18th February 2025

Distance: 433 km

Getting there.

A touch  over 400km to travel today. The first two thirds over very familiar territory and will pass within a few kms of Katie and Geoff’s house.

Not a very difficult trip though the F6 was crawling until the university perhaps because of the train strike.

Weather was lovely the whole way  except for a bit of cloud around Goulburn.

The Jindabyne caravan park was easy to find, it was a little way out of town. I had taken advantage of their “Stay four nights, pay for three” deal. The park definitely wasn’t full or even half full.

Spent  the afternoon wandering by the lake after setting up.

The amenities block was fairly new with everything, toilets, showers, kitchen, TV room, games room, laundry etc all in one building. Each afternoon I would sit on the balcony with my computer.

Jindabyne and Charlotte Pass

19th February 2025

Distance: 102 km

Fuel: 48L

Up with the sun, it was quite cool so I wore a cardigan and my fingerless gloves after I had a shower. Outside was quite a grey morning with fairly low clouds however the clouds burned off by noon to become a lovely sunny day.

Went for a walk along the cycleway which runs through the park while it was still cool and cloudy, it was a pleasant walk with good views of the lake and back to the caravan park. The water level of the lake seemed to be very low.

Waited until after 9am to visit the Visitors’ Centre. Walked around looking for brochures, there were plenty for every area of NSW, even some for Queensland but Jindabyne? Nothing! Asked the lady and all she had was a map of the area with a little bit of information. It appears that unless you like fishing, hiking or boating there is not much here for you until the snow comes when the ski season starts. Anyway I asked about lookouts or points of interest and she suggested one at Charlotte Pass.

I bought fuel then went to have a look at the dam that has created the lake even that is difficult access on foot, there is a cycleway from town but no facilities for walkers.

By the time I set off for Charlotte Pass the weather was beautiful with almost cloudless skies or at least very high thin clouds.

It was well worth the drive as there was a 400 metre boardwalk taking you to spectacular views of the snowy mountains including Mount Kosciuszko.

Pictures don’t do the view justice. Mt Kosciuszko, the highest point on the mainland, is in the far distance on the left.

Returning to Jindabyne I couldn’t help but stop at the surge tank (part of the Snowy Hydro Scheme). It also had sweeping views of Lake Jindabyne.

Adaminaby

20th February 2025

Distance: 208 km

Fuel: 24L

The morning was a repeat of yesterday cold and cloudy overnight but by noon a beautiful day.

Had my shower about 7am because it doesn’t get light until after 6.30 because of the stupid daylight saving which goes on for far too long.

After a leisurely breakfast I wandered up the the cafe next to the servo, it was open so enjoyed a flat white before setting off for a trip to the little town of Adaminaby.

The town was going to be under water when Lake Eucumbene was created for Snowy Hydro, so it was moved house by house to its present location. Ironically near Old Adaminaby a new town has arisen above the water line. I drove down to see if any of the original town was visible as the lake is fairly low at the moment but could see no signs.

Spent a bit of time in Adaminaby, bought an enormous sausage roll from the bakery and a postcard from the local store. Sat in the park enjoying the scenery. The town really just caters for the fishing/boating types, there is not much here to be honest and it doesn’t seem to be doing very well, even the Post Office had shut.

On the way back to Jindabyne made a detour following the sign to the lake which turned into a very rough dirt road where I was watched by a lot of sheep. Somewhat disappointing but it had to be done.

Filled up with fuel at Berridale as it was the cheapest for miles around.

Went for a walk round the lake on my return to the caravan park, well, as far as the boat hire place anyway.

Dalgety/Bombala

21st February 2025

Distance: 241 km

Fuel: 24L

My theory about overcast skies in the morning was proven incorrect this morning with a brilliant sunrise and clear skies.

After a shower and breakfast of porridge set off for about a 100km trip to Bombala. The route was entirely on B roads with virtually no traffic. The roads had 100kph speed limit but you would have to be in a Formula 1 racing car to keep to that speed on winding undulating roads but it was a pleasant enough drive.

Parked in the main street had coffee and cake before wandering the place, bought stamps at the post office to send off my Adaminaby postcard. The fuel was much cheaper than anything in the Jindabyne area so filled up before leaving.

Strolled down to and sat by the Bombala River in a shady little park by the bridge.

Visited the historic railway station but frankly a lot of work needs doing there to make it a tourist attraction.

Started back toward Jindabyne by the  same route but this time stopped at Dalgety to relax next to the Snowy River at Dalgety weir. It was a lovely spot to sit and ponder.

For my evening meal I tried to boil an egg in my microwave chicken thing but ended up slightly melting the plastic. I forget what I am dong wrong will have to revisit this, ended up having a cheese and pickle sandwich.

Back Home

22nd February 2025

Distance: 432 km

Total Distance: 1416 km

Returned back to Wollongong via the same route as last Tuesday. A very easy run with little traffic.

I doubt I would go again except when passing through, fishing, boating or trekking are just not my thing and I dislike snow intensely. However I did enjoy my trip and got to see some places I hadn’t visited before.