Cootamundra, Gundagai & Surrounding Areas

We spent the Easter long weekend in Cootamundra at the caravan park. We planned on looking at properties around the town so the Cootamundra caravan park was nice and central for us. It’s an older caravan park but everything is exceptionally well maintained and very clean.

Set Up in Cootamundra Caravan Park

Australian Cricket Captains Walk Cootamundra

The Captains Walk features 42 bronze sculptures of former captains of the Australian Cricket team. Sir Donald Bradman was born in Cootamundra and of course he features amongst the captains in the walk! On Friday after setting up we went and had some lunch and did the Cricket Captains’ walk in Jubilee Park again. Amanda was hoping that they had got around to installing Steve Smiths’ bust but alas she wasn’t very happy.

No Steve Smith Bust on the Australian Cricket Captains Walk in Cootamundra NSW

Trungley Hall

On Saturday afternoon we went for a drive out to Temora for a look around. We decided to take the long way back and ended up visiting a cemetary at a little abandoned place called Trungley Hall. I am guessing that in it’s day it must have been a German/Lutheran farming community like the ones in SA around Hahndorf as every name in the cemetery was clearly of German heritage.

Trungley Hall Cemetery NSW

Gundagai And Cootamundra Backroads

On Sunday went for a drive along backroads between Cootamundra and Gundagai with a little side trip to Tumut thrown in for good measure. We visited the Gundagai Cemetery and checked out Captain Moonlights’ grave – we love our Aussie bushranger history.

Captain Moonlights Grave Gundagai Cemetery NSW

Loads To Do – Explore The Backroads Between Gundagai And Cootamundra

There is heaps to do down this way, much more than what you see alongside the Hume as you roll on by. We saw quite a few nice little free camping spots in some out of the way places you’d never know existed.

Hema Maps Cootamundra and Surrounds

Cootamundra Caravan Park

Cootamundra is located 379 kilometres south of Sydney, it’s a small town of 5,900 people best known for being home to cricketer Don Bradman. His birthplace is now a museum well worth a visit. Located in the Riverina Cootamundra is an excellent base from which to explore the region. Cootamundra has a very good golf course and picturesque scenic views. In addition to being neat and spacious Cootamundra Caravan Park is easily accessible from town but sits off the main road. In fact you can walk to everywhere within Cootamundra from the caravan within five or ten minutes. The Cootamundra RSL Club is about two minutes walk from the caravan park. The RSL has a very good bistro and meals are both cheap and generous.

Getting To Cootamundra

Cootamundra is situated on the Olympic Highway, not very far off the Hume Highway. It’s easily accessible when travelling between Sydney and Melbourne. It makes a great stop to break up your journey.

Travel From	Distance	Time
Adelaide to Cootamundra	978km	10:28
Albury to Cootamundra	238km	02:24
Canberra to Cootamundra	171km	02:00
Melbourne to Cootamundra	562km	05:38
Sydney to Cootamundra	379km	04:01
Wagga Wagga to Cootamundra	90km	01:08
Young to Cootamundra	48km	00:36

Learn How to Bush & Remote Camp In The Safety of a Group?

One thing I see posted a lot on social media groups is people asking if there are groups that they can get together with to go camping. I also see a lot of questions being asked about what it’s like to go to free camping places and how you go about doing it, is there a group they can join to get started.

The answer to both questions is yes. We have been a part of a Facebook Group called MARS Enthusiasts for about three years now and we have been camping with them on three occasions to official “Musters” and a few times to unofficial group gatherings as well as camping with individual families from the group. Each time it’s been at awesome free camping destinations.

Visit the MARS Enthusiasts Facebook Group

2019 MARS National Muster At The Dig Tree

People in the group cover all demographics, old, young, inbetween, some with kids, some with pets, some no kids, some have dogs, some don’t have dogs, pretty much everyone you could imagine, Some people in the group have been camping for over 40 years, some are just beginning their camping “careers”. Some people prefer to go to their local caravan park, others like to get out on road trips to iconic destinations such as Uluru, Cape York, Cameron Corner, Gibb River Road, Birdsville. You name it and somebody in the group will have been there and can answer any questions you might have about getting there and what do do after you’ve arrived.

2019 MARS Enthusiasts National Muster Camped at Aboriginal Camp Tibooburra NSW

Members of the MARS Enthusiasts group are mostly owners of MARS Camper Trailers however this is beginning to change. There are now a fair few caravan owners in the group (us included) and everyone is welcome to join. All they ask of you is that you be willing to share tips, tricks, help with ideas for mods to gear, camp cooking ideas and stuff like that. Everyone has a different skill set, there’s always something you can help out with, you’ll probably surprise yourself!

So join the MARS Enthusiasts Facebook Group and have a go!

