Half MARAthon In A Van

We really enjoyed our time in this part of the Northern Tablelands. Head south towards Tamworth, via Uralla, a small town with characteristic buildings, early settlement history from the 1840’s, discovery of gold and the infamous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt. Other towns are Bendemeer, before a steep descent from a 1000mtr to 400 mtrs in the …

From Tenterfield, we head south on the Northern Tablelands of NSW. The elevation along this section is 1000mtr plus above sea level. The first major town after leaving is Glenn Innes at a 1062 m, with a population of 6000. Original owners of theis region are the Ngarabal people. The region, Gindaaydjin, meaning “plenty of …

After a pleasant stay at the Goondiwindi race track, we head south crossing the Macintyre River into NSW. We follow the Bruxner Hwy, via, Boggabilla, Yetman, Texas, Bonshaw, fill up with fuel and onto our final destination for the day, Tenterfield. A warm day, passing through winding valleys and rolling hills. Bonshaw is a small …

Morven Head east towards Roma 270klm away. Morven is one of the nearest rural towns with a population of over 200. The only hotel in town was burned down in 2016. At the time of early settlers, water was at the top of the list. There is a waterhole here, named after the first arrivals, …

Left CharlottePlains towards Cunumulla, then north towards Wyandra. Just over 200klm, so an easy drive today in beautiful sunshine. First stop was in Wyandra, a rural town dating from the 1860’s when Frederick Weaver formed the Claverton Downs pastoral run on the Warrego River. Wool and grazing was the main industry during this period, with …

After leaving Bourke we headed north towards the border on our way to Cunumulla. Approx 10klm from the border we stopped for a cuppa coffee and scones. Whilst the husband is farming another huge property, his entrepreneurial  wife heather, supplied refreshments at the front gate, whilst homeschooling the children. What a wonderful experience to grow …

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 …

Big Rigs on the road. We had to pull over and stop to allow this rather large mining truck to pass. Set off into sunny skies, very flat, low scrubs, few trees and sparse grass lands. Wentworth on the Murray River Wentworth is where the Darling River meets Australias longest river, the Murray. The Darling …

Head off towards Broken Hill. The distance is 450klm. We intended to overnight at Wilcania, but made go time. The weather was sunny and the drive easy and flat. It is a small town in the Central Darling Shire with a population of 750. The Darling River flows through the town, and during the River …

Head off towards Cobar for the night, another clear sunny day. Typically we travel around 300klm per day, with a stop for lunch in an outback town or if not a rest area (Lay-by)which there are many along the way. Narromine Population 3500, also has lakes and wetlands and plenty of wildlife. It also has …