Tune in to Channel 9 on Sunday 25th June at 1.00pm for Episode 2 of Drive TV Season 5.
Drive Season 5 screens on Channel 9 at 1pm each Sunday. The full episode will be available to video on 9Now after it airs.
We started this journey in Windeyer, a short drive from the bustling town of Mudgee in New South Wales. As we travelled the four hours from Sydney, our MG ZS EV Long Range needed a top-up.
When you're driving an electric vehicle through regional areas, planning is crucial. We calculated correctly, reaching our first location with just enough charge to spare, then recharged at a 50kW fast charger in Mudgee.
We then ventured off the tarmac along a gravel road for around an hour or so, giving us a more rewarding drive with sensational scenery.
This detour landed us in the quaint town of Coolah. This place is steeped in history and is one of three towns claiming to be the birthplace of 'The Black Stump', meaning 'beyond the limits of civilisation'. From our research, it has the most substantial claim.
These days, Coolah is home to about 800 residents, but with a small town, there’s always a big heart. Make sure to stop by Coolah Crafts and the other local businesses, including the charming Black Stump Motel, now known as Calais Motel.
In our pursuit to find the clear night sky, our final stop was at Coonabarabran – the stargazing capital of Australia.
The town and area are certified as a 'Dark Sky Park'. The park was the first of three in Australia, and the first in the southern hemisphere.
Coonabarabran is an incredible place filled with stunning nature, scientific discoveries, and cheerful townsfolk. On your visit, be sure to check out the heritage-listed Warrumbungle National Park.
This vast national park covers over 23,000 hectares, and is an area where the most fertile land of the east meets the dry plains of the west, allowing this land to house flora and fauna from both climates.
Another must-see location is Siding Spring Observatory – Australia's premier optical astronomical research facility. Located under 30km west of Coonabarabran on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park, it's home to Australia's largest optical telescopes.
Finally, we parked up for the night at the Dark Sky Eco Resort. Owners Mark and Wendy were inspired by the magnificent region, and with this in mind, they put careful thought into every detail, creating a truly unique experience that complements the native landscape.
The resort is entirely off-grid and proud to be sustainable in all its practices. There’s so much to experience on this 80-acre property – head out on a little safari and meet the emus, stay in and unwind, explore the property on your own electric carts, and of course take in the clear night sky.
This drive from Windeyer to Coonabarabran will take you around three hours (230km), with the detour from Mudgee adding an additional hour.
Google Maps link for this route (from Sydney)
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