Past MARS Enthusiasts Muster Locations

South Australian Muster 2020 @ Black Cockatoo Bush Camp (Naracoorte, SA)
Victorian Mars Muster 2019 @ Moonambel (Moonambel, VIC)
National Muster 2019 @ The Dig Tree (Coopers Creek, QLD) & Various other locations
QLD Muster 2019 @ Jondarayan Woolshed (Jondarayan, QLD)
NSW Muster 2019 @ Pinkies Beach (Carrathool, NSW)
South Australian Muster 2019 @ Lakeside Campground (Caurnmount, SA)
Victorian Muster 2018 @ Taylors Campground (Lake Eildon, VIC)
National Muster 2018 @ Burke & Wills Campground (Menindee, NSW)
Queensland Muster 2018 @ Queen Mary Falls (Kilarney, QLD)
NSW Muster 2018 @ Billy Grace Reserve (Wee Jasper, NSW)
South Australian Muster 2018 @ Lakeside Campground (Caurnmount SA)
New Years Eve 2018 Catch-up @ Blue Gum Flat Campground (Lake Eildon)
National Muster 2017 @ Jemalong Weir (Forbes NSW)
Victorian Muster 2017 @ Glendinning Campground (Rocklands VIC)

Visit the MARS Enthusiasts Facebook Group

Craigs Hut in the VIC High Country Near Mt Buller

We have been up to Craigs Hut. We were camping at Lake Eildon for the NYE weekend with a big bunch of friends and last time they had all camped there I noticed a Facebook post by Kev and Deb Smith where they went up to Craigs Hut for a day trip back in November and I thought it was something we’d like to do.

We went up with our friends Simon and Tracy Kelly and it was a magnificent day out. The views from not just the hut but everywhere else up there are incredible. You can see for miles, literally from one mountain top to another. The roads are very easy to get along if you stick to the main ones. Next time we visit up there I would like to have a crack at one or two of the more difficult tracks.

It was a really good experience and I highly recommend that if you have the chance to give it a go that you do.

View From the Back Verandah of Craigs Hut

About Craigs Hut

Craigs Hut is a replica of a high country cattlemen’s hut. It is located on Mt Stirling about 51 kilometres from Mansfield. Craigs’ Hut was originally built for The Man from Snowy River film made in 1981–82. Craig’s Hut was burnt down by major bushfires in 2006. It was rebuilt and opened back up in January 2008.

Inside Craigs Hut Mt Stirling

How to Get to Circuit Road

Head towards Mansfield along the Mt Buller Road towards Mt Buller. Take a left at the Mount Stirling Road which commences at the toll gate at Mirimbah and this takes you to Circuit Road. The toll gate at Mirimbah only operates during the snow season. There is no charge for access outside the snow season. Mansfield to Mirimbah is about 30ks. The Circuit Road complete round trip starting and finishing at Mirimbah is about 80 kilometres if you do the 10k return Bindaree Falls detour.

Circuit Road is ok for 2WDs however it does have some corrugated rough sections. Circuit Road and many of the tracks in this area are subject to seasonal road closures. Those in State Forest and National Park are closed to vehicles from about the Thursday after the Queens Birthday long weekend in June until the Thursday before the Melbourne Cup weekend in November. Contact Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board on 03 5777 6077 to check the status of closures within resort.

How to Get From Circuit Road to Craig’s Hut

Access to Craig’s Hut is 18 kilometres from TBJ along Circuit Road. A 4WD track accesses the hut from Circuit Road. The road up is very steep and you’ll need a 4wd with low range and good ground clearance to get up and down it. It’s easy if you just take your time. Also make sure to keep an eye out for others coming up and down the track as it’s very narrow with limited passing spots. If you can’t get up the track don’t worry you can walk up from the bottom. It’s only a couple of kilometres although quite steep.

Near Circuit Road Mt Buller

How To Use a 4wd Tyre Deflator

You need to know how to use a 4wd tyre deflator to lower your tyre pressure if you get out on dirt roads and sandy or muddy tracks. Watch my short video running through the basics of what you’ll need and how to get it done.

There is a technique to using a rapid tyre deflator. Here’s a quick how-to.

Identifying the Four Main Components of the Tyre Deflator

Tyre Deflator Components

The first component is the gauge, use this to you take your readings.
The second component is the spindle. This is the bit that threads on to the outside of your tyre valve. This component allows the valve core to be captured and allows the air release valve to slide.
The third component is the valve core armature. This is a long thin steel shaft with a knob on the end. It has a valve core removal mechanism to internally remove and fasten your tyres valve core. The valve is completely captured inside the tool so there is no chance of losing it.
The fourth component is the air release valve. This part slides up over the top of the spindle. This is the part that allows you to quickly release air from your tyres.

