We’d delayed our departure until well after rush hour subsided, diverted from the car park to the Tourist Information Centre, and avoided any sense of urgency along the trail, so it was close to midday when we arrived at the Gorge Restaurant, which seemed like a suitable lunch venue. Assuming we get the chance, we’ll be returning.
After lunch, we took the much easier path along the northern bank of the South Esk River, with excellent views across the river along the way.
We spent the rest of the afternoon strolling through the downtown area, looking at historic buildings, with Macquarie House and Boag’s brewery attracting my particular interest, though we didn’t have time to do the tour.
Pencil that one in for next time.
There are plenty of interesting buildings as you make your way around the CBD, and the exercise could be worth repeating if we’re back again with time on our hands.
But it was an enjoyable ramble that ended down by the redeveloped waterfront, all apartment blocks and restaurants.
We grabbed a couple of relatively modest, though quite toothsome, serves of fish and chips before we reclaimed the vehicle and headed back to Protea Hill and the bottle of Bay of Fires Riesling that awaited us in the fridge.