The Big Merino
Australians have a love of big things. Big icons of things in smaller towns to be precise. These were often used to lure tourists who were also into photographing and seeing large things. There’s even a movie about it called “Big Dreamers”. There’s the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour where my brother in law The Assman worked as a train driver and more close to home, there the 97 tonne and 15 metre tall Big Merino dubbed “Rambo” which we’ve happened upon. Standing proud and grey, Queen Viv told us of the tale where his modesty was clipped as it was deemed too offensive. Well, the balls are back baby and we find ourselves contemplating them closely.
They are lighter in colour you know…
“They’re a lighter colour!” exlaims Queen Viv and indeed they are a lighter shaded family jewels. Locals were offended by the sight of the anatomically correct Merino but apparently he has had them restored in their lighter colour. We can’t go up very far – once upon a time you could see out his eyes, but we feel affection to this dignified beast that had some rather undignified things done to him in the name of decency.
The Loaded Dog
We check into Queen Viv’s friend’s place for the night-they run a farmstay at the Magellan Observatory just near Lake Bathurst. Although it’s closed to the public at the moment, they’ve opened up for us and we settle in and warm up while Mr NQN gets a one on one tour of the observatory and sees some amazing sights, made that much more visible being out here where the sky is a blanket of black velvet rather than in the city. Which brings me to the question, rather suddenly I admit, but what are grounds for divorce? Starving your wife until she is ready to try and make a meal out of a teabag and some sugar? Mr NQN has taken quite a while to come back and we are all cold and famished and when he finally returns looking like he has just climbed Mount Everest (i.e. cold and excited) we take farmstay owner Zane’s recommendation of the Loaded Dog in nearby Tarago for dinner.
Inside the Loaded Dog
Everyone is friendly and most importantly we spy a fireplace which we immediately gravitate towards. We contemplate the menu and then order and pay at the counter and wait with our buzzer which will alert us when the food is ready. We see meal after meal pass us by and the only thing we can think is “country sized” with the dog done steak (t bone) being particularly large. After torturing us with a parade of goodies our buzzer goes off and we tuck in.
Salt and Pepper prawns $19.50
There are quite a few prawns on the plate and whilst the salt and pepper coating isn’t what I’d call light, the seasoning is good and the size large and the prawns are very fresh.
Loaded Rissoles $15
Mr NQN’s rissoles are two huge brown balls smothered in gravy. They’re soft, moist inside and he is most impressed by his choice.
Scotch burger $12.50
Queen Viv is surprised that her steak is easy to cut and tender. Her burger has beetroot on it (a must) and she says that it is just what she needs.
Lamb chops $19.50
Miss America receives a generous serve of 3 lamb chops in a red wine sauce and is in heaven. He resorts to picking them up with his hands and chomping away contentedly. We retire to the farmstay and sleep well under the silent sky. Miss America can’t sleep-as a resident of Potts Point he is used to hearing a constant buzz of noise interrupted by garbage trucks and noisy drunks.
Can you spot the Peahen hiding?
In the morning we are joined by Magellan Observatory’s resident peacock and a peahen, The peacock with it’s irridescent beautiful tail is curious and loves the camera whilst the peahen is scared and runs away.
I’ve always thought that I’ve been particularly lucky with the blog. Things just present themselves to me at the right time. Setting sail the early morning we drove through an adorable little country town called Braidwood. Reminiscent of a more country version of the Leura Mall, we stop to have a bite to eat for breakfast when what might drive past us but a pink and white retro car. If you know me, you’ll know I love retro and when Queen Viv points it out I go for my camera and say “Oh please stop!’ and the car does just that and parks. We stand back hoping to get a picture of the car once the driver has alighted and we can do so quietly without bothering them. Then the driver exits the car and it’s a girl dressed to match the car in a black and pink dress, long socks, rolled hair and and earrings. She happens to own the retro vintage store there and she must be used to photo requests as when we ask her she grabs her glasses for a full effect of the retro look and poses. We browse the shop and there’s a stunning dress in just the style of Mad Men which I’d love to buy but I’m allergic to Mohair.
Cant’ you just see Joan from Mad Men in this dress?
Window shopping itch scratched we make our way down the street to find some breakfast. The French Toast is winking to Queen Viv from the Corinthian Cafe menu outside so we go in and order some French Toast, Bacon and Eggs and a Croque Madame. The coffee is Kaldi (air roasted) and is very good indeed.
French Toast $12 with coffee
Like most we’re freezing, but the fireplace isn’t turned on which would have been a nice touch. We see all other patrons enter and look longingly at the fireplace too. Many menu items are gluten free and there is gluten free bread for those that may want it. Our Breakfasts arrive and Queen Viv’s French Toast is the pick of the bunch with several large, soft pieces of eggy bread and real thick, maple syrup generously portioned out.
