But when it is over, it’s over, win or lose, and its back to the big tree to enjoy a hamburger and a beer and trade stories with the opposing team and their townspeople. The desperation and frustration which might have been felt on the field is forgotten off it, and the teams from all the towns from this corner of Australia have yarned away many a summer or winter evening under the Big Tree.

One of the most enjoyable sporting trips away from Mallacoota is up to Towamba in the hills. Until recently, access to this remote valley was via the Snake track, one of the world’s most serpentine roads.