Nundle

Nundle Trip Day 1
By Jim & Maggie

Making an early start to beat the holiday weekend traffic, we had a very leisurely drive through the wine country before arriving at Burdekin Park, Singleton for a 10 am start. Everyone was there in good time and four cars took off on schedule (unfortunately Greg & Jenny could not come)

The sun was out (and stayed out most of the weekend) with clear blue skies and 14 C - perfect driving conditions. We headed for the back roads in convoy formation with trip leaders Rob & Marisse followed by Jim & Maggie, Alan & Lyn and Bruce (the birthday boy) & Robyn as tail end Charlie.

We all enjoyed the picturesque countryside, which although quite dry, still had a few creeks to be crossed, which was done with some gusto as they were not too deep. Despite some recent rain, which made for some slippery conditions on certain parts of the road, the convoy proceeded smoothly and soon it was time to stop for lunch at Lake Glenbawn – a very nice setting with the lake and man - made dam.

We then headed for the hills again and enjoyed some interesting unsealed roads, some with very treacherous wet patches which required the stability control to do its work. Fortunately, there were very few other cars on these back roads for a holiday weekend and we could use the full width of the road. We made good time and soon passed through Gundy and onto Timor for a cuppa. Lyn & Robert went to check out the caves and returned full of enthusiasm. A group of local Timorian cave dwellers then appeared, all suitably attired to conquer the caves.

It was then time to head along the remaining back roads to Nundle and check into the Jenkins Street Guest House which has been delightfully restored and provided a very high standard of accommodation and friendly service. With the shops shutting at 4pm there was no time for shopping on our first day- straight into the cheese platter washed down with beers and wine.

A nice way to end a long days driving off to the Peel  Inn , a few doors  away, dating from the 1860’s , the oldest (and only) pub in Nundle. After a long dinner with more than a few bottles of wine consumed, we managed the short walk back to our lodgings and a good night’s rest.

Nundle Trip Day 2
By Bruce & Robyn

Sunday, was a lazy beginning with an 8.30 AM breakfast for a 10AM start on the road. A later breakfast gave us time to lie in bed & absorb this guest room in a former bank building. The room was comfortable and uncluttered, with Persian rugs warming polished wooden floors and the bed was dressed in crisp damask linen. As Bruce & I had an ensuite; I had a bubble bath in the large enamel bath.

Breakfast was a cosy affair in the sunroom, on a long table where we enjoyed fruit platter & juice, followed by scrambled eggs, bacon, tomato & Turkish toast coffee or Tea. Everyone had slept well & some had already been on their early morning walk.

Ready to depart, Lyn turns up having done some therapy shopping, buying a pretty little top. We all stood on the pavement of this ‘hamlet village’ discussing the colours, style & where it could be worn. Time to move on for the day towards Hanging Rock. Half way up we turned off onto a small track & soon were travelling on the edge of a very narrow track that led to the Rip & Tear mine. We meandered up to have a look & were approached by a stern old man who told us in no uncertain terms it was private property & people had been taking advantage of him. After assuring him we meant no harm he calmed down & proceeded to give us a guided tour of his property. He showed us some pinecone rocks (supposedly Dinosaur Dung), then his diesel generator & his tin shed home. He also told a story of how his dunny burnt down, I can’t retell it but it got a laugh. Moving on, we drove up to Hanging Rock Lookout (approx 6km from Nundle). A forbidding face of stone overhanging a chasm and rising 1194 metre above sea level. A scenic vantage point overlooking the Peel Valley and Nundle.

Shortly after returning to the main road we turned into Sheba Dam reserve for Morning Tea stop. We were soon joined by the local Police Officer as he had heard Rob announcement on the radio, & decided to join us for a chat. He was quite a character & a keen 4WD’er, apart from the Police Nissan 4WD he had a tricked up Suzuki he had fun with in his spare time. He was able to tell us the condition of the roads we intended to travel as well as a few local stories.

After M/T we then travelled onto Barry Station & Glenrock Station following this pristine valley crossing the creek 18 times. There were plenty of cattle, goats & horses as well as wallabies & kangaroos. Many times we drove very close to the cattle feeding along the sides of the road. They did not move away but just stared at us as we slowly drove past, obviously very use to traffic. Lyn managed to photograph a wombat that Allan had seen on the side of the road that became a kangaroo when it stood up. Once back onto the tar we drove past Ellerston Station owned by the Packer Family. Kerry Packer had been very supportive to the local area & still is supported by the Packer Family. From here we headed back to the Jenkins Guest House in Nundle.

After freshening up we met in the well appointed dining room for cheese platters & drinks. We have to thank our host Angela for her presentation & detail to service. She said her aim was to make sure we were filled with food & satisfaction. On both accounts she succeeded, first with 5 course fantastic dinner, topped off with mouth watering desert & all with impeccable service. With copious amounts of wine consumed the night was a huge success. If you are ever in Nundle we recommend you stay a night at The Jenkins Guest House, it will be worth it.


Nundle Trip Day 3

Monday was a very slow start however we all managed to make breakfast by 8.30. Another fabulous breakfast was served with the addition of roast potatoes. After paying the bill we had time to visit The Woollen Mill (a working Mill), & visited a Church now used as an Antique furniture store which Angela looked after on the weekends. Then we headed off towards Hanging Rock to travel through Nundle State Forest. This road was a very slippery so a lot of caution was taken to avoid sliding. After exiting the State Forest we turned onto Thunderbolts Way & headed for Gloucester. We stopped just outside of Barrington for lunch and to top off a weekend of food we enjoyed leftover cake to celebrate Roberts’s birthday. This is where we ended the trip and after lunch we said our goodbyes & headed for home.