Campers Road Trips

[Camper]

4,000Ks to Grinspoon

So I'd had a Shitty couple of weeks at work and decided to do something cool with my next 7 day break.

I almost hooked up with an Ex...

Then looked at some new bars around the Sunny coast, its all Gin and Milkshakes these days. Not my scene.

Got an email about the Grinspoon tour and found the only chance to see them without taking extra time off would be in Sydney, Saturday 2/11, smack bang in the middle of my week off. No way would I fly.

Initially I was going to camp out along the beaches, quickly realised that several thousand others had the same idea as camp sites and caravan parks were booked out up and down the coast. Summer huh.

So I planned a couple differnet routes depending on traffic and the ensuing fire crisis and set off from Blackwater wednesday morning, I stopped off at Fred Haigh Dam for my main rest break and Lakside park because I like it. both spots are generally deserted of others and offer views and peace. Just what I want from a rest stop.







Fred Haigh dam













Can you spot the cranky magpie?






Driving through Biggenden, looking at Mt. Walsh






Mt Walsh looking grand in the evening sun






Random Cows at a pit stop






Lakeside Park, I've been here many times before and have likely posted pics as well








It's got what campers crave, space, an old rusty BBQ and a bin

[Camper]

I had decided to take a dirt road here to cut off some Ks and maybe grab a nice sunset, I had not been that way for a bit and the corrugations, no weight in the back, light rain and locals driving like we do made it an adventure. I might not go that way until I know they have graded it again.

I did get to see an unreal sunset though







By the time I got home it was nearly midnight, I'd left at 10am. I was reved up on red bull and not ready for bed, so I took Sandie for a well earned wash grabbed a dirty burger and hung out at the boat ramp till I cooled off.





I spent Thursday sleeping/watching movies and went out for dinner with Family. I would leave for Sydney Friday morning.

[Camper]

Friday morning and I woke a little dusty after a few beers, decided to lie in a little and bought a new camera online. Downside was I had to pick it up in Morayfield... for those who know, you know.



I set off around 10 again, stopped in moronfield, got my new Sony A6000 and headed for the border.

I had decided on Collins gap to cross the border, took me off the motorway and I had'nt been that way before.







The mutiple cameras and signs took their intended effect and I took it easy down the range, stopping at WOODENBONG for a beer and a look around (get it, woodenbong, huh huh he) seems like a nice quiet town actually.







I was meant to stop in Casino and look for platypus but was running late and wanted to get to Grafton before dark, knowing I was going off the main roads in a rural area.

I stayed at a B&B 25Ks outside Grafton, beautiful spot with a spa in the room and right on the Clarence River.





















Quick breakfast, a walk by the river and I was off

[Camper]

Sorry to post out of order, map for the second day, just 480Ks

[Camper]

Day 3 map (Saturday, day of the gig)




a quick 680Ks to the show


Driving into Grafton from the west in the morning was exceptional, tunnel of Jacarandas and slanty sun!






First real stop was the Sky Pier at Sealys lookout, didn't know about it, just saw a sign and pulled off the highway, glad I did. What a spot to try out a new camera!









Gotta love some Aussie graffiti






Even with all the smoke around it's a beautiful view






Next stop Nambucca Heads

[Camper]

Still day 3 - at Nambucca Heads


Lions lookout








Main Beach















Rotary Lookout









Such a pretty area and I spent too long staring out to sea, which meant I really had to get a move on - back on the freeway and only stopping for wee's and fuel.
I managed to get lost trying to get into the services at Kempsey and ended up in some kind of Aboriginal ghetto on the wrong side of the freeway. (I think I turned off early???)

5Hrs on the freeway, with smoke from fires, unknown roads and heavy traffic coming into the city. I made it to the hotel at 5:30, I was ready for a nap not a rock show.






good rooms





but the parking was tight





ps. you can't see it here, but there was another car in front of mine and one to come behind! cost $25 for the night to park... Love you Sydney

Happy with the choice of Hotels, 1 turn off the eastern distributer and a short walk to the gig at the Horden Pavillion.

[maxsandman]

Awesome reading as usual. I enjoy your travels and others would also. Thank you for posting
You should be sponsored by Qld tourism

Cheers
Max

[Camper]

You should be sponsored by Qld tourism

If only, I would love to barrel around taking pics and selling this great land.

[Camper]

So to the rock show, I have been going to Grinspoon gigs for nigh on 23 years. I reckon I first saw them in Alice Springs around 1996.

ps, they still ROCK the show





Phil Jamieson up close






Good crowd and my first time at the Horden Pavillion, great gig but the bouncers almost did'nt let me in. I must have looked a state after 3 full days of driving, and I was sober! any how great gig and venue.


I did'nt even go out after the gig, too pumped for the next days drive, up Putty road and over Colo heights.








This area is burnt now, with some nearby homes lost. Glad I went just in time.

[Camper]

Day 4 map

Quick 600Ks for the day






I had to take Sandie over the bridge











I had kinda planned a few more photos around the harbour but in the end decided just to get out of the city quick


2 hours from the bridge to the bush - and $22.00 in tolls...


Sandie under the shade of the famous/infamous Colo Bra Tree





I was glad to find a memorial to fallen truck drivers, heart warming and there should be more.




Next I drove over the mine at Singleton, cruising along and next thing there are armoured personnel carriers and what looked like a missile support tearing through the bush beside me, did'nt realise I was so close to Lone Pine, kinda cool but I was too slow to get a pic.