Category: New South Wales

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.

F6 to Wollongong

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.

Discovery Park JindabyneDiscovery Park Jindabyne

Spent  the afternoon wandering by the lake after setting up.

Discovery Park JindabyneLake JindabyneLake JindabyneLake 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.

Amenity BlockAmenity BlockAmenity Block TV RoomAmenity Block LaundryAmenity Block Games RoomAmenity Block Lounge

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.

A walk along side Lake JindabyneA walk along side Lake JindabyneA morning walk along side Lake JindabyneLooking back to my siteA morning walk along side Lake JindabyneA morning walk along side Lake Jindabyne

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.

Jindabyne DamJindabyne DamJindabyne Dam

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.

Charlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Boardwark and LookoutCharlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Kosciuszko National Park

Charlotte Pass Kosciuszko National Park

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

Charlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Kosciuszko National ParkCharlotte Pass Boardwark and LookoutCharlotte Pass Ski Village

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.

Snowy Hydro Surge Tank and ViewSnowy Hydro Surge Tank and ViewSnowy Hydro Surge Tank and ViewSnowy Hydro Surge Tank and View

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.

Old AdaminabyOld AdaminabyOld Adaminaby Lake Eucumbene

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.

The Trout Adaminaby

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.

Lake EucombeneDriving to Lake EucombeneLake EucombeneLake Eucombene

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.

Lake Jindabyne WalkLake Jindabyne Walk

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.

BombalaBombalaBombala

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

Bombala RiverBombala RiverThe Shearer BombalaBombala

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

Bombala Railway StationBombala Railway StationBombala Railway StationBombala Railway StationBombala Railway StationBombala Railway Station

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.

Dalgety Snowy RiverDalgety Snowy RiverDalgety Snowy River

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.

Between Cowra and the Hume HighwayBetween Cowra and the Hume Highway

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.

The Hume HighwayThe Hume Highway

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.

Camper Heating

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.

Camper Wet Weather Protection

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.

The Awning

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.

Gooloogong

Between Trangie and CowraBetween Trangie and Cowra

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.

Cowra Peace BellCowra Peace BellCowra Peace BellCowra Peace Bell

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.

Bourke to TrangieBourke to Trangie

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.

Tandara Caravan Park

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 (?).

TrangieTrangieTrangieTrangieTrangieTrangie

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

TrangieTrangie

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.

Between Wyandra and BourkeBetween Wyandra and Bourke

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.

Emu Crossing

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

Rest Area Between Cunnamulla and Bourke

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.

Rest Area Between Cunnamulla and Bourke

Rest Area Between Cunnamulla and BourkeRest Area Between Cunnamulla and Bourke

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

Mitchell Caravan Park, Bourke

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

Mitchell

16th September 2024

Distance: 461 Km

The blustery winds that I feared would keep me awake last night subsided by 8pm so while it was a cold night it was a quiet night. I made a hot water bottle because it was so cold. It is not that my bed is too cold but the hot water bottle warms it up quickly.

This morning had my shower at 6am and my porridge just after 7am, it doesn’t take long to pack up so I was on the road by a few minutes after 8am.

I had planned to stop several times on the way but some times plans just don’t work out, for example in St George every vacant spot seemed to have a caravan parked in it.

Moree to St GeorgeMoree to St GeorgeMoree to St GeorgeMoree to St George

Did stop at Thallon for a decent break and chance to look at their Silo Mural.

Thallon Silo MuralThallon

The road between St George is a “B” road and rest areas are few and far between, it wasn’t a bad road for probably three quarters of its length but toward the Mitchell end there were a lot of single lane sections where passing traffic has to put near side wheels in the dirt.

St George to MitchellSt George to Mitchell

The Major Mitchell Caravan Park was easy to find on the outskirts of town and I soon had my spot, initially she offered me a ensuite site which I knocked back, it retrospect I should have taken it as it was only $5 more than an ordinary site.

Major Mitchell Caravan Park

Once set up I wandered down to the river.

Major Mitchell Caravan ParkMajor Mitchell Caravan Park

As it was still only mid afternoon drove into town, noticed a tyre place so went in and asked if they could balance the front wheels today as it happened they could so I left the car and walked down to the spa centre for coffee and cake. These hot spas are common over the Great Artesian Basin.

Mitchell

Back at the caravan park  tried to plan my next move, was somewhat shocked to find that parks in Cunnamulla are charging $61 a night, I think that is ridiculous so am still not sure where to go next.

I read my book for a while before making myself some dinner, might watch a movie tonight, still haven’t bothered to set up the aerial so TV News is out.

Moree

15th September 2024

Distance: 390 Km

Fuel: 32 L

It was a cold night, it got down to about 4°, something I am not used to even though my bed was perfectly warm, I warmed the place up with my little heater,  it is only 400 watts but it soon heats up such a small space. Had a beautiful hot shower before making hot porridge for breakfast.

Didn’t rush to get away and left after 8.30, in retrospect should have left earlier and had more breaks.

A fairly long drive, stopped a few times including a longer stop in Coonabarabran just to get some exercise – not much traffic, it is Sunday.

Coonababran

Gulgong to MoreeGulgong to Moree

Arrived in Moree about 2.30pm and found the caravan park, it even has a hot spa – Moree gets hot water from the Great Artesian Basin, it’s supposed to be full of healthy minerals. The park is on the banks of a river where, I am told, the fishing is good.

