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NSW Camping in Turon Gates

NSW Camping – Team LSR’s Top 5 Spots

by amber

NSW CAMPING - TEAM LSR'S TOP 5 SPOTS

If you’re looking for your next Australian camping adventure, you’ve come to the right place. At Leven Smash Repairs, we’re all about 4WDs, camping and exploring our own backyard. (Especially when international and state borders are shut!)  

With over 870 National Parks that offer both beach and bush experiences, New South Wales has a huge range of versatile camp spots. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a rock face to climb, a peninsula to hike or a star filled sky to drift away under, there’s truly something for everyone.

In this guide, we’re sharing:

  • Our top 5 camping spots in NSW
  • The best place to get your 4WD ready in Mudgee 

Scroll down to learn more!

OUR TOP 5 CAMPING SPOTS IN NSW

#1 Turon Gates, NSW

Located forty minutes south of Mudgee, Turon Gates offers campers 6000 acres to explore as well as numerous activities such as mountain biking, horse riding, bird watching, swimming and bush walking. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to go down the Turon River.

While you can book a camp site, they also offer glamping as well as self-contained cottages.  

Click here to learn more about Turon Gates camping.  

Credit Images: Turon Gates Website

#2 Trial Bay Goal Campground, Arakoon National Park.  

Arakoon National Park is one of the many draw cards of South West Rocks and 100% needs to be on your camping bucket list! Famous for the Trial Bay Gaol Campground, this spot puts you right next to the beach for a weekend of swimming, fishing, relaxing and fun. Rich with history, you’ll love getting to explore the ruins of the gaol. Also, don’t forget to pack your binoculars as there is an incredible whale migration every winter and spring. 

Looking for 4WD beach access? Head over to the Smoky Cape Campground! 

Credit Images: National Park Website

#3 Seal Rocks

Located three hours north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is one of New South Wales’ most iconic camping spots. With three crystal blue watered beaches you can visit within 2 minutes of one another, it doesn’t matter where the wind is coming from you will feel as though you are in the Maldives. There are quite a few campgrounds to choose from, the best being the Reflections Park located on the right as you arrive down the hill into Seal Rocks. As for exploring, you will not be bored. Sugarloaf beach is an easy-to-get-to 4WD beach and it’s the perfect excuse to pack an Eesky and spend the day there with friends or family. In summer, you will more than likely see dolphins bobbing through the waves daily at Sugarloaf Beach, or in the winter you may very well see a seal or two perched on the rocks. There is a little corner store there, with larger shopping amenities within about a 30-minute drive to Forster. This is one place to unwind with minimal phone reception.  

Click here to learn more about Reflections Park, Seal Rocks. 

Credit Images: Visit NSW Website

#4 Central West 4WD Park, Avisford.

Central West 4WD park is a family-owned park dedicated to 4WD enthusiasts. Located just a small drive from both Mudgee or Dubbo, the park is also close to another local town treasure, Hill End. It offers terrain for all types of 4WDs. From basic driveaway packages to the best of the best fitted out vehicles. With the park being so close to Hill End, there are a multitude of things to do, like a day trip to check out the old gold mining town, as well as having lunch at the local pub. You may not be able to hear waves crashing, but it could be the perfect place to switch off from reality for a few days.  

Click here to learn more about Central West 4WD Park. 

Credit Images: Central West 4WD Website and Camping with Kids Website

#5 Camp Blackman, Warrumbungle National Park. 

Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran in NSW is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect spot for stargazing, amateur astronomy and camping under the starriest of skies. What better way to camp than to look out on to the blackest of skies and see nothing but stars. Camp Blackman is nice and close to the National Park walks as well, making this perfect for families. For something to do, why not visit the world-class astronomy research facility at nearby Siding Spring Observatory?  

Click here to learn more about Camp Blackman. 

Credit Images: National Park Website

WHERE TO GET YOUR 4WD READY IN MUDGEE

If you’re hoping to get off the beaten path, you’re going to need a 4WD. In Mudgee, the go-to guy for all things 4WD is Dean Sebelic from Advanced Automotive Solutions. While he’s the local Mudgee mechanic, he’s also the 4WD whisperer and will ensure your vehicle is in top shape to take on every rock and river crossing.  

