Border Ranges Tour

Border Rangers Tour

I feel that this was a very enjoyable trip as some of the crew had never visited these areas. We finished up with just 5 cars (7 people) which included myself, John followed by Errol, Daryl. Bill & Barbara, Danno & Kim. Others unfortunately had break downs, either mechanical or bodily. Hope all is well with all break downs on the mend.

We all got to Woodenbong Showgrounds and set up camp. Very good site and excellent caretakers. Highly recommend.

Monday night when we all bedded down, we were hit by a monstrous storm. Cyclonic winds, heavy rain, fantastic light show with thunder over the top of us. No damage done except for Errol's caravan awning. Surprised that Dan and Daryl's gazebos held up but they did.

Tuesday we all headed to Queen Mary falls and various other sites. Unfortunately we could not do Condamine River Crossings as are closed during the week during work hours. A bit of a disappointment but for people that had never been to this area they were pleasantly surprised. Good to see green pasture and healthy animals.
Tuesday night was bitterly cold. In the morning the 9kg gas would not ignite. Single burner porta gas flamed low but enough to heat water for coffee.

Wednesday saw us heading to Paddys Flat Rd via Tooloom falls. Another great place to relax. It is an Aboriginal Ceremonial site so needs to be respected.
We looked for the Paddys Flat Rd turn off from Tooloom Rd but as not signed we drove straight past then turned back for about 10 Klm till found. This road is a bit different from my last drive about 30yrs ago. Bitumen much of the way and when gravel it was quite smooth.
We stopped at the new bridge crossing the Clarence River and saw evidence of others having camped previously. We noticed 3 fire places about 1 mtr apart. If fires were from separate campers, why have separate fire places when a previous fire place would do the same job.
Continuing down Paddys Flat Rd took us to the Bruxner Hwy where we turned right and headed to Long Gully Rd, Drake. 30yrs ago I used to pan for gold in the creeks down this road but unfortunately all places are now fenced to the road. We stayed for a while then headed back to Tabulam and then turned to return to camp. This road from Tabulam to Urbenville was absolutely disgusting. Full of potholes almost all the way. Good we had fairly robust cars as small plastic cars would have been demolished.
Night was slightly warmer. Did not try 9kg but settled for single burner which worked OK.

Thursday, we headed off down Summerland Way to Wiangaree. All this trip Bill was on about wanting a sausage roll. Nothing was found at Killarney on Tuesday. Could have stopped at Tabulam but did not. Bill missed out again at Wiangaree as roadhouse had none. From Wiangaree we headed into Lynches Rd and up into Border Ranges Forest Dve. Quite easy with good surface. We stopped at Sheep Station campground for a short break and look around then continued on Forest Dve until we turned into Brindle Track. We wanted to look at a small plantation of Antarctic Beach trees but they were hidden in the forest and out of site. Continuing on the Brindle track took us back to the Forest Dve and onto the Pinnacle Lookout. This is a short but steepish walk from the road. The views are worth the walk.
We departed the Pinnacle back to Wiangaree. I planned to do the Toonumbar forest drive. Found the entrance which again is not signed. After about 500 mtrs we came to a plastic fence over the road. First it looked like an electric fence but discovered not so. I unhooked it, let it fall to the ground and drove over it followed by Errol. Daryl checked parks info and found that track was closed as was the exit named Cox's Road. We had a pow wow and decided not to continue, turned around and reset the fence.
This left us only to return to Woodenbong. Bill checked his tablet and found a road through Unumgar forest that should take us to Woodenbong. He said it was just after a little bridge on the left. I did not find it and kept going followed by Errol and Daryl. Bill found something and turned into the forest followed by Dan with Kim. The bush beat the LandRover so they had to turn out again. Meantime Errol, Daryl and myself had stopped at Glen Road, a bit further up Summerland Way and waited. Glen Rd went through farm land with cattle lazing about until it eventually finished at Woodenbong.
Time for a clean up in camp and go to the pub for evening meal.

Friday, return home. A very easy relaxing trip. Evening fire with much talking and mirth. I had a great time with very good company. Thanks to everyone for helping me enjoy this beautiful country.