The day began by being woken by some very noisy Galahs in the neighbouring tree and after a rather frosty breakfast and pack up I hit the road for day 2. Todays destination was Mildura a little further than day one but I also didn't have to deal with escaping Sydney, so it took about the same amount of driving time. The trip continued along the A20 aka the Sturt Hwy. Along the way I had to stop for cattle who decided to cross the road just as I was about to pass, I saw emus on the side of the road and quite a few sleeping kangaroos (aka road kill).
I entered a part of the country known as the food bowl where many and all crops are grown along with cattle, sheep and even goats. I saw cotton farms, almond orchards and orange orchards along the way and I responsibly disposed of my tomatoes before entering the fruit fly exclusion zone.
I eventually crossed the mighty Murray river and departed from NSW into Victoria to the picturesque town of Mildura. I was able to spend the afternoon walking along the Murray River where I saw houseboats and paddle steamers as well as plenty of ducks and pelicans. It is easy to see why this river is so important to this region, providing water for so many of the farmers in the area.
Both Mildura and Wagga Wagga have been exceptionally lovely rural towns and I could easily see myself living in either, but unfortunately it gets way too cold here which I discovered on my first night. I went to bed with my hoody on, along with a sleeping bag, doona and extra blanket but still woke a couple of times throughout the night to the cold. Perhaps with global warming these towns will be ideal in a few years time.