Local couples enjoy the country at Trundle ABBA Festival Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Photo Gallery by News Of The Area - Modern Media - October 25, 2023October 25, 2023 Most of the caravaners at Bogan Gate Pub. (L-R) Bernard and Pam Smith, Keith and Lauralle Baker, Don and Davina O’Brien, Jim and June Martin CARAVAN couples from Tea Gardens took a chance on the Trundle ABBA Festival, out in central-western NSW last week. Perhaps the least likely place to see a concert devoted to the legendary Swedish pop group, nonetheless, ABBA dancing queens (and kings) from the world over descended on the hard-baked outback town. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The streets of Trundle teemed with ABBA diehards for one hot, winner-takes-it-all extravaganza on Saturday, 14 October, featuring tribute bands including Bjorn Again, Disco Revolution, and others, with special host Tristan McManus. “The town really pulled together for their one big day in the year,” Mr Smith said, alluding to the concept that for many such country towns, this sort of event is their major tourist draw, their Waterloo. Among them, a caravan convoy moseyed westward, from gleaming Port Stephens waters to the dusty plains, where locals have done it tough over the last few years as COVID kept visitors away, and La Nina washed out many roads. Tea Gardens’ Bernard and Pam Smith, Keith and Laurelle Baker, Don and Davina O’Brien, Jim and June Martin, and Bob and Anna Boersma laid their love on the event, and enjoyed several other country road stops along the way. Western gems such as the Wellington Caves, Burrendong Dam, the Man From Ironbark Hotel, the Pub in the Scrub, and the Rabbit Trap Hotel were on the list, each owning a uniquely Australian vibe and tall-tales, and also the bright lights of Gilgandra and Merriwa. “Many people from the coast may not have been out to see what the country has to offer,” Mr Smith, a retired farmer from Orange, told NOTA. As much about the journey as the destination, as Mr Smith agreed, “It was great to get away with friends, tell a few lies and talk among the caravans on the road.” Given recent years’ events, these places can use some money, money, money, and coastal locals can benefit from knowing more, knowing new places west of the Divide. By Thomas O’KEEFE The convoy of caravans headin’ west to Trundle and surrounds. The ABBA parade leader down the main street of Trundle. ABBA-themed fancy dress was a must at the Trundle ABBA Festival. A packed field faces the ABBA Festival stage at Trundle. Bob and Anna Boersma, also part of the local group, enjoying the Central West sunshine.
