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Host Site : Rummery Park Camp ground, Whian Whian State Forest, NSW. [Website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au]
WEEK OF MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING AT NIGHTCAP NATIONAL PARK Tuesday 4th to Monday 10th January 2005. MOON – Last ¼ 4Jan; New 10Jan.
Pre-Departure No Bookings – Camp Site – Rummery Park Camp site is located in Whian Whian State Forest. It has been refurbished in late 2004 and re-opened in 2005. You travel to it by navigating on the “Getting to WhianWhianFP” Map. Camping is free. Facilities include camp sites, composting toilets, but “no drinking water!”, and no showers. - No nearby Hotel, but Dorroughby has an Environmental Centre, and Dunoon has a Club!! with limited services – "Dunoon & District Sports and Recreation Club Ltd. [02 6689 5444] operate "Angela's Bistro" [Bookings 02 6689 5469]on Thursday to Saturday evenings from 6pm, with Thursday offering an AYCE buffet at $7.50, and a 'family menu' for Fri-Sat" – Steaks, Lamb, Fish, Trio-whiting fingers,prawns,calamari – c veges or salad. There’s Nightcap Café [Jenny 02 66882136] Nightcap Range Road junction with Minyon Range Rd. There is a ‘general store’ at Rosebank, and Green Frog Café [Lois 02 66882168], and The Channon Tavern Thurs-Sun?. Dorroughby Environmental & Educational Centre [Stuart 6689 5286, Dorroughby-e.school@det.nsw.au, in school hols. Caretaker Ian 6689 5049 – self-cook facs., sleeping qtrs, shwr,tlts - $15pp/n. There are stores in Nimbin, and Lismore is the major local business centre – hospital, medical services, banks, hotels and clubs, etc.
Packing – What to Take Pack for the trip using Robyn’s “Gear for Base Camps” list! Thanks Robyn. Evenings in the Nightcap National Park area can be cool – pack some warm clothes!! You’ll need lighter, cooler, sun-protective clothing for the day riding. If you plan to do some bushwalking on the NSW PWS tracks, take suitable footwear – shoes, boots. Bicycles – we intend to use mountain bikes, hybrids OK, but road bikes will probably find the track terrain and gravel challenging!! We intend to self-cater for breakfasts, and some lunches; and intend to dine-out inexpensively for as many dinners as practicable.
Itinerary – Tuesday to Monday - 4th to 10th January 2005; Car Travel Where to Go!! Suggested route is to travel down the Pacific Highway towards Sydney, and turn off towards Mullumbimby. At Mullumbimby there are no signs that tell you how to get to the other side of town nor what may be on the other side of Mullumbimby. Montcellum does not exist. And you will only know you are in Goonengerry when you read the sign on the state school. (The education dept has still some fat in that part of the budget that allows children to know they are at the right school). Therefore and hence we will give a 'turn left turn right' set of directions for those of us who are navigationally challenged. (Or attempt to) The turnoff to Mullumbimby is approx 6km past the township of Billinudgel. (Billinudgel is on the right bordering the highway. DO NOT turn at Billinudgel.) As you enter Mullumbimby, just over the railway line, the double white line does an S. Do not flow to the left and kept going straight. Follow the double line into the main street, Burringbar St. Here there was some dispute as to whether you cross 1 or 2 streets. One street is called Stuart St. the other Mythical Street, regardless, you will shortly come to a larger intersection. This is Dalley St, I think. At this intersection we could not find a street name sign but further down the road where it veers slightly to the right and changes its name to Jubilee Av. it is called Dalley St. It could have changed its name numerous times in that few hundred metres but you know how these funding cuts are. They guess how much cash is required and deduct 20% and we are left to look at the sun and the movement of the ants and hope it is the way to Goonengerry. Other signage is in abundance. Every service in Mullumbimby is signed on a pole diagonally to your right at this intersection. HOSPITAL on blue with white lettering is a good indication that you are at the correct crossroads. Turn left into Dalley street. It is the second main street... shops, double white line etc. just like Burringbar st., follow your nose out of town past municipal pool and high school.
On the way to Goonengerry you will arrive at a fork in the road and a sign saying to Federal. Choose Federal. ''Tis not the wrong way. At Goonengerry take the Mafeking Rd as in JBT notes. There are 2 exits side by side. Mafeking is the shortest. Both will get you there. However, the portal at the far end of Mafeking Rd is only visible in one direction. When returning you will not see it and will arrive back in Goonengerry by the Federal exit/entry. (Federal funding is always better).
