Nundle is a great destination for motorcyclists and can be reached from the Central Coast of NSW in a few hours directly or a over a great day using great roads. There are many roads that lead to Nundle and many options both on and off road. Over the years I have ridden most options. With this one I stick to sealed roads and make it a round trip not backtracking on any roads. It is not a direct route but more a full day ride.
Leave the Central Coast and head west towards Wollombi taking in Wisemans Ferry Road and George Downes Drive. An exciting 45 to 50 minutes that takes you through forest and farming areas, the road condition is fair but there are some tricky corners especially around Buckety and the aptly named Lemmings Corner.
Wollombi, most famous for it’s tavern and the infamous Dr Jurds Jungle juice (Hot tip, buy a take away bottle no time for drinking till Nundle), is a quick stop if you need it with public toilets just west of the Tavern.
After Wollombi head toward Broke, another exciting piece of road with a mix of tight blind corners and big open fast sweepers. The scenery is scattered with vineyards and olive groves and the odd cow or two. After Broke look for a turn off to the left Charlton Rd that takes you toward the mighty Putty Rd. Turn right on the Putty and then a quick left only metres up the road, that’s the end of the Putty today. Wallaby Scrub Rd will take you toward the Golden Highway and then onto Denman.
Next head through Denman and do some highway time on the Golden Highway to Merriwa. This is a highway so watch out for Police. Merriwa is a great stop for food, coffee and fuel. It is a lovely little country town with a few cafes and a couple of pubs.
Continue on the Golden Highway for another 50km and then take the first turn on the right to Coolah. A great Bakery, The Coolah Bakery is open 7 days with pies, cakes and coffee if you need a break. It is a good idea to top up fuel where you can especially on weekends just in case.
From Coolah head toward Premer on the coolly named Black Stump Way. Take a right about 50km along this road toward Premer. There are some big straights through this section of road through cattle farms and not much traffic at all. Pass through Spring Ridge on the Coonabarabran Rd. The road on this section is in very good condition and it is tempting to exceed the speed limit. Fuel can be an issue and remember I said fill up when you can. I didn’t and on this section came very close to running the old girl dry. Coolah to Caroona is about 110 km in distance and lucky for me, Caroona does have a General store with BP Fuel. Phew breathe out. Only a little further along and you hit the big smoke, Quirindi. You can turn here and visit the town but on this ride we continue onto Wallabedah Road and the New England Highway. Turn left on the highway and head toward Tamworth.
Ride along the New England Highway for a short 6km and take the turn off to Nundle on the the right. Follow this turnoff and the signs for about 30 km and you will arrive at the wonderful town of Nundle. Another quiet road that is in fair condition but is quite narrow. Careful on the bends as you may meet a local in a Landcruiser or a mob of sheep or stray cattle. Be particularly careful if it is getting towards dusk there are a lot of kangaroos around and you don’t want to meet one of them in the dark.
Nundle has a great pub, The Peel Inn. Kat and myself love it and stay there a few times a year. Great atmosphere with warm welcoming locals. The Pub has some odd looking animal heads on the walls as well as old tools and such. There are a few options with rooms. Shared bathroom rooms and a few with ensuites. The rooms are well optioned and comfortable. The pub is a great country Pub that is well loved by it’s family owners and the restaurant is sensational. There is a large outdoor area with vines on trellises and is delightful in summer. Nundle can be cold in winter so of course there are big open fires to keep patrons toasty warm downstairs. All accommodation includes a full cooked breakfast in the morning. Yep, included and cooked to order. Undercover parking is available out the back on a first come basis.
There is also a motel across the road if you would rather and a well equipped mini supermarket and general store with fuel nearby. So now you have arrived, where next? Join me back here in a few days to follow me home.
Backroad Odyssey 