well we did it we actually bought our first van. Its a 2009 20'6 Statewide Elite with enough comfort for us we hope. Towing vehicle is an 2013 Dmax Diesel auto.
Our first trip will be from Maitland to Cowra over a few days and I was wondering if I could ask for some advice?
I have travelled to Cowra a lot and usually go down to Sydney out through Richmond and down The Bells Line OF Road. Seeing this is our first time towing a van ( I have towed a 20' boat before) I was a little sceptical of taking the Bells Line Rd due to its winding. What would you recommend? I have heard that there is a nice route out through Sandy Hollow and down the Bylong Valley OR out to Dubbo and down that way. We are just trying to find a comfortable route. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
M&D
-- Edited by MarkandDeb on Monday 4th of August 2014 05:01:22 PM
-- Edited by MarkandDeb on Monday 4th of August 2014 05:42:16 PM
IMO better than through GT western highway .. Just use the gears even if auto .. It's not too bad these days.. I come back that way with my motorhome and race car on car trailer. Would be approx 8 ton all up with water tanks full.. Grab some apples and. Fruit while up there ?
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Monday 4th of August 2014 05:36:41 PM
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Monday 4th of August 2014 07:41:58 PM
Hi M&D, used to live near Bathurst, and both Bells Line, and the Great Western Highway are pretty good now.
I went to Bathurst a couple of weeks ago with our caravan in tow (also new to towing a large van), and we chose to tow down the great western highway through Katoomba, purely because it is easier on the Sydney end, straight on to the end of the F4.
If you are comfortable with the run through Richmond, then Bells will be an easy run. Just take your time, and drive at a speed YOU are comfortable with.
The worst hill you will hit is Mt Fitz on the way down to Young.
Traffic and road works is pita at present through Katoomba .. The speed limits through towns and school zones .. Depends where you want to go ? The roads are good from Richmond to Penrith /Parramatta .. M4 can be car park at times ..
Hello Mark and Deb - I really can't say one way or the other about the roads as such but the drive from Sandy Hollow through to Mudgee, Hill End, Sofala is a really pretty drive if you want a change and to see some lovely scenery. Whatever way you go enjoy your travels.
From Maitland the easiest by far is straight out the Golden Highway past Merriwa, turn off on the main Mudgee turnoff (not Bylong), then from Ulan via Gulgong to Wellington, Parkes, Eugowra, Cowra. There's an excellent free camp (power, water, hot showers) for gold coin donation at Goolagong. Roads are all sealed & very few hills worth talking about.
Darrell & Sandra
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Love the bush & our native environment. Conservationist, not a bloody Greenie.
Thanks Darrell and Sandra, that sounds like a great trip. What is a "FREE CAMP" and how do we recognise it? Thanks 'the rocket' we are looking forward to it.