Croque Madame $12 with coffee
My Croque Madame is a fairly standard country staple (and made with the local Dojo bread which is a thickly sliced white loaf) and perhpas I’ve been spoilt by Brasserie Bread’s version. Mr NQN and Miss America’s Bacon and Eggs have a lot of bacon but again standard country style of food.
Bacon and eggs $12 with coffee
Gluten Free Lemon cake $4
We get a piece of the gluten free homemade lemon cake to take with us which is quite nice. It’s like a polenta cake rather than the super moist almond citrus cakes.
We then trace our steps to the Braidwood Bakery. They have a stunning array of breads, pastries and cakes. Another blogger Fiona had suggested that we visit here to buy some pastries. We buy a chunky beef steak pie, a vanilla slice, an apple slice and a fruit bun which we later polish off between eating.
Chunky Beef Steak Pie $4.20 plus sauce 30c
The beef steak pie had delicious large chunks of beef in it and a shortcrust top and base.
Vanilla Slice $3.50
The vanilla slice was fantastic with a lovely thick vanilla custard that oozed out with every bite.
Apple Slice $3.50
I bought the apple slice for MR NQN as heloves apple pies and dsserts with more apple thahn pastry. The fact that they had difficulty picking this up attests to it’s softness and the amount of apple pieces. He devours it hungrily rubbing his stomach afterwards contentedly.
So tell me Dear Reader, would you have objected to seeing the Big Merino’s family jewels on display?
The Big Merino
off Goulburn’s Southern exit from the M5 Hume Expressway
Magellan Observatory
461 Covan Creek Road, Lake Bathurst, NSW (by appointment only)
The Loaded Dog Hotel
1 Wallace Street Tarago, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 4849 4499
The Criterion Cafe
56 Wallace Street, Braidwood, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 4842 1388
Open Thursday to Monday
Braidwood Bakery Cafe
99 Wallace Street, Braidwood, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 4842 2541
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32 Comments | Add your own
sounds like a lovely roadtrip with plenty of good food, and photo moments. I wouldnt have objected to seeing the merino’s crown jewels
I went back to see the Big Merino a couple of years back – if I’d known those big balls were there, I would have gone ’round to check them out instead of just bought a beanie from the shop!
reading that on an empty stomach was very, very difficult.
ROFL!!! Big sheep testicles
I was watching Ross Noble’s Australian Trip last night, and he said if they were to demolish it, at least they could make a Big Jumper
A lovely post. I love travel posts. I can’t wait to get out to the country side more, and all of those quaint little cafes / bakeries.
Hi Lorraine…no I wouldn’t have objected to the Crown Jewels!!!Love all your pics at Braidwood…especially the gal and the car…my DH drives through there every day…know he knows who owns it…I’ll have to take a trip up there soon…it’s 1 hour away from us!!!
Saturday morning, a cup of tea, and balls! You’ve just made my day Lorraine
And the Braidwood Bakery is great for feeding road trippers – we stop there on our journeys to visit the grandparents.
The actually moved the Big Merino a few ks up the road so it was visible from the Hwy to get people in. heh.
Glad you liked the bakey!
Offended? I am a farm girl from waaaaaaay back. Besides, how could it be a ram with no jewels?? Dear NQN, how do you stay so slender???
We have seen the Big Merino many times and have enjoyed all of his characteristics! Sometimes people go over the top over simple things needlessly, hence the reason for him to get his family jewels back.
Sounds like a food-worthy trip , unlike the mad dash my family and I used to do to visit our horses at a farm outside Braidwood. A 6 hour round trip for a half hour viewing of the splendid creatures and then back in the car to return home! The only consolation was a lovely mug of hot tea with homemade scones or sponge cake made by the owner’s wife, Joan.
The Braidwood Bakery is pretty good, we often used to stop there when we were driving between the South Coast and Canberra.
What a fun trip! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like the Big Merino! I can’t believe the family jewels are a lighter shade — too funny! All of your brunch dishes look fantastic and are making me crave brunch — and it’s almost 9 PM here!
I couldn’t help but snigger when reading about the loaded rissoles. Sure could load up that big old sheep ; )
Those loaded rissoles look just like a couple of choc tops!! I was very confused until I read the description.
You gotta let the merino have his balls, it’s the only thing to do.
HolyHeck, Batman!
that is just my ideal weekend laid out in all it’s wonderous glory.
the french toast looks nearly as good as my own!
How fun the retro girl and her pink car! The sheep is a little scary…like attack of the giant killer something…it looks like it’s going to come to life and stomp on everything in it path!
Bring on the jewels I say!! Oh and the retro stuff – so cute I could squeal! Places like this are right up my alley, love it
Hahaha lighter shade of family jewels! Poor thing… but I knew that he was getting some renovations done a few months ago.
Mmmmm that vanilla slice looks so good…..
Very nice. That pic of the big fat butt. Lol.
I think that Croque Madame needs a bit more…greasy moisture though…perhaps more cheese or some kind of bechamel.
