Australia Day 2017 - Making Merry in Berrima

For Australia Day 2017, we went inland to the lovely old town of Berrima with all its old buildings, including the 19th century gaol still in use.

We camped for two days on the river, just outside the village, with amazingly loud cicadas and corellas. The camp spot was used by German internees during WW1. Most of the 300 were merchant seamen who were allowed out during the day and returned to the gaol in the evening. To while away the time, the Germans, who received half pay from the shipping company, relaxed on the river banks and started building boats, wooden shanties, and even a girl's school hut, all of which became well known as an Enclosure for the internees.

We wandered around the town, taking a look at the market set up in a field. Everyone was dressed in their Australia costume, accompanied by kids, babies, and an array of specially dressed dogs.

At 12 noon, the grand procession kicked off with ancient cavalry riders on their horses kitted out to perfection; kilted bagpipers and their drummers; followed by wonderful old timer vehicles, trucks and fire engines; super cars of every shape and size, beeping their horns; a hearse; a procession of dogs and their proud owners; and emergency services vehicles with wailing sirens and playful squirting of water at the crowds.