OAKEY CREEK - BOWENVILLE Qld

  If you are travelling NW from Toowoomba Qld along the Warrego Hwy and need some respite from the many trucks on the road, then Oakey Creek Free Camp is a good place to stop for a while. Turn off about 1 km beyond the road to Bowenville Township and continue for another 5 kms and you will find the popular site. The Camping area is huge, probably one of the biggest that you will come across during your travels. I estimate that 50 acres or more have been set aside, so if you are like me and sometimes need somewhere quiet and private to rest up for a day or two, then this is ideal. The topography is mostly flat and treeless except for the eastern side near the small Oakey Creek, the best place to set up if you are lucky enough, as I was. I enjoyed a stroll along the bank of the unspoiled, unpolluted little stream on more than one occasion. There's a good chance that there are fish to be caught for those keen enough to try and although I didn't actually see one I suspect some splashing near the waters edge may have indicated a Platypus in the area, a definite possibility according to a sign nearby.
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TEXAS Qld by the DUMARESQ RIVER

  Now we are in Qld but only just, right on the border with NSW in Texas. Its around 250 kms from Bingara via back roads that scaled even more highland ranges. I prefer not to travel more than 150 to 200 klms per day if possible, so included overnight stops at Warialda (previously described in a post} and tiny Ashford, that appeared to be closed for the day.
  The friendly town is small with a population of about 700 and a couple of dozen buildings with, except for the old RSL, little historical interest. Texas is "RV friendly" and it was refreshing to find clean facilities that even included a free hot shower, had been provided for travelers, conveniently located in the centre of the main street. A large area has also been set aside for Free Camping beside the Dumaresq River just 1 km from the main street and the aforementioned facilities. There was plenty of room for me and the dozen or so other Campers and it was quiet and peaceful. After a pleasant walk along the river banks to take some photos, I decided to stay a couple of days.

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BEAUTIFUL BINGARA NSW - REVISITED

  It could be the charming little main street, dominated by the fabulous,1930 s art decor, Roxy Theatre or the experience of bush camping in a secluded spot beside the unspoiled Gwydir River that elevates Bingara to one of my favourite destinations. My second visit this time will be just one of many more in the future.
  There are separate descriptions of the town and The Roxy In previous posts so there is no need to repeat them here ( To find them type "Bingara" or "Roxy Theatre" in the Search Box at the top of the page).
  Bingara is "RV Friendly" and free camping is encouraged by the town administrators. Drive for 8 klms to the East on the Copeton Dam road and you will find a number of  moderately sized areas right beside the river that can be accessed via well signposted, short, dirt, tracks. A  note here that the Gwydir is prone to flash flooding without warning especially if the water storage facility upstream decides to release volume. I suggest that if you detect a rise in water level don't hesitate and move to higher ground early, as there have been reports of vans being inundated.
  This time of year the weather is perfect with wild ducks and other bird life a- plenty. Large fish of unknown species at times launching themselves from the waters suggested that some tackle is recommended. If you are lucky as I was on arrival this time and the last, there will be few others around to spoil the visit. Only 2 other vans for the first 7 of 9 days and then a hint of the beginning of the "Great Northern Winter Migration"  and the arrival of another 10 vans and motorhomes all on the second last day. It didn't take much time for the resulting load music, smoky camp fires and noisy generators to signal that it was time to leave. Hopefully I will be lucky again next year. I do hope that Bingara never changes.
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THE BIRDS of BINGARA