Camping out of Sydney

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:33
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Hi All, Hubby is flying over to Sydney on Saturday night and driving our daughters Navara back to Perth from the airport. He will be leaving the airport about 9pm and wants to get started straight away, My question is, where would be a safe camping spot out of Sydney, and how many Klms out of Sydney would it be, he will sleep in the vehicle.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers
D


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Reply By: Member - Trouper (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:47

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:47
Really needs more info like which way was he intending to go back to WA. ie west out to Dubbo and Broken Hill or South via Goulburn Wagga Wagga Mildura.
Either way it will be a hour or two from the Airport to the outskirts of Sydney on a Saturday nite. Best bet would be a Caravan Park. Not a lot of free camping around unless you get off the beaten track, then it would take a lot more time


Regards......jeff
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:56

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:56
Hi Trouper, Thanks for your very quick reply, sorry about the lack of info, he is taking what looks to be the closest way home which to us appears to be Dubbo to Mildura and across. He has never been over there before so will be quite daunting getting out of Sydney considering it being night time. Once out of the Sydney Metro area should be OK. I have the Camps 4 book in front of me and am looking at Lake Lyell Campground, about 13klms SW of Lithgow, can you give me some idea what that is like.
Cheers
Deanna


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Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:57

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:57
Deanna yes the lake lyel campground is quite nice. Camp close to the rangers house then their should be no loud parties.
If I may make a suggestion when leaving Sydney take the M2, then watch for an exit to the left which takes you on to the f7. Get off the f7 and join the m4 heading towards Penrith. The Airport to Penrith should take less then and hour using this route. Two hours all up to get to lake lyell.
Note lake lyel you will need to book and pay fees. Also you will need and ETAG for the expressways. If you want to avoid tollways take the m2 then turn up homebush bay drive. Follow this north then join the m4 and head west. This takes about 20mins longer then the other route but is shorter.
Cheers Pete
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:24

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:24
Thanks for that info Pete, we haven't had to use toll roads before LOL. I think hubby is going to take the southern route now though, it looks like it could be the easiest in the long run.

Thanks again.

Cheers

Deanna


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Reply By: SPRINT-GTO - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:57

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 16:57
If he is going via Goulburn etc he may like to consider parking at one of the overnight truck stops but as previous poster said hour and a half to out skirts of Sydney,then find a truckstop on the Hume highway,possibility first one would be Pheasants Nest near Bargo.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 17:27

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 17:27
Hi SPRINT-GTO, I think he is going out the other way, not knowing Sydney, on the map it seems to be the closest, out through Paramatta, Lithgow Katoomba etc. Not sure which is the best way from the airport to there though.
Cheers

Deanna

PS, the highways he's taking is the Great Western, Mid Western and Sturts H/ways


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Reply By: Outbacktourer - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 17:48

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 17:48
If I were doing it I would go down the Hume to Wagga and accross via Hay. I say this because the road is not so good accross the mountains to Bathurst and you willl lose time vs the other route. He will make a lot more miles in a few hours at night on the Freeway, it will be easier driving and he will be able to find plenty of truck stops and rest areas because it is a heavilly travelled route.

There is a good rest area called Mundoonan just before Yass which would be about 3 hrs from the Airport.

OBT
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:00

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:00
Thanks for that OBT, will go back to the maps and look at that one.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Outbacktourer - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:33

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:33
You will find about 30K's difference in distance but I can assure you it's worth it when you are doing 110 on the freeway vs what you get going the other way until you get past Dubbo.....
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:51

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:51
Thanks Outbacktourer, It looks like the Hume it is going to be. I just wanted him to stay off of that one because of all the bad publicity it gets over here.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Mike DiD - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:30

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:30
I agree - go via Wagga. Over the mountains is all windy roads going through towns.

From the airport, it's Tollway/Freeway/good highway all the way to the Wagga Wagga turnoff. You turn off before the disgrace around Tarcutta.

Then it's good fairly straight road to Hay - I haven't been past Hay since 1973 !
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:30

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:30
Thanks DiD for that information, it is added to the notes.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:31

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:31
Ooops, sorry that should be Mike DiD.


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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:38

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:38
I would suggest that the least hassle would be to follow the Hume Hwy down to Gundagai (all dual carriagway that far) then to Wagga, Hay, Mildura, Pt Augusta. etc

The tricky bit will be getting out of Syney. Maybe some Sydneysider can recommend how to get from the airport onto the tollway that feeds onto the Hume Hwy. That tollway runs pretty directly from the airport to the Hume and can save hours. Get that right and it can provide a fast exit from the city. Once on the Hume highway there are a few fuel/tucker stops, as already suggested on the way down towards Goulburn. There are also rest stops along the way too where travellers (not trucks) can get off the road. I wouldn't be too concerned about security. For the sake of a single driver who flies across the country, arrives at 9.00 pm to drive back across the country, I'd suggest an "early" stop - Take the Hume Hwy for a quick easy exit, stop at Pheasants Nest (that's the first fuel/tucker stop on the Hume) eat, sleep and go.

