WOOLOMIN - POPULATION: 469

SAT 20 - SUN 21.10.2012: The intent had been to visit "all things Nundle" - all the tourist haunts that one should frequent. In talking with staff at the Fossickers Tourist Park we instead made the decision to return in January for the Tamworth Country Music Festival and stay for a 10 day period at the same park. The aim is to mix the Nundle activities with the music festival. In having "determined a plan" we thought we would make the reconnaissance drive to Tamworth. Never ones to rush, we drove 20 kms and spent a beautiful two days at Woolomin Reserve Free Camp which of course is beside the Peel River!

NUNDLE: POPULATION: 289

WED 17 - FRID 19.10.2012: Commenced the day with a "short" drive to Quirindi. Plans had not included this visit, but when asking about petrol we were advised that it was in our best interests to make the trip to Quirindi rather than purchasing it locally.

We made our way to Nundle - an historic gold mining town in rugged country. Gold was discovered at nearby Swamp Creek in 1851. It is estimated that between 1852 and 1856 alluvial gold to the value of $1,670,000 was discovered.

Surveyor General Oxley was one of the first Europeans to discover what is now known as the Peel River. He gave the name "Peels River" honouring Sir Robert Peel the British statesman. "Nundal" (Aboriginal name for "mouth"), probably applied to the mouth of the Nundle Creek where it flows into the Peel River, just south of the present township. Stayed at the Fossickers Tourist Park - excellent! The park backs onto the Peel River and offers an opportunity to make your fortune in gold. Nundle was all about "The Peel", Carole that is! For some unknown reason you felt obligated to advise anyone that would care to listen that Carole's surname is Peel! Loved Nundle so much that we are planning a return visit next January.

"THE PEEL" FOSSICKING IN THE PEEL RIVER

"THE PEEL" FOSSICKING
SUPPORT TEAM

PEEL RIVER

Next stop after not having made our fortune was at the Peel Inn Hotel.

1860: William McIlveen builds the hotel.

1862-1863: John Schofield wins Peel Inn in a card game and he and his family members run the hotel until his death in 1922.

 



WALLABADAH - POPULATION: 746

BURNING MOUNTAIN
ANTIQUES

TUESDAY 16.10.2012: Began the day at the Burning Mountain Antiques Australiana Collectables - too many beautiful items, too little space in the motorhome! Next stop the Wallabadah Rest Area Free Camp situated beside the Quirindi Creek. Excellent venue, but unfortunately it was only listed as a one night stop.

QUIRINDI CREEK

Wallabadah is a 15km drive east from Quirindi. The town began to develop in the 1850s and was once bigger than Quirindi. The bushranger Thunderbolt robbed the northern mail coach there in 1867. Australia's first country racing club was established in Wallabadah in 1852. 

The First Fleet Memorial Gardens were officially opened on the 26.1.2005 by Dr Mervyn John Cross OAM a direct descendant of John Cross (Alexander) and Mary Davison (Lady Juliana). The memorial is for the descendants of those who sailed on the First Fleet. Many of the descendants now regularly use the area for family reunions. There is no other Memorial in Australia that list the names of the people who sailed on the First Fleet.

FIRST FLEET MEMORIAL
GARDENS - WALLABADAH

WINGEN - POPULATION: "JUST SEVERAL HUNDRED PEOPLE"



COMMERCIAL HOTEL,
ABERDEEN

MON 15.10.2012: Feeling somewhat jaded after last night (Madison - fresh as a daisy), we set off for Aberdeen (population 1,791). A feature of Aberdeen is the Glenbawn Dam completed in 1958. Located 7 miles upstream on the Hunter River above Aberdeen it covers an area of 3,000 acres. Travelled through some beautiful countryside - not difficult to determine the source of income relative to each area - mining, cattle, horse studs. Onward through Muswellbrook to Aberdeen. What more could you ask for, lunch at the Commercial Hotel, a park next door for Shayden to have his game and adjacent to the park - a dump point! We made our way to Burning Mountain Reserve Free Camp at Wingen. Drove in to a much more inviting venue and at the time only one other van. The couple spoke to us and advised that we had previously met them when travelling in Tasmania - remembered "Poodle Palace". Small world - perfect day! 

