On to Springsure

1st May 2025

Distance: 414 km

Fuel: 45 L

Surat to Springsure

A fine morning with a light dew (handy for cleaning windscreens). Not going to wait around this morning as I would like to drive over 400km.

Had the usual shower, made myself coffee and porridge before starting to pack up. Was worried about where to hand in the key because the pub doesn’t open until much later. Turns out the coffee shop takes them.

Set off about 8.30 after visiting the coffee shop, depositing the key and buying a flat white to take with me. Surat is a typical small town.

I had originally intended to stop at Rolleston but aiming for Springsure got me 70km closer to Barcaldine, my next stop.

Lots of minor roadworks repairing flood damage (that’s what it looked like to me) but otherwise mostly smooth sailing through a variety of scenery.

Springsure Roadhouse is one of those places offering everything for the traveller, as roadhouses go it is very small but it has fuel, accommodation, food and snacks.

The facilities were looking a bit tired but for the price they charged they were more than adequate.

I’m in Queensland Now

30th April 2025

Distance: 341 Km

Fuel: 37 L

Lightning Ridge to Surat

No rush to leave this morning so had leisurely shower then sat around before eating breakfast.

I think I have cured a problem with one of the indicators on the camper. Simple job – just slightly spread the pin on the connector. Unfortunately this change of routine led to a bad mistake, I left the support wheel down – usually do a walk round before I drive off but because of this change to routine I didn’t, fortunately only went a few metres before a clanking noise from the tow bar mount made me stop to investigate.

Easy drive in lovely weather, it is only about 60km from lighting Ridge to the Queensland border.

Used the heavy vehicle route to bypass St George.

No hold ups other than for a roadworks which only took a few minutes. Still lots of water lying about in the paddocks either side of the road but no major road damage that I saw. It was nice to see the road condition signs all green.

Stopped several times to stretch my legs and make tea,

Found the caravan park easy enough but not the pub that owned and ran it, they had given me a site number on the phone so set myself up then drove to get fuel and discovered the pub opposite the servo. After visiting them, paying and receiving the facilities key, left the car and walked around town, it is a small place so it didn’t take long.

Setting Off

Am going to visit my son in Darwin, yes, I could have flown there, cheaper and quicker but where’s the fun in that?

My original plan was to go via Quilpie, Stonehenge but the floods put paid to that idea. In fact for some time it looked like there was no route through Queensland. Eventually in the eastern part of the state a route started to appear, in a way it was a good thing because it brought a visit to Julia Creek into play. For some reason I have never been on the section of road between Hughenden and Julia Creek. This trip became a change to rectify that omission.

Day One

28th April 2025

Distance: 372 km

Fuel: 36 L

Started out just after 9am, heading toward the Hume Highway M7 and the Blue Mountains, not my favourite drive. The traffic was intense

It was lovely to turn off the Great Western Highway after Lithgow toward Mudgee and Gulgong ad country roads.

Arrived in Gulgong about 2pm and checked in.

Once set up went for a short drive into the town centre, it hasn’t changed at all over the years.

Saw a sign for a town lookout, it is a pity the view is so limited but better than nothing.

Followed this up with a stop for fuel before returning to the caravan park and something to eat.

Day Two

29th April 2025

Distance: 436 km

Fuel: 46 L

A much longer drive today to get me close to the Queensland border. Normally try to limit a day’s drive to below 400km but there will be exceptions especially in remote areas.

Woke up to find the campsite blanketed in mist, not cold but definitely cool, out came the cardigan. After having an early shower waited until I had rung a caravan park in Lightning Ridge to ensure there was a site – to be honest I think it is a waste of time there is usually plenty of room this early in the season.

Hitched up the camper and started driving at about 8.30am, it was still quite misty in spots. I followed a ute as far as Dunedoo, travelling at the same speed as me.

Later passed a few caravans and trucks, easy to pass out here. Stopped about three times as my sciatica is playing up, standing for a few minutes keeps it at bay.