Located just next door to Leven Smash Repairs, he can fit suspension lifts and advise which 4WD accessories and tyres your vehicle needs.  

Click here to learn more about AAS. 

We hope we have inspired you to get back out onto the road and enjoy the open roads of NSW. We are here to help get your vehicle ready, whether it be a pre-holiday service at Advanced Automotive or if LSR can help kit your vehicle out ready for a 4WD trek. 

See you on the road! 

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Winter in Mudgee – A Local’s Itinerary

by amber

Have you been thinking about visiting the Mudgee Region this winter?

As a team full of both locals and transplants, we’ve put our heads together to create the ultimate itinerary for your stay in Mudgee! 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a wine-lover, foodie or simply want to sit back, relax and take in the scenic views of Mudgee’s rolling foothills, there’s something on this list for everyone. 

Scroll down to see our must-do cold-weather activities when visiting the Mudgee Region! 

First up: Grab coffee & breaky at Alby & Esthers 

Image via Alby & Esthers  

Alby & Esther’s is a quirky coffee house and wine bar. You will be greeted with big smiles and the unique alleyway location provides a vibrant and charming atmosphere. They offer seasonal menus with mouth-watering food options, delicious artisan coffee & many alcoholic beverages to try. 

Contact Alby & Esther’s 

Shop 8 61 Market Street  

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

6372 1555 

Alby + Esthers | Wine Bar + Coffee House (albyandesthers.com.au) 

Next, stroll over to the Mudgee Fine Food Farmers Markets 

Image via Mudgee Fine Foods 

The Mudgee Fine Food Farmers Markets is on every third Saturday of the month no matter what! They have an awesome range of stalls to look through as well as local musicians playing for you while you browse. The markets run under strict guidelines and all produce sold has been grown by the stallholders. The markets are held in the gorgeous grounds of Robertson Park. 

Contact Mudgee Fine Food Farmers Markets 

Church Street 

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

0407 288 797  

mudgeefinefoods.com.au 

When in Mudgee…  

Images via Moothi Estate & Lowe Family Wine Co 

It doesn’t matter what time of year you’re visiting Mudgee, you need to visit the local wineries. (Who doesn’t love sipping on wine on a brisk winter’s day?) There is an immense variety of beautiful local wineries to choose from. Some of our favourites include Lowe Wines & Moothi Estate Winery which are featured in the pictures above. 

Contact Lowe Wines 

327 Tinja Lane 

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

6372 0800 

Lowe Wines – Zin House – The Pavilion (lowefamilywineco.com.au) 

Contact Moothi Estate 

85 Rocky Waterhole Road 

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

6372 2925 

Moothi Estate 
 

Click here to check out Mudgee’s full list of vineyards and cellar doors. 

Are you into craft beer? 

We have two breweries that are must-dos! 

Images via Visit Mudgee region 

Three Tails Brewery & Smokehouse  

Three Tails Brewery & Smokehouse delivers the towns largest selections of wine, spirits and beer! They have a whopping 18 craft beers on tap for you to try.  They have divine slow cooked Texan barbeque smoked in their famous meat smoker. Delicious!  

Contact Three Tails: 

13 Lewis Street  

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

0419 877 866 

Home | Three Tails Brewery 

Images via Visit Mudgee region 

Mudgee Brewing Company 

Mudgee Brewing Company offer a wide range of craft beer, with live music, delicious food and endless beer the Mudgee Brewing Company is a great place to go to hang out with friends and family while enjoying the laidback relaxed vibes and tasty beer! 

Contact Mudgee Brewing Company: 

4 Chruch Street 

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

6372 6726 

Home | Mudgee Brewing Company 

Stroll through town before dinner 

Images via Visit Mudgee Region & The Mudgee Project by Amber Hooper 

One of the things that makes Mudgee such a charming country town is the historical buildings. From the library to the law offices to the stunning churches, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when strolling down Market Street.  

If you’d like to learn more about the history, you can even book a Mudgee Heritage Walking Tour. 

Contact Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours 

Corner of Church and Market Streets 

0467506273 

Mudgee Heritage Walking Tours – Mudgee | VisitNSW.com 

Let’s Talk Dinner Options – Pub grub! 

