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Destinations > Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains
Issue: August 2001
Words by Gregor Stronach Photos by Renée Connellan and Gregor Stronach
Despite the cold and dreary forecast, a large and cheerful group assembled at the front gate of John & Julie Eggenhuizen's property on the outskirts of Lithgow early one Saturday morning, all kitted up for a weekend adventure through the picturesque Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Yours truly, predictably running just a tad late, missed the pre-journey briefing, but was met at the gate of the property with a smile and the words "You must be the Overlander guy. Everyone else has gone...we'd better hurry to catch them up." And that's how we found ourselves following the dusty trail behind a Getabout 4WD Adventures Nissan Patrol on a whirlwind trip through the southern end of Sunny Corner State Forest and sleepy collection of farmhouses that make up Yetholme. We met up with the group as they assembled at Mt Ovens trig, just a short jaunt through the State Forest. Mt Ovens trig was once used as a jump-off point for hang gliders, before a particularly violent rainstorm washed the jump ramp away. Now, the spot offers little more than an excellent view over the back of the Blue Mountains to Bathurst, the western plains stretching far off to the horizon.
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The gathering of 4WDs was as eclectic as the group of drivers - a range of vehicles being driven by folks of all 4WDing persuasion. A quick look around the clearing and a brief introduction was all that was necessary to gather information on our team for the next two days. First cabs off the rank were John & Julie, resplendent in matching sign written ST Patrols. Next came myself and Renée in the Overlander long-term Discovery Td5, followed by David & Jenny in their 80 Series, Hans and Linda in their Pajero, Paul in his Holden Rodeo and Tony, the proprietor of Opposite Lock's Prospect store with his family Elizabeth, Tyrone and Kylie in their Opposite Lock Nissan Patrol. Last but by no means least came Rick in his aging Troopie. A fine assortment of vehicles for a weekend through the mountains. We were all kitted out with UHF radios which were to be used to keep a running commentary on the countryside, and also to provide timely advice and guidance from John. After a quick radio check, we were on our way.
From Mt Ovens, we headed off down the Gulf Boundary Road, an access trail cut through the plantation forest of Sunny Corner, and a few track turnings later we were out of the vehicles and enjoying a quick morning tea under a canopy of pine trees. The entire area was alive with Monarch Butterflies, disturbed by the noise of the engines and flitting around adding an eerie beauty to the scene. Straight after morning tea, we stopped at a favourite spot within the State Forest. A steep slope that cut a straight path from one side of the valley to the other was before us, and under John's careful tutelage, everyone meandered down. For some of the group, it was just like negotiating the driveway to their homes, but for others who were less experienced, it represented the first real 4WD challenge they'd ever faced and there were more than a couple of white knuckles on the way down the ravine. Once marshalled on the other side of the valley, we were off again to a quiet clearing to enjoy a bite to eat for lunch.
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Words by Gregor Stronach Photos by Renée Connellan and Gregor Stronach
Despite the cold and dreary forecast, a large and cheerful group assembled at the front gate of John & Julie Eggenhuizen's property on the outskirts of Lithgow early one Saturday morning, all kitted up for a weekend adventure through the picturesque Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. Yours truly, predictably running just a tad late, missed the pre-journey briefing, but was met at the gate of the property with a smile and the words "You must be the Overlander guy. Everyone else has gone...we'd better hurry to catch them up." And that's how we found ourselves following the dusty trail behind a Getabout 4WD Adventures Nissan Patrol on a whirlwind trip through the southern end of Sunny Corner State Forest and sleepy collection of farmhouses that make up Yetholme. We met up with the group as they assembled at Mt Ovens trig, just a short jaunt through the State Forest. Mt Ovens trig was once used as a jump-off point for hang gliders, before a particularly violent rainstorm washed the jump ramp away. Now, the spot offers little more than an excellent view over the back of the Blue Mountains to Bathurst, the western plains stretching far off to the horizon.
read on below advertisement
The gathering of 4WDs was as eclectic as the group of drivers - a range of vehicles being driven by folks of all 4WDing persuasion. A quick look around the clearing and a brief introduction was all that was necessary to gather information on our team for the next two days. First cabs off the rank were John & Julie, resplendent in matching sign written ST Patrols. Next came myself and Renée in the Overlander long-term Discovery Td5, followed by David & Jenny in their 80 Series, Hans and Linda in their Pajero, Paul in his Holden Rodeo and Tony, the proprietor of Opposite Lock's Prospect store with his family Elizabeth, Tyrone and Kylie in their Opposite Lock Nissan Patrol. Last but by no means least came Rick in his aging Troopie. A fine assortment of vehicles for a weekend through the mountains. We were all kitted out with UHF radios which were to be used to keep a running commentary on the countryside, and also to provide timely advice and guidance from John. After a quick radio check, we were on our way.
From Mt Ovens, we headed off down the Gulf Boundary Road, an access trail cut through the plantation forest of Sunny Corner, and a few track turnings later we were out of the vehicles and enjoying a quick morning tea under a canopy of pine trees. The entire area was alive with Monarch Butterflies, disturbed by the noise of the engines and flitting around adding an eerie beauty to the scene. Straight after morning tea, we stopped at a favourite spot within the State Forest. A steep slope that cut a straight path from one side of the valley to the other was before us, and under John's careful tutelage, everyone meandered down. For some of the group, it was just like negotiating the driveway to their homes, but for others who were less experienced, it represented the first real 4WD challenge they'd ever faced and there were more than a couple of white knuckles on the way down the ravine. Once marshalled on the other side of the valley, we were off again to a quiet clearing to enjoy a bite to eat for lunch.
next page »
