(NSW) Kowmung, Hill End, Goulburn River National park, Barrington

[Kenny Koala]

One week camping The Kowmung, Hill End, Goulburn River National park, and the Barrington Tops We headed up the mountains Monday morning stopping for photos at Mitchell Lookout:
Sorry about the quality of the photos, unfortunately the day was very hazy.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2326.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2330.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2333.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Then at Little Hartley:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2337.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2339.jpg
After Little Hartley we turned off to go to Jenolan Caves.
This is a sand mine visible from the road – you can see the big chute used to get sand from the top of the mountain.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2349.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Some wind mills on the way to the caves:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2354.jpg
Helicopter spraying after the pine plantation has been logged:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2362.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2371.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Getting close to Jenolan Caves:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2382.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2384.jpg
I was surprised to find that the original old post and wire fence on the way to the Jenolan Caves has not been replaced by guard rails
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2387.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

A few photos from Jenolan Caves:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2399.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2406.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2413.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2391.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2395.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2421.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2427.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2433.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2436.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

From the caves it was up to the walls (The Kanangra Walls):
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2440.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2442.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2448.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2449.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2450.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2456.jpg
First campsite was up on the Boyd River:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2476.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2437.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2471.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2466.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Tuesday morning we made our way to the Kowmung River. The first track is now a management trail only (it used to be the easiest way in):
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2480.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2481.jpg
The area was very dry and there was a lot of dead wood debris:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2485.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2486.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Too cold to walk in to see how deep it is:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2492.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2495.jpg
Well, it was deeper than I thought:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2517.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2527.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Photos from around the Morong River:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2551.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2556.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2530.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2538.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Starting the decent to the Kowmung:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2567.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2571.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2576.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2586.jpg
I was very disappointed that this track was closed off but by the looks of it has been closed off for a while. I wanted to show Marg this cave as I used to abseil into it in my younger days.:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2617.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Continuing to the Kowmung River:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2624.jpg
The Kowmung River and the track we just came down:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2602.jpg
This river crossing has completely changed. The climb out of the river used to be quite steep and the river was deep enough to cover the wheels most of the time. I remember this particular time when the truck started floating down the river as my dad was trying to cross it. As you can see from the photo you could drive a mini through it now:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2605.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Now starting to climb out towards Dingo Dell:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2610.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2614.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2615.jpg
It surprised me when we got to the top that the road was blue metal, then I realised that the whole hill was blue metal:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2628.jpg
Now making our way from Dingo Dell to find the water falls:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2636.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2649.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

After having lunch admiring the falls we decided not to go back to Dingo Dell to set up camp, but to make our way to the Bridal Trail and camp there. Here are a few photos through Shooters Hill:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2668.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2671.jpg
One side of the road is the pine forest and the other is a native bush:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2673.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Some photos from the pine forest
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2675.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2676.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2679.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2680.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2685.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2715.jpg
From Bathurst it is now just a short drive to the Bridal Trail:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2734.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2736.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2740.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Not far to go now:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2745.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2754.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2761.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2768.jpg
You can really see the difference in the landscape as we go further west
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2785.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2775.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Finally made it to the Bridal Trail:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2788.jpg
We managed to set up camp on the first campsite on the Bridal Trail next to Macquarie River:
I’d like to add that the river was still flowing here.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2799.jpg
It was quite a warm night compared to the Boyd River camp. We woke up to a foggy morning:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2804.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2813.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

The landscape becoming very dry and rocky:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2828.jpg
The sun finally came out and dried the tent so we could pack up and hit the track:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2842.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2848.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2859.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2862.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2863.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2865.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2872.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2873.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2877.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2880.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2881-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2882.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2885.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2889.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Down near the river again and it still has water in it (you could not drink the water from the river as it was very murky):
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2911.jpg
The first mine we came across:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2916.jpg
You can see the drill marks in this photo:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2919.jpg
This is quartz vein (no gold visible):
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2921.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2923.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2924.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2926.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

River crossing into one of the camp sites:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2930.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2933.jpg
Track to another campsite: (there are many campsites along the river)on the bridal trail
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2935.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We saw a track going to the top of the hill and it turned out to be a good lookout overlooking the junction of Macquarie and Turon rivers:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2936.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2938.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2941.jpg
It looked very interesting and I was eager to find a way down to these tracks at the junction.

