa.  A secluded valley was the setting for our camp which had an enormous campfire site, but unfortunately due to the fire ban for that weekend, could not be used in the evening.

The owner Val guided us on an interesting tour of the remains of the historic town and kerosene plant.  Val’s extensive knowledge and attention to detail were incredible and everyone was deeply engaged in the history of the town.  

The tour ended with a tasting of the products currently distilled at Joadja.  The products being whiskey, gin and anis.  There was a surprise tasting of Val’s version of moonshine, with an alcohol content of 67% which was enough to take your breath away! The distillery was greatly appreciated by members of the Land Rover Club, evident by the number of bottles that were purchased. 

Following the tasting, we returned to our campsite for nibbles and our evening meal.

Day 2

After a nice campfire breakfast, we proceeded on an interesting 4WD climb to the top of the valley with its breathtaking views.  On the track, we encountered some challenging rock formations, making for interesting descents on the return journey.

We then proceeded to the track that led to the natural spring in the mountain which made the establishment of the village possible.  We followed the track along the creek and then proceeded on foot for the last 500 metres.  The walking track was arduous but worth the climb to reach the spring and its large rock formations.

Back to campsite for pack up and departure to Joadja Winery for tasting and further purchases of alcohol.  

The trip ended with a final group afternoon tea at Berrima Village.  

Ross and Monica would like to thank all members who attended the tour.  We enjoyed organising the trip and hope to offer this trip with variations next year. There are many more tracks that were not experienced due to time constraints and many opportunities to further explore the historic site.

Ross and Monica Waples 

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