Go and get a pub feed! Mudgee has some amazing pubs that offer you a delicious big pub feed and a smooth beverage. It’s too hard to choose a favourite when it comes to the pubs in town because they are all simply so good! No matter which pub you pick you will be greeted with a smile and amazing food accompanied with good vibes! Some top picks of ours: 

Kelly’s Irish Pub 

Images via Visit Mudgee Region 

Contact Kelly’s Irish Pub: 

49 Chruch Street  

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

6372 1842 

Kelly’s Irish Pub (kellysirishpub.com.au) 

Woolpack Hotel 

Images via Visit Mudgee Region 

Contact Woolpack Hotel: 

67 Market Street 

Mudgee New South Wales 2850 

Woolpack Hotel Mudgee – Eat | Drink | Stay 

Don’t forget to look up! 

Images via Mudgee Observatory  

While you’ll be busy taking in the town, wineries and wildlife, don’t forget to look up. Due to Mudgee’s remote location, we have stunning star speckled skies! Want to take a closer look? Visit the Mudgee Observatory, if you’re lucky you might even get to see the Milky Way! This experience can be both entertaining and educational, a great activity to do with the family. 

Contact the Mudgee Observatory 

961 Old Grattai Road  

Grattai New South Wales 2850 

6373 3431 

Mudgee Observatory 

Pop over to Gulgong!

Images via Visit Mudgee Region 

If you decide to come and enjoy the amazing things Mudgee has to offer, it’s the perfect chance to seize the opportunity and visit some of Mudgee’s surrounding towns – you won’t find anything else like them. A must visit town is Gulgong, a 19th century gold rush town, only 30km north of Mudgee. Here are some activities to do in Gulgong: 

Gulgong Holtermann Musuem  

Gulgong Holtermann Musuem is a contemporary museum set up in two restored 1870’s gold rush buildings. The museum has touch screens and mounted photographs, this creates a life like experience for visitors. 

Contact Gulgong Holtermann Musuem:  

125 Mayne Street 

Gulgong New South Wales  

5858 4002 

Featuring UNESCO Listed Holtermann Collection of 1872 photographs 

Gulgong Gold Experience  

Gulgong gold experience is located on the exact spot of the first gold finding in the town all the way back in 1870. Gulgong gold experience provides an educational and fun day out. You can even take part in some gold panning! 

Contact Gulgong Gold Experience: 

Tom Sanders Avenue  

Gulgong New South Wales 

0418 541 998 

Are you a sports fanatic?  

Images via Visit Mudgee Region 

Make sure you keep your eyes out for all sporting events and games that are played at the Glen Willows Regional Sports Complex. If your keen to see sporting events like the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs. The Saint George Illawarra Dragons you’re in luck because Glen Willows Regional Sports Complex is often home to major sporting events. 

 

If you’re interested in coming to visit the Mudgee Region and finding out for yourself all the great things the town has to offer, you can find even more information on fun filled events and activities over at www.mudgeetourism.com.au. 

 

Interested in working in the Mudgee Region? 

Click here to discover the job roles LSR is currently offering! 

Click here

10 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING THE MUDGEE REGION!

by amber

Have you heard about the Mudgee region lately? Considering visiting? Here’s why we think you should!  

Have you heard about the Mudgee region lately? 

Been considering visiting? Here’s why we think you should!  Our beautiful Mudgee region offers much more than just wineries, though the stunning, award-winning boutique wineries are a must visit! Our region offers much more. There are plenty of other things to do in the Mudgee region, from kayaking at Dunns Swamp on the edge of Wollemi, to stargazing at the Mudgee Observatory and watching a sunrise above the vineyards in a hot-air balloon! 

We have left all the mentioned businesses instagram handles below. Go and show them some love. 

1. Wine – Visiting our stunning picturesque wineries are a must.Winemaking in the region dates back to the 1850’s, with the temperate climate allowing for the slow ripening of grapes, producing robust wines. Whilst it is hard to chose one favourite, some of our go-to places are: Lowe Wines, Logan winery, Bunnamagoo, Huntington Estate, the list goes on!