Arrived in Lightning Ridge at about 2pm and checked in at the motel that runs the caravan park, unhitched the camper then went for a look at the town. I have been here a couple of times before, not much has changed. Bought a surprisingly good coffee at a local cafe/restaurant/supermarket. Also bought a postcard and a fridge magnet before returning to the caravan park for something to eat.

As the sun was going down there was a tremendous noise from a nearby tree, No idea of the types of birds but there were a lot of them. As the sun went down it was as if someone had thrown a switch and instant quiet.

A Few Days in Jindabyne

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.

Lake Jindabyne

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.

Wollongong

22nd September 2024

Distance: 383 Km

Fuel: 39 L

Home Again

Set off early at 7.20am, straight after a shower and breakfast.

A totally uneventful drive, did not stop once and was home just after 11am. The scenery before getting onto the Hume was lovely.

Even the Hume highway co-operated, it was busy but not exceptionally so. Funny thing, as I went further north the sky clouded over and it got darker until it seemed like late afternoon rather than mid morning.

When I arrived home, being Sunday, the traffic was not heavy so I was able to reverse the camper into the car port straight away and start the business of unpacking (but most unpacking will be finished during the coming week).

Statistics

Distance Travelled: 2979 Km
Fuel Used: 307 Litres
Total Fuel Cost: $583
Total Accommodation Cost: $264

Thoughts

It was a very pleasant trip, I enjoyed getting away for a short while. The nights were cold but daytime temperatures were just right, I was warm in the camper during the night, My little 500 watt heater was very handy first thing in the morning and occasionally in the evening.

It didn’t rain at all during the trip so I didn’t get to test my new homemade rain proofing awning for the camper.

The idea is that the door can still be left open for ventilation if it rains at night. The fans I installed are OK but I would prefer the door open however I am happy if it doesn’t rain at all while I am travelling.

I did try my new car awning and while it is not the greatest, it does the job. I have a minor adjustment to make to the set up – all to do with how the guy ropes attach – it would be good if they clipped on somehow.

Did try my water pump for transferring drinking water from the 10 litre container to the electric jug and the 5 litre container, it worked well. Syphoning is OK but this is better, especially as the Aux battery is right there.

Well, that’s it for this trip…

Cowra

21st September 2024

Distance: 266 Km

Fuel: 28 L

It is the last day of my away break. Not far to go today only as far as Cowra.

Didn’t leave until after 9am, I seemed to have the facilities all to myself and it was a lovely sunny morning so I got out the solar panels to ensure the camper battery was fully charged before leaving. That is almost getting to be a ritual now.

A completely uneventful drive, absolutely no rest areas as it was mostly B roads so I just kept going.

I arrived at the Cowra Caravan Park a few minutes after noon only to discover that their check in is 2pm and the office didn’t open until 1pm so I just parked and read my book until someone turned up. To be honest he seemed quite put out by my arrival being so early. I don’t care, I could have happily waited until 2pm, It was warm but not too hot and I was enjoying my book.

Was at this park a few months ago, again on my way home, so I received a $4 discount which was OK.

After setting up drove back into Cowra to get fuel, while I was there I stopped briefly at the Peace Bell before going to KFC for a takeaway Zinger Burger – it was the worse one I have ever had, not sure if it was under cooked or the world’s only chicken gristle but I threw most of it away. The only problem with this park is that it is several km outside town.

Finished my book and started another just before it got dark and I retreated into the camper.

Trangie

20th September 2024

Distance: 365 Km

Fuel: 41 L

Again no rush to get away this morning however was still up at 6am for my shower but read my book after setting out my solar panel to charge the camper’s battery. I used to have a charger to top up the battery but since changing to an AGM battery I just wait until the sun has charged it each morning.

Made a silly start when I left at about 9am, set off east toward Brewarrina instead of south toward Nyngan, must have driven 20km before I realised my mistake and returned to Bourke to get on the correct highway. Sad smile

Apart from that it was, like yesterday, an easy drive following the same highway all the way. I did stop a couple of times, on one occasion dragging out the butane stove and kettle to make a cup of coffee. Also had to top up the windscreen washer which ran out, that has never happened to me before on a trip.

Noticed several flocks of goats grazing by the side of the road though they scurried off when they heard the car coming.

