So it was close to midday when we arrived at the Gorge Restaurant, which seemed like a suitable lunch venue.
As it turned out, it was the day the newly-elected Rudd ministry was installed to run the country for the next couple of years.
That would not be something I'd comment on under normal circumstances.
On the other hand, this seemingly disastrous development attracted much tut-tutting from the predominantly blue-rinse ladies' table next to ours.
That may have been more memorable than the food, but you don't get a change of government every day.
But the meals were entirely satisfactory, and, 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.