Using the Tyre Deflator – 5 steps to deflating a tyre

Step 1
Thread the spindle section onto your tyres valve stem. Make sure the threads are spinning freely and it isn’t cross threaded and your release valve is set to the closed setting (pushed towards the bottom of the tool).

Step 2
Push the valve core armature section all the way in. Gently turn it clockwise whilst seating to make sure that it connects correctly to the valve core within the valve stem. When seated the gentle rotation should stop. Gently screw the armature section in a counter clockwise direction while maintaining pressure against the valve core. This will unscrew the valve core. When the core is fully unscrewed the armature will be free to extend out of the way of the airflow from the valve.

Step 3
Now that the valve core has been removed you can check your tyre pressure with the gauge. Now, slide the air release valve back towards the top of the tool to allow air to rapidly exit. Check the pressure of your tyre often by sliding the air release valve back down towards the front to close it off.

Step 4
When the desired pressure has been reached depress the valve core armature section back in all the way. Now we just need to do the reverse of what we have done already to finish up. Turn the valve core armature counter-clockwise to reseat the valve core within the valve stem.

Step 5
Once you have tightened the valve core (don’t overtighten – just snug is ideal), check the air release valve to make sure the valve core has been put back properly. If no air escapes you can remove the spindle by unthreading it. Replace your valve caps to protect the seal from dust, sand and dirt.

Note
It’s a good idea to carry a few spare valves and dust caps. Removing and replacing the valves with the rapid tyre deflator does run the risk of damaging the valve. I have used the deflator hundreds of times and never damaged a valve, but there will always be that one time. You can get them very cheaply off eBay. Spare dust caps are a good idea, I have lost quite a few over the years. Again, they’re cheap on eBay so don’t go stealing them in your workplaces carpark!

Wingello State Forest Free Camping For The Weekend

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney so we often spend the weekend in Wingello State Forest free camping. As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

There’s a main campground area in Wingello State Forest with drop toilets and we have camped there before. You can fit about a dozen vans/tents in there. It gets jam packed on weekends near Christmas and also over any public holiday weekends. If you’re a bit more adventurous like us there are at least half a dozen really good sites out in the forest itself where we are this weekend. If you are really adventurous (like us) and don’t mind getting your vehicle in to low range there are even more great sites down some little tracks.

Dog Friendly Free Camping Wingello State Forest Two Hours From Sydney

Wingello State Forest is only about an hour from where we live in Southwest Sydney. Distance wise it’s about 70 kilometres for us, plus whatever you need to add for getting to your camping spot out in the forest.

As with all NSW State Forests it is dog friendly. There is no drinking water available so you have to bring your own. Fires are allowed but with restrictions and only at certain times of the year. State Forest Rangers patrol the area.

Free Camping Wingello State Forest Sunset View

If you are in to mountain bike riding then this is a great place for you. There are many marked mountain bike trails throughout Wingello State Forest. Many mountain biking clubs use Wingello State Forest for events.

One last thing to keep in mind. Wingello State Forest is an actively logged area. Logging operations take place almost all year round so pay attention to logging trucks in the area when driving through the forest.

Camp Site Location

100th Anniversary Of Remembrance Day At The War Memorial

We got up bright and early and drove down to Canberra to go to the National Remembrance Day At The War Memorial. It’s a hundred years since Armistice Day so we thought it was important for us to go and pay our respects.

Remembrance Day Australian War Memorial 2018

It was a really good service. We had a speech by the by the prime minister Scott Morrison, the opposition leader Bill Shorten read the epitaphs and we also had John Schumann from Redgum and Lee Kernaghan performing Waltzing Matilda. The whole thing was a really great experience and something I will forever be proud to have been at. Lest We Forget. if you ever get a chance to go to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra I highly recommend you get there and have a look. You really need to spend more than one day. At least two days and more likely three are required to have a really good look.

Another thing to keep in mind is that they change the exhibits very frequently. What you see this time will be different to what you see if you go a year later. They keep the main exhibits such as the VC winners, WW1 and WW2 halls there without change but a lot of other exhibits are swapped in and out.

Poppies at the Australian War Memorial Remembrance Day 2018

Last Post Ceremony

Commencing at approximately 4.30 pm AEDT, the Memorial farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard. Each night the ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour.

About The Ceremony
The ceremony begins with the Australian National Anthem followed by the piper’s lament. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. An individual’s story is told, and the Ode is recited by Australian Defence Force personnel. The ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post. From February to November the Last Post Ceremony includes Australia’s Federation Guard (on the first and third Wednesday of each month).

The Last Post Ceremony is an increasingly popular public event. We recommend early arrival as the Memorial is unable to reserve spaces for groups.