Shaun and Sarah

Tom Groggin near Khancoban in the Snowy Mountains is probably one of the best camping spots we have stayed at…… golly I’m full of big calls lately! Apart from the obvious, you know – bitumen roads (any roads in fact), the odd “official” campground here and there with drop toilets, a smattering of picnic tables, parking barriers and fire pits. Tom Groggin straddles the southern border of NSW and the upper Victorian High Country which as you can probably imagine has some great 4WD tracks. Located in the Alpine National Park on the Victorian side of Tom Groggin, the track tackles the steep Mt Pinnibar (1727m above sea level) and it was rough – holy moly!

It has only been in recent times that I have been reflecting on where we’ve been, who we’ve met along the way and what we have learned. We made a home at the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in the sweet old town of Cooma – and sweet it has been. The nomadic gypsies who’ve spent the majority of our married life living in tents, swags, campers and caravans have ‘settled’ down! The mountains are also spectacular in summer when skis and snowboards are swapped with hiking boots, mountain bikes and boats on the myriad of lakes.

Step back through the town’s history at the Land of Beardies History Museum, this place is full to the brim of memorabilia, artefacts and celebrates The park is right in the heart of town and walking distance from the historic main street, despite being on the highway the park is quiet and set in a natural setting. While in town make sure you visit; * The Railway Bistro Tavern serves amazing pub-fare with a modern flair served with old-style country hospitality – The Crofters Cottage is a great stop to refuel after exploring the Australia Standing Stones, the brownie and macadamia slice were absolute delicious.

Regardless if you are after a quick trip away or setting off on a two week long adventure, there are a bunch of things to do in the state of New South Wales, and rather than guide you to places you’ve heard of a million times; here a few of my favourite rural destinations. There is a lot to do in Morpeth that embraces the history and culture of the town like eating lunch riverside, enjoying a heritage walk and tasting a slice or two of the famous Morpeth Sourdough. Being the home to Australia’s second highest waterfall, World Heritage national parks and scenic landscapes, Armidale is one to add to the travel bucket list. Bellingen is a great place to base yourself while you immerse yourself amongst the nature that surrounds the local area, like the Bangalore Falls or the World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park.