The Kidman Way - Goolgowi

GOOLGOWI

Goolgowi is a wheat farming and grazing area within the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area including  olives, walnuts, grapes, lettuce and a prime cattle feedlot.

Goolgowi was settled in 1925 after the railway line between Griffith and Hillston was developed.

In 1988 the local woman created a soft sculpture curtain which can be viewed in the Goolgowi Hall.

Over the past 20 years the local community have developed a garden at the Goolgowi Public School. The garden includes native, exotic and even a low allergy section. It is a credit to all concerned.

Goolgowi is known for its Billycart Derby usually held in October each year. A very different, affordable and enjoyable  event for  all who attend.

Travelers are catered for with a caravan park, two motels and the Goolgowi Motor Inn.

There is a general store, service station, post office and an ex-serviceman's club.

During November to March the 25 metre solar heated swimming pool is open.

Campers traveling with children, the two children playgrounds are welcomed.

We found free BBQ's in the Pioneers Park very handy when stopping off and looking around Goolgowi.

A small detour off the "Kidman Way", south-west of Goolgowi is the historical town of Gunbar.  Gunbar has heritage markers around the town for tourist information and the Pioneer Memorial Church has eight beautiful stained glass windows depicting the pioneer families.

Getting close to Christmas and the Holiday season. 

Merry Christmas everyone. We wish everyone  a very SAFE and Happy New Year.

We would like to thank all the visitors who supported our website through 2011. Very much appreciated.

The Kidman Way- Griffith

GRIFFITH

32kms from Darlington Point travellers will find a large town called Griffith.

In 1817 John Oxley the explorer dismissed the region as being uninhabitable. 

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme in the early 1900's changed this opinion and now the region ha an  abundance of agriculture, horticultural and processing industries.

The region being the traditional land of the "Wiradjuri" people. The irrigation development was done by solder settlers and Italian migrants.

The Italian Museum is open daily by going through the Pioneer Park Museum.

Local produce includes olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto's, tapenades, pasta sauces, olive oil and salami.

Griffith has many cafe's and restaurants where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee has you wanting for more.

Griffith's Visitor Centre has a beautiful stained glass window depicting the local landscape and agricultural prosperity.

Griffith's Pioneer Park Museum situated in natural bushland has about 40 exhibition buildings full of information.

Nearby at Lake Wyangan people enjoy boating, fishing, rowing and sailing.  The picnic area well provided with a shelter shaded area, BBQ's and toilet facilities.  Great place for a picnic.

Approximately 30kms from Griffith is the "Cocoparra National Park".  Visitors can camp and go bush walking to explore the eroded cliffs, wide valleys of cypress pine trees.  There is an area called " Hermit's Caves" where it was home to a mysterious recluse for more than 10 years during the 1930's. The Lookout from Hermit Caves gives stunning views of the agricultural planes across to the National Park. Wildflowers, birds and wildlife in the spring time make a visit even better.

At Steamboat Creek, you will find the remnants of a bridge built in the late 1800's.

Griffith has three heated swimming pools where everyone can relax and even enjoy a spa.

Camping is available  at the Caravan Parks, Farm Stays, Bed & Breakfast, Motel, Hotel and even self contained holiday units.

There are Motor Home sites available along the main canal or at Lake Wyangan.

Beside the main canal is the Burley Griffin Community Gardens, which was developed by volunteers and is perfect for a picnic and a relaxing day.

When visiting Griffith on your "Kidman Way" holiday trip always allow a least 2 days to have a good explore as the area is full of things to see and do.

I hope you are enjoying our trip along "The Kidman Way"

Visit our website for all your CAMPING EQUIPMENT & SHOPPING    requirements.

The Kidman Way- Darlington Point

DARLINGTON POINT

Darlington Point  ( 32kms north of Coleambally) on the Murrumbidgee River is an historic river town established in 1864.

Darlington Point offers great bush hospitality with a wide variety of accommodation with a caravan park, cabins, Bed & Breakfast. There were no farm stays or Motel when we visited.

There is a small Shopping Centre, Medical Centre, butcher, Post Office and we even found an Italian restaurant.

Forming the entrance to the caravan park is a reconstructed 1904 lift-span bridge.

I would really recommend a visit to the Altina Wildlife Park having exotic animals.  The park is on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.  Bookings are essential.  www.altinawildlife.com.au

The Murrumbidgee River is a haven for animal and bird life.  The river Red Gum trees are majestic.

The river is accessible by car, bike or bush walking from Darlington Point.

