The Bridle Track https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t126179 Runboard| The Bridle Track en-us Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:46:12 +0000 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:46:12 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014454,from=rss#post2014454https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014454,from=rss#post2014454Thanks for the info Dave and I'll try to remember this bit as well. But, I think now instead of staying there I'll be doing just 1 day trip.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Scorpion King)Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:44:07 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014374,from=rss#post2014374https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014374,from=rss#post2014374quote:Scorpion King wrote: I would love to have them Dave! Appreciate your help! Hi Harish, An update for you on the route I sent you into Newnes via the Blackfellows Hand Track. I did it today and it has deteriorated slightly since earlier in the year. I would say it's still rated a 2, with some 3 sections. Just take it slowly and you won't have a problem. There are some very deep mud puddles on the track and if we get any rain before you head up there...stop and check the depth before you drive in. The Wolgan River crossing to the Newnes ruins is fine and the previously steep bank is much less steep. The river bed is very sandy and one approach is deep sand, but nothing the Exy couldn't handle...even at highway tyre pressures. It is beautiful up there...you guys are going to have a ball. Enjoy nondisclosed_email@example.com (Zipidee)Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:54:45 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014345,from=rss#post2014345https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014345,from=rss#post2014345quote:Jalal asked: Hi Brett, What grade you would give this track for the xtrail? In all honesty, this is a 2wd track, but only designated as being 4wd due to a couple of steep hills and the ruts along the way. If you look at photos of the Hill End Pub on the web, you will often see 2wd vehicles parked out front. Due to most of the tracks consisting of red soil, any amount of rain can cause them to become really slippery. If it is raining, best to call the Pub for road conditions. A couple of tips for anyone travelling on this track: 1. Very important to lower tyre pressures. There are some little deep holes that could damage your rims if you hit them hard enough with full tyre pressures. Look at about 28psi back and front. 2. Keep your speed down, especially when rounding the tight bends. Signs say to sound your horn upon approach and most travellers do. 3. Don't drive to close to the cliff edge. If you suffer from vertigo, it is best to give this track a miss. You are often looking down 200-300m sheer cliffs and the track is barely 1.5 car widths wide in some places. Not for the faint-hearted. 4. Headlights must be on to make yourself more visible to on-coming cars. 5. If you have a UHF, turn it on and scan. Most guys up here using UHF 18, but if there is a tour in the area, they will have their own channel. 6. There are plenty of lookouts, which are a good chance to take in the view and let your engine and brakes cool down. 7. Most important of all, enjoy it. Without wishing to spoil this trip, I have found a few pics. nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:51:05 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014325,from=rss#post2014325https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014325,from=rss#post2014325Hi Harish You are right about the tent. I am sure you will enjoy sleeping in the camper a lot more comfortable. We were lucky the weekend we went as there was only one other group at the camp site that we stayed at. We just sat around the open camp fire under the stars and it was magic. On the way through Bathurst we stopped in at the Car Museum at Mount Panorama. Regards John nondisclosed_email@example.com (johno11)Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:56:53 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014320,from=rss#post2014320https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014320,from=rss#post2014320quote:BRETT72 wrote: Just a couple of questions: What size CT are you towing. Are you using the standard towball or a treg hitch. The treg hitch will give better movement and won't come off (which can occur with a standard towball in the rough stuf) Have you upgraded your brake package. Do you have electric brakes. What tyres are you running.   Thanks Brett. Got your pm. I had a look on google maps on the area - good view from the air can't wait to see it on the ground. As far as the CT goes. Im still using a 50mm ball with no brakes fitted. Fully loaded it weighs around 580kg. Just got a new stone guard fitted too. The CT is an Offroad model with 15" rims and brand new tyres. By the way, just fitted some new Yokohama Geolander A/T-S on the Exy. Great tread pattern and a very quiet ride. Should be good in the dirt! I recently got a price for a brake kit (mechanical) around $400 and I have to fit myself - not a problem but too expensive at the moment. Most of the tracks we go on with the CT are good dirt roads and I can always set up camp then do some exploring without the CT. Here is a couple of pics prior to fitting the stone guard. nondisclosed_email@example.com (southeast)Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:31:44 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014318,from=rss#post2014318https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014318,from=rss#post2014318quote:Zipidee wrote:Let me know if you want the trip notes and I can PM them to you in an email. I would love to have them Dave! Appreciate your help! nondisclosed_email@example.com (Scorpion King)Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:32:05 