dubbo, parkes & gunnedah - what to see and where to stop
denmonkey said
07:02 PM Sep 23, 2018
Hi all,
I have a week on in mid oct and and heading west.
I'll be one up and only likely to spend a night at each place.
I don't expect to disconnect the van at all during my travels.
My original plans have fallen through to head to forbes but at this stage I still plan to check out parkes (dish), dubbo (zoo) and gunnedah (possible move)
I'm considering heading to parkes with an overnight part way there just to take my time.
Leaving from Newcastle I'll be heading north.
If there are any suggestions on where to stop and also importantly where NOT to, I'd like to hear your advice.
Little caravan parks would be ok but free camping, especially at nice off the beaten track place would be prefered. Not an off road van but have plenty of clearance for a bit of dirt.
I was told, if I stay at dubbo, not to wander at night. Not sure if this is true.
Re the zoo, I think I may pack my push bike and explore that way. Can I safely leave the van at the zoo whilst I get round ?
A mate suggested the telescopes near the bungles but I'm not sure of access with the van.
Anything else you think I should look at is also welcome.
cheers Brett
.
-- Edited by denmonkey on Sunday 23rd of September 2018 08:34:15 PM
Yuglamron said
07:27 PM Sep 23, 2018
About twenty K's South of Coonabarabran Left side Heading North are the Hinkley Falls. Rest Area. I've stopped there a few times and it's an OK overnight stop if you freecamp. Just off the road. I am always hopeful that it has been raining and actually has a waterfall. Not as yet. Then the Australian Telescope at Narrabri. A little out of town and a couple of floodways to slow down for but well worth a look. I have been told that the Movie "The Dish" used one of the radio telescopes there as The Dish instead of the one at Parkes for some reason. Never knew if that was true as I haven't seen the movie. I think there are Five dishes on Rail lines so they can use them as one Giant dish
I've been told the Hot Spa's are worth a visit.
Peak Hill seventy K's or so South of Dubbo on the Newell has a cheap and cheerful CP. I think it was $29 for two on a powered site. Toilet block has heated floors which are great on a cold morning. A walk up to the opencast mine is worth a look.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Sunday 23rd of September 2018 07:29:41 PM
PeterD said
02:58 PM Sep 24, 2018
Yuglamron wrote:
About twenty K's South of Coonabarabran Left side Heading North are the Hinkley Falls. Rest Area.
If you are looking for that on WikiCamps try Hickey falls. If you are searching elsewhere try Hickeys Falls. It is shown as A39 on this map,
I think one night for the Dubbo zoo is a bit optimistic. A good place to stay whilst you are visiting is Red Earth Estate, read the "Where to find us" bit at the bottom.
Radar said
03:30 PM Sep 24, 2018
Free camp Forbes near the waterholes.
Wellington Ponto Falls free camp. One here Wellington, not stayed there myself, on good tip, caravan park on the river at low cost rates.
Premer donation camp
Casslis showground, bowls club, good value.
Gunnedah showground caravan park best this side of Australia.
Willowtree sports ground donation.
Molong, Canowindra, cheap as with free washing machine.
We do cheap things look for lookouts, picnic along side streams/rivers and go for drives.
Central NSW is gold field for cheap caravaning we lov it. Start your journey with a camp at Broke or Jerrys plains then stop for morning tea in Denmam or Merriwa both rate high on our list for a treat.
Binnaway has great low cost camp right in town, if you are a little adventurous Bylong good for an overnighter.
There you go that should see you on your way.
Hook up to wiki camps for more. Throw a dart at a map of the area 90% chance of a very low cost camp.
Dougwe said
04:25 PM Sep 24, 2018
I like to just drive around an area to see all the different sights. That said, when in Rome, um, Dubbo, the open range zoo is a must if you have never been. Ya have to lash out now and then to give yourself a treat. Allow yourself a full day though so two nights stop over.
As already mentioned, the Dish is another must see in Parks and the Peak Hill CVP is highly commended, make sure you are there for the 4.00pm goodies though.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Warren-Pat_01 said
04:30 PM Sep 24, 2018
Peake Hill CP is tops (but it has limited caravan spaces)- free pancakes at happy hour!
