Siding Springs and the Warrumbungles Grand High Tops Walk

The Warrumbungle Range rises from the surrounding plains with an unmistakable silhouette.  On the peak of one of the mountains is the unmistakable dome of the Siding Springs Observatory.  This 3.9m mirror telescope is one of several observatories on the peak of the mountain, and has contributed to some startling discoveries since it was opened in 1974.  It is open during the day, and we all learnt just a little into the amazing world of space, black holes, nebulas and dark matter. 

 

A couple of nights later we enjoyed a stargazing tour down the road at the Warrumbungle Observatory.  With our host named Peter Starr, we knew we were in good hands, and we spent an hour and a half observing Saturn, distant nebulas (star factories), other galaxies and even more.  Peter used to work at Siding Springs Observatory, and explained that the site was chosen for a number of reasons. 

• The high elevation reduced the amount of atmosphere thereby increasing clarity
• The mid latitude location allows the full southern sky to be observed
• The area has few cloudy nights

The Pilliga Forest took us all by surprise.

From Lightning Ridge, we headed south, looking forward to spending four nights in the Warrumbungles... but like all good plans, it changed for the better with a diversion to the Pilliga Forest.

We drove south through Walgett and Coonamble - all productive country, with crops of wheat ready for harvest.  The ominous storm clouds brewing explained the urgency in the movement of harvesting machinery on the highways.  There was rain forecast - plenty of it - and the farmers were desperate to get their crops off the paddocks before it hit.

At Coonabarabran we restocked, and were just about to head down the back road to the Warrumbungles, when I suggested we head to the Pilliga Forest Discovery Centre at Barandine.  Our last house was made of Cypress Pine from the Pilliga, and we had always wanted to see the country where the timber had come from.  It was a great decision.

Lightning Ridge - after we re-create a bet at Walgett

From Inverell we meandered west, pausing at the historic town of Bingara.  Whilst the famous cafe at the Roxy theatre has closed, we were very interested in the food garden being created on the town common.  This vision of a productive common providing enough food to feed the community is only in its infancy, but we were inspired by the people of Bingara.  Whilst our own plans are much more modest, we learnt a lot wandering around the young groves, and will be sure to visit again to check on future progress.

We enjoyed a night at Glacial Rocks - all taking turns under the little water fall.  It was really peaceful to be camping with just ourselves.  The river provided a melodious backdrop to our evening camp, and we could easily have spent more time in the picturesque place.    Before we left, we all placed a small stone in our pockets - in preparation for our next stop.

Reunited we fossick at Inverell - and I don't have to dig!

With Rocky fully repaired and ready for action, we were keen to return to Armidale and get camping. It was time to also get fossicking again. Before the week was out, I learnt a much easier way to fossick...

But some things are more important, like friends and nice beaches.  So after a short stopover with Jo's parents in Caloundra (thank you again for your wonderful hospitality), we diverted to the magical town of Byron Bay.  We were all looking forward to catching up with some dear friends - and a dip in the beautiful water was a bonus.

The weather was absolutely perfect, and we spent ages splashing about in the waves.  You can see why this is such a popular place with tourists, and jealously guarded by the locals.

We came back to Armidale to a repaired Amarok.  The dealer in Tamworth had replaced the CV boot and the air conditioner compressor.  Shane from Opposite Lock had picked up Rocky to replace our broken shock absorber.  Mum and Dad had then picked up Rocky and brought it back to their place.  I was really impressed with the team from Opposite Lock in Tamworth - who were extremely easy to deal with over the phone, and would happily recommend them.