Nyngan, NSW

Posted on by trekswalkabout

I always go to say this name wrong. I can hear Chris correcting me when I think about how to say it. 😂

Nyngan was a pleasant surprise. A small country town with a lot of history, beautiful parks, free camping areas and one big, make that huge Bogan.

There are 3 free camping areas, one in town called the Flood Memorial Park, Nyngan Weir and the Nyngan Bowls Club. All 3 look great, the Weir seems to be a popular choice as it was obviously well used as it was very dusty with little to no grass, there were several campers there.

The one in town where I stayed is on bitumen, has shade, bins, table and chairs, dump point, potable water and well maintained toilets. It’s a very popular stop for people using the toilets. It’s in a very handy location to walk into the town area.

It was Good Friday when I was there so hardly anything was open and it was pretty quiet. It was also pretty hot so I did a drive around the area which allowed me to get further a field than if I had walked.

The Big Bogan is a site not to be missed with his fishing road and faithful friend Rusty. The Bogan Shire Council erected the structure in September 2015 as a tourist attraction, to promote Nyngan and the shire. The term Bogan originated from the Aussie larrikin and ocker. And where better to have a big Bogan than on the banks of the Bogan River. The Bogan represents the relaxed lifestyle on the river. So you have the Big Bogan on the Bogan River in the Bogan Shire.

In April 1990 the Bogan River flooded and completely inundated the town despite the efforts of the locals the leeve bank was breached. The flood broke all previous records. The town was cut off and under water, all services were cut. It was decided to airlift almost the entire population.

The Coach House in the same park as the Big Bogan.

In 1992 the Governor of NSW and the Nyngan Flood Recovery Coordinator, Rear Admiral Peter Sinclair presented a helicopter called Iroquois A2-1022 to the people of Nyngan on behalf of the Australian Government to commemorate the evacuation of Nyngan on the 24th October 1990.

The Iroquois A2-1022 had been used in the Vietnam War by the 9 squadron RAAF. The Iroquois remained in Nyngan for 19 years the town unaware of significance of the military history of the A2-1022 until in 2009 when a former member of the 9 squadron travelling through Nyngan spotted the aircraft.

Following talks between the Bogan Council and the Caloundra (QLD) RSL Sub Branch Recovery Team 2011, the A2-1022 was transported by road to Caloundra where it was restored and put on display outside the Caloundra RSP with a dedication ceremony in March 2012.

A Iroquois airframe was also restored to replace the A2-1022 in Nyngan which is on display in the main street.

I also came across a water tower beautifully painted, really outstanding. The people that paint these are incredible talented.

We drove down to the river where Jess insisted on a swim. Not that I blamed her it looked incredible inviting.

After a drive out to the weir it was decided we would stay back in town where it was less dusty.

There is also a Visitor Centre, Museum, Mid State Shearing Shed Museum, Nyngan Coach House, Golf Course, lovely parks with several public toilets around town. A main street that has plenty of shops and banks, but all closed.

I was impressed with Nyngan and it would nice to come back again when things are open.

A video of my time there.

Well done Nyngan, Live Long and Prosper 🖖🏿

State of Flux

Posted on by trekswalkabout

A “state of flux” describes a situation that is constantly changing, unstable, and uncertain. It signifies a transitional phase where the outcome is not yet determined or settled, sounds like the world at the moment. And also a title of an episode in Star Trek Voyager, so seemed a fitting title for this post.

On my trip, I need to be fluid, be able to change, adapt and be flexible. I’ve certainly felt like my plans were in a “state of flux”

My planned route had to remain flexible, it has changed several times due to different reasons including flooding.

I also factored in where more star-bases were to fuel up, keeping topped up along the way.

Houston we have a problem. Ready to head off and leave home port to find my Staria Trek would not start. It turned out to be the power cell and I had to get Battery World out for a replacement. Have to say they were excellent. The power cells in my particular star ship are rather unique in that, they are an AGM and the poles are the opposite to most star ships, according to the guy who came out they are the only star ship like that. That means they can charge a premium for the power cells. An extra cost I could have done without but also very thankful I was still at home base and they came out very quickly. Only 2 hrs delayed start.

First stop for the night was Goondiwindi show ground. It is rather dry and dusty.

