[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” custom_padding=”0px|||” transparent_background=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|||” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” locked=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title title=”off” meta=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_color=”light” text_background=”on” text_bg_color=”rgba(28,28,28,0.9)” _builder_version=”3.0.87″ title_font_size=”35px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” parallax_effect=”off” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro text” _builder_version=”4.9.11″ hover_enabled=”0″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
Murrumbidgee River (part 2): 23 – 25 Sept 2017
Participants
David and Ann Darke – Trip Leaders – Toyota Prado and camper trailer
David and Margo Wade – LR Defender and camper trailer
Russell Speldewinde – LR Disco
Chris Nichols – Mahindra 4×4
Jim and Kim Duggan – Toyota HiLux and camper trailer
Photo credits to Kim, Margo and Chris.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trip Report Text 1″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” module_alignment=”left” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Day 1 – Saturday
The group were all obviously keen to get underway, with everyone at Uriarra Crossing well before the start time. David informed us of the plan of action and provided us with a map showing the course of the river and some local history.
We departed at 9 am travelling along Fairlight Road which was initially tar and then well formed dirt road, turned right onto Mt Creek Rd and then left onto Wee Jasper Rd. We were treated to beautiful green rolling hills and some interesting limestone formations. We stopped for morning tea at 10am at Fitzpatrick Trackhead which was well maintained. It was a delight to hear the Gang gangs, kookaburras and other birds in song.
As the road ahead was narrow, Russell went ahead to check and inform us of oncoming traffic. This was a very pleasant drive winding dirt track turning right to Coolac on the Threeways Rd towards Adjungbilly. We then turned right at Nanangroe Rd to Coolac which then became Bundarbo Rd where it meets the river (this was a more scenic route to follow the river).
David decided, as time was getting away, to lunch at Jugiong. We parked and grabbed a bite to eat while some went for a quick look at the local fair – Margo returned with a new straw broom!
After lunch we headed west, turned right onto Hopewood Rd where there were lots of new lambs. We turned left onto Gobbaralong Rd before turning left onto Darbalara Rd. We stopped for a photo op and short break at the Gundagai Brungle Rd junction by the banks of the rapidly flowing Tumut River. Onto Gundagai where we ventured up to the Rotary Lookout to be blasted by some powerful winds so it was a quick photo op.
The group then drove down to the old Railway bridge which was completed in 1902. The viaduct is 819.4m long. The timber viaducts are wonderful examples of early engineering solutions to crossing a major flood plain. Their national significance is recognised with listing by the National Trust. They are a spectacular latticework of wooden trusses, spanning the flood plains and River.
The Prince Alfred Bridge was built in 1866, the first major crossing spanning the Murumbidgee River. It formed part of the Hume Highway until it was replaced by the first Sheahan Bridge built in 1976. The Prince Alfred Bridge is the longest timber viaduct in Australia.
We exited Gundagi going under the highway bridge on the north side of the Murrumbidgee heading towards Nangus, turned left onto Oura Rd and then found our way to River Rd to reach our campsite at Sandy Beach at 4 pm. This was a lovely spot with ample room to spread out. Drop toilets too!The winds were atrocious so we opted for an early night as fires were out of the question.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”4702,4678,4643,4644,4645,4646,4647,4703,4679,4648,4649″ posts_number=”12″ zoom_icon_color=”#05572d” hover_icon=”%%250%%” admin_label=”first image gallery” _builder_version=”3.0.87″ title_font_size=”14″ caption_font_size=”12″ caption_line_height=”14px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trip Report Text 2″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” module_alignment=”left” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Day 2 – Sunday
What a difference! The winds abated and the sun was shining. The cockatoos, corellas, galahs and kookaburras chose to start their welcome song at some crazy hour. Such magnificent trees all around us so no wonder there were so many birds.
After a leisurely start the group was ready to enjoy our next stage of the trip. We headed out at around 9.30 am heading towards Wagga going past the villages of Wantabadgery and Worall before we detoured off to check the Oura Campsites beach reserve, a pretty area but seems like it could get quite busy.
A short drive onto Wagga Wagga Information Centre followed by a short walk to be treated to the most delicious morning tea/brunch at Mates Gully (aka The Manor). They use locally grown produce, seasonal and so fresh.
With stomachs well satiated we headed out driving parrallel to the Sturt Highway where the strong winds of the last night had left their mark, so many tree branches everywhere. We headed left toward The Rock on the Mundoway Lane enjoying the brilliant yellow fields of canola. We turned right onto the Sturt Highway for about 20kms before turing right onto Weir Rd to see the Berrembed Weir. Densely treed area but disappointed to see so much rubbish.
It was then a short drive until we reached our campsite at Buckingbong Reserve. Another lovely site with very large eucalypts with enough room to be clear of the trees. Was great to have a shelter to have our dinner (and also a drop toilet). Fortunately the winds subsided for the evening and we enjoyed a pleasant night with much laughter and a few good stories.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”4658,4659,4677,4660,4661,4662,4663,4665,4676″ posts_number=”10″ zoom_icon_color=”#05572d” admin_label=”second image gallery” _builder_version=”3.0.87″ title_font_size=”14″ caption_font_size=”12″ caption_line_height=”14px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” pagination_font_size_tablet=”51″ pagination_line_height_tablet=”2″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”4_4,4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Trip report Text 3″ _builder_version=”3.27.4″ border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Day 3 – Monday
After a much cooler night the group woke to a much calmer morning. We had another leisurely start and pack up before heading into Narranderra.
David took us to explore ‘the Beach’ Location. It was great to see the Narrandera Rail bridge (opened in 1885), which was part of the line that ran south from Narrandera to Tocumwal on the Victorian border. It was common at the time for bridges to be constructed using hardwood timber and so this bridge is rare being one of only tweleve iron lattice bridges installed across NSW rivers. The two-span continuous bridge at Narrandera was designed by John Flower, an eminent British consulting engineer. The design is one commonly seen in British colonies.
We then wandered down to the Beach, which looks like it would be a great swimming area in the warmer weather.
What else do you do when it’s morning tea time but find a good local cafe. After a leisurely coffee we ventured on the Newell Highway towards Grong Grong before turning off to the Canola Highway and onto Junee. As it just happened to be lunch time we managed to stop at the Licorice & Chocolate Factory. Another hearty meal and stock up of supplies. We departed at around 2.30 pm and made our way home on the Burley Griffin Way.
Thank you very much David and Ann for a most enjoyable long weekend. Such a beautiful area to explore. We all appreciate the time and effort you put in to make this such a great trip.
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