4WDing for Women

Bridle Track - Camping near Bathurst

2008-11-19T14:32:00.006+09:00

Camping along the Bridle Track between Bathurst and Hill End gives you the opportunity to kick back and relax in the shade of the sheoaks either by the Macquarie River or further along the track towards Hill End where the Turon joins the Macquarie River.

You need to bring your own water and firewood (check for fire bans) and composting toilets are provided. Make sure that all food and rubbish is kept in enclosed containers as the fearless and persistent foxes will take full advantage of anything potentially edible left out at night. They even managed to get the lid off a large dutch oven and took off with the lamb bone that was left inside - they did not fancy the vegetables. Placing rubbish in the back of the ute was no deterrent as the fox deftly jumped inside the back to see what tasty morsels were on offer.

As the first campsite along the track is less than an hour from Bathurst, it is a good idea to arrive early to get your pick of campsites. There are two additional camping areas along the Turon/Macquarie River area. These are better for fishing.

By driving carefully you can reach the first campsite by two-wheel drive, however, 4 WD is recommended especially after rain as the road can get washed out quickly. You can also access the first two sites with a campertrailer. A 4WD is recommended to continue the journey through to Hill End, especially to tackle the part known as the bluff.

Wollondilly River Station Camping

2008-10-31T14:01:00.002+09:00

The eccentricities of host Brian adds to the great bush camping, Wollondilly River Station offers, 2 1/2 hours south of Sydney. With minimal facilities (portaloos) the station offers the opportunity to get away from all the rush of city life and chill out for a few days.

You can get up close to the wildlife:- including lizards, goannas, platypus, water rats, goats, wallabies, snakes and a wide variety of birds.

The river banks offer wide flat areas ideal for camping in tents or camper trailers. As this part of the river is fed from the Shoalhaven River to top up Lake Burragorang (Warragamba Dam), it is wide and has a good flow, making it an ideal spot for canoeing, kayaking and swimming.

There is plenty of shade so you can choose to have a lazy day chatting with friends and watching the world go by. Dogs are welcome, though they do scare off the wildlife. I was able to observe and photograph the lizard above for around 10 minutes as it warmed itself after a swim in the river. It finally moved off when an inquisitive dog ventured too close.

Great little 4WD trip south of Sydney

2008-04-20T12:13:00.003+08:00

Recently undertook a trip with the Suzuki 4WD club of NSW to the Belangalo State Forrest. This area was made infamous by the Ivan Milat "Bacpacker Murders". What a shame that this is the first thing that most people recall such a dreadful event about a picturesque forrest area..

The Belangalo State Forrest is a great place for day trips in the 4WD with a mixture of easy and more difficult trails. There are some lovely areas to picnic and bush toilets are provided near the turn off from the Hume Hwy south of Berrima.

4WD at the Caravan & camping Supershow

2008-03-29T08:35:00.002+09:00

Hi
If you are a camping, 4WD, or caravanning enthusiat, I highly recommend attending the NSW Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday show at Rosehill Racecourse from today until the 6th April, 2008. I went last year to research camping, holidays, 4 Wheel Driving and Camper Trailers and plan to go again this year.
For further information check out the website http://www.supershow.com.au/
Also you might like to put these dates in your diary
Penrith 12th - 14th September 2008, http://www.penrith.supershow.com.au/
South Coast 7th -9th November 2008 http://www.southcoast.supershow.com.au/
There is so much to see and do in the great outdoors of this wonderful country - Australia

Great Free Camping

2008-03-24T13:26:00.002+09:00

Just spent the weekend at a great free campsite at Burraga Dam near Burraga in the Central Tablelands of NSW. It's a great spot for fishing, kayaking, beginner's sailing and camping with the kids. There are a few walking tracks to explore or just sit and enjoy the sounds of nature or kick back and read. There is a bush toilet and a few bins. You will need to bring your own water and please take your garbage home as the bins just cannot cope on busy weekends.

"Burraga, 47 kilometres from Oberon southwest of Black Springs, is situated amongst farming and forests which supply the Pacific Forests processing works.
Burraga Dam Reserve is a lovely picnic, camping and fishing spot just north of the village. The remains of the old Burraga Copper mine can be seen from the outskirts of the village. It was one of the largest copper mines in the state and historical records and memorabilia can be seen at the Mill Museum in Rockley." http://www.oberon.nsw.gov.au/about/1001/1005.html

Picture of the dam http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/a/0/9/doc/a09780.shtml

Explor Oz Website

2008-03-02T12:56:00.002+09:00

Great source of information on the ExplorOz website. Below is just a few of the topics covered. It is probably the most comprehensive sight for 4 WD exploration of Australia. http://www.exploroz.com.au/
4WD Driving Skills & Rules
4WD Treks
Buying a 4WD
Driver Training
Hiring a 4WD or Campervan
Making Your Itinerary
4WD Treks How to Plan a Trip
Directory - Clubs Recovery Gear Needs
Directory - Driver Training Spare Parts and Tools
Directory - Vehicles Staying in Touch when Travelling
Driver Training Trader - Vehicles

4WD Treks close to Sydney

2008-02-23T13:25:00.003+09:00

Craig Lewis and Cathy Savage have produced a book titled "4WD Treks Close to Sydney". You have to live in Australia to appreciate close to Sydney may involve a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive to the start of the trek. The guide provides a basic map, description of the trek and route directions.

A great track for beginners is the famous " Bridle Track" between Bathurst and Hill End. The Bridle Track was the quickest and most direct route from the goldfields of Hill End to the supply town of Bathurst in the 1850's. There are some great camp spots along the Turon River with basic facilities. The view of the Turon as you climb up the hill to Hill End is fantastic. Hill End is worth exploring and you must visit the beer garden at "The Royal".

What 4WD Vehicle should I buy?

2008-02-16T10:39:00.003+09:00

Looking to buy a 4WD vehicle - not sure what you want.
Questions to ask yourself.

1. What do you want to use your vehicle for? Urban driving, occasional unsealed roads, light off-road driving, sightseeing in 4WD only accessible areas, high clearance off-road driving, competition?

SUV- constant All Wheel Drive e.g. Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forrester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CRV - occasonal unsealed roads, light off-road driving , towing capacity varies depending on make and model.

Small 4WD with Low Range 4WD e.g. Suzuki Jimny or Suzuki Grand Vitara - unsealed roads, medium off-road driving where low range required, can tow light camper trailer. Deisel model now available in Grand Vitara

Medium 4WD e.g. Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero - will go most places the big gals go

Large 4WD e.g. Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Jeep Grand Cherokee -

2. Will I need to tow a camper trailer, trailer, campervan or caravan?
Check Tow Ball rating and Maximum Towing capacity of vehicle - don't forget water, food and personal gear all adds to the weight of the trailer.

3. Will I be travelling long distances in remote areas? Deisel gives longer range and can be more readily available that unleaded in remote areas of Australia

4. Do you want to join a 4WD club? Check out local clubs and see what types of trips they organize and what vehicles club member's drive.

Study a number of 4WD Magazines before you go looking for your vehicle and compile a list of must haves.
Happy 4WDing.

Women are taking up 4 Wheel Driving

2008-02-10T16:13:00.000+09:00

Found a great website article on a group of Californian women out on a trip in Nevada
Check out the site http://www.cal4wheel.com/JRaudy/wow10-07B.htm It certainly looks like they all had a great time.