Next stop was Hickey Falls, not far out of Coonabarabran. It was nice and green, gravel bitumen base carpark area that was relatively flat. A nice green grass area next to it. Shelter shed with tables and seats, several bins. A local council worker came and cleaned the tables and seats, saying they were cleaned 3 times a week.

The walk to the falls is less than a min walk from the carpark. It was not flowing when I was there but did have some water in the swimming hole, which Jess got to have a little paddle.

 

Live Long and Prosper 🖖🏿

Mini Electric Frypan

Posted on by trekswalkabout

I bought a Mini Electric Frypan from Kmart, $20. It’s 420w to 500w. Cooking area 15cm x 15cm. I gave it a good test while I was away and thought it was very good for the price.

It’s a little beauty, I was impressed.

It’s great for camping, caravanning and people on their own who don’t need a big frypan.

Here is a video on it.

Happy cooking. 🥘

Wrapping up

Posted on by trekswalkabout

Well it was a different kind of trip for me. This was a trip I wanted to do in Chris’s honour. Places he wanted to go to on our last trip that we didn’t have time to do. He loved the hot pools, we both did.

The van “Trek” went brilliantly, the setup we did was very easy to use, setup and packup. I found even in a small space with a Jess in wet weather we could manage. Not ideal in the wet, but we did it. The van setup made it easier for me but also sad for me, as Chris was not there to enjoy it.

Easy to setup or drive.

We had some fun times, laughs, adventures and met some really lovely people. Went to a few new destinations.

It was a challenge for me at times missing Chris, going to places we had been together and having the memories of that time.

Judy was hanging out for a cuppa and tried to take the Cunnamulla Fellow’s one. 😂

The weather had a big impact and changed our plans a lot. So weather wise not the best trip. It also shortened our trip; we were away a little over 3 weeks.

One of the main places Chris wanted to go was Charlotte Plains and it was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Unfortunately, that did not quiet pan out and was a little disappointing for us both.

Cunnamulla Bushlands.

The highlights for me were Goodooga and Yowah. I think Judy would agree. Both places we said we would go back too. I had a bit of a toast to Chris at the Yowah hot pools. I know Chris would have loved both of these places.

I did learn a lot on this trip, great to have confidence in the van and my ability to deal with it all by myself.

Campfire at Bollon.

I took Chris with me in my heart, his hat and some photos of him. I told him every night, of the day I had, the things and places we did and saw. It’s not the same at all as having him physically with me and that was hard, real hard. The first trip I assume will be the hardest, so I’ve done that. I know he would be up in heaven cheering me on. Pleased I did the trip, thankful that Judy was with me and able to share this first trip with me.

Judy just about blending in with the watermelon. 😂

Until next time, Live Long and Prosper 🖖🏿

Goodooga

Posted on by trekswalkabout

Next stop was St George. We had planned to stay here a few days but there is no free or low cost camping. There are signs up everywhere about no camping. No longer RV friendly town it seems. We used to camp down by the river, which was a great spot.

We did a bit of a walk around, called into the info centre. Walked up the street and had some lunch. Drove around a bit. Did a bit of grocery shopping, filled up with fuel. Then headed to the hot pool, $8 or $6 concession when were where there.

Nice clean pool at 37 degrees.

We decided to move on to Dirranbandi. The free camp down by the river was mostly full because of wet boggy areas, there were only a few dry spots. We were told more rain was coming that night so we decided to head back into the town area to the truck spot.

We talked to one of the truckies asking if it was ok for us to stay here, due to the wet. He was great and said no problem. Everyone was very friendly.

Goodooga in NSW, was a place we had heard wonderful things about and we were not disappointed. There is a big parking/camping area on bitumen /gravel. Showers, toilets, bins, drinking water, 1km walk into town all free.

Large gravel camping area.

The best part, a hot pool with easy access. It was a little hot at times have to say.

Lovely hot pools.

It was great we were on solid ground as we got a few good downpours while we were here. With rain everywhere we decided here was a good place to stay for a while, 5 nights in total.

Just a tad wet, but still having fun.