HTH

John
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:02

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:02
Hi John & Val, Thanks for the reply, mentioning toll ways, as you probably know we don't have them over here (thank heavens) so have no idea how to use them. Any help in this department would be so much appreciated. Are the tolls manned or are they all automated now?

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Member - Tricky Dicky (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:44

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:44
Hi Dunworking

as John and Val said I think the best way is via Wagga Wagga and the Hay plains out to Mildura and across to Pt Augusta. The truck stop at Pheasants nest is about 1 1/2 hours drive south of Sydney.
When you come out of the domestic airport turn right onto general holmes drive head south about 3 klm turn left onto M5 via tunnel ( about 10 min max drive) and stay on the express way all the way to Goulburn and follow signs to Wagga Wagga, hay, Mildura and home

have a safe trip

Dick
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:47

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:47
The M5 motorway is the go. I haven't used it for ages, but the details here say that it can still be paid by cash. You need to carry $3.80 in coin to toss into the coin collecting basket and you are on your way. (Drive in close to that basket - I've seen people with very red faces when they miss it with their coins!) Last time I was there there was also a manned booth for accepting toll; tolls are collected about half way along the length. That $3.80 is good value for a quick exit from the city, saves a lot of time and fuel, no cross traffic, no traffic lights, just a fast straight through run that lands you on the highway.
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Follow Up By: Member - Tricky Dicky (NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:49

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:49
sorry forgot to add there is a toll on the M5 you can still pay cash in one lane I think its about $5.50 not a hundred per cent sure as I have a tag and dont use that road very often
Dick
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:39

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:39
John & Val, thanks for all that info, have checked out the link and I think he is all good to go now.

Cheers

Deanna


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Reply By: Cruiser .- Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:38

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 18:38
Dunworkin,

If he is going via Dubbo, try looking at Hawkesbury Wanderest Free Camp which is in Richmond, about 1 hr west of Sydney via the M2 Motorway (Depending on Traffic)

He will be able to get a feed as well as stay there for free

Cheers,

Cruiser
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:49

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:49
Thanks Cruiser, I think the rest of the replies have convinced us that he perhaps should take the Hume so that is what he will be doing (I think). If he does change his mind he will keep that in mind. Anyway we will leave the mountains until I can be over there as well. LOL.

Thanks again
Cheers
Deanna


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Reply By: Ozhumvee - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:21

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 19:21
Definately head down the hume hwy as others have said, much easier than going over the mountains especially at night.
When he leaves the airport follow the signs to Liverpool via the M5, basically just get on the M5 and follow it. Yes there is a toll but you can either just use it and they may or may not send you a letter to pay the toll or there is a number on signs on the M5 to ring to pay over the phone.
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Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 21:02

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 21:02
Yep heaps of road works going on in the mountains at the moment.
Cheers Pete
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:43

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:43
Thanks Ozhumvee, that is certainly enough to convince hubby of heading in the other direction.

Madfisher, thanks for the info on the roadworks, that and night time in a strange area not a good combination.

Cheers

Deanna


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Reply By: Middle Jeff - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:05

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 20:05
Hi, it is best to head south as others have said, if you do head over the mountains, forget lake Lyle as you have to be checked in by 9pm.
The M5 will cost you $3.80, just have the cash, pull up at the booth and throw it in the basket, light turns green, drive.
My biggest concern would be jumping into a strange car after spending six hours in a plane and losing two hours because of the time zones and then trying to navigate my way out of Sydney south on a Saturday night. I live here and when I knew I was going to fly in late I just got a cab. Please, there is a Formula 1 hotel at the airport, it will cost you $110, get good night’s sleep and leave at six in the morning and then he might live to enjoy the journey, the freeway is quick but will put you to sleep before he reaches the outer suburbs.
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Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 21:08

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 21:08
Actually this is VERY VERY GOOD advice. Better late then dead on time.
Cheers Pete
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:08

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:08
Deanna,

I reckon this is the best advice you've received. It's a long drive and starting refreshed after a good night's sleep will be much better than setting out after a tiring plane trip, a stressful Saturday night drive in an unfamiliar vehicle in an unfamiliar city, then kipping down in the car by the side of a major highway infested with big noisy trucks......

