2011 Trip: Into New South Wales and All Points West

Wednesday 5th October
At Ken's suggestion we headed south from Kunda Park, over the Gateway Bridge, and up to Toowoomba via the Gateway Mwy, Logan Mwy, Ipswich Mwy and Warrego Hwy. It was a good run.

Ken & Lyn had left earlier from Spinifex and it was our plan to meet up at Rudd's Pub in Nobby, south of Toowoomba. (QLD742 in CAW6)

The last couple of kilometres into Toowoomba was up a very steep section and we found ourselves stuck behind a large truck going very slowly. In 1st gear we pulled out and passed the truck. The Cruiser was working hard; this is not something I would like to do every day.

We arrived at Rudd's Pub mid afternoon. It is named after Australian author Steele Rudd, not deposed PM Kevin.

From my book collection at home:

A couple of enjoyable beers in the bar followed by a very nice counter meal. We had stayed here 2 years ago on the way home from picking up the Bushtracker. It's a nice spot.

Thursday 6th October
We wanted to get a few kilometres under our feet today. It was raining and we wanted to get clear of it. South into NSW, through Glen Innes and Inverell. Two years ago we came through these towns and they appeared to be bustliing and prosperous.  This time it looked like they were in recession. In Inverell two BP servos had closed.

We pushed on to our campsite that night: the banks of the Gwydir River at Bingara (NSW369 in CAW6). A beaut spot, even if a little crowded and still raining.

The next day, Friday 7th, we went into Bingara and had a look over the refurbished Roxy Theatre.

http://www.roxybingara.com.au/

What a great place. Here is the milk bar/restaurant.

The theatre was set up for a wedding that week. Just a beautiful building.

Friday 7th October.
We left Bingara for Narrabri. Last year, with Steve & Glenda, we came in the opposite direction via Mt Kaputar NP. The steep section on this road were mostly downhill that way, but if we wanted to go from Bingara to Narrabri on that road we would have to deal with inclines in excess of 15%.

We decided on the long way around via Warialda and Moree.

It was a long day. We continued via Narrabri and Coonabarabran and spent the night in the caravan park at Tooraweenah (NSW925 in CAW6), just north of Gilgandra. The owners, Lindsay & Vicki, introduced themselves and Lindsay recognised my plates. He is also a member of ExplorOz and uses the nom-de-net Polar Bear.

We had previously discussed with Ken & Lyn that we would probably hit the road west at Gilgandra. They had a bit more time up their sleeves and would continue on to the Murray River and Victor Harbour in SA.

Saturday 8th October.
We refueled in Gilgandra and turned west via the Oxley Hwy. That irresistible force that takes over whenever you get a whiff of home certainly dominated my right foot. Eight hundred kilometres later we pulled into the Broken Hill City CP in Broken Hill. We spent 2 nights here which allowed us to throw some clothes through the laundry and catch up with our friends, and also ExplorOz members, Dave & Norah.

Monday 10th October
Broken Hill to Minnipa in South Australia. 700 kms. We overnighted at the Apex Park (SA776 in CAW6).

Tuesday 11th October
Minnipa to Jillbunya Rockhole, 44km west of Caiguna in Western Australia (WA14 in CAW6). 950 kms. Crossing into WA we picked up 2 1/2 hours because of daylight saving so we kept going. 

Wednesday 12th October
Jillbunya Rockhole to Burracoppin (WA328 in CAW6). 850 kms.

Thursday 13th October
Burracoppin to Mandurah and home. 350 kms and it rained all the way.

After about 20,000 kms around Australia we were home and happy.

Thanks very, very much to Ken & Lyn for being fantastic travelling companions and good friends. It was a wonderful trip.