We met a really lovely couple here, who were very encouraging to me and had a big positive impact on both of us. They were camped next door to us and invited us inside on one of the cold wet days, even Jess was welcomed. We had some very special times with them over the 5 days, including around the campfire with some other campers.

Sitting around the campfire.

Some good tucker there.

The local Aboriginal community put a fun raiser on every Saturday night with a meal and funds to go towards some community project. When we were there, it was to send the local football team to Melbourne.

Sunset after the rain.

For $10 you could have rice with curried chicken and veggies, fried scone, trifle or dumplings with custard. We just went for the trifle. Very generous servings, very yummy and really nice friendly people. Highly recommend. A way to give back to the community for using the pools and camping area for free.

We thought this was rather funny, local giving the car a wash under the hot bore water.

I know Chris would have loved it here and he would have been glad we stayed here and it is some place we would definitely go back to.

Lovely outlook.

Reluctantly we moved on, we had to as we had a booking at Charlotte Plains. Back through Dirranbandi, filed up with water and Judy with fuel.

Live long and Prosper.

Star Date Nov 2024

Posted on by trekswalkabout

Back home and some last thoughts. Being in a whizzbanger is very different to a wobble box and anything else we have ever had. It will still take us a while to adjust and work through the pros and cons of a small van. We are used to getting to camp, setting up, unhooking the van and then free to drive off, head into town or go exploring. It was the same with the Aussie Swag Camping Trailer and even in tent camping.

Sun setting on the gum trees

With Trek we are learning to do what we need to do before we get to camp, going someplace after camp involves packing up. Of course there is also plus’s with that, if we don’t like a spot or prefer one “just over there” it’s a lot easier to move. Moving every day is also a lot easier, setup and pack-up is very quick.

We have been travelling and exploring Australia together for nearly 40 years. We have had several different types of accommodation in that time but a camper van is something new to us.

It will all take some adjusting and a different mind set. Getting use to the limitations but also appreciating the ease, lower fuel cost, simplicity and quick setup.

Us at Donnellys Castle

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip, we came home relaxed, uplifted, optimistic that if Chris kept being as well as he has been over this 4 1/2 weeks that we still could still have some more great adventures together and we could do it in our little Trek.

Trek went awesome, very nice and easy to drive. Comfortable, fuel economy was great. Our setup of the van was outstanding, we could not think of anything we would have done differently or regretted. Very happy with it, and soooooo looking forward to exploring more of our undiscovered country.

Stephen’s Creek camping

Chris has done most of the driving in the past, so this was a real test for Kate as the sole driver. Have to say, you go girl, you did awesome.

Live Long and Prosper 

Bingara

Posted on by trekswalkabout

Now this is what we were saving those extra days for. We love this place, a real favourite. For Chris it was especially nice and something he really wanted to do again. With his health situation we didn’t know if we would ever get the chance to stay here again together so wanted to do it while we could, putting aside as many days as possible.

There are approximately 5 free or donation camps in the Bingara area along the river. The town is lovely with lots of murals, shops, great parks, dump point and water filling.

We were fortunate to get a really good spot to ourselves for many days right on the river bank. Jess enjoyed a dip every day as did we. The water was a little cool, let’s say refreshing. We really enjoyed ourselves here, it was a time for us, especially for me driving those long km’s days at times to really unwind and relax. Dips in the refreshing water and campfires at night.

Beautiful spot overlooking the river

A double rainbow

After 6 nights we reluctantly moved on. Stopping the night at Jennings Rest Area just inside NSW from Qld. There really isn’t much here but a good spot and popular spot one we have stayed at several times. The old train station and NSW/QLD border is only a short walk.

The station was a bit over run with grass and the trains were obviously not running. Talking to the visitor info centre at Stanthorpe we know this was due to a bridge issue from recent bush fires. Plans are in place to restore it and the have trains running again.

From here it was only 50 odd kms to our next destination. Again one Chris was particularly looking forward to.

Live Long and Prosper 

Artesian Bore Baths

Posted on by trekswalkabout

Heading north through Gundagai, home of the dog on the Tucker box. To Young where we stopped and got a bag of cherries and a cherry pie. Cherrie pie I found way too sweet so poor Chris had to eat all that himself, a challenge he told me he was up too.

