Hi traveler's. Ive been warned off the murrumbateman Rd to bungendore pulling a 196 viscount. (Witha ranger) From looking at hema maps and Google etc I cant see why. Has anyone traveled this with a van? Would be a heck of a lot easier/quicker than going through Canberra. Cheers TIA
PeterD said
10:36 PM Aug 6, 2024
I've been living on the Central Coast for 24 years. It was sealed right through well before I left the ACT. Twenty-five years ago when I towed a van along it, there was no centre line along most of it. There was no problem then f you took things gently. The road has since been upgraded and is now mostly two lanes with a centre line. The only thing that would upset an inexperienced driver may be the drop-off from the top of the Lake George Fault line. Just shift down to second gear and take it slowly if you are not experienced in mountain driving.
Enjoy the trip. If you desire a break around Bungendore, there are some good crafty shops and good coffee there. The Bungendore wood works is an interesting place with an excellent leather shop across the side road from it. Braidwood is also a good town for a break, if required.
bristte said
08:21 AM Aug 7, 2024
I live in Canberra, and while I've never really considered towing on those roads, I dont regard them as difficult, except as Peter said for the drop down the fault line shortly before Bungendore, but you're going to have to tackle that whichever way you go. (Unless you go via Goulburn and Tarago, but that is a long detour.) The descent down the fault line is fairly steep, but it's short, so just start out slow in a low gear.
The one road I would tend to avoid is Macs Reef Road, which is something of a narrow rat run for locals going to north Canberra, with some steepish ups and downs. If you go through the villages of Gundaroo and Sutton, then you may be tempted to take it, but if towing then you would probably be better to head a little north up the Federal Highway and take Bungendore Road.
Possum3 said
08:22 AM Aug 7, 2024
I agree with Peter regarding Bungendore (we have had family get togethers at the Showground) great camp kitchen and facilities. A great colonial museum/shop there if you desire some antiquity.
The roads are subject to a lot of fog and mist at this time of year, but are in good condition (as at May), we tow a 3.5 tonne Evernew behind Y62 Nissan - so no worries with power.
Andrew B said
09:35 AM Aug 7, 2024
Thanks a lot to you all for your help and advice. Cheers
msg said
12:33 PM Aug 7, 2024
According to Google maps, going through Canberra is only 7mins longer.
Greg 1 said
12:51 PM Aug 7, 2024
Other than the potholes you won't have issues.
As stated, there is a steep hill just out of Bungendore but you will eat it with the Ranger.
I have hauled my 3 tonne 21 footer both ways with my Ranger no problems.
PeterD said
03:05 PM Aug 7, 2024
bristte wrote:
The one road I would tend to avoid is Macs Reef Road, which is something of a narrow rat run for locals going to north Canberra, with some steepish ups and downs. If you go through the villages of Gundaroo and Sutton, then you may be tempted to take it, but if towing then you would probably be better to head a little north up the Federal Highway and take Bungendore Road.
Macs Reef Road is of no particular concern to me. Most of my fellow club members who lived in the Belconnen or Gungahlin areas used it regularly when heading for the coastal regions.
Hi traveler's. Ive been warned off the murrumbateman Rd to bungendore pulling a 196 viscount. (Witha ranger) From looking at hema maps and Google etc I cant see why. Has anyone traveled this with a van? Would be a heck of a lot easier/quicker than going through Canberra. Cheers TIA
Enjoy the trip. If you desire a break around Bungendore, there are some good crafty shops and good coffee there. The Bungendore wood works is an interesting place with an excellent leather shop across the side road from it. Braidwood is also a good town for a break, if required.
The one road I would tend to avoid is Macs Reef Road, which is something of a narrow rat run for locals going to north Canberra, with some steepish ups and downs. If you go through the villages of Gundaroo and Sutton, then you may be tempted to take it, but if towing then you would probably be better to head a little north up the Federal Highway and take Bungendore Road.
The roads are subject to a lot of fog and mist at this time of year, but are in good condition (as at May), we tow a 3.5 tonne Evernew behind Y62 Nissan - so no worries with power.
Macs Reef Road is of no particular concern to me. Most of my fellow club members who lived in the Belconnen or Gungahlin areas used it regularly when heading for the coastal regions.