Day 132 – Ballimore to Hill End

A nice easy drive today. We navigate the back route from Dubbo through to just before Mudgee and then divert towards Hill End. I think I recall going there as a kid, but I can’t remember much of it.

It’s about 70km from Mudgee and there is a reason this place has Hill in its name. The road is really narrow and some of the sections are really steep, so it is slow going. I might need to get up a bit earlier tomorrow if I want to make it home by 12ish.

We arrive at Hill End at about 12. I checked the campsite availability yesterday online, and it was fine, but as I go to book it today, you can’t book on the actual day of arrival. Damn programmers.

We have a quick lunch in the only store in town and then drive down to the campground. As expected there are two vans and about 20 spots. I call NPWS and make the booking.

After a visit to the Heritage Centre, which is great by the way, we start a walking trip around the town. Quickly we realise in the sun it is just too hot, so return to the car and do the slow drive-by. We’re not the only ones doing it.

Out to one of the mines you can actually make out and see and to a lookout.

On the final night the kids agree to change beds, Caitlin has moved to the smaller top bunk and Liam is taking the bottom. Let’s see how that goes.

While the place is great, one eye is on tomorrow. Home. It will be 300 odd kms, such odd emotions. I think there may be more trepidation about going home that leaving.

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