Dubbo Express Loop – Dayboro to Koreelah National Park (184km 3.5hr)

Our working from home bubble pops when blinking red lights become almost hypnotic, (not good for H’s seizures) and we were introduced to the concept of peak hour traffic once again.

When clear and on the Lake Moogerah Rd, the views were of soft green fields dotted with horse studs, little character oozing sheds and flanked by hazy peaks. The Lake itself was glistening deep blue with a huge congregation of pelicans and black swans.

As Butterflies danced across the bonnet (hoping they don’t impact the caravan as a finale), we passed the first sign with a determination “ NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CARAVANS.”

Having passed this kind of signs with ease before it wasn’t until we reached the “CARAVANS NOT ALLOWED SIGN” that the frown really appeared on the brow……none of this of cause was mentioned in my google search.

Decided to take a detour around (Via Carneys Cr Rd and White Swamp Rd)which meant we were to miss the Gorge walk and swimm….peeved, to say the least. However, this was all forgotten at the beauty of the alternate track. It should be noted though that if the road we were not allowed to take was worse than this, I am glad we did not attempt. Seriously steep 13% to 17% climbs with half dirt, but the Land Cruiser handled it with ease if you ignore H’s frantic gauge monitoring.

Once back in civilization the stretch of road becomes slightly mind numbing after the thrill of the climb. Though nice quiet back roads, with its forest curtain and views.

The last stretch of road before Texas leads through hills like ripples in the landscape. The free camp spot was vast but yet still quite busy for the off season.

LR & B shimmied in the cool waters around the smooth pebbles, but I was well and truly shipwrecked in the shallow waters, refreshing none the less.

TRIP DETAILS (includes details to the gorge that we never got to in case anyone without a van would like to visit)

Dayboro to Koreelah National Park (184km 3.5hr)
Via Cunningham Hwy, passing through Willowbank, Warrill View
L onto Morwincha rd
R onto Lake Moogerah rd
R onto Dwyer Ridges rd
R onto Carneys Creek Rd (go through Carneys Creek town)/Head Rd/Spring Creek Rd
Rest stop Koreelah National Park Gorge walking track 10min walk /Swimming
L onto Head Gate Rd
R onto White Swamp Rd (12km)
R onto Trough Creek Rd (on left not far on this road, walk starts at camp)

Koreelah National Park to Texas ( 191km 4hrs)
R Back onto White Swamp Rd
R onto Mt Lindesay Rd at Koreelah Through Liston
R onto Stanthorpe-Amosfield rd Stanthorpe Rest stop
L onto Inglewood-Texas rd
L onto Avon St
Camp anywhere next to Dumaresq River-swimming-fire-walk

NEXT: Pilliga National Park Sandstone caves