Sharshebelle1,
Well worth a trip. Hill End itself is a magic little place but I love the camping area'a along the Bridle Track. Getting to Hill End is all tar from Bathurst but the Bridle Track is a different matter. It's a pretty good 4WD trip in, take it easy as most corners are blind and it's sometimes hard to get past other vehicles.
If you plan on heading up there for the Easter W/End then get there early on Thursday morning as it will be chocka's. It was really busy last Easter. If you plan on staying in town call the Hill End NPWS office to check on bookings. We usually camp near Mary Flynn (off the Bridle Track) we follow the Mary Flynn camp area access track down to the water then back towards Hill End and cross the river, about a 10 min run in Low 2. We then head up onto the grass off the rocks of the river bed. It's a great spot and because you need to cross the river hardly anyone uses it.
The river is up atm so some of the crossings (if you choose to do a bit of 4WDing) will be pretty deep but not crazy deep. Walk them first. My personal fav is the crossing at Root Hog (just before Monaghans Bluff). It's not a straight run, it curves in a nice arc, watch the water for the eddy's and you'll see where the big rocks under the water are. Don't do it if you are by yourselves. Root Hog Fire Trail was open last time I was there, but sometimes the gates are locked, so be prepared to turn around if you drive it.
A great 4WD trip goes from Ophir (Orange), to Long Point Rd via Lookout Rd (there is another road too but I can't remember it's name). Then across the Macquarie at Long Point, before working it's way to 10 mins North of Hill End. Turn Right to Hill End. Left to Mudgee. The crossing is 50 to 100m but it's barely above hub height most of the time. Most of the 4WD Weekends near Sydney, or NSW 4WD trips have detailed route notes. On the road from Long Point to Hill End you'll see plenty of signs for things to look at, Cornish Roasting Pit's, Battery Stampers, Mine Shafts. Just follow the little detours. Very scenic trip, low range may be needed if pulling a camper up the steep incline after the crossing. I use low even when I'm not towing.
Sofala is close by, has another pub, a few more shops and used to have a camp ground. Not sure now though. It's worth a look at too if you have the time.
My last tip - take warm clothes, some firewood and a chainsaw (purely for track clearing)
if you have one. Even in the summer it can get really cold overnight! Oh and have a great time!
Cheers,
SD (Shane)
