Storms, Scenic Drives, and Red Rock: A Mixed Bag

Our last leg  started with a bang—quite literally—as we weathered a fierce storm at Wollomombi. Hail pelted the tiny camper, rain came down in sheets, and the wind howled through the campsite. By morning, the Nissan battery had given up again, but our trusty lithium jump starter saved the day. With everything damp but our spirits intact, we hit the road and set off for home.

Wollomombi Falls

Gorgeous views

Scenic Routes and Coffee Breaks

We wound our way down the range through Dorrigo, stopping in Bellingen for a much-needed coffee. From there, we turned north and made our way east, soaking in the scenic beauty of the drive. By the time we reached Red Rock Campground, the sun had graced us with its presence, so we spread out our wet gear to dry and settled in for the evening.

Community Library at Bellingen

Dinner at the Red Rock Bowling Club had been hyped as a must-try, but unfortunately, it missed the mark. A Turkish family runs the kitchen, and while the food wasn’t terrible, it was far from the rave reviews we’d heard.

Red Rock Bowlo, mediocre food at best.

Wrapping Up the Trip

Monday morning saw us packing up early and heading for home. We stopped at Bottero in Maclean for coffee—a reliable highlight—and reflected on the ups and downs of the trip.

Highlights Along the Way

Even with the challenges, the journey had its gems:

• Glacial Rocks: Nature’s artistry at its finest.
• Outdoor Sculptures: Unexpected creativity in unexpected places.
• Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAO): A breathtaking visit to Siding Spring Observatory, where the universe feels closer than ever.
• Emu Farm: A quirky and memorable detour.
• The Warrumbungles: These ancient landscapes never fail to inspire.
• Mudgee: Nice town, free laundry and great coffee and wines,

While it wasn’t the smoothest trip, each moment added to the story. Whether it’s battling storms or chasing starlight, every adventure has its own magic.