Arrived in Trangie about 1pm, the caravan park office was unattended so I rang his mobile, he told me he was in Dubbo and would be at least an hour so just set myself up on any site. This park seems OK but I don’t think it gets much casual trade, it seems to be mostly locals living in the cabins, there is another caravan park in town.

Once unhitched I drove into the town proper and filled up with fuel at one of those self service servos where you pay with a credit card first then they refund the difference. I have got used to them now, especially common in small towns.

After this I parked in the main street and wandered about, like most small towns on a week day you could fire a cannon down the main street and not hit anyone. Bought some postcards to send, then looked for a coffee but when I entered the only coffee shop the girl told me that they had sold out and were closing (?).

There were a couple of murals, one with a timeline of the town’s history

Went back to the caravan park for my dinner (though I was tempted by the RSL Club’s restaurant), read my book until it got dark when I climbed into the camper and watched some TV.

Bourke

19th September 2024

Distance: 364 Km

Fuel: 68 L

Was up at 6am this morning, it was cool but not too bad – that Antarctic blast seems to be behind us now, once the sun is up the day warms up rapidly.

Am basically on the way home following a route I have travelled many times before – most recently in May.

Set off just after 8am for an uneventful drive to Cunnamulla where I filled up with fuel. Just as I was entering the town an Emu with her chicks strolled across the road.

Some time after 10am stopped at a rest area where I got my stove out to make a cup of tea.

I wondered why there were so many birds flying about in an agitated state. It was only when I looked up and realised the shelters were their home, the roof full of mud nests.

It was a pretty straightforward journey, I arrived in Bourke about 1pm and soon found the Mitchel Caravan Park.

Decided not to venture out of the park except for fuel.

Wyandra

18th September 2024

Distance: 287 Km

It was cold last night, according to BOM it was zero degrees though my camper stayed several degrees higher than that. I was lovely and warm in bed but I turned on my little electric heater before I got up just to take the chill out of the air. The sun soon warmed the place up and just after 7am was back to a T shirt.

Went for a walk along the river bank and back to the caravan park via a dirt road just for the exercise, no rush this morning only a three hour drive to Wyandra.

Passed the site of the Angellala Bridge explosion but didn’t stop this time.

Stopped about half way at a nice rest area and used my little stove to make some coffee and have a sandwich. Surprisingly I had it all to myself. As I left a passenger train came along the track beside the road, I wouldn’t be surprised if Queensland has more rural passenger services than NSW. I over took the train a little way further on.

I arrived at Wyandra about 1pm and checked in, I knew I had been here before but I could not remember it until I drove up. It’s a General Store/Post Office type of place in a very small town. The small caravan park is behind, they only charge $20 for a powered site and while the sites are fine the facilities are clean if rudimentary but good value.

I drove down to the sign posted “The Beach” just for a look.

If I have a complaint about the caravan park it is that there is little shade so I set up my new awning for the first time. It was a bit of a farce but eventually worked out how it went, it is a bit crude but as it cost under $200 including a side wall I can’t complain. If I use it a lot I will replace it with a better one but it did the job I bought it for – Didn’t try the sidewall.

The facilities are basic but clean and functional.

There is no fuel here but will buy fuel in Cunnamulla tomorrow on my way to Bourke.

Around Mitchell

17th September 2024

Distance: 96 Km

Fuel: 57 L

Was up at my usual time. After a shower decided to wash my dirty clothes as the day promised to be quite warm. In fact by 9am the day was already warm despite the night being near freezing.

Drove the 7km to Arrest Creek where the Kenniff brothers were arrested are killing two policemen. They are claimed to be the last Australian Bushrangers.

On the way back noticed a single bushranger in the same style as the sculpture at Arrest Creek.

Next drove to the camp site of Thomas Mitchell the surveyor trying to find an overland route to the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was actually about 35 km outside town along a mostly single lane road with a couple of kilometres of dirt road to the actual site.

Filled up with fuel for tomorrow once back in town, then called into the local bakery for their s lunch special of a “pork and gravy roll with chips”. I quite enjoyed it.