Lake Cargelligo to Wentworth

 

Monday 14^th September

The drive from Lake Cargelligo to Rankins Springs was quite scenic. Lots of areas of bush which was great to see. The occasional field of wheat, some canola. As we got closer to Rankins Springs we had hills on either side. Lots of purple Patterson’s Curse, yellow gorse and daisies were interspersed with pale green tall grass heavy with seeds blowing in the breeze – very pretty.

A short stop in Rankins Springs at The General Store, where we had coffee and as everywhere, a warm welcome. They received a delivery of ice cream – ½ dozen boxes. The truck left just ahead of us. As we caught him up, we pondered the very real challenges of running a business in a small community. The distances to be travelled for such a small delivery are vast. It’s as plain as the nose on your face State and Federal governments are failing in this regard. We are far too city-centric and big business focussed.

We have arrived in Red Dirt Country! The Patterson’s Curse has all but disappeared. Lots of grasses of different shades of green, lots of wattles, lots of trees occasionally giving way to shrubs. Very pretty and despite the long straight road, not at all boring. We are travelling on the Mid Western Highway which stretches from West Wyalong to Hay. We joined it at Rankins Springs after travelling down from Lake Cargelligo.

All of a sudden, after crossing the Kidman Way at Goolgowi, the landscape has changed. Still 100km from Hay, I venture to suggest we have started to cross the Hay Plain – totally flat! Fewer trees, a more scrubby landscape. Still lots of wild flowers on the red soil verges.

As an aside, Goolgowi has a famous resident – one local farmer was on A Farmer Wants a Wife!

The Hay Plain

Hay is a substantial town with lots of services and accommodation options. It sits on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. This is the second major river we have encountered on this trip. There are more to come.

After a visit to the Information Centre for brochures of the region and, above all, clean facilities (!), we secured a riverside picnic spot in the Bushy Bend Reserve. Flanked by massive Red River Gums, it was a very pleasant interlude on this long driving day.

Flood poles at strategic points up the bank of the river

Huge Red River Gums along the river bank

Our journey continued along the Sturt Highway across the Hay Plain. I have mixed feelings about the massive water storage facilities we saw on this leg of our trip. Knowing the parlous state of our major river system, it worries me. We need agriculture, but it must be sustainable.

After crossing the Murrumbidgee River again at Balranald, the landscape has changed again. Still quite low lying but far more trees.

Our journey continued. Flat plains giving way to more diverse scenery once again. We started seeing vines instead of wheat. We have entered Sunrayasia, some vines, sure, for wine, but most for dried fruit.

At Gol Gol the Murray River runs right alongside the road so we stopped for a quick leg stretch and view of this mighty river, which defines the border of NSW and Victoria. Then it was on to Wentworth our overnight stop.

Across the river is the State of Victoria

Again a friendly welcome and good recommendation for dinner.