Unshackled Adventures

The picture-perfect village of Carcoar sits quietly in a sheltered valley beside the gently winding Belubula River. A true historic gem, it is the third-oldest settlement west of the Blue Mountains, and with its rolling hills and fertile surrounds, it’s easy to understand why early settlers were drawn here. Wandering its streets feels like stepping back in time — a township that history has carefully preserved rather than left behind.

Set on the banks of the Lachlan River, Cowra is a charming town surrounded by vineyards, waterways and pretty countryside in the beautiful Lachlan Valley. It’s home to a fascinating piece of wartime history, as well as tranquil gardens and fine wines. 

We’ve now been on the road for 2 months and 10 days — covering roughly 6,000 km so far.

What can Unshackled say about Jindabyne?

Unshackled Adventures are having the most amazing time exploring what Mt Kosciuszko National Park has to offer during the summer months. From spectacular mountain views to vast breathtaking plains, incredible flora and wildlife to boot this place has won a new place in our hearts.

Nestled in the Snowy Valleys of NSW, Talbingo is the ultimate country escape. A paradise for anglers and water-sport lovers, the town sits on the Tumut River between Blowering Dam to the north and Talbingo Dam to the south. Talbingo Dam, the largest of the 16 dams within the Snowy Mountains Scheme, dominates the landscape. The town itself was purpose-built to house workers involved in one of Australia’s greatest engineering achievements, a hydroelectric and irrigation project now operated by Snowy Hydro.  We thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this amazing feat of engineering and taking in the magnificent scenery surrounding the dams and waterways. 

Tumut lies in the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains and serves as a picturesque gateway to the northern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park. Surrounded by striking landscapes, the town offers easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities and scenic attractions. As part of the broader Snowy Valleys region, Tumut is a popular base for exploring the iconic mountain range, although the town itself sits below the higher alpine peaks.

When we sold our house earlier than expected, we knew our travel plans would be out of sync with the recommended seasonal route around Australia. That twist of timing is how we found ourselves travelling during peak season, doing our best to escape the January heat by seeking out cooler mountain climates.

We spent an amazing two weeks with family over the Christmas period at Palmer Road, Kyvalley. We spent our time relaxing with immediate family, reconnecting with extended family and friends, and fine-tuning, modifying, and preparing our setup for the next stage of our journey.

A new year has a way of inviting reflection. For us, it’s brought clarity, courage, and a decision that’s been quietly calling for some time now.