TRAX Trip:‘Ameroo’ Mudgee
October long weekend 1st – 3rd October 2022
Shane, Kylie, Olivia, Joel and Isabel – Nissan Patrol
Michael Richardson – Volkswagen Amarok
Phillip and Linda – Nissan Patrol
Rex and Susan, Harry and Amber – Toyota FJ Cruiser
Alex Levshin – Ford Ranger
Peter and Jan Frick – Toyota Hilux
Ralph Radovan – Jeep Grand Cherokee
Diane and Eric – Toyota Prado
It was a cold bleak Saturday morning arriving at Capertee. This was our meeting place and morning tea stop. After many long discussions we decided to take an alternative route as Eric felt that some river crossings could be too risky to cross due to the fast flowing and depth of water of the Turon River. Instead, we turned off the highway at Running Stream and travelled along Mt Vincent Rd to Ilford and then onto Sofala for lunch. It was very busy and crowded at Sofala, so Eric decided to take us to Green Point campground and checked out the first of the river crossings. We all had a good look around and Jane tried her luck in fossicking but unfortunately didn’t find any speck of gold. Our lunch time entertainment was watching those crossing the Turon. After lunch we visited the historic township of Sofala before heading off to ‘Ameroo’. We travelled the back roads mostly gravel to the property through Sally’s Flat, Aarons Pass Rd passing the Crudine Ridge wind farm, Campbells Creek Rd and onto Queens Pinch Rd to ‘Ameroo’ and set up camp. We all enjoyed some good fellowship and relaxation by the campfire before bunking down for the night as tomorrow hopefully would bring us another exciting day and it’s the first day of daylight savings. Yeah!
On Sunday, James Daymond from Mudgee Parish came out and after a cuppa, caramel slice, chocolate fudge and a long yarn we got down to ‘Ameroo’ for our bush service only about an hour late or so. James and his wife moved to Mudgee to continue their evangelistic ministry and informed us of his work, involvement with Bush Aid Australia. After a long morning tea and good fellowship, we finally made a move and headed off to Hill End via Pyramul. After a late lunch at Hill End Rest Area, we preceded down Hawkins Hill to Turon Crossing campground (Bridle Track).
The water had receded significantly since we did the recce and once again, we had the entertainment of watching those wanting the thrill of taking on the river crossing. The campground was busy with one group what I would call taking camping to the extreme with a hot tub set up. The other group around fifty-odd had quite a set up with lounge chairs, a bar, satellite TV all set to watch the footy. Apparently, there’ve being doing this for last twenty-nine years. We headed back up Hawkins Hill stopping at the lookout and by the time we aired up it was after 6.30 so Hill End pub was on the dinner menu.
After brekkie on Monday, we spent some time 4WD’ing on the property. Eric explained the history of the property pointing out the mine shafts that are covered with heavy foliage. Then back to the campsite to pack up and head off home.
Diane Liney