Great video. Extremely interesting. I have been through that area several times but never down that road. I will put it on my to do list, thank you for the information. 👍
Brilliant. Raised in Bonalbo for 30 odd years Worked at Ford timbers Urbenville for years and never knew majority of what you had to say. Simply Brilliant Subscribed!
Absolutely first class video mate. Haven’t been down Paddy’s Flat Rd for a long time. My interest in gold prospecting led my down that way in the mid 80’s, gravel track back then.
Thank you, that was a fantastic video straight forward well put together and very informative. Yes there are a lot of things that have happened that should never have, our ancestors didn’t make good choices by our standards today, which can make it a bit of a hard watch. But again you did it with no embellishments and dignity thanks again.
I have riden on that road many times and was surprised at the history of this area. One thing I can tell you from Hootens rd to Sugarbag rd… there is a sign just as you enter sugarbag rd that says No through rd .. ignore and keep going you’ll get through some hardly used tracks. Thanks for a great Video.
I'm glad I stumbled across your channel. I have a love of motorcycles and Australian history. Years ago I developed an interest in the history of the Clarence Valley after reading a book called Squatters Castle by Farwell George which details the history of the valley through the Ogilvie family of Yulgibar Station. I have spent many hours riding through the valley but unfortunately was never able to visit the Yulgibar castle. Thoroughly enjoyed your video.
Grew up around Tabulam, lived at Tilbaroo, on the Clarence River, at Yates Crossing near Alice. The old house burnt down in the early 1980's, and a new one was built on the same spot.
Watched this on my tv last night and loved it for it's easy delivery of info and the visuals of course, however, as a former member of the Australian Light Horse Association I feel I need to correct you on a point or two re Chauvel and mounted infantry during the 20th century, the comment that inferred that Harry Chauvel learned to ride from the indigenous stockmen, no, quite the opposite in that the Chauvel family were early settlers there on a massive land grant, his father and mother were keen riders and they taught the stockmen to ride. You referred to the Australian Light Horse attack Beersheba in 1917 as the last great cavalry assault, for Australia yes, but there were numerous other large mounted assaults during ww1 after Beersheba including Canadian Cavalry in France, but lesser known battles toward central and eastern europe involving German, Austrian, Polish and Russian cavalry. Post ww1 in 1920 witnessed the repulsion of three large Russian armies from Poland by heavily outnumbered Polish cavalry, then 1939 numerous defensive Polish Cavalry actions for the month of September and October, as well as Russian cavalry within Russia pushing out German troops in 1945. Back to Paddy's Flat, I still haven't ridden through there but am looking forward to it. p.s. There is a memorial/grave with members of the Chauvel family in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney. Please keep up the good work.
Thanks for that. As you can appreciate, I can only go on what I read while researching. That said, I welcome factual comments like yours as I’m just a guy on a bike with a fascination and a desire to make backroads more interesting. Thanks again👍
The map referenced at 1:19 is at variance with earlier maps that show Githabul lands south of the McPherson's and extending up into Merrylands (Qld) via Headwaters of the Clarence River. Then across the hills to the north of the McPherson's you enter Keinjan lands which extend from the Headwaters of the Condamine River onto what is now known as the Darling Downs.
Thanks for rectifying that Roger, as with much of our First Nations history it’s becoming evident that research is quite difficult. While doing my best with what I can find, I have no intention of offending anyone, quite the opposite in fact. Yours and anyone’s knowledge and input is appreciated.
Another great video, thank you for the research that has gone into this, I rode paddy’s in February heading north, I did miss a few spots you pointed out, the dirt sections of the road was a lot worse then but I thrive on the adventure. Well done.
Another brilliant video Rusty, the history you dig up is phenomenal, and always fascinating, usually I know only snippets prior to viewing. I was SO pissed when they demolished the Tabulam Bridge, an absolute historic icon that should have been valued, and simply wasn't :(
Thanks Mate. Yes , the pathetic reasons behind its demolishing are even more annoying. I actually let rip at the Shire Council and had my bit to say but I was advised to edit it out😂.