2. Dine – The options for amazing restaurants & cafes in the Mudgee region are endless! Whether you are after a seven-course degustation menu (the Zin house, amazing) Or, you are after a super chilled brunch picnic. Mudgee literally covers it all! Here are a few of our picks, in no particular order:

53 Food Co– for the BEST burgers you will ever have. @53foodco located at Huntington Estate.

OurChow– this beautiful cafe/winery set out on the edge of Mudgee, caters for everyone in the family. They are also super pet & child friendly. @our_chow located at Burrundulla Winery. They offer everything from brunch items to main course lunch meals, grazing platters and super delicious desserts!

Alby & Esthers– You will find this beautiful hidden gem just off Market St. If you are after a delicious breakfast and coffee that always leaves you wanting another, this is the place to go! Situated in a beautiful courtyard, you can’t go wrong! @albyandesthers

Oco & The Juice– Mudgee newest trendy health food & juice bar. They offer freshly made juices & smoothies, ready-made meals and DIY poke bowls, there’s always something healthy and delicious that you can grab on the go! @ocothejuice

Oriental Hotel– Mudgee delivers a great pub feed, no matter where you go, you really can’t go wrong! The Ori hotel is situated on the corner of Lewis St. Enjoy a beverage and a tasty meal whilst sitting on the balcony soaking up the sun! @theorimudgee

Moothi Estate– One of the best views in Mudgee, located on Rocky Waterhole Rd. They offer a wide range of food from tapas to platters with all locally made produce. Enjoy a platter and taste some of the best wine overlooking the Mudgee hills. @moothiestate 

These are just a few to name, if you want to see some amazing food pictures of Mudgee’s best eats, be sure to check out @mudgeefoodie on Instagram for all the best recommendations! 

3.Balloon Aloft– with Mudgee’s rolling hills, surrounding mountains and beautiful valley, conditions are perfectly suited for hot air ballooning. Mudgee hot air ballooning adventures are generally scheduled for every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and begin at sunrise. Balloon flights are approximately one hour in flight duration followed by a delicious champagne breakfast following the flight.

4. Tunes at Burnbrae– Every 3rd Sunday of the month, Burnbrae wines delivers you tunes on the lawn at Burnbrae Winery. You can bring the family, sit back with pizzas, platters, ice cold beers and wine whilst listening to some talented local artists. Bookings are recommended!

5.Castle Rock Walk– Hiking Castle Rocks walk has its rewards. Not only will you be breathing in the fresh air of Munghorn Gap and getting fit! But superb scenic views await you when you reach the end. From the lookout, you’ll see some of the amazing sandstone pagoda features found throughout the park.

6.Markets– Every Saturday of the month features a different local market. If you love trying fresh local produce and supporting small businesses – the markets are a must! These markets are situated in our beautiful parks and churches. Our community comes together and features a range of locally made textiles and arts & crafts, along with a range of local produce ranging from freshly baked bread and cakes, to fruit & veg, olive oils and cheeses.

7.Miniature Train Rides- Something the kids & the whole family will love. They are open to the public on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 10am-2pm. You can ride the mini trains for as little as $2 and all money goes back into the maintenance of these fantastic engines & tracks! Bring the big kids & the little kids, and organise a fun and memorable day out! 

8.Helicopter Rides– Want to really see all of Mudgee? Then a helicopter ride will cover it all! Mudgee Helicopters is the way to go – they offer two stop winery tours, including an aerial look-see of Mudgee town and surrounds, for $800 for up to four people! 

9.Visit our surrounding towns!– Visiting our beautiful little historical towns, such as Gulgong, visiting Gulgong is like taking a trip right through regional Australia in the 19th century, this little town is full of history. Rylstone is also another beautiful spot to visit, approx. 40 minutes from Mudgee, Rylstone actually has some of the most incredible top-rated restaurants that are a must try! Such as the 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha restaurant and the Pepino’s Mexican Restaurant – they are both a MUST try! These little towns are full of beautiful scenery you wouldn’t find anywhere else!

