Where is Bridle Track?
Australia, oceania
52 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
The Bridle Track in NSW's Central West is a 4WD adventure waiting to happen! Picture this: you're carving through the Central Tablelands, smack-bang in the heart of Australia, on a track that winds 52km (32 miles) from Duramana to the historic Hill End.
It starts smooth, a little bitumen flirting with gorgeous farmland. But soon, it's all dirt road – easy enough, but those sweeping turns can get ya, especially after a dry spell. Dust clouds? Oh yeah, they're part of the fun (just keep your distance from the crew!). Rain turns things slick, so even in your 4WD, take it easy.
Now, here's the deal: the track's been a bit temperamental since a landslide at Monaghans Bluff back in 2010. You can only go so far from either Bathurst or Hill End. Leave the caravans and camper trailers at home, this ain't their kind of party.
Speaking of party, this is a 4WD-only affair! Think steep drops, rocky climbs, and edges that'll make your palms sweat. Some sections are so narrow, you might be doing a 300m reverse to let someone pass! Creeks, floodways, flash floods – she's got it all. Water crossings? Definitely scope 'em out first and pack that spare tire! Trust me, you don't want to be speeding or tackling the last 20kms in the dark.
One lane only folks! That means no stopping and make sure you use your horn on those blind corners! A snorkel might be a good shout for the creek crossings too.
Allow about 1.75 to 2 hours to cruise the historic road from Bathurst to Hill End, give or take! With eight campsites scattered along the way, there's plenty of opportunity for camping, fishing, and digging around in the past. Keep your eyes peeled for historic relics – this track has stories to tell!
The Bridle Track was built in the 1820s by convicts back in Governor Macquarie's era. It's named that way because of the narrowest sections where gold miners and settlers had to lead their horses by the bridle.
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 52 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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