new england high country

AN MRT logo ADVENTURE

new england high country map image new england high country map image
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Distance: 212 km
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Time to drive: 3 days

This trip can easily be done over 3 days, but once you’re in the area, you may not want to leave!

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Terrain: Moderate

Combination of sealed roads and easy unsealed roads.

mrt x-series chassis mount canopy camping in the woods mrt x-series chassis mount canopy crossing the river

First up – what better way to start this epic journey than a visit to Ebor Falls! The Guy Fawkes River plunges over 100 metres over two sheer drops and it’s well worth a visit! Accessible to all vehicles via a sealed bitumen road, there are three viewing platforms to observe the falls.

After a coffee and taking in the fresh air at the falls, we hit the road to head to Cod Hole Campground, situated in the Nymboi-Binderay National Park. The drive to the camp was very scenic, along an unsealed road with lush green valleys and dense forests. It’s an easy drive filled with stunning views of the rivers and surrounding National Park.

When we arrived at the campground, we were greeted by the roaring, fast-flowing Nymboida River and the isolation that makes this place so special. It’s the perfect remote riverside campsite, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and, of course, a peaceful night under the stars. We set up camp and relaxed by the campfire after a day on the tracks.

This is one of those campsites that have to be seen to be believed – you’re camped up no more than 15 metres from the river’s edge, and we reckon it’s one of the most peaceful spots we’ve ever visited!

We had a slow morning by the river, wishing that we’d booked a second night in this incredible spot! We had no phone reception here, so it was easy to switch off and relax. After cooking up some bacon and eggs for breakfast and slowly packing up, we set our sights on our next destination – Old Dalmorton Town and the Dalmorton Tunnel! We decided to make the 118 km trek up along the eastern edge of Guy Fawkes River National Park, through lush forests and tall trees – again, an easy unsealed road.

Located on the Old Glen Innes Road (a very pot-hole-filled little road this one!), we made our way over to the old Convict Tunnel, also known as Dalmorton Tunnel. A short tunnel measuring about 3.3m high by 15m long, the legend goes that convicts carved the tunnel by hand. Others will tell you it was civilian labourers who were paid very little – but either way, it’s a very impressive feat for something constructed in the late 1800s!

From here, we continued a few kilometres down the road to Old Dalmorton Town. The town is an abandoned gold mining area steeped in history – once a bustling settlement of around 5,000 people during the gold rush era of the late 1800s, but today it’s a quiet reminder of the fortunes that rose and fell in the Australian bush. You can still wander through the old butcher shop, complete with meat hooks on the ceiling, along with various other structures. This is well worth a stop, and really takes you back in time!

After exploring the town and taking a few pics, we made the short drive over the bridge that crosses the Boyd River to Dalmorton Campground. At the end of an action-packed day of 4WDing and exploring, this is a great campground to relax at, complete with access to the Boyd River. Surrounded by mountains and lush bushland, this camp offers large open areas in allocated sites and plenty of space for your setup.

We were pleasantly surprised by what the New England High Country had to offer, complete with clear freshwater streams and rivers, fishing, off-roading and incredible camping. Having come from the Victorian High Country recently (which we absolutely LOVE), we’re glad we found this area as it’s a more accessible option when we are back home in Brisbane (5 hours south). We can’t wait to go back someday!

mrt ute canopy with jerry can holder, spare wheel carrier, and ute canopy ladder to access the tent on top

RECOMMENDED GEAR

MRT logo

X-Series Chassis mount canopy

Read our full build here

Storage Solutions

  • MRT Jerry Can Holder for extra fuel or water
  • MRT Pantry
  • MRT Slide-out Under Tray Drawer as kitchen unit with a storage system for food 
  • 130L Bushman Fridge 
  • Slide-out drawers for easy access to tools and camping equipment 
  • Designated spaces for recovery gear and spare parts (our MRT Canopy Toolboxes are great for this)

Recovery Gear

  • Winch and Recovery Points 
  • Snatch Straps and Shackles 
  • Recovery Boards (e.g. Maxtrax)
  • Hi Lift Jack
  • Shovel

Vehicle Protection

  • Bullbar
  • Underbody Protection (bash plates) 
  • Snorkel 
  • Gearbox and Diff Breathers (recommended)

Navigation and Communication

  • UHF Radio (in-vehicle and handheld)
  • Satellite Phone or Personal Locator Beacon (for emergencies) 
  • GPS and Topographical Maps

Camping Gear

  • Swags / Tents
  • Portable Gas Stove
  • Camp Chairs and Table

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

  • Tyre Repair Kit 
  • Automotive Tool Kit 
  • Cable Ties / Wire 
  • Spare Tyre, Hoses, Belts, Oil, and Coolant 
  • Air Compressor and Tyre Deflator

WANT TO KNOW MORE? CONTACT US TODAY

Our friendly and experienced team of professionals are ready and waiting to answer any further questions you have in regard to MRT products and services. Call us on 1300 650 090 today. We encourage all to visit one of our Brisbane, Sydney or Perth showrooms and check out our latest products and team updates on Facebook and Instagram.

BRISBANE & GOLD COAST STORE

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14 Dixon Street, Yatala
QLD, 4207, Australia
Phone: 07 34622300

PERTH STORE

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29 Discovery Dr, Bibra Lake
WA, 6163, Australia
Phone: 08 61462543

SYDNEY STORE

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6/463 Victoria St, Wetherill Park
NSW, 2164, Australia
Phone: 02 81035306

MELBOURNE STORE

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150 Hume Highway, Somerton
VIC, 3062, Australia
Phone: 03 9961 3882

Visit MRT's showrooms in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth. See the latest products and keep up with team updates on Facebook and Instagram. The knowledgeable and friendly team is on standby to address any questions through email, instant chat, or phone call.

1300 650 090
[email protected]