SHAYDEN'S PLAYGROUND!

DENMAN - POPULATION: 1385

SUNDAY 14.10.2012: Yet more olives, cheese and soap at the ever so quaint River Flats Estate. We headed down the Golden Highway (akin to the Yellow Brick Road), to Denman - it was amazing to see "behind the native verge" and the extent of the open cut mining. Visited Denman  which was first sighted in 1824 by surveyor Henry Dangar who named it Mt Cupola (for its domed shape). It was renamed by explorer Allan Cunningham, who became the first European to climb it the following year. Settled in for the evening at Cawsey Rotary Park Free Camp. As it was only listed as a roadside stop we did feel a little uneasy, but decided "we could handle it!" Whilst toilets were indicated the "bible" neglected to note it was a designated area rather than a building! The "brave hearts" were tested at 2.30am when the Council garbage truck pulled in next to us and emptied the m-a-n-y bins. Shayden and the humans remained on high alert - Madison slept through the entire event!

DENMAN - IT WAS A NICE VIEW!

BROKE - POPULATION: 540



REBUILDING THE POKOLBIN ESTATE AFTER
THE 2011 FIRE

THURS 11 - SAT 13/10/2012: "Back on the road again........!" How quickly travel memories fade - the driving round in circles with the Navigator and Driver "debating" the ideal location for the stay, then finally exiting the motorhome on the mother of black ant nests. Creatures large enough to carry poodles back to the colony for lunch! After relocating, we settled in for a very relaxing three days at McNamara Park Free Camp. Explorers first reached the Broke area in 1818 and land grants followed in 1824. Revisited our favourite Olive Shop for Christmas supplies, plus spent time reacquainting ourselves with the workings of Poodle Palace. Needless to say, after day one Shayden required a dose of his stomach medicine to pacify his change of routine nerves!

LEMON TREE PASSAGE - FINAL POST

We have arrived back in downtown Lemon Tree Passage and circumstances will have us 'staying in residence' for at least 3 months. 'Poodle Palace' is up in Coffs Harbour being fine tuned and having its' service. The Leyland Sisters and poodles are already missing the adventures that travel had to offer. Thank you to those that have followed our exploits on the blog - needless to say we intend to travel again and yes we will have to record all our misadventures! Our travels have unearthed facts that previously we were totally oblivious to.

10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL:

1. In the event of failure of the spirit level, pour a glass of wine and place it on the table - guaranteed determination of the motorhome level.
2. Thanks to Susan Grealy and the introduction to our preferred choice of travelling sweet - Kopiko Sugar Free Coffee Drops (made with real coffee). Always carry 6 packets!
3. Should a blog be undertaken ensure some check is kept on your attire. It is estimated that out the many photos taken, Sybil featured in 99% of them wearing T-H-A-T red striped shirt!
4. Thanks to Hamilton Policeman Bob, utilise Napisan for the toilet cassette instead of the expensive products. 3 tablespoons to start with and add more as required.
5. Regardless of the length of time on the road, always present as novice travellers - negates the need for travel story one-upmanship!
6. Reference books for the trip included: Camps Australia Wide, CMCA Wanderer and the relevant State Caravan Book.
7. Prior to the trip purchase a hat that best suits you - there will be m-a-n-y days when a hat presents a far better picture than your hair!
8. Contentment is knowing that the next port offers a 'DUMP POINT'.
9. Designate motorhome tasks according to height, agility and ability level.
10. Finally, the most important tip - knowledge in the fact that the 'humble fart' has the capacity to clear the motorhome. Even the poodles refused to take responsibility! 

"THE LEYLAND SISTERS"
SYBIL (IN THAT SHIRT), CAROLE, MADISON & SHAYDEN

KINGSWOOD

MONDAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 4.4.2012: Continuing on our homeward journey we paid a visit to good friends Judy and John Reedy and were suitably spoilt!

