Goulburn River National Park
13th - 14th November 2004

Written by Bryce R Messner

Our yearly migration to Goulburn River had come around one again. We met in Lithgow and followed in formation up the Mudgee road until our turn off to Rylstone.
Not the quickest way to our objective, but certainly a more interesting and a prettier drive than the highway.

Once in Rylstone it was time to stop off and pick up some last minute supples like film and batteries etc, then off to Goulburn River. Again travelling through the most beautiful valley amid great looking farmland, looking extremely green & lush, and a distinct contrast to a previous visit of brown fields of dust.

Through some pretty villages we eventually see our first sighting of the Goulburn River atop a crest looking west wood and down stream, the river has plenty of water compared to last time.

The drive in on the dirt road through the park always interesting and glimpses of wildlife flitter through the trees. Bird life, roos’ & even the odd sighting of goats and not in the rear vision mirrors either.

Our campsite is not taken; in fact we are the only ones in the park. Most times we come if we are not the only ones there may only be one other camper while we are here. This ceases to amaze me, as it’s one of the best campsites you could imagine. Unbelievable views of the river, abundant level grassy campsites, many shade tress, toilets for the ladies, lots of wildlife, water, swimming etc. Then again I cannot imagine why 30 or 40 members don’t want to camp here with us. Any way we are here and that’s all that matters in the long term.

Clive brought his large Furphy Cast Iron camp-oven and the vegetables, we brought the two legs of lamb & Hugh the red wine and what a dinner we had. Not yet have we had a failure it must be the wood and a green apple every time unbelievable.

Sunday was a lazy day just sitting around talking until it was time for all to leave. Elizabeth was so upset at leaving she threw herself backwoods in her chair and had to be hauled to her feet by Clive & David. Darralynn and I stayed an extra night making a long weekend of it, and that made it even harder to leave on the Monday.