The Doc’s last trip visited Central NSW and Outback Queensland to visit an AWC Sanctuary and visit collections of dinosaur fossils.
The Doc headed north on the Pacific Highway towards Newcastle, at the end of the freeway he turned west and explored the Goulbourn River National Park. It is nice to have the freedom to just tour around with no specific destination in mind. The Doc cannot even remember where he stopped that night.
OK The Doc just remembered he drove on and arrived after 9pm at Warrumbungle National Park! He filled out the camp form and went to bed after a long but satisfying day on the road. In the morning he headed to Whitegum Lookout and took a few photos. It is amazing how many visitors just drive past Whitegum Lookout. The Doc spent the day exploring the Park and going into town. All these photos were taken handheld with the same camera, it lens covers 24mm to 600mm.
Now the trip is in full swing. First stop the Pilliga Pottery, then the Sculptures in the Scrub. The sculptures are in the Pilliga Scrub at Danby Gorge in the Timmallallie National Park. There is quite an eclectic mix of sculptures.
Next stop Narrabri. The Doc was hoping to visit an AWC Sanctuary in the Pilliga but did not know its precise location. This is a joint venture between New South Wales Parks and Wildlife an AWC with the feral proof fence was nearing completion. He books his campsite and then drives to the Australia RadioTelescope out of Narrabri. Then back to the Caravan Park to wash and eat.
After his shower, The Doc realises he booked the wrong nights at the Caravan Park and goes over the Reception to correct it. Disbelief overcomes The Doc, an AWC vehicle is parked right in front of Reception. It turns out to be the land management team from Mallee Cliffs in southern New South Wales visiting to inspect the Pilliga fence. Mallee Cliffs is the other joint venture with New South Wales Parks and Wildlife. It’s a small world. The Doc has a chat with the team and the next morning Bruce, the manager, invites The Doc across to AWC’s Narrabri office!!!!
The Doc parked near the AWC office, where there was obviously an AWC vehicle. Wayne pulls up in an AWC vehicle and comes up and introduces himself to me, we have a chat and he admires the AWC stickers on the Patrol. The Doc spends half an hour at the AWC office speaking to various staff. Some coming in asking who owns the new Patrol decked out in AWC colours, The Doc of course and it’s not an AWC car, hehehe. The Doc is given a map of the location of the Pilliga Sanctuary and heads off to explore it. He did not enter the sanctuary but drove around the fence line. Then back to Narrabri for another night.
Very happy with the trip so far, The Doc heads out to nearby Mt Kaputar National Park to explore. You can see 10% of NSW from Mt Kaputar on a clear day.
Next morning, The Doc leaves Narrabri and drives north west through Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke (for a steak pub lunch, yum), then north along the Mitchell Highway towards Queensland. Hoping to reach Bowra before 5pm.
Things do not always go to plan, coming around the bend on the highway The Doc sees a disabled caravan ahead, blocking the highway. He pulls over to assist.
There had been a suspension failure on the caravan resulting in one of the tandem set of wheels becoming jammed under the caravan. The convoy of three caravans had no jack to get the disabled caravan high enough to get the wheels out. Dusk was approaching. Luckily The Doc had one on-board. None of the caravans had a UHF radio either, a necessary safety tool when travelling remote.
After the set of wheels was freed, the Doc drove on and was going to check with the police and recovery services at Cunnamulla. But The Doc saw the Police heading south about 5 minutes later. The Doc found out what happen a couple days later in the most unexpected turn of events. That small world striking again. Part 2 is here.
Some textures from the NSW part of the trip.