KANAHOOKA



3 GENERATIONS OF THE 'WISE FAMILY'
L TO R: KEITH, JARROD & JACQUI

SUNDAY 1.4.2012: Drove straight to the historic Jamberoo Pub (established 1857), and caught up with softball friends Kay Thompson, Robyn Peters, Jacqui and Keith Wise. Took up residence in the Beer Garden and had a lovely afternoon listening to Nick & Liesl, u-n-t-i-l the heavens opened and the performance had to be abandoned. Had tea with Jacqui and Keith, then retired to 'Poodle Palace' which we had parked in their driveway. Morning dawned and the well trained, obedient puddles escaped and took off across the road to visit the local dogs - how to make an impression!

NICK & LIESL

GOULBURN - POPULATION: 20,127

FRIDAY 30 - SATURDAY 31.3.2012: Onward to Goulburn with a view to attending a performance of the McClymonts at the Goulburn Serviceman's Club. Goulburn brands itself as "Australia's first inland city", although this is a claim that the city of Bathurst also makes. We stayed at Goulburn South Caravan Park and as usual caught up with the domestics. Attended the performance on Saturday evening and although the seats were not the best, the McClymonts were superb - great show.

THE McCLYMONTS

JUGIONG

LAKE MULWARA

MURRAY RIVER

THURSDAY 29.3.2012: Yesterday stopped for lunch at Lake Mulwala - eerie vista. In 1937 the first suggestions were made concerning the clearing of the red gum forest to be submerged in the creation of Lake Mulwala. The bands of local volunteers worked long hours to clear the area, and the felled trees were never removed. The tree felling was completed in June 1939, and the first filling of the lake was started on August 12th, 1939. The evening was spent at Howlong Lions Park by the side of the Murray River. Thursday we continued on our road trip to the Jugiong Showground. Visited the local cellar door, come art, come produce shop and of course sampled the wares! 

JUGIONG HOTEL

WYUNA - POPULATION: 3650

WEDNESDAY 28.3.2012: It is with further regret that we report the demise of yet another Leyland Sister to the call of the wild. Last night as the sun set over the campsite Poodle Palace was invaded with flea sized insects. The once white ceiling was black with the critters, plus throw in a few mosquitoes and moths and that spelt the end of Carole's great outdoors adventure! We tried everything, but finally conceded and just slept with sheets over the head. We woke to half the original number of creatures, but at one point it looked as though the next stage of the trip would have to be made with Carole, Madison and Shayden remaining in bed!

They bravely set forth into the front of the house and to ensure Carole remained on deck she drove to Yarrawonga - did not help the demeanour when "Tom Tom Dolly" took us through all the closed off flood affected areas. We travelled with windows down, but it took another day to completely leave our flying freeloaders behind!  

 TUESDAY 27.3.2012: Travelled to McCoys Bridge Freedom Camp at Wyuna which is situated beside the Goulburn River.

HUNTLY - POPULATION: 4,800

MONDAY 26.3.2012: Unfortunately we have to put our trip to South Australia and Western Australia on hold for the time being so we are making our way back to Lemon Tree Passage. We are fast tracking through Victoria and NSW, with a view to returning to both at a later date.  

Compulsory stop at Bendigo Pottery - so many beautiful items, such a tight budget! Pulled in for the evening at Huntly Lions Park.

KILMORE, VICTORIA - POPULATION: 5,200

SATURDAY 24 - SUNDAY 25.3.2012: Arrived safely and began a series of "Welcome Back to the Mainland Reality Checks".

1. Visited Simmone (Carole's niece), who is currently working on Neighbours. Toorak is some 5 minutes (as the crow flies), from St Kilda. One and a half hours later with closed off roads and bumper to bumper traffic we arrived - city drivers have such a tolerance for motorhomes - not!

2. Next stop Kilmore Caravan Park - one of the few places on our chosen route that allowed dogs. Scheduled 40 minute drive, another hour and a half.

$30.00 PER DAY

3. Kilmore Caravan Park - mainly cabins and residents, with a small plot for vans. The van next to us was so close that we could have touched their awning. It is difficult to support the caravan park's case for closure of the Freedom Camps.

FREEDOM CAMP:
$3.00 PER DAY

Kilmore is contentiously claimed as Victoria's oldest inland settled town. It was a stronghold of early Celtic settlers from Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall, and remains a strong Celtic area to this day.

