Activities in September, 2017: Travel Bulletin

Spring is upon us, so Ron and Viv have handpicked a selection of must-see events and activities taking place around Australia this September.

MOLLY’S BASH (NT)

MOLLY’S Bash at Old Andado Station has been rescheduled for September 9 and 10. This is the major fundraiser for the year, with plans to fund a solar bore and other projects to keep this iconic and historic property running; so please support it by attending. If you can’t make it, check out Old Andado Station another time and see how the pioneers coped without many of the things we now take for granted. It’s a great spot to camp. For more info: www.oldandado.com.au

BANGEMAIL GOLDFIELDS TRAILS (WA)

Established in 1896 as the Eurana Hotel, it was renamed the Bangemall Inn in 1910 and, up until recently, offered accommodation and camping. Now you can stop here to read the info sign and take in the ambience of the place, but that is about all, as the main buildings are a private residence. A few modern maps show that much of this area (including the pastoral leases of Cobra, Mt Phillip and Dalgety Downs) have been taken over by the state government and are managed by the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). Due to this, a couple of 4WD tracks across the properties have been established for travellers to enjoy – you need to register and get a map and details with the camp host, at Mt Augustus.

2017 MILDURA MUSIC FESTIVAL (VIC)

The 2017 Mildura Country Music Festival will be held from Friday September 29 to Sunday October 8. The major difference between the other Australian country music festivals and the annual Mildura Country Music Festival is that Mildura has Australia’s biggest showcase of independent entertainers. The 10-day event will be held at various locations around the city. For more details, visit: www.milduracountrymusic.com.au

TRUNDLE BUSH TUCKER DAY (NSW)

The event will be held on Saturday, September 2. Entry into the event includes cooking competition entries, cooking demos, bush-tucker taste testing, whip cracker and sheep shearing demos, kids’ corner activities, and live entertainment throughout the day and evening. Camping is available at Trundle Showground and bookings are essential: www.trundlebushtuckerday.com

JOINING OF THE RAILS (SA)

The centenary of the joining of the Trans-Australian Railway Line will see a number of events happening in South Australia and Port Augusta. Among them will be the unveiling of the new monument at Ooldea in western SA, where the two lines met 100 years ago. The Australian Rail Track Corporation has built steel replicas of the 1967 monument (the 50-year anniversary) from the original plans, and these will be unveiled at the centenary which will take place on Tuesday October 17 at 1.45pm. For more info: www.rdawep.org.au/trans-australian-railway-centenary. If you want to attend and camp, contact Bob Ramsay at: bob.ramsay@rdawep.org.au

SATINWOOD (QLD)

Satinwood, a farm that breeds Brahman cross cattle, is 6km from the town of Kenilworth, situated inland from the Sunshine Coast and bordering the Mapleton State Forest. Camping is available for caravans, camping trailers and tents. Flush septic toilets, power and drinking water are all on site if required. All bookings are to be made in advance. Please visit: www.youcamp.com/view/satinwood-kenilworth

WILD RIDES IN THE NORTH-WEST (NSW)

The annual Tibooburra Gymkhana, Bikehana and Rodeo will be held over the October long weekend from September 29 to October 1. There will be lots of action and fun, with plenty to see and do in and around the town. It’s well worth checking out. For accommodation and camping options, please visit: www.outbacknsw.com.au/tibooburra.html