Minyon the locality has been caught up the cuts but the Minyon Falls does warrant a sign. (dept of tourism brown sign.) Turn right as per signed M Falls direction and after many pot holes you will see Rummey Park 200 metres to the right. But first a word of warning re the potholes. Take a large automobile. It is rumoured that a Daihatsu Curio drove into one and has not been seen since. That Rocky Creek Dam started life as a pothole is, according to the rangers, and non-urban myth.
Proceed through Montecellum and Goonengerry towards Dorroughby, but turn-off to Minyon and onward to Rummery Park in the WhianWhian State Forest Park. Consult your “How to Get There” map or use www.racq.com.au “Need Directions” facility, or consult your RACQ District Map #10 “Gold Coast-Northern Rivers”. Distance is 187Km from Sherwood to Minyon, and it takes 2 hours 42 minutes travel time. NOTE: The country-side through which the road from Minyon to Rummery Park traverses is part of the week’s ride route. When to Go!! Tuesday 4th January 2005 – Travel times – Sherwood to Minyon is 2 3/4 hours and 187 Km away. On Arrival at Rummery Park - Arrange your accommodation prior to sundown; pitch your tent and settle in. Tuesday night camper arrivals may wish to self-entertain / party at the Camp Grounds or Check out the alternative venues above???
Itinerary – tentative Tuesday 4th January 2005 Travel to Rummery Park and set-up camp. Dinner at ?? Wednesday 5th January 2005 – 39Km Yellow Circuit Ride in Whian Whian Forest Park – 20Km am – 19Km pm. Dinner at ?? Thursday 6th January 2005 – 47Km Yellow Circuit Ride from Goolmangar via Nimbin – 27Km am – 20Km pm. Dinner at ?? Friday 7th January 2005 – 29Km Blue Circuit Ride from Blakebrook via The Channon and Keerrong – 15Km / 14Km half day, with afternoon in Lismore for stores etc. Dinner in Lismore at PubClub? Bike security in Lismore ? then“Nite Ride - Lismore” Saturday 8th January 2005 – morning ride along ridge – 26km ride return; Orange Linear Ride – Wallace Road from The Channon to Tuntable Falls; and short bush-walk to Tuntable Falls – 2Km; and Mt Nardi’s Lookouts 4Km. Saturday 8th January 2005 – afternoon ride along creek in shade – 28Km return; Green Linear Ride – Terania Creek Road from The Channon via Terania Creek (hamlet) to Terania Ck Rest Area; and bush walk to Protestor’s Falls – 2Km. Dinner at ?? Sunday 9th January 2005 – Markets at The Channon Rest Day for recouperating, cultural experiences at the Markets, and culinary delights for lunch (purchase/ bring etc.) Dinner in Nimbin - Rainbow Café / Hotel?? Monday 10th January 2005 Orange Circuit Ride within Whian Whian Forest Park – 15Km. Green Circuit Ride within Whian Whian Forest Park – 18Km. Travel Whian Whian Forest Park to Brisbane. Alternative Ride for a Day - Monday 10th January 2005 – Full Day to Huonbrook (or alternatively, the source of Wilsons Creek) – 48Km or 52Km. Blue Linear Ride – Minyon Rd from Rummery Park to Minyon, to Goonengerry, Wilson’s Creek and Huonbrook (or Upper Wilsons Creek).
Ride Directions Yellow Circuit Ride in Whian Whian Forest Park – 20Km am – 19Km pm. We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles on –site. J AM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling this morning from Rummery Park Campground north and uphill on Peates Mountain Road, past Peates Mountain [Altitude 590m] to the Lookout (take time for a rest pause whilst you take in the view) [5Km], then onto the bikes only track (walking tracks to Protestor’s Falls, Tuntable Falls and Mt Nardi leave from this track – but more about them later) [4Km], to join the downhill run on Gibbergunyah Range Road to the T-junction with Rocky Creek Dam Road [10Km]. We turn left to the Rocky Creek Dam rest area (Picnic tables for a smoko break) [1Km]. PM Having rested after our first 20Km, we return along Rocky Creek Dam Road [2Km], and turn left onto Dunoon Road to Dorroughby [2Km]. Dorroughby has a ‘general store’?. We continue on Dunoon Road to the T-junction with Repentance Creek Road [3Km]. We turn left on Repentance Creek Road to the Minyon Drive left turnoff [4Km]. We turn north and ride the 1Km to Minyon locality, a further 1Km to Minyon Grass rest area (needed for respite from the uphill grade) [2Km], then past the lookout and rest area at Minyon Falls (OK we can rest again here!) [3Km], but it is only a further 3Km to Rummery Park!![3Km]. This is an interesting 19Km ride back to camp. You will have travelled 39Km for the day’s ride!!! It is assumed that there will be drinking water at the rest areas??, and in Dorroughby.