To see - the CSIRO radio telescope at Parkes; I've always wanted to have more time to case out the scope at Coonabarabran but haven't yet. The Warrumbungles are worth a look too. And if you can watch "The Dish".
StewG said
04:43 PM Sep 24, 2018
If you have a few hours to spare, Brett, read "The Red Chief" by Ion Idriess. You will gain a different view on the history of Gunnedah. Then visit Pensioners' Hill Lookout.
denmonkey said
09:35 PM Sep 24, 2018
wow, thanks so much everyone for the input.
That's going to keep me googling for sometime.
I won't be going to forbes now but was planning on starting at parkes and heading north-ish. I may not have to get to gunnedah yet but will know before then.
A mate and his missus have suggested they might be interested.
I am looking forward to the trip solo though, so if they don't work out, its no biggie.
I wish I could take the dog with me but I wouldnt be happy leaving him for long periods inside the van etc.
Since my little buddy won't be keeping me company, I'll have to settle for a fire (if allowed) . What do you do for firewood out that way ? I'd prefer not to have to carry any if I don't have to.
It sounds like Peekhill and gunnedah both need to be at the top of the list.
As an try hard amateur astronomer, I'd like to take in the dish (seen the movie) and it was also recommended to me to go to slippery spring observatory, plus the others.
I'm also considering taking a telescope or 2 along.
Yug, I'd love a waterfall but unless something special happens rain wise, I think my experience there will be much the same as yours. Still I'll pray for some rain and might get lucky. If I do , I'll grab you a pic :)
*thanks for the tips Pete
Radar, anything cheap will be right up my ally. I've love for at least one night to be river side for a camp.
I've never been to the zoo doug, but seems the rest of australia has. So its the main priority for getting out there.
A friend said he and the wife didnt like it and did it in 20 minutes. Even if I have to sit and watch the ants, I'll be making a day of it.
W&P the scopes are second on my list with the zoo. I would like to do parkes and coona. I think I can make that work.
Stew, I'll see if I can track it down.
Yuglamron said
07:48 PM Sep 25, 2018
Yuglamron said
07:52 PM Sep 25, 2018
My apologies.
Firstly Hickey Falls not Hinkley Falls and I cannot make the photos smaller.
denmonkey said
01:13 PM Sep 28, 2018
thanks Yug. that is disappointing isn't it for a waterfall .
I can only imagine how much that changes with some water flowing over it.
Granty said
01:43 PM Oct 9, 2018
Ponto Falls at Wellington [ near Dubbo ] is a really nice free camp. Highly recommend it. Rod.
denmonkey said
03:19 PM Oct 14, 2018
can anyone tell me if I can park with my caravan at the dubbo zoo itself, whilst I'm there or is it best to stay at a van park to do so ?
I was planning on staying over night at Eumungerie rec reserve but am unsure if I should trust leaving the van there unhitched for the day
Hi all,
I have a week on in mid oct and and heading west.
I'll be one up and only likely to spend a night at each place.
I don't expect to disconnect the van at all during my travels.
My original plans have fallen through to head to forbes but at this stage I still plan to check out parkes (dish), dubbo (zoo) and gunnedah (possible move)
I'm considering heading to parkes with an overnight part way there just to take my time.
Leaving from Newcastle I'll be heading north.
If there are any suggestions on where to stop and also importantly where NOT to, I'd like to hear your advice.
Little caravan parks would be ok but free camping, especially at nice off the beaten track place would be prefered. Not an off road van but have plenty of clearance for a bit of dirt.
I was told, if I stay at dubbo, not to wander at night. Not sure if this is true.
Re the zoo, I think I may pack my push bike and explore that way. Can I safely leave the van at the zoo whilst I get round ?
A mate suggested the telescopes near the bungles but I'm not sure of access with the van.
Anything else you think I should look at is also welcome.
cheers Brett
.
-- Edited by denmonkey on Sunday 23rd of September 2018 08:34:15 PM
About twenty K's South of Coonabarabran Left side Heading North are the Hinkley Falls. Rest Area. I've stopped there a few times and it's an OK overnight stop if you freecamp. Just off the road. I am always hopeful that it has been raining and actually has a waterfall. Not as yet. Then the Australian Telescope at Narrabri. A little out of town and a couple of floodways to slow down for but well worth a look. I have been told that the Movie "The Dish" used one of the radio telescopes there as The Dish instead of the one at Parkes for some reason. Never knew if that was true as I haven't seen the movie. I think there are Five dishes on Rail lines so they can use them as one Giant dish
I've been told the Hot Spa's are worth a visit.