I'd definitely use the M5 and the Hume Hwy to Wagga, Hay etc, but starting in daylight, refreshed (if a little poorer) will make it a less exhausting trip and allow longer runs in the following days. It is a very long trip without a co-driver.

Cheers

John
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Follow Up By: Member Boroma 604 - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:11

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:11
Gooday,
As others have said go the Hume via M5, if you get in the wrong toll lane they give you 2 weeks grace to pay. When you get home, or get someone at home to Google M5 Toll and you will be able to pay on line or by phone, they will need Rego number, date and approximate time.
As already said turn rightt after leaving Airport you go about 2 KM and enter M5 from left side of road you are on. Plenty of signs but don't think it says Hume Highway anywhere there, but yes Liverpool will get you there and watch signs from then on. Went that way a couple of weeks ago, camped at Mackey VC rest area near Mittagong.
Best of luck.
Cheers,
Boroma 604.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:54

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:54
Thank you all for the good advice, we are aware of the risks involved and daughter and I have told him to stay over night but at the end of the day he will know how he is feeling and will act accordingly. He is very safety conscious on the roads, the vehicle we know well as we have used it a lot over here, it has only been in NSW for a few months. The time difference is 3hrs which will actually make it 4pm WA time when he is leaving, he does sleep on the plane as well, I think the biggest worry for me is the fact it will be dark when trying to get out of Sydney, getting out of Sydney is the biggest worry, after that it will be 'head for home and don't spare the horses' LOL. I usually do the navigating btw. LOL and am I spitting chips that I can't go as well, damn why does every thing fall at the same time.

Thanks again for all the help.

Cheers

Deanna



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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 23:24

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 23:24
Correction: The WA time will be 4pm when he hits the airport, probably about 6pm by the time he gets going.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: bockstar1 - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:09

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:09
I'd concur with this line of thought. A night's sleep in a motel plus shower will leave you better than a cramped night in the car by the side of the road.

Leaving at around 5am from Sydney, you'll be at Sutton Forest at around breaky time.

Ciao


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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 23:12

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 23:12
Thanks bockstar1, I agree with you and I think that is what he will do in the long run, it will be much easier trying to get out of Sydney in the daylight than in the dark.

Cheers

Deanna


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Reply By: Mike DiD - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:53

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:53
There are Truck Stops with Diners at Pheasants Nest, Sutton Forest and Marulan.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:56

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 22:56
Thanks Mike DiD, the Pheasants Nest had been mentioned previously but will jot down the others as well.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Dave(NSW) - Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 23:26

Tuesday, Mar 08, 2011 at 23:26
Deanna,
Pheasants Nest is an Mobile servo, Sutton Forest is a Shell and Marulan is a BP all are truck stops so you can get food & shower if needed, Saturday night wont have very many trucks running as most will have left Friday Night or arrived in Saturday morning.
Cheers Dave..
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 00:19

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 00:19
Thanks for that info Dave, it's a great help.

Cheers

Deanna


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Follow Up By: Mike DiD - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 11:04

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 11:04
Is the Truck Stop at Marulan, 500 metres north of the Shell, open again ? Many months ago it had closed down
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Reply By: Member - Wayne D (NSW) - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 01:30

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 01:30
there is a good campsite at Dalys Clearing in Belangalo State Forest which is just off the Hume Hwy. Only problem is it is easy to miss as you travel down the highway at 110kph.
There are pit toilets and BBQ's and plenty of level spots to throw out a swag. It is also patrolled by NPWS Ranger.
But I would spend the night in the Formula 1 and head off really early. The drive on the M5 at that time is boring and if there is a breakdown or accident you could spend the better part of the night on the M5. The southern highlands is very pretty, would be a pitty to pass it at night and not see anything.
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Follow Up By: Mike DiD - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 11:05

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 11:05
. . . and you won't be annoyed by Hitchhikers thumbing a ride !
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Reply By: sweetwill - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:40

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:40
hello there dunworkin.
If you have a GPS it will save all the hassle, as others have said get a good nights sleep and a feed then let the 4000k trip begin, also Saturday night is the quietest on the hume why, find out where all the cheaper fuel stations are before you leave as it makes a lot of difference to the pocket,cheers bill.
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Reply By: sweetwill - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:42

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 08:42
dunworkin
that should read hwy not why.cheers bill.
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Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 16:26

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 16:26
Deanna, if hubby can make 2.5 hrs out of Sydney on the Hume ,we are more than happy to offer a bed for the night. 3km off freeway & close to the Mundoonan Rest area mentioned. Send MM if interested. cheers....oldbaz.
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 23:09

Wednesday, Mar 09, 2011 at 23:09
Thank you so much for your very kind offer Oldbaz, it is much appreciated. Will MM you.

Cheers

Deanna


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