Yellow Circuit Ride from Goolmangar via Nimbin – 29Km am – 20Km pm. We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles and take it with us. Then again, we could move to the Caravan Park at Nimbin, and still do either of the above. J You will need to transport your cycle and day-ride gear to Goolmangar this morning to commence this ride. Consult your route map. AM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling uphill this morning from Goolmangar to Nimbin along Jiggi Road to Jiggi (hamlet) [bitumen 11Km], then on Davis Road to Nimbin Rocks Lookout [gravel 7Km]. We then travel on Lodge Road, Whitney Road and Chute Road into Nimbin [(gravel 5Km)11Km]. That’s 29Km for your morning ride, 12Km of which is gravel road. Morning tea and Lunch is in Nimbin today, along with some sight-seeing or shopping along the high street. Or then again you just want to soak in the ambience, or massage oils, or incense, or ??, not the grass in the park!! PM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling downhill this afternoon from Nimbin, on Nimbin Road (minor road –road traffic caution) to Coffee Camp (hamlet) [8Km], then just south of Coffee Camp we turn right onto Boyle Road (a road less travelled?) and cross Goolmangar Creek twice on our creekside ride to Goolmangar [(gravel 11Km)12Km]. That’s 20Km for your afternoon ride, 11Km of which is gravel road. Dinner this evening is at ???
Blue Circuit Ride from Blakebrook via The Channon and Keerrong – 15Km / 14Km Total 29Km half day, with afternoon in Lismore for stores etc. Dinner in Lismore – Pub, Club? We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles and take it with us. Then again, we could move to the Caravan Park at Nimbin, and still do either of the above. J You will need to transport your cycle and day-ride gear to Bladebrook this morning to commence this ride. Consult your route map. You may need/want a change of ‘street’ clothes for Lismore, and for dining out this evening. Early AM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling uphill this morning from Bladebrook south on Keerrong Road [1Km] to Nimbin Road to cross Terania Creek and travel towards Goolmangar [1Km]. Having crossed the Creek, we turn right into Pinchin Road and ride creekside up the bitumen road to the turnoff to Keerrong [6Km]. The road reverts to gravel for the ride creekside to The Channon [7Km]. We take a rest pause in The Channon – perhaps there is a coffee shop, having come 15Km upstream. Late AM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling gently downhill this morning south from The Channon on The Channon Road towards Lismore, but just after crossing Terania Creek we turn right into Keerrong Road to Keerrong [(gravel 5Km) 6Km]. From Keerrong south alongside Terania Creek the Keerrong Road is bitumen until we get to Bladebrook [8Km]. We have travelled 14Km since our stop in The Channon. This mornings total ride distance is 29Km, of which 11Km is on gravel.
We can travel by car into Lismore this afternoon [9Km], for lunch, and an afternoon of restocking stores, and maybe some rest and relaxation (and a quick spruce-up – did you bring a set of ‘street clothes’?) however you like it, before dinner in Lismore, and the drive home up the Dunoon Road to camp.
Orange Linear Ride – Wallace Road from The Channon to Tuntable Falls 26Km; and short bush-walk to Tuntable Falls – 2Km; and Mt Nardi’s Lookouts 4Km. We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles and take it with us. Then again, we could move to the Caravan Park at Nimbin, and still do either of the above. J You will need to transport your cycle and day-ride gear to The Channon this morning to commence this ride. Consult your route map.
You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling seriously uphill this morning from The Channon to Tuntable Falls along Wallace Road. Wallace Road is approx. 13Km ride uphill on the ridge between Tuntable Creek to the West and Terania Creek to the East. It decays from formed roadway to track about half-way along its length. At the track’s end, it is a short walk along a walking track to Tuntable Falls. The return route follows the outwards track/ roadway.
