Left Melbourne on the 18 August, light rain falling, but by the time we hit the Ringroad, the roads were dry, skies were brighter, and before Bendigo the sun was shining. Stopped at Tocumwal for a cuppa before we arrived in Jerilderie in the late afternoon, a lovely caravan park.
Jerilderie is the historic town in the beautiful Riverina, is the only NSW town raided by the Kelly Gang. At midnight on the 8th February 1879, the Kelly Gang bailed up the two local policemen. Over the next few days they robbed the bank of $4000, chopped down telegraph poles, held more than 30 hostages, shouting the bar and burning mortgages held in the banks safe.
Even though they had a reward for him dead or alive, no one took advantage of the large sum.
Ned Kelly wanted his 56-page Jerilderie letter published in the paper, justifying some of his actions.
Luke Park, next to Lake Jerilderie, a popular spot for water sports. There is also a big windmill in the park. Great place to stay and visit.
Hillston
Stopped for a break in Hillston on the Lachlan River, saw a Platypus gliding through the water. We followed the Kidman Way through, Wallanthery, Matakana then onto Mt Hope.
Mt Hope
This is where we will free camp for the night, parked the van and walked 50mtr to the Royal Hotel for a drink in the mid afternoon. Passing trade only here, mainly caravans and trucks late in the day. With a population of 7, Kim, a local from a nearby farm, was working the 12hr shift. Her husband manages a cattle farm and was out rounding them up in his helicopter, covering 200,000 acres. Wild goats are plentiful in this part of outback Australia. Kim rounds them up herself and sells them to the market. The meat is mostly exported.
Joining us in the pub was Heather and Laurie from Bentleigh Victoria, who are also caravaning. They have an interest and share in a number of racehorses. Whilst in their company one of their horses was running in a local country meeting. They were excited and hopeful for a good result. Sadly the horse had a bleed and has since been retired.
We had a short break back to the van and returned for a meal and enjoy the evening activities. Kim was joined by her family a good crowd and a good night was enjoyed by all.
Bourke
Rainfall 330mm pa, temps high in summer, and mild sunny winters
Elevation 106mtr
Next stop was Cobar, a colourful history of copper mining, where we had previously stayed. Lovely town, warm and sunny, makes you enjoy being on the road. Topped up the water tanks, before our next stop for the night, Bourke.
Bourke is in the north-west of NSW, a pop of 1900 people situated on the Darling River. It does not flow all year, but has permanent water in the town. More a large Billabong. Sturt named the river and Mitchell the town. it evolved as a trading hub in the mid 1800’s, and also host Cobb & Co coach terminus. It is the traditional land of the Ngemba people.
The rail link enabled it to become a major inland transport hub. It relied on camels for overland transport, and a large Afghan community to drive the teams of camels. Sheep farming and some irrigated cotton crops are the primary industry.
The road into Bourke from the south and its surrounds are low trees and shrubs and flat country. The only physical feature visible is Mt Oxley, which can be seen across large open woodlands.
The camp site, the Darling River in the town, and you know its warm winter weather as we watch Australia play in the Womens World Cup in the open.
Bourke once was a major 19th century river port and trading post, today is a historic outback town on the banks of the Darling River. Wonderful heritage landmarks and Indigenous culture as well as national parks.
Mt Oxley is worth a visit, about 50klm east of Bourke. You do require a permit, which we obtained from the Information Centre. They change the gate code every day. The turn off from the main road is dirt, with a steep narrow climb up to the top. Single file section on the climb, but little traffic.
Sturt & Hume explored this region in 1829. At 150 metres elevation, spend the silence in looking across 100 kilometre expanse, amongst wallabies, soaring eagles and goats.
A Paddle Steam river run is available in the town if the water level allows. A visit to the local Catholic Church on Sunday and experience the local priest playing electric guitar from the altar as part of the liturgy.
The narrow climb up Mt Oxley, Historic building, and a cool drink and chips at the local.
