There’s something special about travelling solo remotely; every path is your choice, no deadlines, no expectations, just go your own way.
Sometimes there is a bit of reckless abandon, this was my case heading into Lidsdale State Forest and Marrangaroo National Park without another car to assist if the going got tough, without winch and with little recovery gear. Just back yourself I thought.
I’ve always wanted to traverse across from Marrangaroo through to Rydal, I heard it can be pretty challenging in some places and relatively easy in others.
Armed with a plan, Hilux GPS and a sense of adventure I began the journey along Sugarmans Rd into Marrangaroo National Park and then to the campground.
The road to the campground was very lack lustre, recently graded and dusty AF; admittedly I took a couple of wrong turns along the way and had to back track onto the unsignposted tracks.
Not far from the first crossing of the Coxs River lies the campground. Marrangaroo campground is one of those places I will visit again and spend a night or two, it is in the middle of nowhere, remote and not the place I’d camp solo!
Once out of the campground and back on Sugarmans Rd it’s not long before you veer onto Copperwing Rd, here’s where it got a little interesting with some extremely steep climbs and then a not so steep descent down to the Coxs River. The river is flowing reasonably low so crossing wasn’t a great challenge.
I followed Blackthorn Rd stopping at the top of Firetruck Hill for a sticky beak as to what all the fuss is about; it is definitely one of those tracks that looks difficult to say the least!
At this point in time I felt as though the day was slipping away and there was still some distance in unchartered territory left to cover.
I followed Blackthorn Rd a little further and veered a sharp left at the next intersection – the track doesn’t appear to have a name, maybe it is the unnamed track?
From here the going got considerably tough, I was last in a convoy of six that were slowly heading toward Rydal down the very steep, rocky and rutted track in 4 low. The ground clearance of the Hilux payed dividend as it easily navigated through the rock steps and ruts.
Reaching the bottom of the descent and crossing a very muddy creek bed the ascent was sharp, I watched a few four wheel drives in the group ahead attempt the ascent a few times, breaking traction and struggling to get through the steps. In 4 low and rear diff lock engaged the Hilux ate it up and before long I was in Rydal.
A short trip along Hampton Rd I veered left onto Bloody Cutting Rd to check out a campsite Brad (https://vintage-radio.com.au/) and I were planning to camp at near the end of the track.
At this point I decided it was time test the new chainsaw and cut up some firewood. The Makita performed flawlessly!
Wood stacked in back of Hilux it was back up Bloody Cutting Rd to air up my tyres and hit Lake Lyell Recreational Park to spend the night.
With stomach full, camp set up and fire started I sunk a few cold beverages and settled in for the night.
With the dawn of morning I enjoyed a coffee by the lake, packed the Hilux and reached the end of another amazing trip!
