Bridle Track at Xmas/NYE ?

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 05:40

ThreadID: 52642 Views:2870 Replies:5 FollowUps:1

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richopesto

Hi all,

Hope the festive season is treating you well.

Im looking at going up to dubbo WP Zoo just after Xmas and back down through Mudgee and (maybe) the Bridle Track.

1. We are taking our dogs, I definitely know we cant stay in Hill End, is there anywhere to camp along the track (by the river!) or is it all under the auspices of NPWS and they'll just move us on?

2. Is it still stupidly busy this time of year? Should I not bother and go somewhere else I might get a decent nights sleep? (yes, even NYE!)

Does anyone have any ideas should the Bridle Track not be a wise idea this time of year for a bit of peace and quiet?.

Thoughts and opinions most welcome.

thanks
Rich

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Reply By: Member -Signman - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 08:41

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 08:41

The Bridle track is a nice drive- may be a few camper at the designated camp sites beside the river.
Also, could be a bit slippery if recent rain!!

AnswerID: 277197

Reply By: Peter 2 - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 09:04

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 09:04

The Bridle track and the camping along the river is not under NPWS control but is looked after by a local ranger who collects camping fees for Water Resources (I think). No probs with dogs as long as they are on a lead AFAIK. Most campsites have a loo either a long drop or the mulching type.
As has been said no probs unless very wet as it can get a bit slippery for a car in the wet. wouldn't think it would be too crowded but could get pretty hot.

AnswerID: 277201

Reply By: Smudger - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:20

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:20

Rich, the one thing I've learnt since moving to Sydney is, there are too many of us here for anyone to have an original idea. I reckon you'll find that camping along the Bridle Track is as busy as anywhere else during the school holidays.
There are something like 7 or 8 designated camping areas anlong the track, all with toilets. We're no longer allowed to set up camp just anywhere. But they're all beautiful spots next to the river. To reach the more remote, and perhaps quieter spots, you'll find that in some camping areas you can cross the river and drive away from the main camp area. It's a matter of exploring until you find you niche. To do that you'll need 4WD.
Are you aware that trailers and caravans are not allowed on the Bridle Track?

AnswerID: 277230

Follow Up By: richopesto - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:58

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 11:58

Thanks Smudger,

I didnt think it particularly original (geez, is anywhere these days?), though Ive heard most other holiday periods up that way can get quite busy/rowdy. Funnily enough, call me selfish, but Rum pigs and 110Db AC/DC until 3am just isnt my idea of fun camping. I dont expect to be alone these days, but being able to hear the birds over the jennies, stereos and drunken laughter is always preferable :-)

I rang the loverly Rosalie at Hill End and they also allow dogs right in the township as its not a NP as such but an historic site. All the other campsites aong the track are run by Bathurst council.
trailers? caravans? God no, Im a bare bones camper not a 'drag half the house with me' type of guy. Cant stand 'em.
If I cross the river does that mean the Bathurst council ranger has to come find me to collect my fees? I like that idea. hehe.

Thanks everybody, I'm off to find a spot on the Macqaurie? and drink a couple of Mudgee reds for NYE !! Hopefully a little away from the maddening crowds.

Merry Xmas
Rich

FollowupID: 541146

Reply By: Member - Errol (York WA) - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 16:32

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 16:32

Here's a though for you Rich . If you stop at the first camp site by the river at the bottom of the hill from the Hillend end ,( i think , it was a while ago) clime straight up the hill on the other side of the road . About half way up you should find the original bridle track . Very interesting to follow it along for a while . From memory , it,'s about 30m or so up from the road . Let's know if you find it . Cheers Errol

AnswerID: 277271

Reply By: Warrie - Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 20:13

Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 at 20:13

Hi Rich, did Bridle Track on 2nd Jan 2006. Hardly a soul in sight driving from Bathurst to Hill End. That includes both road traffic and campers. Check out pix in Places which has the advisory sign and some shredded trailer tyres. Enjoy, Warrie