We stopped for the night at Wheogo Park Rest Area at Forbes a 48hr limit. This has been a favourite spot to stop when passing through Forbes. It’s a great spot that was pretty busy. Being small we were very easily able to find an out of the way spot. Lots of walking in the area not far from town.

Wheogo Park Rest Area at Forbes, NSW

Dragon Boat practice

Continuing north through Dubbo home of the great Dubbo Zoo. Gligandra, Coonamble and onto Pilliga. Some of these roads we had not been on before.

Pilliga has a council run Artesian Bore Spa Baths with a camping area. Hot pool is free but there is a $5 fee per night for camping which you must book via the Narrabri Council website. They call it a primitive campground with basic facilities, which do include toilets and a bore water shower, table and chairs and a cover over the hot spa. So it didn’t sound too primitive to us.

Our camp spot

This is where we had our 39th wedding anniversary with bit of special meal, well as special as it gets in a camper van. We spent 2 nights here, hot pools are a concrete pool but very much artesian water with that smell of sulphur. Our skin was soooo smooth and very much needed after the dryness of the Murray. It would be great to come back and spend a few days here in cooler weather. 35 degrees day time temperature was a bit warm really. Soaking in the thermal water on a cool day warming them bones would be lovely.

Artesian Bore

Sunset at Pilliga

The GPS and Google Maps in there wisdom sent us on a “short cut” which was shorter but a dirt road for many many km’s. I was not so keen to do a long distance stint on a dirt road but Trek coped with it surprisingly well with no dust ingress inside, so we were very happy.

Next stop was Moree staying at the Gwydir Caravan Park and Thermal Pools. Now we have stayed here before in 2018 in the camper trailer. The big draw card is those hot pools, 4 pools of varying temperatures and a cold pool. Since we were last here in 2018 the caravan park side of it has deteriorated, we have heard stories from other travelers about where the money goes that I won’t speculate here. But it sure was not going back into maintenance of the park.

Amenities were filthy, cleaning did not get done every day, they were old and run down, tiles and pavers missing. On my last day I could not get any hot water for a shower. The grounds were not well maintained, the pools are the big draw card were also dirty. Many people were complaining. Some of the reception staff (not all) were rude and abrupt, many also mentioned that, it was hit and miss who you got on checkin. We had heard the caravan park could not get enough staff. We were given a small dirt site because we were “small”. We paid the same amount though as bigger vans on the bigger sites. Mind you many of them were also tight with people unable to put their awnings up.

In rained one night with over 40mm and our site was flooded as were many others. As I said we have stayed here before and we came back because of the hot pools. We were solely disappointed to the point we have no plans to ever go back unless there is a big change in the management/ownership of the place and we can not recommend it.

Live Long and Prosper 

 

Murray Region

Posted on by trekswalkabout

We left Broken Hill late arvo heading towards Menindee stopping for the night. At Stephen’s Creek, we were able to get right back off the road and were the only ones there for the night.

The creek was totally dry when we were there, a lovely peaceful spot on the river bank with the gum trees. It was relaxing until the flies came and boy were they bad. All 3 of us had to have our fly nets on for some relief, it stayed warm and the flies hung around until it was dark.

Jess was not terribly impressed with the fly net

Relaxing spot before the flies

Last time we were at Menindee in 2009 the Lake Menindee was dry. It was great to see it full of water, we called into Lake Menindee lookout and had a bit of a walk around.

Sunset strip Menindee

Lake Panamaroo did have water in it last time so it did this time. Last time we camped in the Main Weir area, paddled on Lake Wetherill in the Kayak. It was our intention to stay here for several days but it was so dry and dusty, no grass in sight from over use being so popular.

We decided to move on into Menindee and have a look around. There is a free riverside camping in Menindee that goes for several km’s. We were very surprised to find no one camping here, so we did for several days. Very relaxing camped along the river, thanks Menindee.

Free camp at Menindee

From there we headed towards Wentworth going through Pooncarrie, a road we had not been on. Pooncarrie had a lovely little park with lots of thick lush green grass where we stopped for a cuppa. There are toilets and also showers.

