Hesseqaus-Bonnievale

[G-MAN]

Not to sure about the spelling, anyone been there lately?

[Russ Kellermann]

Hey G-man,

I've literally just come back from the place, shot through for some camping and to take the troll for a bit of a stretch. i had spotted it on the net when checking out "drive-out" web site late on thursday evening,as i was still looking for a nice place to camp for the easter. I took a chance and rang them along the way as we drove along the R62. I got through to them when i had reached Bonnievale only!!! I asked if there was any space left for one tent (2 people) seeing as though it was easter....he said not to worry and that he'd fit us in somewhere.......

We arrived at the Farm not knowing what to expect. A young chap, Andrew (farmers son) greeted us outside his house/farm yard (not clean and tidy by any standards, but, ..read on)..

He was a very friendly guy and made us feel welcome at once and explained the setup he had re camp sites and mud huts etc. He also mentioned that should we want to camp alone far from anyone he would show us where and then show us the "formal" camp site and we could decide.. He took a look at my vehicle and commented, "nice...new patrol pickup, lets go this way then". He disappeared to the back of the house and seconds later came roaring past on an old thumper of a bike.

I wasn't sure where he was taking us so i quickly locked the hubs and followed on....

The path he took me was fantastic, deep holes, mud, small river crossing, log steps, and all this under a mass of huge blue gum trees that engulf his land and the river it runs along.

I thought it was going to be packed but on arrival at the camp site and mud huts we found only 2 vehicles camping together in the very distance, and the mud hut were booked out by a family with children.

We found just the best little camp site to use and felt instantly at home. There are flushing toilets and the shower is by "donkey" (both the mud huts and camping shower, as there are two for the huts and two for the camp site. Toilet = 1 for camp and i think 2 for huts. Communal kitchen for hut but not for camp site.

There is shit loads of wood and he doesnt mind you burning anything laying on the ground at all. we swept away the leaves on the ground and made a fire area against a big trunk that had been felled, which was much nicer that using the "half drum" that are supplied. he didnt have a problem with this either at all. Andrew would also come round in the evenings for a chat and a laugh and bring with him ice and wood to sell should you need it, obviously we only needed ice! on two of the nights he even brought around fresh home amde bread for each camp site, Gratis , what a nice guy.

We swam in the river and relaxed in the bubbles under the weir. took the boat up the stream and mountain biked each day.it was great.

If you wanna test your vehicle there are plenty of great routes around the place. They all in the valley and criss cross the river/stream so no vista's but beautiful nonetheless as you encounter all types of terrain. It will be a challenge to drive in winter as the place will def be filled deep with water and the bomb holes and river crossing should be great fun.It reminded me somewhat of the pics i see all the time on the Aussie forums )probably due to the Blue gums too).I would have had alot more fun if i had my winch attached or if i had another patrol with me, as you def gonna need one or both of these.....

I would def give it a go. he didn't even charge me for using his trail, only R50 per person to camp. (R100 per person for huts). I camped for three nights but i reckon 2 is enough.

We retured via the N2.

Hope this helps.

[G-MAN]

Thanks Russ.