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014305,from=rss#post2014305https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014305,from=rss#post2014305quote: Scorpion King wrote: I'm already staying at Newnes hotel during that weekend Hi Harish, Are you planning to head up to Newnes via the route the forum took earlier this year? I can thoroughly recommend this trek and have trip notes if you would like them. I would rate this a Category 2....you need 4WD, but the Exy covers it easily. (I'm actually taking my folks up there on Saturday to show them the Lost City and the Aboriginal rock art). Let me know if you want the trip notes and I can PM them to you in an email. nondisclosed_email@example.com (Zipidee)Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:47:37 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014302,from=rss#post2014302https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014302,from=rss#post2014302Hi Brett, reason asking for 1 day trip was because I'm already staying at Newnes hotel during that weekend and was wondering if after exploring Newnes for 1 or 2 days if I can drive back via Bridle track. But, sounds like Bridle track will be another full weekend and I can see many accommodations available on that track too (not a camping person yet ) Jalal, after reading so many reviews on this track I reckon this will be graded as 1 'coz if driven carefully this track is doable in 2wd vehicles as well.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Scorpion King)Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:12:00 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014260,from=rss#post2014260https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014260,from=rss#post2014260Hi Brett, What grade you would give this track for the xtrail?nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:48:44 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014259,from=rss#post2014259https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014259,from=rss#post2014259Harish,  Can you do this track in a day ? All depends where you start from.  The actual Bridle Track only takes about 2 hours from Bathurst to Hill End, but there are plenty of stops along the way.  A good weekend could be to drive to Bathurst Friday afternoon, the drive along the Bridle Track to Hill End and explore the area on Saturday, before continuing along the dirt to Orange for a stay on Saturday night. Then it is a simple 3 hour drive home on Sunday.nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:29:55 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014256,from=rss#post2014256https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014256,from=rss#post2014256Hi Brett, Thanks for the useful information as I'm planning to go that way probably in 4th week of August. Just a quick question though; is this track something you can do in a day? nondisclosed_email@example.com (Scorpion King)Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:31:03 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014242,from=rss#post2014242https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014242,from=rss#post2014242Hey Greg,  I have replied to your pm, but I thought I would also add the info here for others.  Yes, there are warning signs stating not to take a CT along the Bridle Track, but almost every time I have been there, I have met one along the track. It just comes down to common sense and patience. If you meet someone on one of the bends, sound your horn and wait a little. It will extremely hard to reverse on some sections, so again patience both for yourself and to the guys coming the other way.  There are some excellent camping areas, some with drop toilets and free firewood.  The Hill End pub is not to be missed and has the best counter meals out back of the Pub.  Also, don't miss the chance to drive down to the Macquarie River (track leads to Orange), as this part of the river is by far the best. There are spots you could camp down there, but it does mean you will have to cross the river. Although it is low at present, the track down is pretty steep. Just a couple of questions: What size CT are you towing. Are you using the standard towball or a treg hitch. The treg hitch will give better movement and won't come off (which can occur with a standard towball in the rough stuf) Have you upgraded your brake package. Do you have electric brakes. What tyres are you running.  Anyway, you will have an excellent trip. It WILL be cold, so rug up. At present we are getting below zero each night, with tops below 10. Up Hill End way it does not really heat up due to the high ranges. Get some maps, Hill End / Bathurst / Sofala.  Have a great trip. If I can be of any more help, send me a pm.nondisclosed_email@example.com (BRETT72)Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:39:10 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014239,from=rss#post2014239https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014239,from=rss#post2014239Thanks Johno. The tent maybe a good idea but as we are going to spend a few nights there I would prefer the luxury of my camper bed. Your pics are good. It looks like the campsite you stayed at was nearly empty.nondisclosed_email@example.com (southeast)Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:37:28 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014223,from=rss#post2014223https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014223,from=rss#post2014223We spent the weekend at Hill End in March 2008 and we loved it but I was glad that I left the camper at home and stayed in tents as we met a couple of cars at the top and there is no room to reverse if you met at the wrong place. Check out my web page if you like at http://jac497.tripod.com/ nondisclosed_email@example.com (johno11)Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:49:21 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014196,from=rss#post2014196https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014196,from=rss#post2014196Thanks