[Kenny Koala]

We found the track to the junction:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2946.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2948.jpg
There were some mining relics that made it more interesting:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2952.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2953.jpg
As you can see the river has now stoped flowing and there is only pools of water:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2957.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2965.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2974.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2982.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We followed the river driving towards the junction on the river bed:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2987.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2991.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2993.jpg
The water was quite stagnant in places:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2997.jpg
Old Mine and hut:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP2998.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3003.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

There were a lot of tracks to drive around:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3019.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3021.jpg
After looking around we made our way back to the bridal track:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3028.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3033.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3044.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3050.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Now back on the bridal track:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3051.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3054.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3061.jpg
Next was Hill End:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3063.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3064.jpg
Old Stamper battery
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3067.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3071.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3072.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3073.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3074.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3075.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3077.jpg
It was time to go fishing for some Barramundi in the river with no water:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3081.jpg
:lol: :lol:

[Kenny Koala]

Marg and I did a lot of exploring around Hill End looking for old mines:
This mine is set up for tours
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3086.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3088.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3084.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3116.jpg
Over looking Hill End from bald hill
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3094.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3097.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3090.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3091.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We then explored some tracks on the way down from Bald Hill, looking for more mines and relics:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3142.jpg
Parts from an old stumper:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3144.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3145-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3147.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3148.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3150.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3151.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3154.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3155.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

One of the shafts with a roof over it:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3158.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3159.jpg
We camped in town overnight and on Thursday morning we packed up and explored the outskirts of the town:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3187.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3186.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Some incredible land formations created by water:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3201.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3200.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3199.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3195.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3194.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3192.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3202.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We followed the dry creek bed that seemed to go for ever:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3204.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3205.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3206.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3207.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3208.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3209.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3213.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3212.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3211.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We then got back on the road and started making our way to Mudgee:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3221.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3220.jpg
We got to Mudgee where we stocked up on supplies, then continued on our way to Goulburn River National Park where we intended to set up camp.
Some photos from the road:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3224.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3226.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3227.jpg
There was a lot of vineyard's along the way
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3230.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3241.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3248.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3256.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3257.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3258.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3261.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We finely made it to the Goulburn River National Park and got to Mogo Road to look for the Big River Camping area. It was supposed to be 4x4 only but I was disappointed that it was just a dirt track. However the camping area itself turned out to be incredible.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3264.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3265.jpg
As soon as the sun went down we realised we were surrounded by some curious creatures that seemed to be jumping /flying from tree to tree like small bats, one even got inside the wheel of the car after it jumped onto the roof from the tree – I tried to see it with a torch but only managed to see the shadow of it going in through the gaps in the wheel and then I could not find it. As soon as we snuggled up in the tent we could hear them walking around and scratching on the tent. Thinking it was possums we went out and pointed the light in the trees and managed to see something very small very high. We eventually found out that they were glider possums that are very small and glide from tree to tree. So sorry but we could not get any photos, so we snuggled up in the tent once again and kangaroos decided to hop into camp. All night we felt as if we were in a zoo.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3266.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3267.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3269.jpg
The views over the river from our campsite were magnificent:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3274.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3273.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3275.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3286.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3291.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3295.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3296.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

On Friday morning we followed the track out of the National Park – stopping at another campsite “Spring Gully” to take some photos. It was also a nice spot:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3307.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3308.jpg
On the way out of the National Park:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3305.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

