Quote:
Originally Posted by jiahao1986
Hi Gary,
Thanks so much for the detailed reply, really appreciate it. Understood the danger of night driving, so we'll set off from Sydney as early as possible.
We may choose to stay at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel for one night since it looks quite decent. Btw are you aware of any free/low-cost camp site in that region? We have our tents with us and my want to get some outdoor camping experience there.
Sadly we have already booked the tickets, so the trip is irreversible. Thanks very much anyway for the kind invitation : ) Clear skies to you guys.
Best regards,
Jia Hao
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Hi Jia Hao,
Thank you. You are most welcome.
Mike's response recommending the Warrumbungles National Park is
precisely what I recommend and in fact I started to compose a response
last week recommending the same but did not find time to finish it
and send it off.
The AAO itself overlooks the park. Not only can you camp there, it is
one of the very best places to camp in Australia. Fees apply which are
modest and there is a visitor's center there where you can pay the fees
and learn more about the park and its network of trails.
A 'must-do' day walk is to the Grand High Tops to see the ancient
volcanic plugs and dykes up close. The view from the top is spectacular.
When we take visiting observers on the walk, I always recommend
they consider taking at least three liters of water with them each
in their day packs. On occasion, we have only got a fraction of the way
up when some have revealed they only bought 500ml with them, which by then
they have mostly consumed. I've "rescued" a thirsty few by sharing
my bottle and to which later they have admitted that my advice on
carrying so much water was not as crazy as it sounds, particularly
in the warmer months.
The trail these days is even paved in parts
and has some steel staircases. A big change from years gone by where
one scrambled up and down gulleys and up the slope.
In any case in November it will be hot in the park.
There is prolific wildlife in the park including kangaroos, emu, goanna
and if you are lucky and keep a sharp look out, koalas. When the road
first gets to the bottom of the valley there are usually lots of roos
so drive slowly.
At dinner last night with a friend who is an engineer at the AAO he reminded
me of a story that Fred Watson had told me earlier this year. Fred had
hit a roo in an AAO staff car. When he reached the Blue Mountains,
he stopped at a traffic light and the car started to catch on fire in the
engine bay. Apparently the fan had been damaged. Luckily a fire fighter
happened to be in a car next to him at the lights and he burst into action
as did drinkers at the pub across the road.
The Whitegum lookout which you will see signposted as you first enter the
park might make a nice spot from which to do some astrophotography
with the volcanic plugs in the background.
Have a great trip!
