Day 9:
Loryn had a uni video conference this morning, so Ellie and I enjoyed a nice lazy morning with a bit of a sleep in 🙂
The 1.5 hour run across to Hay was completed without any concerns, noticing that there was minimal road trains along this route – mainly b-doubles. We headed straight to Shear Outback to have a look around – and it was bloody brilliant.
Our original plan had been to head north to Lake Cargelligo, but the middle portion of our trip has ended up being slightly different to planned, due to wet weather and Loryn’s uni with some late notice requirements. It actually worked out pretty well as you would have seen, because there was still some amazing places we found along the way.
So instead we continued east to do a quick overnighter in Wagga. I always feel guilty when it is a quick stop like this, because there are so many people I could catch up with in this area – if you are reading this please accept my apologies. We will one day stop for a few days and catch up with you all.
Day 10:
The wet weather had returned along with some slightly cool’ish temps and some wind. Oh well, could be worse – I’m not at work 🙂
First stop – chocolate factory at Junee, where I found some pretty cool vehicles in a back shed
We headed through to Cowra where we stopped for a bite for lunch and to have a look around. The weather was quite ordinary, so we didn’t go to the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre as had originally planned. Still, we found some pretty cool places, and Miss Ellie had a play at the park (although we had to change clothes afterwards – she was soaked!)
Carcoar Dam was a tad fresh. 4 degrees showing on the temp gauge, but the rain/sleet was blowing in sideways and having a good crack. As per normal, wait 5 minutes and it isn’t quite as bed (although Loryn might disagree!)
We decided to have a quick explore before heading to our accommodation. Loryn had a uni video conference to attend tonight, so we didn’t want to stay out too late.
Day 11:
We woke to find the inclement weather wasn’t going to change for us – not like we could do much about it though. The plan today was to continue exploring Bathurst for part of the morning, then head towards the Bylong Valley.
After Ellie had a play at the Adventure Playground, whilst I had a coffee, we headed off to Sofala. It was now I was wishing I had more time, especially when I saw the sign to Hill End.
Lunch stop was at Kandos, whilst we kept finding little bits and pieces as we travelled. A quick stop at Muswellbrook to fuel up and do a quick spot of shopping, before heading to our destination at Lake Glenbawn.
Day 12:
The last day of our trip had arrived, and to be honest I would have been happy to turn around and go again for another few weeks. Oh well, real life is creeping back in!!!
The plan for today was to head home via Barrington Tops and basically stay away from traffic/people until Taree. Kinda worked, but the closer we got to the coast the more that relaxed feeling disappeared.
We stopped at Gloucester for lunch – I struggle to drive past the bakery – it seriously has some yummy food in there. Oh, and Miss Ellie found a playground 🙂
We decided to head back via Bulliac / Bundook / Mount George for something different. The road reminds me of Tassie in a lot of respects – windy, terrain driven, old wooden posts with wire rope, following the river etc.
A quick stop at Kew (yes at a playground) where Miss Ellie was also able to catch up with Nan before we arrived home
All up we did over 3,500km’s in 12 days, averaging around 300km’s a day which wasn’t too bad. Fuel consumption was pretty much 10 litres per 100kms, with open highway runs seeing cruise control set at 100km/h. We used the swag for 5 nights and grabbed a cabin for the remaining 7 – this was primarily because of uni commitments and weather conditions (Bathurst etc).
Historically I have always toured this type of area in my old trusty Defender. Using the RAV4 is definitely different to what I have done before, and it does have its challenges. Namely every single thing we carry has its place, and we don’t carry anything we don’t use.
Saying that, the vehicle has been bloody brilliant. The looks we were getting when we rocked into a place where every vehicle was a 4WD – it was bloody funny. The vehicle is actually AWD and has a centre diff lock (up to 40km/h) and traction control, plus we do carry recovery gear. But as of yet I haven’t found it lacking as a touring vehicle.
All up – did we enjoy ourselves – hell yes. Ready to go again 🙂