On the way to Wollar:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3312.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3314.jpg
Making our way towards Sandy Hollow:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3316.jpg
This was mainly dirt road, dusty and dry
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3317.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3349.jpg
Marg liked the face in the rock:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3344.jpg
As you can see incredible sandstone cliffs and formations:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3343.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3338.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3336.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3351.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Years ago this train track was abandoned half way through construction and we used to do 4x4 trips along this route and through this tunnel with my dad. As we followed the Denman –Rylstone Road I was keeping an eye out on the tracks hoping to find a track to the tunnels and I was very happy when I found it.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3327.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3351.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3352.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3355.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3362.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

It was getting more and more hazy as if there was a fire somewhere:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3368.jpg
We were now making our way to Barrington Tops:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3370.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3379.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

The views were stunning but unfortunately it was getting late and we could not afford the time to stop for photos as we spent too much time photographing the sandstone formations and we knew we still had 15km of low range on the Barrington Tops trail ahead of us.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3381.jpg
At the top on the main track there was many gates that get closed in bad weather. This gate is kept closed at all times to try and keep feral animals out:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3380.jpg
I was happy to find that the 4x4 track to the campsite was actually a 4x4 track, it was very rocky and muddy – a change from the dry tracks we have been on since beginning of the trip.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3513.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3511.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3508.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

There was a big black cloud hanging over us and sure enough it started to rain just as we got to the campsite:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3389.jpg
We managed to get some big logs burning to last through the night. We woke up early in the morning to find the sun shining through the tent. As we still lay in bed we were discussing how warm it was in the tent and how happy we were that it fined up. So we decided to get up and make the most of the day. Walking out of the tent we were shocked to find that our tent was frozen solid all the rain drops from the rain last night were frozen solid.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3397.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3399.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3403.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Ice droplets:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3404.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3422.jpg
As we looked around we realised that this was a very impressive place:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3433.jpg
Finally we can refill our bottles with pristine drinking water:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3434-1.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

The water was crystal clear:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3441-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3447.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3451-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3453-1.jpg
Marg sitting on the bank enjoying the view:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3454-1.jpg
Marg got the camera again:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3487-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3484-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3483-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3481-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3480-1.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

We spent a few hours exploring the river:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3475.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3456.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3455-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3504.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3501-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3499-1.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3492.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3494-1.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Ken couldn’t resist having a dip:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3491.jpg
While I was having a swim Marg ran off with the camera again:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3531.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3530.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3528.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3532.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3533.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

After we finished packing up and were ready to leave , two vehicles came – they were camping at Polblue Campsite and came here to do some bushwalking. Driving out we came across two more vehicles on separate occasions, so we concluded that it is a popular place. We got out onto the main track, then explored the Thunderbolts lookout:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3518.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3517.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3516.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Now we got onto Mud hut road:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3559.jpg
view from Mud hut road:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3554.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3567.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3568.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

The area was very green and lush compared to the other side of the mountains - spot the cow! :
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3570.jpg
The road criss-crossed this river through the valley several times:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3578.jpg
We then followed the Thunderbolts Way all the way to Walcha:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3588.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3590.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3594.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

The further we got from Barrington tops it became more and more hazy:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3600.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3601.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3602.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3604.jpg
As we got closer to Walcha the land became dry and open:
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3607.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3608.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/may%20trip/_IGP3609.jpg

[Kenny Koala]

Unfortunately the trip had come to an end. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and wished we took two weeks off not one. Throughout the trip we were out of the mobile phone reception and as soon as we got to Armidale my mobile phone would not stop ringing – we realised then how peaceful it was on our trip.
Jenolan Caves, Kanangra Walls, Boyd River, Kowmung River, Dingo Dell are all easy 4x4 driving with beautiful views and unspoiled rivers and surroundings and I would recommend visiting this area if you get a chance.
The Bridal Track is an unforgettable experience with tracks ranging from easy to lockers only. There are many places to explore and one could easy spend a week there exploring this area. The only thing that was very disappointing in this area was the amount of rubbish left behind at most of the campsites along the river.
The Goulburn River National Park was quite pretty but not much 4x4driving and it was not really that big an area to explore.
We found the drive up to Barrington Tops from Scone side was another incredible experience - some sections of the track were on a ridge with steep drops on both sides and 360deg views. All tracks that we explored on Barrington tops were well used and as we found on Saturday there was a lot of 4wheel drives so I recommend exploring this area through the week. The tracks we explored were all quite easy but we found that quite a few of the tracks were temporarily closed.

