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In a couple of weeks we are towing my brother’s 23 foot caravan to Batemans Bay. We have never been to this area of the country and don’t claim to be experts in caravanning.
Is there any particular route we should be taking to avoid very steep roads?
Google maps seems to take us through Wagga Wagga and Yass. Is there a better alternative? (Leaving from Littlehampton SA)
I know Littlehampton. At least my old schoolmate lived there and I visited occasionally, but that was a long time ago. Batemans Bay is on the other side of the Great Dividing Range from you. You’re not going to be able to avoid a few hills. Even if you take the Princes Highway. There's nothing any worse than what you know of the Old Mount Barker Road.
Don’t risk the fruit fly police on the Riverland. That’ll be more of an issue going home. Not worth it. I got caught once.
The final couple of hours' drive to the coast from Canberra, though Bungendore (which can be a pleasant place to stop and look around) is very pleasant. There used to be a woodwork place in town. Kind of touristy, but some excellent work when I was in there last. Braidwood has a reasonable baker in the middle of town and the town itself may also be worth a stop.
From Braidwood the road begins to move into the hills, twisting and turning, and the drive upward is gentle. There’s been a lot of work done to the road. It was good when I used it but there has been a lot of straightening of bends which might suit you. That could be regarded as an improvement. Personally, I liked the twists and turns. It’s not dangerous. Trucks negotiate the road without trouble. A car and caravan will find it a breeze.
On the downward track to Batemans, there are a few steep sections. Signs saying trucks should be in low gear, sort of thing. But none of it is scary in the least. You just get to enjoy the view. The bushfire went through some of that area and the scarring probably still remains. Before the bushfire, it was a beautiful drive. I hope some of it remains. Actually, as you drive east you'll be able to observe the landscape changing from dry and arid SA to the lush green fields of coastal NSW. You won't want to go back.
PS. Just saw your interest in woodcarving. Then, if you have time, find a park and check out the shop in Bungendore.
Thanks for the info, ErrolFlynn. I originally came from the Riverland and still have family there, so I'm all over the Fruit Fly regulations. There's no way I'd bring fruit back, even before the current blitz.
Great to hear your description of the road. The Adelaide Hills are easy so, if the road is no worse, I should have no problems.
We are staying in the area for a couple of weeks, first at Batemans, so should have plenty of opportunity to look around. Then we might head up the coast a bit. I've never been south of Sydney. (Only been to Sydney twice)
Bungendore sounds a "must do" for me.
Thanks again.