Where to now? Crossed into NSW

Motherhen

If travelling south of Dubbo, there is a free overnight campsite in the middle of Forbes on the edge of the lake. Off the highway and the centre of town is a short walk over a bridge from the campsite.

When heading south it is on the right immediately after crossing the river.

Alan

Don't know if you plan to go anywhere near Bathurst MH, but I've earmarked Macquarie Woods Campground. No. 891 in Camps 4. It comes up on Google.

Never been there but the photos look good.

'morning Mrs Chook,

The Golden Highway is the direct route between Newcastle and Dubbo. Takes off from the New England Highway at Whittingham, south of Singleton. There's a great free camp at Cassilis Showground (with power) about 2km north of the Highway.

A great alternative is the route from Denman to Orange via Bylong, Rylstone, Ilford, Sofala, Bathurst. It is now all sealed, spectacular scenery along the Bylong Valley. If you have an hour or so the short walk in Ferntree Gully, 1.5 km off the road at Breakfast Creek, 17km north of Rylstone, is stunning. An overnight camp at Duns Swamp, east of Rylstone on the Olinda Road is very special.

There's also some great free camps near the causeways (which I built), on the Turon River, upstream from the quaint little goldrush town of Sofala.

A little detour between Bathurst and Orange will give you the opportunity to visit the Angullong Wines Bluestone Cellar Door in Millthorpe. "Angullong" is Liz's family property where the 570 acre vineyard produces some of the best cool climate wines in Australia. Some were included in the Wine Tasting at the BOG muster. "Angullong" is also a 5,500ac Murray Grey Stud so if you Western cockies are interested I'll give you directions on how to get to Four Mile Creek and meet Liz's brother, Bill Crossing.

Cheers........Rob and Liz

For the record, from the NSW extension of my previous Qld thread -

We came safely down "brake fry hill" on Thunderbolts Way; it was 6 km and dropped 600 metres. Other steep sections may have been steeper, but none were as long. Of the two free camps, Bretti and Gloryvale, we stopped at Bretti. It is much further off the road than Gloryvale, although many more campers there as well. We had a lovely spot near the edge of and overlooking the river.

Next camp (tonight) is at Copeland Reserve (similarly 1 month maximum camping) on our way to Barrington Tops. Lovely sounds of birds from the trees along the adjacent creek.

Mh