The Leylands spent most of their time in Kilmore sleeping!

MADISON WENT
INTO HIBERNATION!

DEVONPORT

OUR 5 MINUTE VISTA BEFORE
THE MOVE TO OFF LOAD THE PETROL

FRIDAY 23.3.2012: Completed the washing, yes shaved the legs, cleaned the motorhome and cleared the fridge. The day dawned and with chores complete we set up for our restful day in the park facing the ocean. Decided to recheck the travel details - no fuel in the generator or jerry can. On the trip over the Leyland Sisters had not fired the generator so there was no issue. We packed up and headed for an appropriate petrol dump point, then ran the generator to burn up the fuel. All this literally through a thunderstorm - hail included! Cleaned the jerry can, soaked up excess fuel and really did not relax all day! Did make it to the boat on time and the poodles made the trip across in the motorhome. As before, we sedated both, bid them farewell and made our way upstairs. Much easier access onto the boat from Devonport than St Kilda. We ordered the wine, found a seat and were advised of the expected thunderstorms and high seas - had TravelCalm for tea. Not much sleep, but the trip was bearable. Just love this warning sign - can imagine having a quiet picnic waiting for the Spirit to sail past, the rest as they say, would be history! We have thoroughly enjoyed everything about Tasmania and completely underestimated the amount of time we required here. There are so many areas that we did not reach or activities that were not experienced. Tasmania is certainly a well kept secret.

DEVONPORT

WEDNESDAY 21 - THURSDAY 22.3.2012: Having spent last night at Deloraine Freedom Camp we set out for our last day of sightseeing in Tasmania. Purchased supplies from Ashgrove Cheese at Elizabeth Town and continued on our way to a privately owned garden at Moltema. Villarett Gardens date from the first years of the century when Beech, Holly and Oak trees were planted, around which the gardens have been developed since 1977. Ten acres of formal gardens comprising of exotic shrubs and trees, roses, herbs, climbers and bulbs, with numerous water features throughout. Beautiful, just one issue, the gardens were on very, very very steep slopes - no problem walking down, but we had to traverse the side of the slope to return up the hill. Felt a little like mountain goats, but probably looked more like lumbering elephants.

RAINED THROUGHOUT

THE WALK!

GARDENS

Last stop of the day was a return to Anvers Chocolates - just had to! With a touch of Déjà vu we pulled into Abel Tasman Caravan Park in preparation for our Tasman crossing.

LAUNCESTON - POPULATION: 106,153

LAUNCESTON HARBOUR

TUESDAY 20.3.2012:  F-i-n-a-l-l-y, we made our way to Launceston. Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and is home to many historic buildings. Like many Australian places, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom – in this case, Launceston, Cornwall. Launceston has also been home to several firsts such as the first use of anaesthetic in the Southern Hemisphere, the first Australian city to have underground sewers and to be lit by hydroelectricity. We headed for the Launceston Basin Chairlift, which is the longest single chairlift span in the world (total length 457m - centre span 308m). Early citizens of Launceston took a ragged swamp and turned it into the Cliff Grounds Gardens.

CATARACT GORGE
BACKS ONTO THE GARDENS

SUSPENSION BRIDGE

FANTAIL PIGEONS, GUINEA
FOWL AND PEACOCKS WERE
INTRODUCED IN THE 1800'S

There were walks throughout the gardens all of varied lengths and difficulty. Naturally we took the chair lift to the top and found the cafe for lunch. Lunch is shared with the resident peacock families - imperative that you stayed on alert otherwise a head on a rather skinny neck would appear over the table edge and proceed to take the food either off the plate or out of your hand - due to apathy, one lady actually lost her entire sandwich, with no refunds available! On the way back to the chair lift we had to wait for the locals to move.

The plan was to view Cataract Gorge from both the chair lift and boat. We climbed aboard the Lady Launceston for a Cataract Cruise. The riverbanks and slopes of the gorge shelter several of Tasmania's rarest plant species and vegetation. It is also home to the tiny Cataract Gorge Snail, possibly only found in this reserve.

CATARACT GORGE