JEEP TRIP, Newcastle, Canberra, Thredbo, home file=ACTsnowy.htm
Introduction map1.jpg
Having just bought a Jeep, we decided to
give it a bit of a test run to Newcastle and
the Stockton Dunes, then visit Canberra and
do some museums and culture centres, then
a quick trip to Snowy mtns and see how the
Jeep handles some steep fire trails, near
Thredbo, Tom Groggin, and Mt. Pinnibar.
I also wanted to look up some old RAAF
mates near Nelson Bay, close to the dunes
at Stockton. These guys used to fly Mirages
from the Williamtown airbase, then retired to
the beautiful Port Stephens area.
Yollie was kept busy by attending year end
dancing displays by her grandkids, who put
on a great display of tap at Warners Bay.
Packing Since we were not camping, the
packing was relatively easy. There was no
need for the large amounts of space req'd
by tents, tables & chairs, food, cookers etc.,
and everything fitted in easy, including the
2 long MaxTrax, used for getting out of bogs.
The dune flag, with skull and x-bones was
the longest item, but fitted in well  in the boot.
The 40 lt., Engel fridge, even had a power point in the back, which was very handy.
With the rear seat removed, the 2-door Jeep Wrangler had plenty of space for such travel modes.
I had expected I may have needed  roof racks, but this proved to be un-necessary, thankfully.
Trip Narrative The first leg from Tewantin to Warners Bay/Newcastle was via the New
England Hwy, and was un-eventful. The Jeep was very comfortable on the highway, with great seats,
heaps of power, good steering and brakes and a very good cruise control. (had incremental speed
setting adjustments, very handy)   Found a comfortable motel beside the lake at Warners Bay, which
provided a good base for 3-4 days. Yollie was kept busy with her grandkids, and Parj used the 
opportunity to visit Stockton Dunes, RAAF base Williamtown and some old RAAF mates who had
retired to the Nelson Bay area...a very beautiful part of NSW.
a1.jpg a2.jpg
Twin seat Mirage trainer, well known to my
Machi and Mirage at RAAF fighter museum. RAAF mates, who helped create this display.
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My visit to Stockton Dunes, just North of Newcastle, was hurried and disappointing. The dunes area
had been closed, so only a run along the beach was available. I had wanted to see how the Jeep
handled the dunes, which I had visited previously with the Dune Buggy club. Will go again, if & when
they re-open the dunes area. Also, it is best to do this in company with other vehicles, not alone.