For this June Queens Birthday long weekend we are heading just 1.5 hours north-west of Sydney to Cattai National Park. You can easily make this a day trip.
Day 1 : Arriving at Cattai National Park.
Time for me to set up our camper, while the kids explore the camp ground. As soon as you arrive you can hear the bell birds.
Done.
Time to relax.
There are quite a few firepits but we arrived near lunchtime and all the firepits were taken. So we improvised with our BBQ for the night. Lets cook some marshmallow kids!
Day 2 : We are off to Wisemans Ferry to do some Manadarin picking. Wisemans Ferry is about 45 minutes drive from Cattai National Park.
We've made it to the mandarin picking farm. There are a few in Wisemans Ferry. Along the way Thomas ate a bag of Peanut M&Ms and christened my new car. I'll need to add sick bags to my list of items to bring camping next time.
It's $10 per bucket (rim high), but most people seem to eat a few while picking as well.
Back at Wisemans Ferry we are searching for somewhere to eat. It certainly is a popular place on weekends and there is a long wait to order and get served, at all the pubs, clubs and cafes.
Back at the campground many boats will go up and down the Hawkesbury river.
There are plenty of places and hideaways for the kids to play in.
During the day you can see Kangaroos grazing around the park. This time of the year some of the mothers have their joeys in their pouch.
Some campers have left so we have confiscated a firepit.
It's a chilly night and friends come to join in the camping experience and to keep warm.
Day 3 : Morning walk around the park and it's another sunny day with the rays shining through.
For me its a last chance to ride and around the park.
Tips
- Arrive as early as possible to get a firepit.
- Bring your own firewood is recommended. There is some firewood provided which you can help yourself but is quick burning wood. Mostly used for kindling.
- Don't give your son a packet of peanut M&Ms before a car ride.
Costs
Accomodation : $20 per tent/camper per night (adults are included in this price), $5 per child per night.
Cattai National Park entry fee : $7 per vehicle per day
Mandarain picking : $10 per bucket or about $6 per kilo.