54km from Gulgong · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hargraves, NSWIn the early 1970’s Mr James, the owner of 'Biara', subdivided three 25 acre blocks across the road from the original homestead. The first block was sold to his nephew, the middle block was to be purchased by the Preston family and ‘The Gateway’ was purchased by a Mr Carveth.
Unfortunately, the sale of the middle block fell through then, due to family illness, 'Biara' was sold and the family moved to Blackheath. After this move, and as thank you to his son, Mr James transferred the title of the middle of the three subdivided blocks to his only son, William.
Back in the late 1960’s, early 1970’s, the area was vastly different than it is today. Travelling to school entailed a car trip to Hargraves then bus to Mudgee which would have been a 2 hour round trip! The area was far more isolated as there was no power and entailed an overland phone line, which had to be regularly repaired if residents wanted to be able to communicate with the outside world.
The site allows mainly for camping and relaxing although there are numerous dirt roads to explore, Mudgee wineries close by and Burrendong Dam not far away (accessible via Hill End Road near Erudgere). Hargraves is also known for it's alluvial gold deposits and fossickers still go there regularly to check out Louisa Creek.
There is 15km's of dirt road which needs to be traveled to reach the property. Dependent on weather, and if it has been graded recently, this road can be in varying states of repair. In heavy rain it may be difficult to get 2WD access via the public road due to the clay content in the road .
Kangaroo, wallaby, owl species, kookaburra, echidna, snakes, various lizards, including shinglebacks, are often seen on these roads and the property.
