TRAX Trip – Bridle Track

TL = Daniel Lee

Anycamp reviews state: Great spot on the Bridle Track, huge area right on the Turon River, composting toilet, bring own water and firewood, nice flat areas right on the river, highly recommended.

Drive.com.au: If you’re a four-wheel driver from New South Wales, chances are you’ve heard of the Bridle Track. Traipsing through the goldfields north of Bathurst in the Central West, it’s a track that is both a brilliant weekend escape within the reach of Sydney, as well as being a wonderful first step into the world of four-wheel-drive touring.

A serious rockfall in 2010 effectively split the Bridle Track in half, with the road impassable by vehicle at a tight, steep section known as Monaghans Bluff. While there was still plenty to see and do in the area, along with an alternative track coming from the south-west, the appeal of the long-loved track was undoubtedly blighted. Good things come to those who wait, they say. And after a long, unwavering campaign from locals and businesses, the Bridle Track was going to be back in 100 per cent action.  

Around 2km of brand-new track has been recently cut into the hills around the bluff, diverting away from the unstable hillside and finally connecting one end to another. It’s about 57km long, running from the locality of Duramana up to the remote gold town of Hill End. And all being only a few hours drive west of Sydney, it’s well within reach of a weekend adventure.

To get there head straight to Bathurst and soon find the official start of the Bridle Track around 15km to the north. The start is relatively unassuming, looking like the thousands of other unmarked, dual-carriageway bitumen roads of regional Australia. Blacktop gives way to dirt, the hills grow taller, and we finally find ourselves alongside the Macquarie River and Bruinbun Reserve. This is the first of many opportunities for rive

This is a camping and recreational trip not specifically to go 4wding. From Bathurst, travel to Bruinbun to set up camp. Enjoy the local area walking tracks and exploring the river.  On Sunday  head to Hill end for a sightseeing walk and eat lunch at a local restaurant or pub and enjoy some Country hospitality. Return to camp to pack up and heading home.

See you on the tracks
trips@trax.org.au