Newnes/Abercrombie River NP/Bathurst Trip

joel_57 · #1 30th January 2010, 07:36 AM

After seeing the photos of the September Abercrombie trip on ORS, I decided I'd have to see what it was like in person. It's a bit of a long read, but I hope you enjoy

So last week, I went with my parents and brother out to Oberon via Newnes, to see Black Fellas Hand Rock, and on to Abercrombie the next day, and then finishing up the night in Bathurst.

I took the trusty Forester, along with my brother; while my parents took their 'new to them' '03 Pajero

On our way down to Sydney, we detoured and took the car ferry across Berowra Waters.

We stopped for lunch at Pearces Point

From Pearces Point we carried along toward the Zig Zag Railway and found our way into Newnes State Forest. Despite having two GPS units, we missed the turn off to Black Fellas Hand Rock, and started heading towards the Glow Worms.
We found Black Fellas Hand Rock in the end.

That night we stayed in Oberon, in the Big Trout Motor Inn.

The next morning, bright and early, we headed off to Abercrombie River NP. We took another detour (i.e. getting locationally challenged) and found the National Park.

We first went down to The Sink and had lunch by the river, as it slowly trickled by.

From The Sink, we continued further along, down a really steep descent to the Retreat River, where the Forester and Pajero, had their first swim.

And crossed the Retreat river and climbed up what turned out to be a really steep up-hill towards the beach.

Being now late in the day, we turned around and followed the bread crumbs out gates.

Much to my dad's surprise, the Forester made it through the Retreat river and up the steep hill on its own. He was afraid he'd have to tow me out. But the Mighty Forester tackled everything with ease!

Amazingly we spent the whole day in the NP by ourselves. We didn't see another soul all day.

So from the mountainous terrains of Abercrombie, The Forester and Pajero went off to tackle a well known mountain in Bathurst, Mt Panorama

We stayed the night in Bathurst, and visited the Bathurst museum, before heading home, via Burralow camp grounds in Blue Mountains NP.

Regards,

Joel

yarney · #2 30th January 2010, 11:55 PM

Great pics and a good story

Jan

mr turbo · #3 31st January 2010, 12:56 AM

Abercrombie is such a fantastic place isn't it

Great report joel_57 and judging by the pics you had great time & great weather aswell

I'll be there in a couple of weeks time & can't wait.

Regards
Mr Turbo

Rally · #4 31st January 2010, 02:16 AM

I just hope Eden is not having nightmares all over again! Those photos certainly brought back memories of that trip we did last year. No trip to Bathurst is complete without a visit to Mt Panorama. I remember going there on year- I think it was with the GTRydaz mob, and one bloke wacked the wall coming down the mountain. A fantastic racing circuit cum public road. Or is it the other way round???

joel_57 · #5 31st January 2010, 06:58 AM

Thanks Jan! thanks Mr Turbo! Thanks Rally!

Abercrombie is a fantastic place. Great weather, clear skies, and I think the temp was low 30s. Yeah I hope the photos aren't giving Eden nightmares, it sounded to be very unlucky on his part. I'm jealous Mr Turbo! Getting to go out to Abercrombie in a couple of weeks! I've still got so much of the National Park to discover.

Yeah can't go past Mt Panorama. I'd never driven it before, so it was fun to drive in the likes of the motoring greats, and it was hard to believe just how fast they race round the track, some corners are tight, others blind, they're crazy!

Regards,

Joel

mr turbo · #6 1st February 2010, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel_57

Abercrombie is a fantastic place........I've still got so much of the National Park to discover.

It sure is & thats why I try to get back there around this time every year (this will be my 6th time I think) It's a very addictive place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel_57

Yeah can't go past Mt Panorama. I'd never driven it before, so it was fun to drive in the likes of the motoring greats, and it was hard to believe just how fast they race round the track, some corners are tight, others blind, they're crazy!

Those race drivers that tackle that great mountain & race are a different breed, thats for sure.

Regards
Mr Turbo

MJD · #7 5th February 2010, 05:48 AM

Great photos, great trip report and an awesome Pajero..........I guess I am biased as it is my car !!

All the best.

Rally · #8 5th February 2010, 05:57 AM

The top of the Mt Panorama sure surprises people who are first time visitors. For me, the climb up through The Cutting, then the high speed sections through Reid and McPhillarmy Parks- the track is quite narrow but the speeds so high. I reckon The Dipper and the Esses are deceptively tricky. Conrod is amazing, and the Chase is where you need plenty of brave pills as well. Fantastic circuit, and every time I drive towards it, I get goosebumps.

eden · #9 5th February 2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rally

I just hope Eden is not having nightmares all over again!

no nightmares mate, quite the oposite. when i replace my struts, exhust and get the major done i'm going back to finish on my own legs

p.s.nice pics and report Joel

El_Freddo · #10 5th February 2010, 09:26 PM

Lovely stuff! I just wish I happened to be tailing everyone in my L on these trip reports!

Cheers

Bennie