Holbrook to Bemdemeer

11th December 2012

Left Holbrook around 7.30 in the morning and as I have gone about everyway to Noosa and the Gold Coast, I thought I would head up the New England Highway. So (I know I am stupid) I put my trust in the GPS. From Holbrook I headed to Young ( cherry capital of Australia), Cowra, Blayney and Bathurst. I have not been to Bayney and Bathurst for probably 25 years so it was an interesting  drive. Forgot my pillow so called into Big W in Bathurst and picked up a $6 pillow (and a hotdog). From Bathurst I headed towards Mudgee and then across to the New England Highway. Between Bathurst and Mudgee is the old Gold mining town of Sofala. I have never been there before so I thought I would drop in. Took these photos of the town, albeit a very small town with extremely narrow streets. All the houses would be lucky to be 50 sqmts in size. It was a worthwhile stop though. Still having trouble stopping at interesting places as I drive, Eventually I organise it. 

Sofala main street

The Goodfellows hall turned into a house

This bridge was made in England and transported to Australia. It was originally used on the Eastern  side of the Great Dividing Range and then dissmantled and brought to Sofala by bullock teams.

After Sofala it was onwards to Mudgee then heading east on Ulan Rd. I didn't know that there was coal mines around Mudgee. There was three coal mines on Ulan road and lots of mining vehicles. After Ulan rd I followed the GPS which had me heading to Merriwa. Merriwa is a small town 65 kms west of Scone. This is where the GPS decided it was time for some fun. So instead of going on nice sealed roads to Scone, it had me turn north and head towards Willow Tree on the New England highway. This road takes you through the Liverpool Range and is a dirt track with a lot of corrugations  Beautiful!!!!!! I cannot believe that there was traffic on this road, are these people stupid.

As you will see from the pictures below, I was high on the Liverpool Range on a dirt trck overlooking the Liverpool Plains. Actually it was a great view and I dont think many people have seen it.

Liverpool Plains

57Kms of this!!!

After getting to Willow Tree it was an easy drive to Bendemeer, which is 40kms north of Tamworth. the camping spot is at the back of the showgrounds beside (I think) Macdonalds River. Met a couple from Hervey  Bay and had a good talk  for an hour or so.
Would stay here again and might even go for a meal at the pub, could be interesting.

Bendemeer Camping

More Bendemeer

Todays travels, 845 kms.