Errr, those gravy covered rissoles are priceless, I don’t think I’ve ever seen gravy that colour before, in fact before I read the description, I was wondering why a chocolate covered dessert was sitting next to the salad, haha!
A fun post Loprraine – loved it. LOL at the Big Merino’s “modesty”.
for the first time ever, i can’t even concentrate on the food–the big merino has to be one of the most hilarious and outstanding formations of all time. i. love. it. and the croque madame, of course, because let’s face it–i’m an eater.
I’m sorry I can’t get over that statue!
Ha ha, loving the sheep. That reminds me of the yowie statue in southeast Queensland. He was antomically correct but someone kept cutting his man bits off! Aussies do love big things don’t they?
I’m with Laura! I would have made a special trip to check them out LOL
Love the Loaded Dog especially the seafood menu on Sunday nights. I must say our favourite place to eat or have coffee in Braidwood is the Albion Cafe…. so next time you visit Braidwood try it for breaky, lunch or a romantic candlelit dinner. Yum… and Braidwood has loads of history. Did you know its the first heritage listed town in Australia? We have some great Arts Festivals coming up in November: “Music at the Creek” in the Neighboring village of Majors Creek, and the Hanging of the Quilts Festival on the last weekend in November. There are markets on the 4th Saturday of each month. The Old Cheese Factory at nearby Reidsdale a meandering 15 miutes drive through gorgeous green farm fields offers morning tea and a small shop selling ‘braidwoodmade’ products. They quite often have a foodies class running
For more info try http://www.visitbraidwood.com.
Lol. I wouldn’t be offended at all. In fact, as someone has mentioned above, I’d probably make a special trip out to see it.
oh I LOVe big things, I’m just obsessed with them. When I last saw the big merino he was a “modest” boy and there wasnt a Macca’s sitting next to him! How things change!
Sounds like a nice trip. I love the photo of the timber cutters balancing so well. I’ll put gluten free cake at Braidwood on my list for my next trip South too.
one of my friends is the son of the farmer who owns/made the big merino and it was his sons job a while ago to add the balls and legs which i guess is why they are different colour. when they moved him he didn’t have legs or balls poor fella.
Now I live in the CBD and always passing by the Hordern Pavillion’s bull statue in World Tower. It’s family jewels are on display and some passerby sometimes have comments or watching the statue closely. It’s quite amusing actually to see these people, therefore I can’t object to Big Merino’s display.
Hi sandra-It was really lovely I have to say and I’m so glad that we did it!
Hi Laura-Hehe! You are too funny!
Hi Reemski-Haha sorry!
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Got to love big things-testicles included as long as they’re in proportion to the sheep!
LOL! Thankyou so much! 
Hi Dzintra-that’s good! Neither would I
Oh really? You’re so close!
Hi shaz-Haha! Sometimes you just need a Saturday routine of tea and balls
Yes it was great!
Hi Fiona-LOL he’s rather spectacular I have to say! Yes thanks for the rec!
Hi June-That is very true! Hehe with some difficulty believe me?
Hi Matilda-I agree, they should have left the family jewels intact! After all it’s anatomically correct no? And kids need to learn! Ooh at least the tea and scones or sponge sound good!
Hi Gab-Oh cool!
It was so busy!
Hi Faith-Hehe I guess you guys don’t really do big things like we do here (or do you?). Hehe I’m sure they tried to colour match it to no avail
Hi The Ninja-LOL Yes that is very true although they are the wrong shade!
Hi Conor-Hehe I never thought of it that way but they do!
Yep agreed!
Hi the projectivist-Hehe!
It was rather good I have to say 
Hi Wizzy-Yes she was great and I think rather used to having ppl ask to take her photos!
Hehe I never thought of it like that! 
hi Steph-Indeed!
Cool, it’s worth a trip!
Hi Trisha-Hehe “renovations”! It was gooey and good!
Hi sophia-LOL! Some ppl like big butts and they cannot lie! Yeah it was too dry!
Hi Moya-Yes it was so dark! Maybe it was from Vegemite!
That’s so funny! 
Hi Cakelaw-Thankyou so much!
Hi grace-Hehe he is isn’t he! Such a star really
Yep me too! 
Hi Blond Duck-We Australians love to make big things like this!
Hi MrsDesperate-Oh really?
That’s hilarious! We sure do!’
Hi cmccread-Hehe you are so funny!
Hi cakeluscious-Yes we were sad that we missed it! OH I didn’t know that! Sounds like there’s a lot to do there! Thanks for letting me know
Hi Su-yin-Haha you are so funny! That’s something I’d do too!
Hi Maria-How things change! He grew balls!
Hi Arwen-Yes they have quite a few gluten free things there!
Hi sharon-Oh really?
Yes poor guy! They restored his dignity 
Hi Lili-hehe really they do? I must check the bull out!
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[...] our hotel room. Allow me to rewind a few hours if you will. Earlier that day we’d visited the Braidwood Bakery and then gone to the Old Bus Depot Markets and then settled our weary selves into Hotel Realm. [...]
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