Date: 8th February 2021
Travelled: 170 kms from Taren Point to Wallerawang in NSW
Visited: Hartley and Lake Wallace
Stayed: Lake Wallace Recreational Area. Free with basic services.ย S33.41488, W150.07363
Budget:
We were both glad to see the last of 2020 but unfortunately we have not seen the last of Covid 19. As the year drew to a close it became obvious that we will be unable to return to England, our Hymer and touring Europe in 2021.
Our thoughts once again turn to continuing our travels in Australia. Jenny and Dave had kindly lent us their Winnebago last year but we really cannot go on imposing on them. We had planned to buy a motorhome in Australia some time in the future, once we had completed our European travels and sold the Hymer.
Over dinner with our friends Julia and Greg one evening we discuss our travel frustrations and buying a second hand motorhome in partnership. A month or so later we jointly purchase a 2013 Jayco Optimum. Anyway as we continue our travels, the differences between our beloved Hymer and this house on wheels will become evident. To get started, we head off on a get to know you drive, to Mudgee.
After an overnight stop to visit Indiana and Cooper we continue west making a coffee stop at Hartley.
Hartley, New South Wales, Australia
Map of Hartley
Itโs only a couple of kilometres further west to Hartley village. Hartley has a long history, it was once the centre of government and judicial power on the central tablelands from the 1820-1870โs before being overtaken by Bathurst. Many years later during the 1930-1950โs Hartley again became a popular stopover spot for tourist planning a visit to Jenolan Caves.
A short walk later we point the Jayco west once again and continue on to Lake Wallace after a quick stop at the supermarket and a servo in Lithgow. The Wallace Lake Recreation Area is only a few kms off the Great Western Hwy.
Wallerawang, New South Wales, Australia
Map of Lake Wallace and Wallerawang, showing our free stop.
We make ourselves at home on the lakeโs edge with several other motorhomes and caravans. Pam has gone for a walk around the lakes edge. My partial tear of the achilles has me plodding around the Jayco in a plastic boot, so there wonโt be any long walks for me on this trip. The weather has turned quite chilly as the shadows lengthen. We chat with our neighbours for a time, before calling it a day and getting ready for dinner. Pam decided itโs not to cold for a BBQ so I get it started.
The built in BBQ works a treat and thereโs even a shelf for your beer. Mind you, the shelf is big enough for 20 beers so the designer probably had something else in mind. The lamb rumps (mark-downs from Coles) made for a delicious dinner plus leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Our first overnight wild camping was comfortable if not a little chilly. I turn the diesel heater on about 5.30am and the Jayco is soon toasty.
Michael+Pam
8 thoughts on “The Jayco, New South Wales ๐ฆ๐บ 2021”
Great to hear from you and great to see you enjoying your travels. When are you coming up and crossing the border?
Frank, hope you and Tina are well. We have a wedding to attend in Byron in April. We plan to continue on to Qld if Anna is in a good mood. We may have a chance to catch up if your about.
Hi guys, very happy you’re back on the road….enjoy & have a great trip. Cheers Denice & Rob ๐
Thanks Denice, enjoying the new bus.
Hi
Looking forward to your exploring blogs of Australia. That Jayco looks like a monster truck…maybe itโs just the photo angle. Haha
Being based in Brisbane, we feel nervous about venturing too far from the border at the moment. In a โnormalโ year, we nearly always head to the southern states during winter, as most southerners go north to Qld and NT and we find it too busy. Way out west is usually ok though. Anyway happy travels.
Regards Yve
Poor Michael, I do know how you are feeling with the boot on. Hope it gets better soon and doesnโt stop you enjoying your time away.
Hate that boot !
Yvonne, Thanks for your comment. We are only doing a week or so to get to know the Jayco this trip, but we are hoping to head north to Queensland in April, Covid permitting. Yes the Jayco is big, but it drives nicely and has the bells and whistles.
M+P