DAY 1
We will be leaving Dreamworld on the Gold Coast and
peddling the 72 kms into the lovely town of Beaudesert. Built off the back of
the wool industry, Beaudesert's history is as golden as its landscape.
Beaudesert also has a rich rail story, serving the meat packing industry with a
line which ran all the way to the outskirts of Brisbane. While the trains no
longer run here, this region stays on track and trend with quality country
restaurants serving lashings of homegrown hospitality, colourful country markets
and handsome heritage buildings. A great spot to spend our first night on the
ride.
DAY 2
We will arrive in the rural village of Woodenbong. It is
10 km south of the Queensland border. Woodenbong has a population of 420.
The name is derived from a Githabul Tribal Nation word
meaning wood ducks on water. Dairy farming and cattle grazing are the two main
industries. It is a very picturesque town nestled among mountains and valleys.
A number of National Parks are close to Woodenbong, some of which are declared
World Heritage areas.
Reputed to be the home of the Yowie, although sightings
of these shy and gentle creatures are rare, numerous have been reported over
many years.
DAY 3
Day 3 of our Ride sees us arrive in Casino, a thriving
rural centre in the heart of rich agricultural country near Lismore with a
population of 9,629 people. Set in lush pastures on the banks of the Richmond
River in the heart of the Richmond Valley, the town is surrounded by beautiful
rainforest national parks including Border Ranges and Richmond Range. The first
timber cutters settled in the area in the 1850s, and were followed by graziers,
but growth was initially slow. Casino developed as a service centre for the
surrounding grazing country, and the town has become known as "The Beef
Capital".
DAY 4
On DAY 4 of our Ride we will end up in beautiful
Tenterfield. Tenterfield is one of the country’s most significant historical
areas. Known as the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’ - Sir Henry Parkes delivered his
famous Federation Speech in the Tenterfield School of Arts in 1889, which
ultimately led to the Federation of all Australian States. The main industries
in the Tenterfield district are beef cattle breeding and superfine wool
production through the breeding of Merino sheep.The entertainer Peter Allen,
was born in and spent much of his childhood in Tenterfield, where he lived with
his grandfather George Woolnough, a saddler,and the subject of Allen's song
"Tenterfield Saddler". The saddlery still stands today
DAY 5
DAY 5 of the Ride sees us land in beautiful Glen Innes -
a familiar place for participants from previous rides. With a population of
9000 Glen Innes - Celtic Country - is at the intersection of the New England
and Gwydir Highways. The Ngarabal name Glen Innes is Gindaaydjin, meaning
"plenty of big round stones on clear plains". Many Ngarabal people
continue to live in the Glen Innes area, still practicing many aspects of their
traditional culture and way of life. Until recent years, the district produced
more than half of the world’s supply of sapphires, including the famous
Reddestone blues. Fossicking for sapphires and other minerals remains a popular
pastime for locals and thousands of visitors alike. It is a rich fattening and
breeding area for fine wool, prime lambs and cattle.
DAY 6
DAY 6 on the Virgin Australia 1000 K’s 4 Kids will see us
pedal our way into beautiful BINGARA. Aboriginal for ‘shallow river crossing’,
Bingara is nestled on the Gwydir River in the New England area of northwest New
South Wales. Bingara is at the heart of the Fossickers Way, a picturesque route
that offers a quiet alternative to the New England or Newell Highways.
The Bingara District is a fossicker’s paradise. Whichever
road you take out of town you will find a spot to ssick for gold, gems and crystals.
Maybe we will all find our fortunes !
Bingara is home to some of Australia's most highly regarded beef cattle studs
and a diverse range of livestock breeders including sheep, horses, alpacas,
pigs and poultry.
In September when we are there we can expect mild sunny days, cool nights and
an average daily temperature of 25°.
Also our night in Bingara is Karaoke Night, so look out residents of Bingara, you are in for a treat !fossick for gold, gems and crystals. Maybe we will all find our fortunes !
Also our night in Bingara is Karaoke Night, so look out residents of Bingara, you are in for a treat !fossick for gold, gems and crystals. Maybe we will all find our fortunes !
DAY 7
DAY 7 on the Virgin Australia 1,000 K's 4 Kids will see
us all roll into the lovely township of MANILLA. Famous for its setting as a
fishing and paragliding area, Manilla has a population of just over 2,000
people. The name Manilla comes from the Gamilaraay language, and is said to
mean 'winding river'. Manilla is home to Fiona Coote who at the age of 14
became Australia's second and also its youngest heart transplant recipient. In
Manilla we will all be spending the night at the Imperial Hotel.
DAY 8
DAY 8 on the Virgin Australia 1,000 K's 4 Kids will see
us all arrive into QUIRINDI,famous for its vast fields of sunflowers that erupt
in a blaze of color from December to March. In the heart of the Liverpool
Ranges, this region is regarded as the richest agricultural area in Country
NSW, supporting everything including olive plantations. Whilst in Quirindi we
will all be staying over at the Terminus Hotel.
DAY 9
On DAY 9 of the Virgin Australia 1,000 K's 4 Kids we will
all roll into MUSWELLBROOK knowing we are almost home! This night is Family
Night and lots of our families will take the drive to Muswellbrook to catch up
with these amazing participants. We will all be staying over at the Railway
Hotel and the next morning we will be on our last day of riding before arriving
home to Newcastle.