For all your camping equipment visit  www.mydickersales.com

The Kidman Way - Coleambally

COLEAMBALLY

Coleambally  (56kms north of Jerilderie) in the Murrumbidgee Shire was established in 1968.

Beautiful gardens are watered from groundwater bores. The streets in the area are named after local birds.

Irrigation farmland produces rice, maize, soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, oats, grapes , prunes and almonds.

Sheep and cattle are major agricultural assets with Organic farms becoming popular.

Coleambally has a very good playground area for children, toilet facilities and a BBQ area for the travelling public.

A modern shopping centre caters for all the local and visitors needs and wants.

There is a mural in the Jenimar Arcade reflecting the town’s history.

A “Wine shaped” water tower with a mosaic depicting the history of the local irrigation area is quite different.

Campers are catered for at the local caravan park having all the amenities. Travellers requiring extra accommodation are catered for by the Hotel – Motel which is opposite the shopping centre being very convenient.

There was no Bed and Breakfast or Farm stay accommodation when we visited.

The “Bird in the Mulga” Art Gallery and Collectables is well worth a look.

For more information  on Coleambally and area  search  www.coleambally.com.au .

For all your camping equipment and supplies please visit our website at        http://www.mydickersales.com

The Kidman Way Jerilderie

The Kidman Way is known as "Australia's Legendary Highway".
From Jerilderie in the south of New South Wales  to Barringun in the north on the Queensland border "The Kidman Way' is a sealed road with a approximate distance of 780km's.
The Historical towns along "the Kidman Way" provide for campers, backpackers, caravanners, seniors, in accommodation and  services for the visitor and their vehicles.
Camping areas, caravan parks, hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and farm stays.
Everything you need to have a great trip.
 In my next few blogs I will tell you a little about each town on "The Kidman Way" from Jerilderie to Barringun.
 Starting with Jerilderie.
One of Australia's legendary bush rangers in the late 1800's was Ned Kelly.
Jerilderie  being Ned Kelly's area.( I have read a lot on Ned Kelly, and although he was a bush ranger and caused a lot of trouble, the Victorian Police Department at the time was full of corruption and this did not help Ned Kelly at all)
Jerilderie means " Reedy Place".
"The Willows "was formally a residence for a flour mill in the 1880's, now restored as a Tourist Office and Museum for Ned Kelly items.
Guided  tours from the Tourist Office on Ned Kelly are regarded as a must when visiting.
Jerilderie has a man made lake which is home to native fish and it is re-stocked annually. The lake is for recreational  purposes for the locals and visitors to enjoy.
Luke Park is a nice area to enjoy a meal.  Last time we visited Luke Park there were two BBQ's provided by the local residences.
If you like to walk ( or ride a bush bike) to see more of the town "Horgans Walk" starts at Luke Park near the "Steel Wings".
Steel Wings being one of only two in the world(  about 50' tall, diameter of about 25' and tail length about 24)' was originally used for stock and domestic water supplies on the nearby Goolgumbla Station.
Walk along to the Billabong taking your time to enjoy the surroundings.
Jerilderie has a Miniature Steam Railway track near the Willows.  The track is just over 1km and is operated every 2nd Sunday in the month weather permitting.
Best to phone the Tourist Center to check if planning to visit the Miniature Steam Railway.
The Jerilderie Caravan Park we found to be  very friendly with good amenities for campers, on site suites and accommodation for visitors.
The Model Glider Tournament is held usually in June. This tournament makes for an enjoyable weekend and a good start for your trip on "The Kidman Way"

Just a few camping tips

With the holiday season just about here, many families and groups  will be out and about camping and enjoying life.
Just a couple of handy hints that might help new campers.
Camping means different things to different people so choose your camp ground or caravan park to suit your requirements before you leave.
Water:  Untreated water from creeks, rivers etc  can lead to gastroenteritis if not steadily boiled for 10 minutes to make it safe.
Avoid dehydration by drinking at least 4 litres per day especially if bush walking or hiking.
Ants:    Good idea to check for ant nests before setting up your tent and campsite. Even campers in caravans need to check for ant nests.
Noise:   Let nature's sounds prevail when you can. Try to avoid loud voices, radios, intrusive electronic  devices, generators, inverters. Remember sound travels - respect your fellow campers and the surroundings.
Pets:   Travelling with pets and want to visit a National Park.  Call the Visitors Center or Ranger and make prior arrangements for your pet.
Rubbish: If there are no rubbish bins provided at your campsite, please take your rubbish home or place in first available bin provided. Do not leave it for wild animals to find - because they will no matter how well you bury it.
Toilets: Some toilets provided are not the cleanest. If you can take your own "Porta Potti"  or portable toilet it is a good idea.  (Mine has been everywhere - would not be without it)
Wet Gear:  Wet camping equipment must be aired out and dried as soon as possible to stop mold and mildew.
 Setting up:  Best not to set up your camp underneath overhanging tree branches- they have been known to drop off and campers have been seriously injured or killed by a falling branch.
Campsite; Leave your campsite looking as if you're never been there.  Clean up  your rubbish and make sure the campfire is out.  Nothing is worst than finding a lovely area  to camp with  bottles, drink cans, tins  and general rubbish left by the previous camper.  ( We always carry  large  heavy duty rubbish bags for occasions like this- we clean up the mess and hope it stays that way for future campers  to enjoy)

