Walks from Country Link train/coaches stops

[mattburga]

Hi

I want to take advantage of week days off work, and my access to the Country Link network of buses and trains. So any tips on walks (or camp sites) accessible from locations Country Link visits?

I'm not having any luck finding any that don't near stops, I don't really want to hire a car or hitch hike, like would be the case with the Warrumbungles from Coonabarrabran.


http://www.railaustralia.com.au/pdf/Cou ... etwork.pdf

[Mark F]

The standard walks in my youth were using trains to the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands. They all involve a bit of road walking. I always remember the Friday night South Highlands Express to Marulan. The Station Master would let us sleep in the waiting room with a few of those long metal foot warmers. Then down the Hume Highway past the brothel and turn off to Bungonia. Return to Tallong Station up Long Point. Standard walks such as the Six foot track or Mt Solitary, or Cox's River - so many walks off Narrow Neck. Blue Gum Forest etc from Blackheath - the list goes on.

Many of these walks worked by catching an evening train and getting the road bash done in the evening. Then a full day or two before catching a late afternoon train home.walking to the

[clarence]

Royal NP and Heathcote NP are good starters. The ferry from Cronulla station to Bundeena and the train from Otford allows you to do the Coast Track with public transport from each end. There are lots of good options from Engadine, Helensburgh, Heathcote, Waterfall stations.

The Blue Mountains are another good option. From Katoomba Station it is about 2 hours along the road to get out to the gate on Narrow Neck. Blackheath is similar allowing access to a lot of Grose valley walks. In the lower Blue Mts from Glenbrook etc there are heaps of walks that can be linked up into overnighters with a bit of off-track and fire trail.

Tallong Station in the southern highlands (as mentioned above) is 7km along roads to the Shoalhaven Gorge (Badgerys Lookout) which accesses some fantastic walking areas- not many with good tracks however. Bundanooon is another option with great walks, but you will need to do some more serious off track stuff if you want to do overnighters (as opposed to lots of day walks).

The books "Bushwalks in the Sydney Region" (By NPA, eds Lord and Daniel) vols 1 and 2 include notes on public transport for all of the walks where it is an option.

Clarence

[mattburga]

Hi thanks.

I have done most of those walks in the greater Sydney Area including the RNP, BMNP and Tallong.

I should have been a bit more specific, I mean regional areas. Country link has a vast network, I envisioned getting a train to say Tea Gardens and hiking from there, camping over night and coming home in a day or two.

It just seems most national parks are that extra way away from towns with train stops.

[Wollemi]

On-line;
Bucketts Scenic Walk. 2 km from Gloucester on Bucketts Road. Walk is approximately 1.1/2 hours return. Panoramic views across the town and Gloucester and Avon Valleys from the northern extremity of Bucketts Range. On part private property.

Or cycle over Barrington Tops from Gloucester to Scone, say. Or other pleasant back routes from Lithgow - Bathurst, say. Via either or both of Evans Crown and JC. Or Bathurst - Turondale - Capertee. I have done all of these, but with the convenience of being dropped off by the car at one end.

Get a bus from Mayfield to Port Stephens, and walk the coast back, perhaps camping at Fingal lighthouse - this will need careful planning with tides. I have Walked Port Stephens - Anna Bay in a day. and seperately; Anna Bay to Newcastle in a day - this is all of Stockton Beach. Nice.

Consider hitching and/or using a local taxi as part of your plan.

[davidf]

Through walking, climbing and rafting I have clocked up a lot of countrylink hrs. Local info is good. For instance I did a Nangar NSW trip which I got a lift to (and out in the end, campfire story) for a freind but in the midst I found the eugowra to younhg bus guy could of droped me off on the main road. Have an ask and you may get a yes.

Also look for other out door users in the area you want to go. MBikers, kayakers, birdwatchers etc.

When looking local ring the local pub. Often someone at the bar can or knows who can help you.

[mattburga]

Must appreciated.

I also spoke to an ex country employee who gave me a few tips to chase down when I get some time with google.

[awildland]

I should have been a bit more specific, I mean regional areas.

Depending on how regional you want to get... you can catch a train to Grafton in Northern NSW and then the country link bus service to Moree which has a stop at the entrance to Gibraltar Range National Park (about 180km west of Grafton) every second day - walks galore from there as it is also easy to access neighbouring Washpool National Park and the heritage walk (a 3-4 day loop walk around both parks).

[mattburga]

Great suggestion awildland.

Exactly the kind of thing I was looking for.

Thank you.

[scout+]

Another possibility would be the National bicentennial trail book 7 section. Kirklands run a daily bus from Lismore to Tenterfield return. you could get dropped off where the trail crosses the Bruxner highway There is also a scheduled bus service from Coffs to Armidale which goes through Ebor. Countrylink bus goes to Tenterfield and the trail is only a couple of hours walk from Deepwater which the countrylink bus stops at That means you have 3 access points to the most remote section of the entire trail