Patski said it right, everything is better on a dirt road. Especially when that dirt road isn’t surrounded by fire, like they had been at the start of this insane journey from Brisbane to Sydney on the dirt. Last edition we left you at the magnificent Boonoo Boonoo National Park with a thriving Platypus population and water holes aplenty, now it’s time to point the bull bars towards the coast, ‘cause we needed a wash.
Tabulam, NSW
Tabulam is located on the Bruxner Highway between Tenterfield and Casino, on the Clarence River, around 800 kilometres from the New South Wales state capital, Sydney. The gorgeous small town of Tabulam boasts a population of around 470 people and offered the convoy a chance to replenish our supplies and tuck into a hearty meal before exploring and camping along the Clarence River.
The damage from the fires that’d swept the area only days before was still evident as we steered our way through the still-smoking farmland creating a sombre mood within the convoy. We needed a pick-me up and Pat knew just the place.
Ewingar State Forest, NSW
Popular among fossickers and campers alike, the Ewingar State Forest is located approximately 36 kilometres east of Tenterfield and encompasses some 18,433 hectares to explore. Here the colours changed from sunburnt yellows and blackened soil to vibrant, deep greens. Idyllic Aussie bush and a dirt road was exactly what we needed after a momentous few days behind the wheel.
A few kilometres into the state forest we found a hut, complete with a cracking view, supplies for those running low and a fireplace, giving weary travellers a place to seek refuge should they need it. It turns out Ewingar is full of hidden gems, as we later learnt the bus from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was located here from 2006 up until it was acquired by the National Motor Museum, South Australia in 2023.
Continuing the trek southwards, we enjoyed what State Forests offer travellers, the opportunity to free camp almost anywhere you like without bookings being required, unlocked gates, and well-kept roads. Those roads however are shared with huge logging trucks, a solid tip here is to switch your UHF to the same channel those trucks are using which will be clearly signposted and travel at a safe speed, especially on blind corners.
Washpool Creek, Lionsville NSW
Along the route we found a picturesque and inviting water crossing, taking us across Washpool Creek at Lionsville. Here we had a chance to give the vehicles in the convoy a much-needed bush-bash in the crystal clear water before stopping for some lunch along the banks of the Clarence River. From there, it was on to what I reckon is the party piece of this epic adventure.
The Gorge, Heifer Station NSW
There’s no shortage of routes we could’ve taken but Patski was never going to skip this cracking location, and it wasn’t hard to see why. Incredible scenery, the chance for a much needed (and wanted) dip, and incredibly friendly wildlife. If you love turtles, you’ll fall head over heels for the Gorge. No one in the crew had ever seen so many in the same place at the one time, it was out of this world. Sure, the Gorge wasn’t exactly on the route from Brisbane to Sydney, but a dirt road is a solid excuse for a detour, and what a bloody detour it was. The drive into the Gorge alone makes it worth the visit, long and winding, full of the perfect amount of twists and turns. And the scenery? Well, it’s just something you have to see to believe.
Upon arrival we immediately headed straight for the beautiful river and paddled upstream. Despite the fact we were pushing into a head wind and out of our much loved rigs, it was therapeutic to say the least. It’s hard to believe the Gorge is all one property, and we were so glad Belinda made the choice to open it up to the public, it’d be a crying shame for this place to be locked up. It’s hands-down some of the best camping the East has on offer. And if you’re a Jacaranda Tree fan, you’ll be blown away by this spot, it’s no wonder some visitors have been returning for over twenty years.
Diggers Camp, NSW
Quite possibly one of the best hidden gems on the NSW Coast, Diggers Camp delivers everything… except Lobsters for breaky, apparently. We tried hard, and failed with (some) dignity when it came to hunting and gathering, luckily the Engels delivered when we needed it most.
After breaky it was time for a beach run and for that, Sandon Beach had us covered. This cracker bit of sand was certainly speccy, but being met with a locked gate sure did take the shine off. Luckily, we were able to find another access point, though it was full of unforgiving, soft sand. With the Extitrax making short work of the recovery we were well on our way to soaking up the scenery, and what spectacular scenery it was… A couple of days ago when the weather was better. That didn’t matter though, because weather aside; we were still having an absolute ball.
Pebbly Beach, Coffs Harbour NSW
Hidden on a bush track that in no way looked like it was headed for one of Patski’s all time favourite beach camps we pushed on for what promised to be something incredibly special. Not just because of the beach campsites on offer, but because it’s where Pat’s love of wheeling began, back in the day when he was steering a series 2A Land Rover he paid just a couple of grand for. For Patski, it felt like coming home, for us, it felt like finding it. A sandy wonderland with an epic entrance made of a deep tidal creek crossing.
You’d have rocks in your head if you visited this place and couldn’t see why it made Pat fall in love with 4X4’ing.
If you want to follow our exact route from Brisbane to Sydney on the dirt, we’ve taken all the guesswork out of it by creating our very own map for you to plug into your GPS, available here on the MR4X4 website.
