The
trip proved to
a successful pre-starter for Ken's property at Easter. To
take advantage of being in the Grafton - Nymbodia area, we
chose to travel to The Gorge for a week’s adventure
prior to Easter. The Gorge property is a 8,500 acres cattle
property located in the Clarence River valley 30 km west
of the Lilydale Bridge. Camping is bush style, though amenities
are available at the homestead.
The
trip was made up of family members only – three
families camping and one family booking the property
guest cottage. The trip down was uneventful via Bangalow,
Casino and Copmanhurst, taking approx five hours for
a distance of 350km. The last 30km to the property was
well graded gravel road with little corrugations, though
heaps of dust. On arriving we had a selection of campsites.
We finally decided on a new location downstream from
the homestead, on undulating river terraces which form
part of the flood plain to the property. Ample room was
available to ensure each family had privacy, yet we all
enjoyed a communal space under shade for dining and relaxing.
The campfire was established for all camp cooking and
the donkey to supply endless hot water.
We
were fortunate with excellent weather allowing for hours
of swimming and tubing in the river and plenty of time
to absorb the bush TV (campfire) at night under a spectacular
night exhibition of stars. Morning walks along the river
and through the property always revealing a new discovery.
Two days into the six, we were all totally relaxed and
enjoying ourselves without concerning ourselves with
world events.
The
country and river valley makes for excellent bush walking
and exploring. As usual, we organised a spectacular river-boat
ride and bush walk to the upper sections of the gorge
to explore the many channels that feed water into the
rock gorge area. With recent rains the many waterfalls
and rapids were alive with white water and mist. Our
walk back was made a challenge as we blazed a trail along
the sides of the gorge walls and many rock outcrops,
not bad for the 40 years+ contingent and Abigail’s
father at 75 years. The week’s break at the Gorge
ensured we were totally relaxed and ready for the next
chapter of our adventure at Nymboida. Everyday there
was a new experience& challenge for mum and dad.
All cooking was done with camp ovens and included a mixed
spread of roast dinners, breads, dampers, curries and
bbqs.
In
the end we extended our stay to Good Friday morning,
departing early with the onset of Easter campers filling
all available camping areas along the river. As I have
said previously, the country in this river valley is
truly spectacular and worth visiting.