Not a motor-cyclist, but very interested in that area. Visiting the tank traps is on my bucket list. I understand one can also camp at Tooloom Falls? Great story on the history of the region. Liked and subscribed.
Awesome video mate! A lot of research went into this one and I found it fascinating! Makes me want to get out there and ride it myself ASAP! I still cannot believe they dismantled the Tabulam Bridge. Well, apart from a token few metres on the eastern bank. Such a massive shame. 🙄
Nice ride mate. I've been over that one lane Tabulam bridge a few time, when living near drake and incidentally, the locals there pronounce Tabulam as Tab-u-lum and very quickly. 😉
@@abmt4878 Well you have my ear and well done for speaking up about it. I was also sad to see the wooden bridge at Lawrence removed. after the new one was built. Lucky I photographed it just in time.
@@abmt4878 Thanks. I thought you might do the Old Grafton Rd. I ride, drive and camp out there often. I also have a mate who lives along that road. Looking forward to it.
Paddys Flat road was part of the route between the Tooloom goldfields and Limestone (Ipswich) that the gold escort went on. The original route went up through the Tooloom scrub and then onto what is now the White Swamp road. In the late 1920's using unemployed people on relief, Paddys Flat road was built in it's present location, which now only travels on the old gold escort track in a few places.
There is also another "tank trap" south of Forster on the north shore of Smith's Lake near Wamwarra Creek. You can't drive to it as National Parks have the road closed. Not much to see, just another waste of concrete.
An odd place for them to be. There were many defences along the coast north of Sydney, most are gone now. The thinking amongst our military was so nieve to say the least. As a result most of the defences were ridiculously inadequate. Thanks for watching👍
@@abmt4878 there seemed to no rhyme or reason. it would have been almost impossible to come inland on the south shore, but only a few kilometres south, the Myall lake was perhaps quite a lot easier access but i don't know of any tank traps there and then next south is Hawks Nest and Port Stephens, Anna Bay, Newcastle. Why the Authorities had them built is a mystery, maybe it might have been to inspire morale ? Government doesn't like to admit their folly.
Thanks for sharing all the interesting info about what would otherwise be a random back road!
Have done that road on my bike, but your history lessons will give it a new insight next time I do it! Most enjoyable!
Great video. Extremely interesting. I have been through that area several times but never down that road. I will put it on my to do list, thank you for the information. 👍
Brilliant. Raised in Bonalbo for 30 odd years
Worked at Ford timbers Urbenville for years and never knew majority of what you had to say.
Simply Brilliant
Subscribed!
Thanks Matt, appreciate your comment and you subscription.
I’ve had a bit of down time recently, but more coming soon.
When I head home to Glen Innes on my Guzzi this is one of my fave routes. Never knew of the history.
Cheers and thank you.
Absolutely first class video mate. Haven’t been down Paddy’s Flat Rd for a long time. My interest in gold prospecting led my down that way in the mid 80’s, gravel track back then.
Glad you got some memories out of it.
Thanks for watching
Awesome video 👍
Thanks for doing this mate. We're taking the bikes down this track in a few weeks. Great info.
Thanks for watching Todd👍
Great video mate! Spot on. Great information that I never knew!
Thankyou, glad you liked it.
Thank you, that was a fantastic video straight forward well put together and very informative. Yes there are a lot of things that have happened that should never have, our ancestors didn’t make good choices by our standards today, which can make it a bit of a hard watch. But again you did it with no embellishments and dignity thanks again.
Excellent video and well put together 👍 yes many times up and down Paddy’s….. good to learn about its history
Thanks for watching Robert👍
The Clarence Valley Way into Grafton/Waterview Heights is a beautifully spectacular drive/ride.
Love your content .... cheers
I have riden on that road many times and was surprised at the history of this area.
One thing I can tell you from Hootens rd to Sugarbag rd… there is a sign just as you enter sugarbag rd that says No through rd .. ignore and keep going you’ll get through some hardly used tracks. Thanks for a great Video.
