Friday, Sep 14, 2012 at 17:12
There are 2 roads - one directly from
Cabramurra to
Khancoban via
Tumut Pond Dam, and the other - the Elliot Way which is longer. Both are sealed roads all the way. Both have narrow, steep winding sections. I tow my 16 ft caravan over both of these roads with care, but not trepidation.
The Cabra to
Khancoban road is closed in winter, but should be open in March next year. There are some steep climbs just as you leave the power lines. If it is getting late, watch out for kangaroos along the power line easement. If it is a hot day, be sure your cooling system is OK, or you could overheat, and there isn't anywhere to pull over. IMPORTANT - nearing the end of the run to Cabra, you have to descend down into
Tumut Pond Dam. This is a moderately steep, but very winding stretch of road. ENGAGE LOW GEAR and take your time. There is a
public toilet block at the bottom of the descent, overlooking Tumut Pond Reservoir. The climb up the other side to Cabra is fairly easy compared to what you would have done if you got this far.
The alternative road - the Elliot Way has some long, steep hills around Tooma "township" (a pub and a cafe only). Then, you have a fairly easy run (uphill) for about 30 km, until you drop down into
Sue City (this was a construction
camp - nothing there now). There is a
camping area there - beside the headwaters of Talbingo Lake. No power or hot water, but a beautiful spot. From here on, it is a relatively gentle climb all the way to the turnoff to Cabra. Initially, you follow the river and there are some beautiful spots to
camp along there as
well, and then you climb. You will go past
the entrance to
Tumut 2 Power Station. Nothing to see but a tunnel portal, but there is also a
toilet there is you need it.
My choice - take the direct road to Cabra rather than the Elliot way. I only use the Elliot if the Cabra road is closed. I have a series of route notes which you may find interesting. PM me or email - date@spin.net.au and I can send you a copy. It should give you some interesting reading as you travel along some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia (but then I am a bit biassed!)
AnswerID:
494884
Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Friday, Sep 14, 2012 at 21:53
Friday, Sep 14, 2012 at 21:53
Agreed, the direct road is quite OK. Last time I was towing along it I was using an Nissan E20 van. The trip will be much more relaxing with your rig (if you take your time and use the gear selector on downhill gradients.)
FollowupID:
770590