Peak Hill seventy K's or so South of Dubbo on the Newell has a cheap and cheerful CP. I think it was $29 for two on a powered site. Toilet block has heated floors which are great on a cold morning. A walk up to the opencast mine is worth a look.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Sunday 23rd of September 2018 07:29:41 PM
If you are looking for that on WikiCamps try Hickey falls. If you are searching elsewhere try Hickeys Falls. It is shown as A39 on this map,
I think one night for the Dubbo zoo is a bit optimistic. A good place to stay whilst you are visiting is Red Earth Estate, read the "Where to find us" bit at the bottom.
Free camp Forbes near the waterholes.
Wellington Ponto Falls free camp. One here Wellington, not stayed there myself, on good tip, caravan park on the river at low cost rates.
Premer donation camp
Casslis showground, bowls club, good value.
Gunnedah showground caravan park best this side of Australia.
Willowtree sports ground donation.
Molong, Canowindra, cheap as with free washing machine.
We do cheap things look for lookouts, picnic along side streams/rivers and go for drives.
Central NSW is gold field for cheap caravaning we lov it. Start your journey with a camp at Broke or Jerrys plains then stop for morning tea in Denmam or Merriwa both rate high on our list for a treat.
Binnaway has great low cost camp right in town, if you are a little adventurous Bylong good for an overnighter.
There you go that should see you on your way.
Hook up to wiki camps for more. Throw a dart at a map of the area 90% chance of a very low cost camp.
As already mentioned, the Dish is another must see in Parks and the Peak Hill CVP is highly commended, make sure you are there for the 4.00pm goodies though.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
To see - the CSIRO radio telescope at Parkes; I've always wanted to have more time to case out the scope at Coonabarabran but haven't yet. The Warrumbungles are worth a look too. And if you can watch "The Dish".
That's going to keep me googling for sometime.
I won't be going to forbes now but was planning on starting at parkes and heading north-ish. I may not have to get to gunnedah yet but will know before then.
A mate and his missus have suggested they might be interested.
I am looking forward to the trip solo though, so if they don't work out, its no biggie.
I wish I could take the dog with me but I wouldnt be happy leaving him for long periods inside the van etc.
Since my little buddy won't be keeping me company, I'll have to settle for a fire (if allowed) . What do you do for firewood out that way ? I'd prefer not to have to carry any if I don't have to.
It sounds like Peekhill and gunnedah both need to be at the top of the list.
As an try hard amateur astronomer, I'd like to take in the dish (seen the movie) and it was also recommended to me to go to slippery spring observatory, plus the others.
I'm also considering taking a telescope or 2 along.
Yug, I'd love a waterfall but unless something special happens rain wise, I think my experience there will be much the same as yours. Still I'll pray for some rain and might get lucky. If I do , I'll grab you a pic :)
*thanks for the tips Pete
Radar, anything cheap will be right up my ally. I've love for at least one night to be river side for a camp.
I've never been to the zoo doug, but seems the rest of australia has. So its the main priority for getting out there.
A friend said he and the wife didnt like it and did it in 20 minutes. Even if I have to sit and watch the ants, I'll be making a day of it.
W&P the scopes are second on my list with the zoo. I would like to do parkes and coona. I think I can make that work.
Stew, I'll see if I can track it down.
My apologies.
Firstly Hickey Falls not Hinkley Falls and I cannot make the photos smaller.
I can only imagine how much that changes with some water flowing over it.
I was planning on staying over night at Eumungerie rec reserve but am unsure if I should trust leaving the van there unhitched for the day
cheers Brett
It's simple to find out, their website gives - wpz@zoo.nsw.gov.au
I sent them an email - What facilities do you have for parking caravans whilst day visiting the zoo?
I got the answer -
When you come in the big front gates there is a caravan parking area there.
You can unhitch your van and leave it there whilst you visit.
Unfortunately we have no overnight camping for caravans.