Green Linear Ride – Terania Creek Road from The Channon via Terania Creek (hamlet) to Terania Ck Rest Area 28Km; and bush walk to Protestor’s Falls – 2Km. You have already transported your cycle and day-ride gear to The Channon for this afternoon’s ride from The Channon to Protestor’s Falls on Terania Creek along Terania Creek Road. You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling this afternoon from The Channon to Protestor’s Falls on Terania Creek, riding 14 Km up Terania Creek Road. The Terania Creek Road is apparently sealed for the first 3Km?, almost to the crossing of Branch Ck ( a tributary of Terania Creek). Then the road is unsealed for the next 6Km to the hamlet of Terania Creek. Past Terania Creek hamlet the road continues [5Km] to the Terania Creek rest area, and there is a walking track to Protestor’s Falls, about 2Km return. The return route follows the outwards track/ roadway.
Orange Circuit Ride within Whian Whian Forest Park – 15Km We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles on –site. J AM You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling this morning from Rummery Park Campground north and uphill on Peates Mountain Road, past Peates Mountain [Altitude 590m] to the Lookout (take time for a rest pause whilst you take in the view) [5Km], then on the short-cut track across to Rummery Road [2Km], then along Rummery Road to its T-junction with Minyon Drive [6Km]. We travel along Minyon Drive to Rummery Park [2Km]. This interesting little circuit is 15Km overall, but challenging in its elevational change. PM Having rested after our first 15Km, we return along Minyon Drive towards Dorroughby. At the intersection with Dunoon Road we turn left towards Rosebank, then turn left onto Repentance Creek Road briefly prior to turning left onto the gravel road for 5Km (about half of which is a ‘track’ to rejoin Minyon Drive for the uphill ride to Rummery Park. This interesting little circuit is 12Km(with a common entry /exit of 3Km) is 18Km overall, but challenging in its elevational change.
Blue Linear Ride – Minyon Rd from Rummery Park to Minyon, to Goonengerry, Wanganui and Huonbrook, or Upper Wilsons Ck Rd. – 48Km return or 52Km return. We can leave camp/tents erected on-site in safety against vandalism/theft whilst away on rides. Alternatively, we can stuff our equipment inside our vehicles on –site, or pack-up for departure before setting out on the ride. J
You need to carry supplies – water, food, snacks, tools, tubes, etc. for your needs whilst peddling ‘all day’ initially downhill along Minyon Road to Minyon [6Km], then turning left at the Repentance Creek Road junction [1Km], then left again onto Mafeking Road [1Km] into Goonengerry [4Km]. We leave Goonengerry on Goonengerry Road towards Montecollum, but veer left onto Goonengerry Mill Road after about ½ Km. This road soon becomes gravel [1Km], and then a ‘track’ for the 7Km uphill ride through Goonengerry National Park and through Wanganui (locality, 19Km from Rummery Park) for a further 1Km, to turn left to join gravel surfaced Huonbrook Road to Huonbrook (locality) [4Km]. Alternatively, you could turn right on Huonbrook Road for ½ Km then turn left onto Upper Wilsons Creek Road for a 6km ride uphill alongside Wilsons Creek to its source – this is a gravel road that deteriorates along its length to ‘track’ status. You’ll probably appreciate your lunch by now, and a long rest!! You are now 24Km or 26Km from Rummery Park. Return route is the reverse of the way up (and probably an equal amount of uphill-downhill each way)!!
J
Packing Up Pack vehicles, prepare bikes for return to Brisbane.
Departure Home from Rummery Park Presumably the reverse of how you got there – and it seems like it was only yesterday!! But it could have been last week, if you got organised!! J
Costs and Budget Ready Reckoner [Fill in the bits relevant for you!!]
All we’ve done is eat, ride, eat, party, and sleep!! Hoping you’ll have a great week or week-end – Why be L, when you can be J !!!
A cautionary note on Fuel!! Remember: NSW Fuel should be 8-10c litre dearer than Qld prices!!! Therefore you need to allow enough $$ for fuel!! You might travel as much as 1,000Km on this odyssey!! and that’s not on your bike!!!
How many dollars is that??
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