Thankyou👍
I'm glad I stumbled across your channel. I have a love of motorcycles and Australian history. Years ago I developed an interest in the history of the Clarence Valley after reading a book called Squatters Castle by Farwell George which details the history of the valley through the Ogilvie family of Yulgibar Station. I have spent many hours riding through the valley but unfortunately was never able to visit the Yulgibar castle. Thoroughly enjoyed your video.
Fantastic video Mate - Great narrating and history lesson.
Thanks Jay, glad you enjoyed it.
Great story. The old bridge would have made a great monument for people to ponder and appreciate people back then who made it.
Absolutely awesome mate well done....will be watching more of your content 👍👍👍
Thanks Terry, glad you liked it.👍
Grew up around Tabulam, lived at Tilbaroo, on the Clarence River, at Yates Crossing near Alice. The old house burnt down in the early 1980's, and a new one was built on the same spot.
Cheers Man. Just found your channel. Excellent stuff.
Thanks for the sub!👍👍
Great Video! Can confirm Hootens Rd will take you through to Clarence Way near Old Bonalbo. Travel it very regularly. :)
Thankyou👍
An outstanding presentation. I've looked into the areas history but you've added the visuals as well. Cheers 🍻
I Really enjoyed your doco mate. Well done.
Really enjoyed your video. Thanks.
This was a great video, thank you for sharing it.
Just found your vid... thank you for your it... we just did that road . Trip... it 's fantastic..
Very well put together
Thanks, appreciated.
Very enjoyable to watch with great content!
Watched this on my tv last night and loved it for it's easy delivery of info and the visuals of course, however, as a former member of the Australian Light Horse Association I feel I need to correct you on a point or two re Chauvel and mounted infantry during the 20th century, the comment that inferred that Harry Chauvel learned to ride from the indigenous stockmen, no, quite the opposite in that the Chauvel family were early settlers there on a massive land grant, his father and mother were keen riders and they taught the stockmen to ride. You referred to the Australian Light Horse attack Beersheba in 1917 as the last great cavalry assault, for Australia yes, but there were numerous other large mounted assaults during ww1 after Beersheba including Canadian Cavalry in France, but lesser known battles toward central and eastern europe involving German, Austrian, Polish and Russian cavalry. Post ww1 in 1920 witnessed the repulsion of three large Russian armies from Poland by heavily outnumbered Polish cavalry, then 1939 numerous defensive Polish Cavalry actions for the month of September and October, as well as Russian cavalry within Russia pushing out German troops in 1945. Back to Paddy's Flat, I still haven't ridden through there but am looking forward to it. p.s. There is a memorial/grave with members of the Chauvel family in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney. Please keep up the good work.
Thanks for that. As you can appreciate, I can only go on what I read while researching. That said, I welcome factual comments like yours as I’m just a guy on a bike with a fascination and a desire to make backroads more interesting.
Thanks again👍
The map referenced at 1:19 is at variance with earlier maps that show Githabul lands south of the McPherson's and extending up into Merrylands (Qld) via Headwaters of the Clarence River. Then across the hills to the north of the McPherson's you enter Keinjan lands which extend from the Headwaters of the Condamine River onto what is now known as the Darling Downs.
Thanks for rectifying that Roger, as with much of our First Nations history it’s becoming evident that research is quite difficult.
While doing my best with what I can find, I have no intention of offending anyone, quite the opposite in fact.
Yours and anyone’s knowledge and input is appreciated.
Another great video, thank you for the research that has gone into this, I rode paddy’s in February heading north, I did miss a few spots you pointed out, the dirt sections of the road was a lot worse then but I thrive on the adventure. Well done.
Thankyou, glad you enjoyed it.
Another brilliant video Rusty, the history you dig up is phenomenal, and always fascinating, usually I know only snippets prior to viewing.
I was SO pissed when they demolished the Tabulam Bridge, an absolute historic icon that should have been valued, and simply wasn't :(
Thanks Mate. Yes , the pathetic reasons behind its demolishing are even more annoying. I actually let rip at the Shire Council and had my bit to say but I was advised to edit it out😂.
