Most western Sydney based 4WDers worth their salt would be well acquainted with the Lithgow area.
It’s certainly one of the closest spots to the inland side of town to get the wheels dirty, and the huge selection of 4WD tracks to choose from keeps most punters coming back over and again.
But conquering a slew of new tracks is only half of the battle when it comes to lining your dream offroad weekend. Setting up the ideal base camp within range of the action is the other side of the coin.
For our money, Lake Lyell, on the outskirts of the historic town of Rydal, is perhaps the best spot to roll out your swag in this part of the world. Campsites are littered across the lake’s peaceful foreshore, plus it’s stocked full of hungry brown and rainbow trout.
You don’t have to travel far from camp before jamming the rig into low range, plus you can make it here in a couple of hours if you beeline it from the Sydney CBD. That’s a yes from us.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: If you’re running a big set of muddies, a big lift kit and back your own driving skills big time, you’re in luck.
The greatest offroad challenge ‘round these parts is the Unimog Hill Track, right up the side of Mount Walker. Supposedly a location that military spec ‘Mogs have been put through their paces during ADF training sessions.
FISHING: Trout, browns and rainbows, are the favoured quarry out here. You’ll find them in good numbers right through Lake Lyell, as well as in the nearby Coxs River. Solid fish are regularly taken on both lure and fly, while junior fishos can hone their skills using fresh worm baits.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: Lake Lyell is 160km west of Sydney. Access is via the Great Western Highway and takes around two hours from Sydney’s CBD.
CAMPING: The Lake Lyell Recreation Park Campground is suitable for camper trailers and caravans and offers powered sites. Picnic tables, toilets and hot showers are provided. Unpowered sites are available for $20 per night while powered sites cost $25 per night.
FUEL is available in Lithgow.
MORE INFO is available at www.lakelyellrecreationpark.com.au