At Wentworth we drove out to Perry Sand Hills, we had been here previously and walked all over the sand dunes. You could also drive around most of it. You can’t do that now, walking on sand dunes is a bit hard for Chris so we drove back into town to Junction Park. Where the 2 rivers the Darling and The Murray meet.

Where the Darling and Murray Rivers join

Our intentions were to drive out of town and find a camp along the Murray River. We tried several spots driving most of the way to Mildura but all with the same result. Very full and very very dusty. We didn’t realize at first why the area was so busy, then we realized it was the Melbourne Cup weekend. So we drove back to Wentworth and stayed at the free Wentworth Sports Complex, which also has a dump point. This was a temporary free camp we believe. Camping was on an old carpark, bit slopey but bitumen so no dust, next to big grassed area to walk Jess. Was nice and quiet with several others camped there.

Dust free campsite with a sunset

With camp areas along the Murray so dry and dusty and with a bit of a heatwave, we decided to stay at a caravan park in Mildura with a pool for a few days. Glad we did with 38 degrees it was great to be able to jump in and out of the pool.

Mildura has a great big lovely park area along the Murray with a very nice coffee shop that we visited a few times while we were there. Last time we were here we stayed at the caravan park across the river, right on the river, it was closed due to renovations and restoration after flooding. We remember our time here where we paddled the kayak down the river with the paddle boats.

We also went to Orange World and did the tour which was interesting, Jess could also go on the little tractor train. Everyone was given a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Which was a very good marketing ploy as no one left there without buying at least one bottle of fresh juice, it was the nicest sweetest orange juice we have ever had.

Live Long and Prosper 

Broken Hill

Posted on by trekswalkabout

It was 2009 the last time we were in this area, how time flies. We were excited to spend a few days here looking at things we didn’t do last time. We found it a lot more RV friendly this time around with water taps for filling the van and some lower cost camp sites.

We spent our first night at a place right on the edge of town, it was not a good experience so won’t go there.

Our first destination was straight out to Silverton. We were here in 2009 and the place had changed a little bit with a extra attractions like the Mad Max Museum. What is now the bakery was a newly build shed that photographed beautifully in the new dawn. We like most of the people that visit Silverton had a coffee and something to eat there.

Silverton sign, new from our last visit

It was pretty warm so we appreciated any air condition places we found. The Mad Max 2 Museum was one of those and also dog friendly so Jess was able to keep cool as well.

Mad Max

The Museum was great very interesting and if you are a Mad Max fan then definitely well worth doing. We are not real fans of the films but still found it interesting and could definitely appreciate all the work, information and the collections that had gone into the place.

We also went and looked at the Old Goal Museum which again was dog friendly. Loads of information and history on the area, also worth checking out.

We drove out to Mundi Mundi lookout where you look over the Mundi Mundi plains; this is where Mad Max 2 was filmed. And I now believe where the Mundi Mundi Bash is.

After this we headed back into Broken Hill to the visitor information centre. From there we booked a free town tour the next day and had lunch at the local cafe.

Where Pricilla Queen of the Desert was made

From here we went to the Pro Hart Gallery, again dog friendly. We loved it, we are not arty people but loved his story and you can’t help appreciate his incredible work. Highly recommend visiting this place. We bought a couple of things including a puzzle of one of his painting that we put together once home and glue it onto a backing board and hung on our wall. Our own bit of Pro Hart painting and the only one we could afford.

There is a huge wall painting in one of the rooms that is incredible, we were in awe of his talent. His collection of Rolls Royce’s out the front.

This was very impressive

One of his Rolls Royce’s painted

We picked up a few supermarket items then headed to our camping spot for the night at the racecourse. We thought it was a pretty good spot.

Next day we did the town tour with a retired miner. Very informative, Jess was also welcomed, tour took a couple of hours and is well worth doing.

After a bite to eat and with our discounted ticket from the walking tour we went to the Silver City Mint and Arts Centre. This is the home of The Big Picture the world’s largest acrylic painting by one artist at 100m long. It is the backdrop in a room with an outback display of animals, trees and bushes. Also worth considering seeing on a trip to Broken Hill.

You walk onto a board walk into the room

We enjoyed our time in Broken Hill, pleased it was far more RV friendly and also pleasantly surprised how dog friendly the area was.

Just one section of the painting

Live Long and Prosper