[bockstar]

Where: Abercrombie (River) National Park (NSW)

When: 8th 9th 10th February 2008

Who: Bockstar, Glen, Davo, Stevo

Cars: Steve’s Series 3 Paj
Dave’s 4.2 GU Patrol


Better late than never. Sorry about that, Chief

We spent a relaxing weekend taking the sights and sounds of the wonderful Abercrombie National Park, south of Oberon.

Headed off through the traffic of the north-west and up via Bell’s Line of Road. On the drive along Jenolan Caves Rd, we got some heavy rain however by the time we fueled up in Oberon and bagged a case of beer, the rain was gone.

We left the blacktop of Abercrombie Rd and headed off along Isabella Rd. After a brief stop along the way to consult the map (I thought we were lost) and to pick up some firewood, we entered the park proper via Arkstone Rd and Emden Vale Rd.

We’d decided on the Beach Camping area and made our way there. After pitching the tents and setting the fire, we begin the hard work of consuming a beverage or 3. It was at this point we noticed the clear sky, millions of stars and the smoke going straight up – no wind and not a spot of rain.

Saturday morning dawned overcast. After a spot of breakfast we had a wander around the Beach Campground having a good old inspection. It’s quite a nice spot although a little barren. After lunch we decided on a tour around the park and we headed off. First stop was the Silent Creek camping area.

There was no water whatsoever in that creek. Silent Creek camping area is a large one that could support a good number of campers – you could easily set up 30 C/Ts without a worry.

We continued along the main track, then headed Middle Fire Trail. The terrain is quite steep in parts and I made the observation at the time that the Tribute would find some difficulty in parts. After a couple of leasurely hours driving around, we headed back along the Middle Fire Trail to the main Abercrombie Fire Trail and back “home”.

By the time it got to late Saturday arvo, we had clear blue skies and plenty of sun. The boys tried their luck with the fishing lines. Davo bagged was we suspected as a Carp but we chucked I back in – Doh! Saturday night was great; plenty of good chat, some beer and a raging campfire. Late in the evening we decided to head back up to the main track as it afforded as a better view of the night sky.

Sunday morning dawned nicely althought I don’t think any of us saw it! We spent the morning stuff about the camp, trying our luck with the lines and not really doing much. At lunchtime we pack and got going at around 2pm. We headed back north and cut across the middle of the park and out via the top of park, along Felled Timber Rd. The Arkstone Topo lists a road (Long NoseSpur) going north This track is gated at the edge of the park into a private property.

Abercrombie NP is great park and we certainly had good time there. The pick of the camp grounds would be The Beach followed by the Sink. If you’re with a large group then Silent Creek. Over the course of the weekend we saw 2 other cars – the sense of remoteness added a great positive to the weekend.

The Short Treks Book has this down as a medium – I’d agree. A softroader could do it with a deal of care. The track out of the park to the east via Brass Walls Rd was steep and slippery - I don't think I would have tried it in the Tribute.

Thanks to Richard and CEWilson for their Trip Report and photos from a couple years back. It’s great to be able to read some first hand info on these places from likeminded people. Thanks also to Way2go for a lend of a Topo - thanks mate.

Cheers…the Bockstar…




Slient Creek was, well silent



Attacking a puddle





View from the main track looking north, just past the turn off down to the Beach camping area



Trying our luck with the lines



The Beach Camp Ground







Takling the raging Abercrombie River




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1997 80 Series. ARB bullbar, IPF Driving lights, OME Suspension, Uniden UHF

[Richard]

Excellent report and pics.
I was on a trip into this park in which an XTrail with an inexperienced owner came along even thought it was recommended they didn't. Had numerous snatches to get it into Silent Creek and then an experienced driver had to take it back out. Ground clearance was the main issue.
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Richard
2005 Landcruiser TD100

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[piston]

I planned to stay at the Silent Creek camp spot about 2 years ago, misses and I got down there about last light just enough time to do a very quick camp set up and fire build.

I got out of the car and was immediately set upon by swarms of midges, I mean millions of the buggers, I ran around trying to loose them but to no avail. I then got the tropical strength Aerogard out and painted myself with the stuff - but, they loved it

The misses didn't even get out of the car, in 3 minutes I was back in the car and buggering off as fast as we could go..........spraying flyspray all around us as we left.

Ended up staying at the Beach campground and got there way after dark.

No midges though

I was a bit disappointed with the Beach, certainly didn't live up to expectations.

Maybe I’m being a bit hard on it as I had a bugger of a time trying to get into the park to begin with
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" If I could live my life over again.......I would be a Plumber "

Albert Einstein

[Richard]

Maybe this should be in 'My Worst 4WD Experience'.

It was raining after a big storm on the way into the park from Arkstone Road. I had two punctures on the way in and luckily had successfully plugged one tyre on the track. We set camp in the dark on the edge of Retreat Creek whilst it continued to rain. Rallypaj arrived and found he also had a puncture. About 10pm we realised the water from the creek was near the front tyres of one of the vehicles facing the water. We hurriedly broke camp at 11pm to look for higher ground. Around midnight failing to find another close site we set camp at 'The Beach' making sure we were well away from the river. When we awoke the next morning the river was still a raging torrent.
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Richard
2005 Landcruiser TD100

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