Sydney to Mudgee

[MaccaTSI]

Hey guys,

I'm heading to a friend's place in Mudgee next weekend from Sydney, first time I've been there and am looking forward to taking the Golf on it's first road trip.

Any advice anyone can offer on a good driving route to get there?? Would prefer not to just sit on the motorway, but take my time and head along some more enjoyable roads

Thanks!

[Blitzen]

Once you get off the M4, the drive through the mountains is really nice, pretty much flowing, but the changes in speed are friggen annoying.
Once you hit the 90 zone at the bottom of Lapstone Hill, you won't get to 100 again till the Mt Victoria side of Lithgow. Its pretty much 60 and 80km/h accross the mountains.
About 15km west of Lithgow, take the Mudgee exit and pass the Walarrawang and Portland power stations, and head up thought Kandos and Rylstone...Its a really nice drive, but I'm not sure of the services up there these days.
Watch the speed camera's at Vally Heights and at the bottom of Hartley.

[cme2c]

I don't know whereabouts in Sydney you are, but the alternative to the highway is to take the Richmond Rd exit from the M7, follow Richmond Rd to to Richmond then across the river to North Richmond, Kurrajong and Bell's line of road to Lithgow. You still have speed cameras, but less towns and a more bushland drive.

Once you get to the highway in Lithgow, the route is the same.

[cme2c]

Now, if you really want to drive, take Windsor rd -Putty rd -the Golden Highway. It is 140km or so longer though.

[Mr Messy]

My inlaws are in Mudgee and I get out there fairly often. The Bells is a nice drive, Putty + Golden is a cracker if you want a long way.

By the the same token, coming back from Mudgee via Bathurst is very nice. The roads around Wiagdon and Sofala have plenty of hills and lots of great corners too. Plus, if you haven't done it before, a lap of Mount Panorama is a MUST.

This site shows you how to do it - the detour to the west isn't that much extra, and it makes for a very special drive.

http://www.motowhere.com/maps/route/Bathurst-Sofala-Ilford-Lithgow-Bathurst

[Preen59]

I Suggest Bells Line to Lithgow if it's possible (as suggested via Richmond Road). Then head to Bathurst, from Bathurst through Sofala etc to Mudgee.

Bells Line is a good drive and Mudgee via Bathurst is the go IMO. Plus you can take a spin around the Mountain.. You'll be shocked at how steep the climb and decent is.. TV doesn't show that.

[Cupra]

I came back home to Richmond from Mudgee in December in the golf & it's a good drive.
One word of caution, there is a rail bridge, 90deg left, 90 right some way north of the power stations that has been resealed in December. It was 38deg the day I was coming back and as I came over the crest at speed from the north side I saw it shimmering in the heat, I did an emergency stop to pull the old girl up as the hot mix had turned to goo!

Phil

[Mr Messy]

Hehehe Phil I know that one well.
It's like the bus-stop chicane at spa.
You've really got to watch it on the Mudgee side as there is often loose gravel on corner exit - lean over too much and you'll go flying.

[Cupra]

Hehehe Phil I know that one well.
It's like the bus-stop chicane at spa.
You've really got to watch it on the Mudgee side as there is often loose gravel on corner exit - lean over too much and you'll go flying.

Thats the one, even at walking speed the car was sliding around & you could here the tar etc flicking up on the side of the car as we went through the corners

[Mr Messy]

Thats the one, even at walking speed the car was sliding around & you could here the tar etc flicking up on the side of the car as we went through the corners

It's a bastard.
Look at the gravel on the road near the exclamation point here.
Wouldn't be fun if you were in a RWD and on the power!

[IMG][/IMG]

[MaccaTSI]

Cool thanks for the tips everyone. I had Bells Line in my head, but can't believe I didn't think of going to Mount Panorama

I'll definitely watch out for that corner as well, I'd like to keep the car on the road

Looks like it will be a fun drive, looking forward to it

Cheers all