After a great break in Canberra, we set off for Bathurst 275klm north via Goulburn, Black Spring and Oberon. There are a couple of routes, we decided on the more varied path with steeper climbs and descents.
It was winding and steep (close to Black Springs over 15% at times) in some places but is a beautiful drive. Quite a lot of road kill, so best to drive in daylight.
Oberon
Oberon is a beautiful town, farming, forestry, & a large timber industry, great for 4 wheel driving, horse riding, hiking etc. Population 3500, and at an elevation of over 1100mtrs (3600ft). Snow occurs each year, with very cold days.
Bathurst
Arrived in Bathurst and stayed at the showgrounds, a 10min walk to town. For Australians, this is the heart of the motor racing industry, a major sporting event for V8 touring cars supported by factory racing engines. Held over the weekend in early October, the track is a public road with a track length of 6.2klm, over a distance of 1000klm.
Toyota all ready for a fast lap with the van.
Bathurst is the oldest inland city in Australia, like many Australian towns it was the discovery of gold in the 1850’s that attracted many from around the world. Today the pop. is 40,000. It has an elevation of 750mtr, and is just over 200klm west of Sydney. Overnight temps were below zero, and the hose pipe supplying water to the van froze, so no water flow. Had to boil the kettle, poor over the pipe to melt the ice.
The Macquarie River flows through the town towards Narramine and joins the Darling River via the the Barwon River NW of Dubbo.
Finished off our last night in Bathurst with The Mission Impossible Movie.
Decided to visit Katoomba and the Jenolan Caves. It has been sometime since we last holidayed with the children in this region. Very beautiful.
Katoomba
Katoomba (Blue Mountains) stunning as always. The escarpment walls proved very challenging for the early European explorers, is known for its dramatic scenery, encompasses steep cliffs, forests and waterfalls. It was not until 1813 that Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson became the first European settlers to successfully navigate a path across the Blue Mountains to inland Australia.
Three Sisters
Hogs Head
Katoomba is 1200mts in elevation, so snow is not uncommon in winter. Six main Australian Aboriginals inhabited this region and is evidenced by their rock art.
Local Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and the Scenic Skyway 
Jenolan Caves
Visited Jenolan Caves, one of Australia’s most spectacular cave systems. During March 2021 an extreme weather event caused major landslides, closing the road into the caves. The road from Sydney is still closed and may not re-open. We had to enter via the Oberon Road. Single lane traffic only with escort is the only possible option. Must book prior as places are greatly reduced for safety reasons with recent rock falls. Well worth the visit.
Orange
Orange is another Central Tablelands region town of 45000, at an elevation of 860mtr west of Sydney. This is the birthplace of poet Banjo Paterson. Renown for its fruit growing and cool climate wines.
Mt Conobolas at 1400mtr nearby. A dormant volcano
Banjo Paterson birthplace.
“And he see the vision splendid, of the sunlit plains extended, and at night the wondrous glory of the everlasting stars.”