Merry Christmas to all- Happy Holidays to everyone.  Be Safe

Bulldust in Australia

Outback campers and travellers must always be aware when driving  on some unsealed roads for  Bulldust.
Bulldust is a fine dust that covers many outback unsealed roads in Australia.
It is slippery and hides many wash outs and potholes. Bulldust  will  obscure your vision  when overtaking or passing another vehicle  especially  a large vehicle like  a road-train truck with trailers.
The dust once disturbed, can cover your vehicle within minutes especially if a light wind is blowing.
 If you encounter Bulldust, turn your headlights on  immediatley and if possible  turn off the airconditioner and close all air vents until the dust has subsided.
When stopping for the night to camp, always check which way the wind is blowing before setting up.  It will save a lot of heartache in the morning.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Poised serenely on Bennelong Point and  complementing the Sydney Harbour is the Sydney Opera House.
Building commenced in 1957 , finishing in 1963. Sixteen years  and at a cost of $102 million.
The original cost was $7 million. A lottery was established to help finance the flood of expenditure. 
Although he resigned long before the completion Joern (Jorn ) Utzon was the designer.
Queen Elizabeth ll opened the Opera House in 1973.
In 2003 Joern Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, being the international architecture's highest honour.
Due to it's design the Opera House caused a lot of controversy during the building years.
Visitors from all over the world flock to see this architectural masterpiece.
The large concert hall is used for symphony concerts and a huge variety of shows.

For more information on the Sydney Opera House just use this link.
        
Book your next holiday for Australia through  Discover Australia

(Did you know there is another Sydney Harbour in Cypress TX 77429 USA)

ALBANY WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Albany in Western Australia has a lot to offer the traveling and camping public.
Albany is on the state's southern coast and is about 408 km from Perth via the Albany Highway.
Albany has historic sites, magnificent coastal scenery, nature reserves, rivers and ranges.
The City of Albany council has established numerous camping areas within the shire along it's beautiful coastline.
Activities include camping (tents, caravans, mobile homes, RV's )boating, fishing, swimming, bush walking, sightseeing to keep you well and truly occupied whilst visiting the area.
Albany also has a small airport for visitors flying in from Perth.  Hire cars are available and there are numerous caravan parks, bed and breakfast, hotel and motel accommodation.  Holiday times find Albany a very popular destination so it is best to book in advance if you are intending to visit Albany.
There are lots camping areas west of Albany for the self sufficient camper to visit.
One of our favorite areas'  is Betty's Beach.  Betty's  Beach is about 52km north east of  Albany along the South Coast Highway, then 14km on the Homestead Road down to the camping area.
The beach sand is so clean it squeaks  when walked  on.  A beautiful little bay and not bad fishing either.
Another area close by (if Betty Beach is already full) is Norman Beach.

Our last visit was in October 2009.  The tide was out when this photo taken.  High tide the ocean comes up to the rocks.

 

 

Eureka! Apex 3XT - Tent (sleeps 3)

Lightweight and compact, the multipurpose EUREKA APEX 3 XT FG three person tent is ideal for BACKPACKERS who want to travel light.  The tent is outfitted with a durable shock-corded, freestanding fiberglass frame and a ring-and-pin / pole assemble, making it easy to set up and extremely stable once it's open.

Campers will also appreciate the pair of side opening D-Style doors, which are made entirely of no-see-um mesh.

The doors add airflow to the tent - especially in conjuction with the pair of windows and side roof vents.

Campers can enter and exit the tent without stumbling over their tentmates.

The tent includes two full coverage vestibules (one over each door) offering extra protection from the elements and additional gear storage.

There are two mesh storage pockets, four clothes line loops, a flashlight look, factory sealed floor seams, a full cut fly, and  a pole pocket in the tent bag for hassle free storage.

All EUREKA TENTS carry a lifetime warranty.

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