Werris Creek Railway Museum & Terminus Hotel Quirindi

Went to Werris Creek and checked out the railway museum. Werris Creek was a pretty big railway town back in its day. Loads to see. The railway museum was really good.

Werris Creek Railway Museum

There was a lot of memorabilia from around the area. We found that the thing we have on our back deck table, the little red lantern is actually a level crossing gate lantern. Werris Creek railway museum is put together and run by local community volunteers and they do a great job of it. I’m guessing that a lot of them worked on the railway back in the day. We spoke for a while to a lady about the old telephone switchboard they had on display and she was actually one of the operators from back in the day so she knew all about it.

Werris Creek Railway Museum Level Crossing Lantern

Terminus Hotel

After Werris Creek we drove to Quirindi and had lunch at of all places the “Terminus Hotel”. We kept an eye out for walkers at all times and avoided ordering the pork. We love you Bob. The lunch we had was really nice. Hamburgers as usual!

Terminus Hotel Quirindi

Lunch At The Terminus Hotel Quirindi NSW

Quirindi – A Nice Old Town

After lunch we went for a bit of a walk around Quirindi. It’s a nice old town. A lot of the old original shopfront architecture has been preserved. Quirindi has got all of the usual things you’d expect in a country town. I could see myself living in a place like this.

Qurindi Main Street

Coonabarabran for the Night & Visit Warrumbungle NP

Warrumbungle National Park

Plans for today

Drive to Coonabarabran and set up camp in the national park
Get some vinegar and bicarb soda to throw in to the campers water tank

What actually happened

We drove to Coonabarabran. Was a nice trip. The phone Tom Tom lady again took us the back way so it was the road less travelled for sure and certain. Amanda decided we should stay in a van park instead of the national park so we’d be closer to town. We were closer to town for sure – and closer to about a million trucks going up and down the Newell Highway.

Fish & Chips For lunch In Coonabarabran

We went for a drive to the Warrumbungle National Park after having fish and chips in the local park. Cool park, it had an old well and some magnificent maple trees. The Warrumbungle National Park was great. Spectacular granite outcrops all over the place.

Spectacular Granite Outcrops All Over The Place

Saw some white gums and they had the biggest leaves I have seen. Drove past Siding Springs Observatory on our way to the Warrumbungles but it was closed.

White Gums With The Biggest Leaves I Have Ever Seen

We watched the series final episode of the walking dead on foxtel go – that’s pretty awesome to be able to do that while you are out on the road. Somebody got bashed to death by Negan with a club at the end but we don’t know who. Have to wait for the new series to find out.

Western Plains Zoo Dubbo & Old Dubbo Gaol

Outside Old Dubbo Gaol

Plans for today

Go to Dubbo Zoo
Get a cheap cordless drill
Go to Old Dubbo Gaol if we have time

What actually happened

Called in at Bunnings in Dubbo and got a cheap cordless and some bits. Bunnings are all the same wherever you go down to the sausage sizzle out the front!

Went to the zoo. Was a bit expensive to get in – $94 for the two of us. We decided to walk rather than drive and it was a hell of a long walk and a really hot day. Next time we will definitely hire a golf cart. The animals all look a lot happier at Western Plains than they do at Taronga. Being able to walk on grass and sit under trees agrees with them.

Rhinos At Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Elephant At Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

After the zoo we went in to Dubbo and had lunch at the Amaroo Hotel. Was a nice hotel and an excellent lunch. Then we visited the Old Dubbo Gaol. That’s how a gaol should be!

In The Stocks At Old Dubbo Gaol

Inside Old Dubbo Gaol

Old Dubbo Gaol

Visiting Old Dubbo Gaol is a fascinating journey into the past, offering a glimpse into Australia’s penal history. Located in Dubbo, New South Wales, this heritage-listed site operated as a correctional facility from 1847 to 1966. Today, it stands as a meticulously preserved museum, showcasing the harsh realities of life behind bars during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The gaol features restored cell blocks, a gallows, and solitary confinement cells, giving visitors an authentic experience of the era. Interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and guided tours provide deeper insights into the stories of prisoners, wardens, and the justice system of the time.

Family-friendly activities and night tours add an element of adventure, making it a unique experience for all ages. Old Dubbo Gaol is more than just a historical site—it’s a compelling reminder of the resilience and struggles of those who lived within its walls.

Set Up Camp At Lake Burrendong & Visit Wellington Caves

Camping at Lake Burrendong offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of New South Wales. Nestled within Burrendong State Park, the lake is a vast reservoir surrounded by rolling hills, native bushland, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Lake Burrendong Camping

The camping facilities cater to a variety of preferences, from powered sites for caravans to unpowered spots for those seeking a rustic experience. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming, thanks to the lake’s expansive waters. Hiking and mountain biking trails around the area offer breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the region’s flora and fauna.

Evenings by the lake are magical, with stunning sunsets and clear night skies perfect for stargazing. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, camping at Lake Burrendong provides a memorable getaway for all ages.

Camping At Lake Burrendong NSW

Plans for today

Drive to Lake Burrendong and set up camp
Check out Wellington Caves

Wellington Caves NSW

What actually happened

We got up early and headed off at about 4.30am. We hit an early snag, the camper trailers brakes lock on when you have your lights on. I turned them down to zero and all was ok albeit the trailer has no brakes. Will need to try to fix this. Got to Lake Burrendong and set up camp. We headed across to Wellington Caves late in the day to check them out. They are pretty cool. Had an early night as we were pretty knackered.

Cheers From Lake Burrendong NSW

Camping Two Hours From Sydney Wollondilly River Station

Camping two hours from Sydney? Yes there is camping two hours from Sydney in a bush setting on a river in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW Australia on the Wollondilly River off Wombeyan Caves Road. You follow the picturesque Wombeyan Caves Road from Mittagong deep into the heart of the Wollondilly Rivers’ valley to reach Wollondilly River Station at Goodmans Ford. Wollondilly River Station straddles the Wollondilly River on both sides. It is full of natural beauty and rugged terrain.

Camp fires (depending upon weather and restrictions)
Riverside camping
Pets welcome
Swimming & canoeing
Bushwalking & mountain biking

We have just returned from camping at Wollondilly River Station for four days over the Australia Day weekend. It is a fantastic location. We took our dog Graciee with us for her first camping experience and she was great. She had a really good time of it and was a completely different dog to what she is at home. It’s a great place to camp with your dog and there were many families there and everyone was having an absolute ball. The river is fantastic for swimming and the facilities are more than enough for what you need. We can’t wait to come back for another stay.

How To Get To Wollondilly River Station

To get there you need to follow Wombeyan Caves Road from the Mittagong end. Wombeyan Caves road is all dirt, usually well maintained although it is very tight and has lots of hairpin bends and has a steep dropoff on one side for most of the way. It’s easily driven in a 2WD vehicle when it’s dry, but if it rains it is not advisable.

You are ok towing a small offroad van, but anything over say about 17 feet in length and you would not attempt it. Long motorhomes, fifth wheelers, that kind of thing sorry but you’d be bonkers mad to try it.

Don’t try it from the Wombeyan Caves end unless you are a very experienced 4wd operator with a decent vehicle. Towing anything from the Wombeyan Caves side is not recommended at all.

Travel From	Distance	Time
Mittagong to Wollondilly River Station	50km	00:43
Picton to Wollondilly River Station	97km	01:09
Wollongong to Wollondilly River Station	122km	01:28
Sydney to Wollondilly River Station	164km	01:51