Day 4 Narrabri to Gilgandra
What a pleasant surprise to have the sunshine. It didn’t last throughout the day but it meant that we could dry things out a little. We had ended up with a great camp spot away from everyone else and on dry ground and on grass. The area around was pretty boggy
Wet driving out of the Showgrounds
O’Briens creek.
This was the creek we couldn’t get across last night when walking to the pub
Activity on the rail line
These look like the new wagons for the inland rail project
We had seen that the CSIRO Australia telescope compact array was close by and en route to our next destination but via Lake Yarrie Road. Lake Yarrie read up as being an interesting nature reserve so we decided to head out that way. Unfortunately although the road seemed OK there was water flowing over at Bohena Creek. I got cold feet about continuing along that road as it had started to rain quite heavily again, so we turned around once we reached somewhere that we could turn with the van
We continued on the Newell Highway and pulled up in a rest area for morning tea to eat some of the delicious banana and walnut bread that Jill had made us
Activity on the rail line
These look like the new wagons for the inland rail project
We had seen that the CSIRO Australia telescope compact array was close by and en route to our next destination but via Lake Yarrie Road. Lake Yarrie read up as being an interesting nature reserve so we decided to head out that way. Unfortunately although the road seemed OK there was water flowing over at Bohena Creek. I got cold feet about continuing along that road as it had started to rain quite heavily again, so we turned around once we reached somewhere that we could turn with the van
We continued on the Newell Highway and pulled up in a rest area for morning tea to eat some of the delicious banana and walnut bread that Jill had made us
Such a pretty drive with the yellow acacias in flower along the roadside
Pulled in at the next rest area to take a photo of this, of which there are several others in various locations around the area.
Noticed this on Wikicamps and read about it and thought that it may be worthwhile checking it out.
Pulled in at the next rest area to take a photo of this, of which there are several others in various locations around the area.
Noticed this on Wikicamps and read about it and thought that it may be worthwhile checking it out.
Wow it certainly was worth it
At first I was concerned that the road in may have been too boggy, but I need not have worried….
There had been fire through the area as evidenced by this old sign but there is now so much pretty regrowth
Well maintained trail
Although the trail led to the caves, there were so many pretty wildflowers in bloom along the way that we spent a long time admiring and photographing them
At first I was concerned that the road in may have been too boggy, but I need not have worried….
There had been fire through the area as evidenced by this old sign but there is now so much pretty regrowth
Well maintained trail
Although the trail led to the caves, there were so many pretty wildflowers in bloom along the way that we spent a long time admiring and photographing them
Finally reached the area where the first cave was and we were so in awe of this that we spent ages admiring and taking photos of all the interesting rock formations, not realising that there were so many more ahead!!!!
The first cave had a wire barrier in front to prohibit entry but had an information board just inside
With information about the markings on the stone inside
Note the markings
Fantastic views from here too
More views
and even wild flowers amongst the rocks
Split rock
More wildflowers amongst the cliffs
The seat at the lookout
and the view from the lookout
When we got back to the car park, after the walk we spotted another AOR so we stopped and chatted to the owner, Maryanne Holland. Unfortunately her husband passed away a couple of years back and she didn’t want to get rid of the van. She has had a few problems with it so she has been on the road with it to take it to get it fixed and enjoying the countryside along the way
This is the AllTrails map of the trail. All the dots are where I took photos!!!’ Lots of them !!!
Back out onto the Newell Highway to Coonabarabran
Another astronomical display beside the highway
The Castlereagh river in Coonabarabran
We stopped off in town and bought ourselves some wraps, which we ate sitting in the very comfy seats at the Visitors information centre that was open even though it was a holiday
Another astronomical display beside the highway
The Castlereagh river in Coonabarabran
We stopped off in town and bought ourselves some wraps, which we ate sitting in the very comfy seats at the Visitors information centre that was open even though it was a holiday
We topped up with fuel in Coonabarabran
Before heading on to Gilgandra
Before heading on to Gilgandra
Needed to go through Mendooran first
Good road with the yellow flowered bushes beside the road again
Lots of Canola growing in the fields with storm clouds building behind
Managed to capture this rainbow
Good road with the yellow flowered bushes beside the road again
Lots of Canola growing in the fields with storm clouds building behind
Managed to capture this rainbow
That was a definite warning but didn’t say road was closed
Water over the road
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We passed this AOR that was limping along with lights flashing. We asked if they were ok and they gave us the thumbs up
Setting sun ahead
Turn off to Gilgandra where we decided to spend the night
Water over the road
M
We passed this AOR that was limping along with lights flashing. We asked if they were ok and they gave us the thumbs up
Setting sun ahead
Turn off to Gilgandra where we decided to spend the night
Lots of water lying around
Arrived as the sun was setting
Hema maps plotting for the day
SPOT plotting for the day
We had decided to utilise the overnight parking at the Royal Hotel
Fantastic choice for overnight stop - historic hotel with a late 1800s grape vine growing in its courtyard
A few drinks in the pub first chatting at the bar to a forth generation local that has worked in the grain industry all his life.
Then off around the corner to the local RSL for a meal. No meals at the pub that night because of the holiday
Back to the pub for a nightcap
Yes I guess we are. Love Wikicamps for all the info it provides
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