[Travis22]

Bloody hell Kenny...

Upload 300? photos lol! You must have spent the last 2 months since the trip getting these albeit awesome photos online :p :p :p

Bloody magic post;

But I will seriously have to set some time aside to go through your thread properly because again the places you have photographed are absolutely beautiful and id like to locate the places on a map for future reference but i cant read anything because the page just never stops loading and jumping up and down with the 100+ photos per page lol!!!!

Personally i think it would be much easier to pick out your favorite 20,30,40 photos and write up about the trip and link to your photobucket account so if people wont to see literally hundreds of photos its MUCH quicker to do so then loading them all on a forum.

Again, from the photos i saw it looks like you visited some AWESOME places and no doubt ill have a few questions for you once i can sit down with some maps and work out where these places are! :truck::truck::truck:



Travis.

[No Fn Idea]

Awesome trip report Kenny.

All places that I'm interested in going. The photography was excellent as well, apart from the one where it looks like you have no clothes on mate..............that's a bit uncalled for!!

Cheers
Nick

[Frostd]

Kenny, What a great trip and with even better photos. You would have had a fantastic time. What about the Barrington. Where did you get too up there. Was there any snow and how were the roads.

[larcie]

Mate, well done!
That's wet my appetite to see that part of the country.
Some great pics in there as well.

[Cannon]

Thanks that looks like a fantastic trip. You've inspired me :)

[DSzuke]

tops read! Thankyou for spending the time to upload those spectacular photos!

[POLAND]

total magic

[Buckman]

What a fantastic part of Oz. Thank you for capturing its beauty and sharing it with us.

[woolgoolgaoffroad]

great pics kenny, not sure about looking at you half naked !!!lol..... poor marg

[Thirsty2454]

Top stuff Kenny and Marg for the photos and report. :thumb:

[jm2004]

Awesome efforts, and some really magnificent photos, these pictures are worth thousands of words. Thanks for sharing :thumb:

[KRUIZA]

Hey Kenny. Great photos and report. Have not done the Bridle Track but am keen now after viewing this thread. Thanks.

[onsitesm]

Great post Kenny and great photos to:thumb:

[easilylost]

Thankyou for taking the time to share your trip with us.
The photos are magical.

This is by far one of the best trips reports i have had the pleasure of viewing.

Thanks again.
Tim

[Kenny Koala]

I'm happy to hear your all enjoying the photos,

If any one wants any GPS coordinates to any of the tracks or destinations just let me know.

[CHMS]

Great trip report and fantastic pictures! I really enjoyed it! :)

[sp0radic]

Excellent thread. Well done.

Do you guys think this trip is able to be done in a Soft Roader (Hyundai Santa Fe) diesel?

[beaujest4]

Brilliat trip report Kenny, top photo report.

[Kenny Koala]

I have had a lot of requests for the waypoints for this trip so here are the waypoints i used on the trip.

Please note the waypoints are not in order.:D

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/maytripwaypoints.jpg
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w134/kenny_koala/maytripwaypoints2.jpg

[al coholic]

Bloody great photos there mate, looks a top time you guys had. I took the wife and two young boys to the bridle track for the weekend just before christmas, we actually had our camper setup on the sandy stuff right beside the river where your 4by is parked in the photo....lol.

BTW, the river was not flowing at all and very few places along the track where the river was much more than a couple of murky puddles. :( Would be a terrific spot when the river has decent flow in it.