Moree Tourist ParkMoree Tourist ParkMoree Tourist ParkMoree Tourist ParkMoree Tourist Park

Apart from getting fuel and wandering down to the Railway Station I didn’t really go anywhere, the weather is cold and windy, I doubt the temperature today got to 20°. I sat in the car to drink a cup of coffee it was so cold. According to BOM this is a burst of cold air straight from Antarctica.

Moree Station

The wind is buffeting the  camper about, it might wake me up tonight. I don’t sleep so well for the first couple of nights anyway, getting used to the “strange” bed.

Gulgong

14th September 2024

Distance: 376 Km
Fuel: 41L

No Plans

Have set off with no destination in mind other than a short visit to Queensland and warm weather. I just felt like a few days travelling away from home.

Set Off

Left Wollongong about 8.30, having decided that there shouldn’t be too much traffic on the F6 as it is a Saturday. Up Mount Ousley, Picton Road and headed north on the Hume Highway.

I think I have seen more police today than I have seen in my entire life. There was a gaggle of them on two occasions parked on the centre reservation. I say a gaggle there must have been a dozen cars at each. Further north I saw a similar crowd, perhaps not quite as many but by only a few. On both occasions they seemed more interested in the southbound lanes. Later I saw several police cars and a dozen police motor bikes escorting what could have been a motorcycle rally of  over a hundred bikes (that’s a guess)

Apart from that the journey was uneventful. Driving through the Blue Mountains was the usual hell on wheels but there were no delays just heavy traffic.

Blue Mountains TrafficBlue Mountains Traffic

At Lithgow I turned north and thereafter traffic was fine, just the occasional car or truck.

Between Lithgow and GulgongBetween Lithgow and Gulgong

Gulgong

Arrived in Gulgong about 2pm, fond the caravan park and soon had myself set up.

Gulgong Tourist Park

When I stayed here before the park was pretty run down and seemed to cater for local workers but now it is full of cabins and new facilities.

Drove into Gulgong town centre to see if anything had changed since my last visit. Nope, it looks exactly the same, the only difference was that the Chinese restaurant where I ate had changed into a Thai restaurant.

GulgongGulgongGulgongGulgongGulgongGulgongGulgongGulgong

It is pleasantly warm here 23/5° but I suspect it will be quite cool tonight, we shall see.

BTW it has taken me a while to remember some of  the things about the camper that were second nature to me, getting older I suppose.

Home Sweet Home

1st June 2024

Distance: 382.6 Km

I had intended to leave early but in the event didn’t get going until about 7.30am, it was a cold, damp morning so I had a long hot shower before breakfast.  I made a coffee to have in the car as I drove.

Cowra Holiday Park

When I set off from Cowra it was very foggy but the fog suddenly disappeared almost instantly as I left the town.

Cowra FogCowra Fog

In spite of the forecast it didn’t actually rain on my way home though it remained grey and overcast the whole time. An easy drive, most of it being on the Hume Highway and being a Saturday morning there was little traffic. I arrived home about midday.

Cowra to WollongongCowra to WollongongCowra to WollongongCowra to Wollongong

Jobs

Got stuck straight into the task of emptying the car and camper of bedding, clothes etc that needed washing which will probably get done on Monday when a sunny day is predicted. Will empty the car of equipment on Sunday.

There are few minor jobs that need doing on the camper and I have a few ideas for improvements. I have ordered an awning for the side of the car even though I did enjoy the cover provided by my gazebo. The battery in the camper is suspect, I might replace it with an AGM battery – the one in the car is still going strong after 8 years of use.

The car is way overdue for a service!

I suspect that is probably the last long trip I undertake, in future will look at shorter trips of perhaps a few days or a maximum of  a week to ten days. I like southern Queensland and there is a lot to explore in Victoria.

Trip Statistics

Distance travelled: 12,400 km

Fuel used: 1330 litres

Total accommodation: $1441

Total fuel: $2910

Average fuel price: $2.21/l

Fuel economy: 10.9 litres per 100km

Suddenly it’s Cold and Wet!

31st May 2024

Distance:  486 Km

Fuel: 57 L

Was woken at something like 3.30am by the sound of rain on the roof of the camper. Quickly got up and put my chair in the back of the car and closed the glass part of the outer door, once back inside the camper turned on the fans that drag air in from the kitchen part of the camper before going back to sleep.

In the morning it was still raining though not very heavily so went for my shower and slowly got ready to leave. A relatively long drive as I hoped to make Cowra by early/mid afternoon. Because of the rain I did look at making a beeline to home but it really was too far especially in such bad weather. Pulled up the plastic sheeting I keep under the mattress to protect against water getting past the door seals.

I don’t think it stopped raining entirely all day and the sky remained grey the whole time.

Byrock to CowraByrock to CowraByrock to CowraByrock to CowraByrock to CowraByrock to Cowra

A couple of creeks/rivers that I crossed looked as if they were nearly at flood level but I didn’t actually encounter any flash floods at all.

Byrock to CowraByrock to CowraByrock to Cowra

Topped up with fuel at Nyngan where it was a surprising $1.91 a litre.

The caravan park, about 3 or 4 km outside Cowra, was very soggy but I suppose it doesn’t matter any more I should be home tomorrow. To be fair when I went to get fuel later there was a slight touch of blue sky in the distance (the forecast said that it won’t last – more rain tomorrow).

Cowra