guys. We had planned to go from Hill End to Bathurst but it maybe better to go from Bathurst as you say Matt. Just wondering if I will have any trouble when I get to the Bluff towing the CT?? I will also send Brett72 a PM to see what he recommends. The dates will be 9/8, 10/8, 11/8 and return on 12/8. We will probably leave early Sat morning - If anyone is interested in tagging along or joining us for the weekend.nondisclosed_email@example.com (southeast)Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:36:26 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014090,from=rss#post2014090https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014090,from=rss#post2014090sounds like it hasn't changed much in all those years, except for the long drop toilets and extra tentsnondisclosed_email@example.com (trailx)Sat, 12 Jul 2008 21:21:55 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014089,from=rss#post2014089https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014089,from=rss#post2014089Hey guy's, i just live down the road from the ''Bridle Track" in the little suburb of Egliton. We take the kids out there all the time for picnic's it's a great little track , it gets busy on long weekends and school holidays it looks like tent city at times as there's heaps of perpose built camping spots most sites with long drop toilets . You can take camper trailers as far as ''The Bluff'' ,it's one lane (just) with a couple of passing points if ur lucky to time your passing right. Its great fun for the kids and runs along the Maquarie river so in summer there's plenty of spots to pull up and have a dip. During winter it does get pretty cold but the fun in the mud makes up for it. Best to do the trip starting at Bathurst - Hillend and back. Hillend has a great little pub the foods tops, no mobile service ,oh and theres no fuel in Hillend either so fill up at Bathurst first . Well hope thats helped ill tag along if anyone's doing a trip.  All the best, Matt nondisclosed_email@example.com (mjmoo75)Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:57:35 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013976,from=rss#post2013976https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013976,from=rss#post2013976It is a great area out there, we head out to hill end for some camping whenever we get the chance. And yes, its very cold!!! send a pm to Brett72, he knows the area very well.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Y WAIT)Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:18:58 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013968,from=rss#post2013968https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013968,from=rss#post2013968Greg, Clare & I did it back in 2004. It was the first 4WD trip we did in our X-Trail a couple of months after we bought it. It's a very easy track, and a good one for beginners. Because it was so long ago, I don't think I did a trip report on it (although I do remember it was also where we got our first flat tyre!). You might want to do a forum search "bridle track" and quite a few threads come up in the search results. Slight off-topic, but after reading one of the threads in the search results, I've now found out which magazine issues had the mud-terrain and all-terrain tyre reviews I've been trying to find! nondisclosed_email@example.com (basshead)Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:37:25 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013957,from=rss#post2013957https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013957,from=rss#post2013957Errr, I did the Bridle Track on my brand new BMW motorbike exactly 24years and 1week ago last weekend. Very cold. At that time a lot of the track was pretty good, typical country dirt road, but there was a section with just two tyre tracks and a few blind corners - I'm wondering if it's changed much in all that time. There were good camping and picnic spots down by the river. The river was good for swimming too. (Hill End end.) Love to see some pics if you do it. nondisclosed_email@example.com (trailx)Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:45:54 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013943,from=rss#post2013943https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013943,from=rss#post2013943Thanks Jalal. I wondered what happened to the first post - No worries.nondisclosed_email@example.com (southeast)Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:35:01 +0000 Re: The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013941,from=rss#post2013941https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013941,from=rss#post2013941Greg, I have moved your post to the events section of the forum, as this is a better location than the "general section" and the most suitable one to use. I have also deleted your duplicate post in the Trip Reports.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:59:31 +0000 The Bridle Trackhttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013939,from=rss#post2013939https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2013939,from=rss#post2013939Has anyone done this trip from Hill End to Bathurst along the Bridle Track. Just been doing some research on the web and it looks like a good trip. I am planning to go during the week to avoid "rush hour" and take the camper trailer and dogs for a few days possibly in August. Anyone got a canoe I can borrow? I have heard that it is advised NOT to take a trailer but a few people have done it with no problems. Probably would not take it on the weekend due to traffic on the narrow sections. Planned route from Lithgow, Capertee, Sofala, Sallys Flat, Hill End, Camp at Turon Crossing Reserve, Bruinbun, Duranmana and Bathurst then back home. If anyone is interested to join in or you have any advice - I would love to hear.nondisclosed_email@example.com (southeast)Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:19:58 +0000