 10. The Little Cooking School – The little cooking school is an informal, relaxed creative space located on the outskirts of Mudgee offering casual cooking classes, suited to all skill levels.Featuring a 3 course menu showcasing only the best regional produce,  and concluding with enjoying the day’s efforts over lunch with selected local wines to match. The aim of the Little Cooking School is to focus on sharing ideas, techniques, recipes and ultimately sharing the fruits of your labour accompanied by a great glass of wine.

For all things Mudgee check out www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

by amber

In difficult times, opportunities arise.  

COVID-19 has presented many opportunities but I have focused on three:
 

#1 CONNECT WITH MY FAMILY

I have taken advantage of the current situation of things slowing down to capitalise on spending more time with my family, which is the most important part of my world.

 

#2 REFLECT AND PLAN

Slowing down has also provided me with the opportunity to reflect. I am asking myself questions such as:

‘How am I going to play this next quarter once we come out of this whole thing?’ 

‘What am I going to do differently in my personal and professional life, so I don’t fall into the same trap of letting my priorities slide and my personal ‘to do lists’ fall behind?

 

#3 TACKLING MY TO-DO LIST

Working between two locations can get very tricky with a young family, which often means an overdue life-admin list. I’ve also used this newfound time to knock items off this list!

My wife, Christie, and I have a 23-month-old boy and another baby due any day now. We’ve been busy setting up a nursery in preparation of their arrival. I’ve also had time to clean out my home office, build a sand pit for our son and finish off some other home projects around the house.

 

Now that was my to do list, what’s yours?

 

Maybe you have been promising to go for a ride on your bike with your kids. Maybe it’s cooking a special dinner for your partner. 

MAYBE it’s been driving your damaged car around for months because you can’t seem to find a convenient time for repairs. 

If that last one sounds like you, we can help.

 

In an effort to make things a little bit easier for you, we’re offering an online quotation service and handy photo guide that allows you to send us photos of your vehicle damage straight from your phone or tablet! 

 

Dacoda Endacott leven smash repairs staff photo

Made in Mudgee | Q + A with LSR Team Member, Dacoda Endacott

by amber

Dacoda was awarded Apprentice of the Year in 2018 at the Mudgee Clock Awards. Extremely driven, innovative and Automotive Spray Painter Goals all-over, she shares what it’s been like to go from Leven Smash Repair Apprentice to fully qualified spray painter in under five years.

What made you decide to pursue an apprenticeship in spray painting?

I have always had a passion for old cars and from a young age I was in the shed helping my dad and my uncle sand down cars they were building. I watched our family’s hot rod be painted at LSR in 2005 and 10 years later I started my career there. Deep down I think I always wanted to have something to do with that field of work but it wasn’t until I was in year 11 that I really started to look into the trade and learn what it truly had to offer.

What (if any) hurdles did you face while studying to become a fully qualified tradesperson?

I believe my biggest hurdle I faced and overcame was my confidence in myself. Being afraid of not knowing enough, making a mistake or answering something wrong held me back at the beginning, but I quickly learnt through my team that the only way to learn and to get through these barriers is to listen to each other and learn from your mistakes. You never stop learning.

How did LSR support you along the way?

Whether it’s business or personal, LSR is always there to support you in any way. Every team member is treated with the same amount of respect and we are all encouraged to achieve our goals, big or small. We truly have each other’s backs.

What advice do you have for women thinking about entering the smash repair industry?

 If you have passion in something, then go for it. Don’t let stereotypes dictate what you can and can’t do. Sure, some people may doubt you and it can be tough, but by staying committed and true to yourself, it’s such a rewarding career.

What’s been your proudest moment at LSR so far?

In 2018 I was awarded apprentice of the year, and to me that was such a great personal achievement and I am so grateful that I was given that opportunity.

As a business that is rapidly growing and expanding, what would you like to see LSR do next?

I would love to see LSR succeed in every way they aim to. There is so much commitment and drive that comes from the management team and every goal is achievable with the support of the team behind them.

What’s your favourite thing about living and working in the Mudgee Region?

My favourite thing about the Mudgee Region is the community support and willingness to come together in times of need and celebration.

Top place to travel to in NSW?

I can’t go past a family favourite, Valla Beach.

Interested in starting an apprenticeship in Automotive Spray Painting in NSW?

Find out more and apply today!