A good old off-road 4x4 camping weekend has been well overdue for some time now. My mates and I used to love spending a couple nights getting lost exploring nearby National Parks. It’s something we seem to do less of recently with work and social commitments making it difficult to pull a convoy together. Finally, we had a free weekend and 3 cars ready to go, so we hit the road.
This trip was also a necessity as it was my first proper off road test in the Land Rover Defender. Country roads, dirt tracks and beaches are a breeze but I’d yet to attempt anything too difficult. I’ve been converting it into my dream photography overlander so the list of modifications is always growing. After a good few days in the bush testing what’s a must and what doesn’t get touched, it’s the perfect build up to some bigger trips in the woodworks later in the year.
There’s nothing like a couple nights in the bush, cooking meals on an open fire and sleeping under the stars on the edge of a few-hundred metre high cliff.
Our trip begins at the Zig Zag Railway station, heading North for our first night’s camp at Sunny Side Lookout . . .
Our rough route; Day 1 started at the Zig Zag Railway in Clarence before we made our way North to camp at Sunny Side Lookout via Lost City. Day 2 was a failed attempt to descend the Spanish Steps (Black run for 4x4’s), so opted to back out and found an easier way down through Blackfellow’s Hand Cave to spend the night somewhere in the bush in Wolgan Valley.
The rigs stopped while we tested the depths of the many bog holes with a stick, then discussed the best route way to drive through.
Parked up on the ridge line of ‘Lost City’ for a quick lunch and beer stop. The rock formations scattered throughout the valley are a unique geological phenomenon resembling ancient ruins. The view out over the valley is something else.
The roads along our route once we turned off deeper into Newnes Plateau. There’s something special about being able to access these incredible locations by 4x4. Knowing that only capable vehicles can get you to these hidden parts of New South Wales adds to the adventure.
After a long day on the tracks, we made it to Sunny Side Lookout. You can see us standing on the edge of the cliff if you look close enough. The Western aspect of this view point makes for the perfect sunset beer spot.
Camp for the night. A cloudless night revealed the milky-way and moon as we kept warm beside the fire. Temperatures were hitting 1 degree at night, wind chill definitely felt below 0. At least the beers stayed cold!
Waking up to this view from the roof tent was one hell of a start to the day. Home is literally where you park it! Time for an open fire cooked B&E roll and coffee, enough said.
Back on the road. The fast way down is via the Spanish Steps, only for the very capable 4x4’s. After the grade of the hill only got steeper and steeper and rocks larger and larger, we opted to avoid potential damage or getting very stuck with no way out. It was the long way around to Blackfellow’s Hand Cave.
Camp for the night, somewhere in the bush in Wolgan Valley.
A quick morning expedition to climb the rock pillar which towered above camp.
Thanks for reading! Looking forward to sharing many more adventures soon. Stay tuned for some big plans in August, you’ll want to follow this one.
Cheers,
Piers