DAY 3: Petford to Mount Garnet

Distance: 60kms (approximately 6 hours)
map of trail from Petford to Mount Garnet
PETFORD TO MOUNT GARNET
Lappa siding and museum
Historical railway culvert
cyclist crossing California Creek
Crossing California Creek
Mount Garnet Travellers Park signage
Mount Garnet Travellers Park

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Description

This is a fabulous day on an old railway line that serviced several tin mines along the route. Follow the Bourke Development Road along the bitumen towards Chillagoe for about 5kms. It is seriously uphill.  At Lappa Junction turn left and follow the Lappa Rail Trail to Mount Garnet Road. There is no rail line remaining and it is in fact quite a good road.

This road follows the old disused railway line to Mount Garnet. The significant feature along this section is California Creek which can be impassable after heavy rain. From April to November it is usually ankle deep. You cross it 26kms after the Lappa Junction. At the top of this hill you will see a road to the right that says “Mount Cardwell Station”. Stay on the obvious main road. This is a good road but quite sandy in places. It is 14kms to your home for the night at Travellers Park Caravan Park.

Accommodation in Mount Garnet
  • Mount Garnet Travellers Park (our preferred stop). It has an excellent camp kitchen for campers.
  • Mount Garnet Roadhouse (T: 07 40 979 249) is at the western entrance to the township and has motel units but they’re often booked out by roadcrews.
Food
  • Rumours and Whispers Café is owned by Val Wells, who is also the local organiser of the Mount Garnet Progress Association. These ladies will organise a bbq dinner on request (M: 0428 397 790; E: iamfrank14@gmail.com)
  • Truck stop. On Thursday to Monday nights a food van supplies cheap and cheerful meals to tired truckers and exhausted cyclists. They usually open 5-7pm.
  • Mount Garnet Roadhouse (T: 07 40 979 249). Offers very basic grocery items and simple sit-down and take-away meals.
  • The Hidden Gem Café run by Peter and Deena is indeed a gem. It is situated right next to the “Travellers Park” accommodation. Good coffee, breakfast as well as a great take away lunch. Open 8am to 3pm (very flexible).           
  • The Half-Way Shop is in the main street and can supply a good variety of grocery items. See Danella.
Special Notes

You need food and water for the day. There is no alcohol available in Petford or Mount Garnet.

Alcohol is available at the Mount Garnet Golf Club (T: 07 40 979 179) on Wednesdays and Saturday nights. The Club is approximately 5kms west of Mount Garnet.

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