On this weeks show we are around the Tamworth and BIngara area. There are so many wonderful places out this way and also some great spots to camp.
Our first stop is Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve. Its approximately 5km’s east of Warialda, a quaint little country town of the Gwydir highway. Cranky Rock is where you will find a jumble of large boulders that nature has placed in the most amazing positions, there is a creek you can walk down to, but be careful if there is large rains it will flood. This area is accessed from the camp ground via a suspension bridge.
There are powered and non powered sites, a toilet and shower. There is access to tank water to fill the kettle but not the van. The evenings can be spent round a wonderful outdoor firepit which is just great on those cool nights. Horses roam freely around as well as seeing other wildlife If heading here it is advisable to book ahead.
Wade Horses Bingara (formerly Gwydir River Trail Rides) have been offering guided trail rides along the banks of the Gwydir River for more than 20 years. Locals, visitors, learner riders wanting riding lessons and anyone else smitten by a love of horses and horse riding have come, and keep coming back, to enjoy the ride of their life in one of the most beautiful areas of the region.
Locally owned and operated Wade Horses Bingara boast an excellent team of horses which includes gentle, heavy horse breeds able to carry the largest and smallest riders. From 6 years of age up, all riding abilities can be accommodated as the experienced staff match the mount to the rider’s ability. First time riders through to experienced riders who enjoy a canter or gallop in a safe environment are guaranteed a great time! https://www.bingara.com.au/things-to-do/bush-activities/horses/
We spend the night this time just out of Tamworth. We have found a farm stay to break the journey and also for a change of scenery. The Sunrise Cutting Horse Farmstay at Neminga. The campground offers toilets showers and drinking water and is dog friendly, accessible to RV’s camper trailers and caravans on a nice grassy area. Low cost camping, Dawn meets you when you drive in and lets you park up anywhere in the grassed area, the horses come to the fence for a pat. We found this campground on Wiki camps.
A cutting horse is a stock horse, typically an American Quarter Horse, bred and trained for cutting, a modern equestrian competition requiring a horse and rider to separate a single cow from a herd of cattle and prevent it from getting back to the herd
Next on the show is chatting with Kerry Kelly the President of the Tara Camel and Cultural Festival. Kerry has been involved with the festival for many years but this is the first year as President. Its a Bi Annual festival and takes a lot of the behind the scenes work to get this event up and running. It has been running now for 11 years. There has been over 10 thousand people through the gates. There is glamping tents and also sites for tents, campers and caravans. This year they had to reduce the site numbers due to large rainfall the week prior.
The have entertainers, band and the cultural is a mix of nationalities that come along. There is plenty to see and do apart from camel races, there is music with bands and country markets and food stalls.
The date has been set for 2024 from 2-4 August so set the date.
Check the website and start planning your trip. https://tarafestival.com.au/
Next on the show Phill chats with our regular guest, Jeff DeAth from Check Weight. This weeks topic Check Weight Franchise.
This is a growing business and Jeff has been running his business now for 3 years. But as more people started getting more vans and Jeff decided to to start up a franchise. There is a lot of work to get it set up but now he can train other people to then start up their own business. You meet so many travellers and always learning more on the road.
The caravan industry is growing and since Covid has grown even more, so its a great opportunity to work for yourself but have someone that will train you.
Since Jeff started the business he has done nearly 600 car/van combinations, working on maybe 6-7 a week, including travel. Jeff does do on average of 2 a day and costs approx $350 for a duel axel van. But you get a full written report. Jeff started the business up 3 years ago, so he did a lot of research and training to get the business up and running. I f you are interested in a business working for yourself this may interest you. There is now a Check Weight in the Sydney area so no need to travel to the Central Coast. https://checkweight.com.au/
