We have to make a quick trip to Bathurst from here (Mukinbudin, 300ks west of Coolgardie) early next month. It is about 3500 ks and as we will not be taking van are hoping to do it in 4 days (thought about 3 but that may be asking a bit much) Does anyone have any suggestions about where to, or not to, fuel up or stay overnight(no van for a change so need to hire a bed). We are going Via Broken Hill on the way east and via Mildura coming back as there is not much difference distance wise. Any thoughts would be welcome.
-- Edited by tezza on Monday 1st of February 2010 09:43:07 PM
jonathan said
05:00 AM Feb 2, 2010
Hi Terry ..
Soon to travel across to the west in March myself .. but as yet unfamiliar with the current data you are seeking. The reason I'm responding is to make you aware of a hazard I experienced after recently travelling from Sth Aus to NSW via Broken Hill. Travelling East from Broken Hill, stay alert for some 300 k's. This area is now very heavily populated with feral goats, pigs and even (feral) sheep .. (fully grown with long tails and very bedraggled). .. I passed through there in daylight hours and saw(2) passenger vehicles that had stopped after hitting "kid" goats. Most adult goats move off into the bushes, but the younger ones (if not with the parent) will simply scoot across the road to catch up to "Mum" regardless of any obstacles. Early morning I saw the usual roos, but with the daylight they soon became scarce.
Hopefully the circumstances there have changed now after a lot more rain in that area ..
Safe travels !
Jon
(currently in Casino, NSW)
dave06 said
10:22 AM Feb 2, 2010
we are about to do pirie to cessnock within the next couple of weeks and have traveled the broken hill road many times, not only do I agree with Jon about the goats but just watch the camels as well
dont stop in cobar for any reason, the natives are not friendly
Ron and Shirley said
04:33 PM Feb 2, 2010
Travelling from Broken Hill when you get to Wilcannia there is a BP Fuel Depot in a street behind the main street. It is usually much cheaper than the servo in the main street and is well sign posted. We have stopped in Wilcannia a number of times and despite reports on other forums etc we have never felt uncomfortable in the main street. There are some fine buildings in town if you have the time.
We have also purchased fuel at the Emmdale Roadhouse some 90km past Wilcannia where despite the looks of the place he made us a mighty fine hamburger.
We have also stopped/stayed at Cobar a number of times with the van. Our experience in/around the town has been the total opposite to what dave06 post suggests. The Heritage/Information centre on the main road is well worth a look if you need a break from the drive.
Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park by the Bogan River, about 600km from BH & 150km from Dubbo, is a great spot and their new cabins are very good.
We travelled this route last June and the Barrier Highway was in very good condition and very easy to get a lead foot, though as others have said the feral goats were everywhere.
-- Edited by tezza on Monday 1st of February 2010 09:43:07 PM
Soon to travel across to the west in March myself .. but as yet unfamiliar with the current data you are seeking.
The reason I'm responding is to make you aware of a hazard I experienced after recently travelling from Sth Aus to NSW via Broken Hill.
Travelling East from Broken Hill, stay alert for some 300 k's. This area is now very heavily populated with feral goats, pigs and even (feral) sheep .. (fully grown with long tails and very bedraggled).
.. I passed through there in daylight hours and saw(2) passenger vehicles that had stopped after hitting "kid" goats. Most adult goats move off into the bushes, but the younger ones (if not with the parent) will simply scoot across the road to catch up to "Mum" regardless of any obstacles.
Early morning I saw the usual roos, but with the daylight they soon became scarce.
Hopefully the circumstances there have changed now after a lot more rain in that area ..
Safe travels !
Jon
(currently in Casino, NSW)
We have also purchased fuel at the Emmdale Roadhouse some 90km past Wilcannia where despite the looks of the place he made us a mighty fine hamburger.
We have also stopped/stayed at Cobar a number of times with the van. Our experience in/around the town has been the total opposite to what dave06 post suggests. The Heritage/Information centre on the main road is well worth a look if you need a break from the drive.
Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park by the Bogan River, about 600km from BH & 150km from Dubbo, is a great spot and their new cabins are very good.
We travelled this route last June and the Barrier Highway was in very good condition and very easy to get a lead foot, though as others have said the feral goats were everywhere.