Yes Billeeeee, Gunbower is on the main highway between Echuca and Swan Hill. Its all free camping so won't have to book. When I get Myrtle back will go for a drive and get any more info we might need.
Would be fantastic if Beth came too, great to see you all meeting up for coffee Pam, have a cream bun for me. Wombat is a funny man isn't he?
I'd love to, but too soon financially, for me to go on another long trip yet. I have a tentative plan to go to Vic next year. When's a nice time of year? IS there a nice time of year to visit Vic? Only stirring!
I think I'll be doing a few small runs within SEQ during the Spring, when I get my new/old vehicle.
Beth, In the winter its too cold and in the summer its too hot. But I don't mind the heat and would rather it to the cold so will trip around Vic in the summer. Summer would be the best time for you to leave Qld when it gets too hot up there. We don't have the same humidity down here. Know what you mean regarding costs. I think I can afford my new inhouse battery this week but I have a list a mile long of other things I want for Myrtle including new curtains, replace fire extinguisher, gas bottle. All that list have to be done before I head off up north on my next big trip.
All understandable Beth - the seasons in Vic are a lot different to up here - tho spring starts in September, it sometimes still feels like spring till almost Christmas - the hottest months are usually January and February - tho having said that - down there, anything can happen weatherwise - we have had the heater on Christmas Day, then the next year, air conditioning was the go - totally unpredictable - the way Victorians like their lives!!!!
__________________
jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Now now Jules, thats enough. I don't like the cold, I don't like the changeable weather. Must say the last two days have hit 20 so getting wamer. Yes Nov Dec is probably better than Jan and Feb which get stinking hot. And then again probably March April would be a good choice also.
On news tonight Beth, they say we are having the hottest spell on record for this particular month. So far 3 days of 20 degrees and going up to 22 tomorrow. I'm wondering if we are in for a long hot summer down here.
Sure sounds like it doesn't it Marj - but it could just as easily turn cold again - I remember being pregnant with my son who was born in October 1977, and going through a heat wave in the September, and freezing cold when he was born a month later!
__________________
jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Looks like the 1st week of November Pam. Some have said they are down for a week to 10 days in the area. I think they will come and go at different times. Will let you know closer to the time when I know more. I have your number, will give you a call. May get up to Deni for a day trip myself before then while running Myrtle in.
I see that the island is 50klms long, andthere are lots of camping places. What dates are you thinking of, and how will I find the campsite.Is there phone coverage. I would like to see Myrtle.Bill
Bill, My suggestion is to go in at Gunbower itself. Daughters b.in.l said go in beside the Gunbower pub. As I said above I can only estimate it to be 1st week in November. Its up to anybody and everybody to choose their own visit dates. Jonathan is hoping to go down and have a look there, perhaps stay a couple of nights sometime this week. Perhaps he will come up with the best spot to stay in. I can't get there as Myrtle still in the shop waiting on some parts, mainly speedo. The first weekend 5th / 6th is the Murrabit Market which is quite large and only just down the road from the other end, Koondrook end.
Sounds good. I am still finalising the sale of the business , and getting the HJ on the road.I hope to head south in October, but have no set plan.It would be nice to go down. We shall have to wait and see. Bill
Unfortunately I didn't get away to Gunbower today Marj .. was down in Kangaroo Flat by 0800 .. now at a place about 16 k's east of Elmore called Green Lake .. and its beautiful .. and I'm the only one here ..
To effectively look at Gunbower, I'll need to get there when its not so soaked. At the moment I wouldn't be able to get off the main roads to look around.
I'll find out tomorrow when I'm rrequired to go down to Kangaroo Flat to get some work done on the vehicle .. and I hope the weather dries up a little so that I can then look at Gunbower before I head up to Parkes in NSW ..
No point trying to check it out with all the wet we've had Jon. Myrtle still in the shop anouther couple of days, they are having trouble sourcing a speedo. When I get her back will go for a drive myself and take my camera. Then we'll all know.
Went for a drive down to Gunbower Island today. Different to what I expected. You turn right between pub and petrol station which by the way you can get a fishing license from. Cross over the bridge and travel about 7 ks. Just before the boat ramp, (about 20 metres) turn right into the Gunbower National Park, take the 1st turn left ( the others are a bit damp at the moment but will be dry by November) And drive along a track through some trees to the banks of the Murray River. At least 4 of the 7 ks is tar sealed, the rest is patchy, some sealed and some unsealed dirt/stones, not too bad though. There is a large sign at the gate of the National Park. We could see fish jumping around in the river and further along the banks could see other campers. The first lot were a family in a large caravan, looks like they had been set up there a while. and further along again was a one person set up, he had a fire going and was fishing. Where we parked was a large area with the remains of a fire and some flat mats looked like left from previous campers as door mats. Will post some photos.
Yes, that is S.in.L.s Nissan Patrol Sheba. There were twice as many cray pots as that, didn't get them all. Then we went to Torrumbarry Weir. That was different, took photos there too. There is a C/p next door to the weir, quite large and goes along the river bank. Got photos of the fish ladder, birds standing there waitng for the fish to come up. Saw a bird grab one, they are very quick.
Don't think there were any people in boats whin any of the photos. Although did see a boat go out from the boat ramp just along from the Gunbower Camp. Yes Pam definitely plenty of room for everyonhe but must be self contained, didn't see any toilets anywhere. S.inL. did say he thought his brother hires a portaloo from a compnay not far from there when they go camping. If there were a few who needed it might be worth looking into.
Oh gosh Ron and Shirley, I don't know. On the outside of the National park, we drove for a while along the river, couldn't see any decent sized areas to park. River on one side and farms on the other side. If it turns out to be not suitable we can all move to somewhere else. Jonathan said Green Lake was good, down by Elmore. Same distance from here as Gunbower Island but in a different direction. But Gunbower Island is 50 ks long, I'm sure we can go up the other end and find something suitable. Or play it by ear when.........