@@abmt4878 it wouldn’t be The council as it is the Bruxner Highway which is controlled by the RTA
Not a motor-cyclist, but very interested in that area. Visiting the tank traps is on my bucket list. I understand one can also camp at Tooloom Falls? Great story on the history of the region. Liked and subscribed.
Thanks for watching
what a great vid.. love it
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for the history, priceless.
Brought back memories.... living in bonalbo...in the 70tees... great post.. the woodenbong sign always went missing LoL 🤔
An easy and entertaining watch
Awesome video mate! A lot of research went into this one and I found it fascinating! Makes me want to get out there and ride it myself ASAP! I still cannot believe they dismantled the Tabulam Bridge. Well, apart from a token few metres on the eastern bank. Such a massive shame. 🙄
Thanks Bill. Yeah it’s sad and very frustrating.
Top commentary, well done. Cheers.
Good job Rusty.
Thanks Dean
Bloody good job . 👏 I will have to go back and have a way better look around the area .
Nice ride mate. I've been over that one lane Tabulam bridge a few time, when living near drake and incidentally, the locals there pronounce Tabulam as Tab-u-lum and very quickly. 😉
I agree. The historic old wooden Tabulam Bridge should have been preserved, but destroying history, is a common problem in Australia.
Certainly is a common problem. I could go on and on about it, but too any deaf ears.
@@abmt4878 Well you have my ear and well done for speaking up about it. I was also sad to see the wooden bridge at Lawrence removed. after the new one was built. Lucky I photographed it just in time.
Thanks Kev and thanks for watching.
Stay tuned for the next one which will be posted soon…Old Grafton road😉
@@abmt4878 Thanks. I thought you might do the Old Grafton Rd. I ride, drive and camp out there often. I also have a mate who lives along that road. Looking forward to it.
As is rewriting history.
In the early 1960’ the Army named a Landing Ship Medium (LSM) “Harry Chauvel”.
My farm is on Chavauls old squatting spot.
and stuff the old bridge it was an eyesore
Great camping there
Awesome vid Rusty, well done.. must have taken quite a bit of research effort! Keep em coming! Do you organise any rides and post them anywhere?
Thanks Tom. Yes we post rides on the ABMT FB page from time to time. They are pretty well promoted so keep an eye out.
Paddys Flat road was part of the route between the Tooloom goldfields and Limestone (Ipswich) that the gold escort went on. The original route went up through the Tooloom scrub and then onto what is now the White Swamp road. In the late 1920's using unemployed people on relief, Paddys Flat road was built in it's present location, which now only travels on the old gold escort track in a few places.
Good job bloke old local.
Thanks for watching Paul
Respect you tell some truths of Australias treatment of Aboriginal people but we are NOT Bundjalung WE ARE GITHABUL
My apologies Beverley, I try to make sure my sources are credible. Sorry if any offence was caused.
That would be the Australians of 200 years ago, not todays Australians
Beaury cr not breaury and Tabulum not tabular . Paynes family still live in the area
Tab-Ulum.
YES! nearly drove me crazy. Tab-U-Lum
There is also another "tank trap" south of Forster on the north shore of Smith's Lake near Wamwarra Creek.
You can't drive to it as National Parks have the road closed.
Not much to see, just another waste of concrete.
An odd place for them to be.
There were many defences along the coast north of Sydney, most are gone now.
The thinking amongst our military was so nieve to say the least. As a result most of the defences were ridiculously inadequate.
Thanks for watching👍
@@abmt4878 there seemed to no rhyme or reason.
it would have been almost impossible to come inland on the south shore,
but only a few kilometres south, the Myall lake was perhaps quite a lot easier access but i don't know of any tank traps there and then next south is Hawks Nest and Port Stephens, Anna Bay, Newcastle.
Why the Authorities had them built is a mystery,
maybe it might have been to inspire morale ?
Government doesn't like to admit their folly.
Oh no ... I can't believe the old Tabulam bridge was removed... I was waiting for it to come up in the video ... and ... it's gone ...