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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld (Inc) |
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Northern NSW - May '07 |
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Northern NSW Trip - May 5-7 2007Trip leader: Graham and Ann Thatcher Participants: Rudy Adrichem and
Lynda Gasbarri Ken Winders and Di Long Day 1 - Saturday The group met at Macca’s at Stanthorpe for a 8.30 start. Graham opened the trip and we began in a 15 vehicle convoy. A few of us had stayed in Stanthorpe Friday night and caught up for dinner at the local pub. We turned off main road onto Amosfield Rd heading east, crossed the border into NSW travelled through granite and cow country. We listened to Ken, Greg and Paul educating us about historical facts re WW2 and how the government had planned to burn the whole of Queensland if the Japanese invaded Australia to eliminate all food. Also how two tank traps (concrete piers that were connected by chains) were built at Townsville and just down the road from where we were on the Lindsay Highway. Our first scenic stop was at Timbarra trig. A few “mountain goats” climbed a ladder to the top lookout spot while others clicked away taking advantage of the view. We resumed driving and stopped for a morning tea break at Boonoo Boonoo falls where Andrew stripped and had a presumably size reducing dip. We restarted and entered Girard State Forest, continued along Malarra fire trail for 1.5 hours – beautiful country, streams, boulders, very happy well fed cattle. Our first creek crossing was at Cataract Creek, the first of many on this trip. We stopped for lunch at a lovely green creek setting. That afternoon, while driving up a steep incline with very deep ruts in the road, Andrew got stuck in one of the ruts with his trailer and had to be towed out. Then all of 10 minutes later, Glenn and Lyn sheared a left front wheel drive shaft and tore out their brake lining. We eventually got them going after about two hours of great team work including siphoning brake fluid from all cars. With only 3WD and brakes on 3 wheels they were able to continue and complete the whole weekend. This delay meant we were setting up tents in near dark. We camped at Washpool and didn’t exactly get a nice reception from the locals when 15 cars arrived and disturbed their peace. The worst of it was we didn’t get a lot of time for happy hour!!! Day 2 - Sunday We had an optional trip that morning to explore the countryside, dodge more cow poo, but fortunately the creek crossings washed most of it off. One creek crossing was a bit tricky, avoiding large boulders which only the confident drivers attempted. We passed an antsy cow with mean looking horns which rekindled Ken’s previous close encounter with another equally “friendly” cow which was all up for discussion at happy hour where funnily enough Ken and Graham’s stories didn’t match and a further debate ensued. We left our campsite at 11.20 a.m. meandering through State Forest towards Richmond Range National Park. We were requested to change frequency from our normal 17 to 19 to avoid interference with a local aboriginal settlement. We passed through lots of State Forest which consisted of young eucalyptus plantations which was heartening to see and some very good cattle country. We entered Mt. Pikapene National Park on a loose gravel road with pine plantations on either side of the road where we encountered three keen (or crazy) cyclists surprised to see a convoy of 15 cars. We continued and stopped at Mallanganee Nature Reserve lookout for lunch – great view over rolling hills where we were heading next. Some of us filled up at the local petrol station which Graham arranged to be open and while waiting I came across the local four-legged patron – the goat. After lunch we entered Richmond Range National Park through eucalypt forest dotted with grass boys. We camped at Peacock Creek Rest area – a lovely flat secluded camp site which we pretty much had to ourselves. Lucky for us we missed the army reserves that had stayed there the previous night. After setting up tents, we all gathered at the communal kitchen for a well earned happy hour drink and conversation. We all ate dinner together and moved to the open air fireplace lounge afterwards, where we talked on. Day 3 - Monday We left camp at 9.00 a.m. to go to Toonumbar Dam which judging by the water level you wouldn’t think there was a water shortage. Graham showed us a small camp site – beautiful spot, very popular for fishing and canoeists. The local campers were relieved to see our stop was only temporary. We continued through Toonumbar National Park and had smoko at Iron Pot Creek Rest Area another beautiful, secluded camping area. Two goannas posed for us up a tree – picture perfect. Next we continued and stopped at Murray Scrub lookout. A bit further down the track Rudy and Lynda departed and headed back to Stanthorpe while the group went onto Cox’s Road heading to Sherwood Lookout and then to complete the trip. This was a great weekend and we certainly enjoyed it. Thank you Graham for a full, well organized and varied trip – it had a bit of everything and thanks to everyone for their company. Lynda and Rudy Check out Greg Conlon's Slide Show here. Plus Andrew Hemming's pictures here .........
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