Spring run on the Mid North Coast 21-24 September

richardlnsw

richardlnsw

Moderator
Hi all.
Just thought I would give plenty of notice so anyone interested can organise time off if needed.
I am looking at 3 nights/ 4 days.
Meet in Kew on the Friday around 10am to leave by 10.30am.
We will use UHF Ch 26.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/...a26af7fa6!2m2!1d152.7222577!2d-31.6354245!3e0

Head out through the forests surrounding Wauchope. Head up to the Tower lookout for awesome views over Wauchope and surrounds. Then drive along The Bluff and aim for No.1 Fire Tower for lunch. I have a couple of different options for after lunch which we can chat about at the time.
From there head up the mountains to Brushy Mountain for camp. This camp is close to 1100 meters elevation so it can still get quite cold so be prepared!!
https://www.google.com.au/maps/plac...6eff134c58e2b4!8m2!3d-31.1465238!4d152.360924

Saturday go via Doyles River State Forest and across to The Cells Conservation Area and explore some of the old gold mining sites before we head for camp at Maxwell's Flat.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/plac...609b5909b1080!8m2!3d-31.4866125!4d152.1869134

Sunday do some more exploring through the area including Blue Knob Fire Tower and then head to Ellenborough Falls for lunch. From there go via Mt Comboyne Fire Tower for an awesome view over the ranges and then to camp at Swan's Crossing.
https://www.google.com.au/maps/plac...a9d868d892a82d!8m2!3d-31.6082984!4d152.582662

It is about 30 mins from there back to Kew on the Monday so this will give anyone that might come from Sydney a chance to get home before peak hour or we can do a bit more exploring.
As the first 2 nights camp are in NP unfortunately dogs are not allowed...... sorry!!
As usual you would need all your own recovery gear, UHF and anything else that you would think you may need. Take all rubbish with you. Creek water is close by at each camp for washing water but bring your own drinking water.
As I have not explored much of The Cells before all I know is that some tracks are very steep but not difficult (unless it rains!!). The track up to the Tower Lookout near Wauchope is quite steep wit a few rocky step sections but nothing over the top. If we do get rain then plan B will be activated... (will work on that one lol)
We will do close to 350kms in total. Fuel is available in Kew for everyone to fill up before we leave. (If anyone doesn't have 350km range fuel is available at Gingers Creek which we will go past on the Saturday).
Kew also has a general store for any last minute needs.
I will be taking my chainsaw but if anyone else has one that they could bring it would help.

If any members (new and old) are interested but worried due to inexperience then this will be a great chance to learn and have some fun doing so.

Those confirmed:
richardlnsw........2 Adults
Minelabmaster ......1 Adult
Wang......1 Adult
billolga ...... 2 Adults
eman...... 2 Adults... 2 Children
2002GU3......1 Adult
Hendo75.....1 Adult
 
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richardlnsw

richardlnsw

Moderator
hiluxdriver said:
Very good chance for this one. Camper trailer and dog friendly?
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Neither sorry Jase. We will be in NP first 2 nights. Some of the tracks near Wauchope are 1 way in and out, 1 steep section up to the Tower Lookout. As for The Cells I haven't been in there but from what I have read there are some very steep tracks that we will be doing.
 
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Ditch

Ditch

Well-Known Member
richardlnsw said:
The Cells I haven't been in there but from what I have read there are some very steep tracks that we will be doing.
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Done a bit around The Cells. Easiest way in is on The Jeep Trail off Blue Mountain Creek Rd, not far from Maxwells campground - it runs down to the river near an old gold stamper. Corn Cobb Trail up to Clay Rd on the other side of the river is pretty steep with some high contours.
If your looking for a challenge, Eaglehawk Trail on the western side of the river is pretty rutted out & steep.
Plenty of other tracks near Maxwells - Old Highway, Racing Camp Rd, Deb Rd. Nothing difficult, even in the wet. Blue Knob Fire Tower nearby has some great views (and mobile reception).

Grassy Ridge - Eaglehawk Trail is a bit steep with four river crossings that can get a bit deep. I`ve only done it on a dirtbike though. All the trails in The Cells are difficult after rain, very slippery clay.

Short vid of the Jeep Trail up from the Stamper.

Is the Tower Lookout the one in Broken Bago State Forest?
 
richardlnsw

richardlnsw

Moderator
Ditch said:
Done a bit around The Cells. Easiest way in is on The Jeep Trail off Blue Mountain Creek Rd, not far from Maxwells campground - it runs down to the river near an old gold stamper. Corn Cobb Trail up to Clay Rd on the other side of the river is pretty steep with some high contours.
If your looking for a challenge, Eaglehawk Trail on the western side of the river is pretty rutted out & steep.
Plenty of other tracks near Maxwells - Old Highway, Racing Camp Rd, Deb Rd. Nothing difficult, even in the wet. Blue Knob Fire Tower nearby has some great views (and mobile reception).

Grassy Ridge - Eaglehawk Trail is a bit steep with four river crossings that can get a bit deep. I`ve only done it on a dirtbike though. All the trails in The Cells are difficult after rain, very slippery clay.

Short vid of the Jeep Trail up from the Stamper.

Is the Tower Lookout the one in Broken Bago State Forest?
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Going to come in down Cells river Rd, on to Eaglehawk, Grassy Ridge up to Jeep Trail, Blue Mountain Ck, Causeway Rd to camp. Plan on visiting Blue Knob on the way out to Ellenborough Falls.
Yep that is the Tower Lookout, awesome view, I was up there last week. Have you been to Blue Creek Dam?
 
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Ditch

Ditch

Well-Known Member
richardlnsw said:
Going to come in down Cells river Rd, on to Eaglehawk, Grassy Ridge up to Jeep Trail, Blue Mountain Ck, Causeway Rd to camp
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We tried coming in that way a few years back. Got to within 1 km from the Cells River crossing on Eaglehawk & the track was way too steep & rutted out to attempt. A lot of winch marks on the trees as well. We should have known that nobody had used the track for some time as it was pretty overgrown. Might have been repaired since then though. I think the northern end of Grassy Ridge coming out of the river crossing towards the highway is steep & rutted out as well.

Got a mate who goes trail riding over there often, I`ll ask him about it.

An another way in would be Clay Rd, a couple of km`s east of Cells River Rd, then down Corn Cob to Jeep Trail.

Never been to Blue Creek Dam, will have to check it out next trip over that way.
 
richardlnsw

richardlnsw

Moderator
red99td5 said:
I'm keen, anyone bringing the kids?
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Most trips I have been on someone has taken their kids. they are always welcome. :)
Brushy Mt is a nice campground with a shallow creek around it for the kids to explore. Swan's crossing is bigger and has a creek as well. Bring a soccer ball for the kids, Swan's has a large oval for kids to play. There will be the usual sightseeing stuff along the way too.
 
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