FAQ's

General

Q. What is there to do?

At Bullock Mountain Homestead we offer fossicking, fishing, catching yabbies, swimming, bird watching and bush walking. Glen Innes has a number of local attractions and we recommend you visit www.gleninnestourism.com for further information.

 

Q. What facilities do you have for campers?

There are hot showers, toilets and a small camp kitchen near the homestead, as well as a washing machine. There is also a coolroom available for hire for larger groups ($15 per day). There are also composting toilets at the Sapphire Mine, Pelican Hole and Blackberry Hole.

 

Q. Do we need to bring firewood?

There is plenty of firewood that can be collected on the property. Please only collect fallen timber as a number of standing dead trees are habitat trees.

 

Q. What is included in the units?

Each unit is self contained with a well equipped kitchen, including a full sized fridge, slow cooker, rice cooker and microwave. Please email us if you would like further information on what is included.

 

Q. Do you supply linen?

Yes, linen and towels are supplied, but beds need to be made. We ask that at the end of your stay, you strip the beds so that we can wash linen and towels.

 

Q. Do you have TV?

No we do not have TV available. Cards and games are available for use and you can light a campfire of a night which the kids (and adults!) love.

 

Q. Mobile reception?

There is limited mobile phone reception. Telstra generally gets the best signal. Some river camping sites have mobile phone reception, while others do not. If this is important to you, please contact us by mobile to discuss your booking.

 

Q. Do you allow dogs?

Yes we allow you to bring your dogs with you. We request that you keep your dog under control at all times. As we have poultry, we request that your dog is restrained while they are free ranging in the afternoon. Pets are the owners responsibility at all times. Please discuss this when making your booking.

 

Q. Do you sell alcohol or provide meals?

No we do not. Glen Innes has a number of outlets and is 18 km's away.

 

Q. What kind of animals might we see?

There are numerous kangaroos, wallabies and deer on the property and at least 50 species of birds. At certain times of the year you may also see echidna and at certain waterholes, platypus. If you are lucky, you may also see koalas.

 

Q. Are there snakes?

As we are in a rural area, yes there are snakes in the warmer months. We recommend that anyone camping brings snake bandages just in case. To date there has been no one bitten on the property.

 

Q. Can we swim and fish?

All water activities are undertaken at your own risk. We have some wonderful deep waterholes on the Beardy River and more shallow areas for younger children. NSW requires you to have a fishing licence to fish any waterway. This can be done online:  http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee

 

Q. What kind of fish might we catch?

Red Fin (a feral fish, but extremely good eating), murray cod and some people have caught trout.  There are also blue claw yabbies in both the Reddestone and Beardy (and our dams) which make good eating as well. We encourage catch and release for native fish (Cod).

 

Q. What's the best bait?

Lures are very successful with Red Fin and sometimes Cod. Fresh bait (yabbies) can be caught seasonally as well. If you would like a yabby trap, please discuss this prior to arrival.

 

Fossicking

Q. What type of stones are found?

Reddestone Creek is famous for its dark blue sapphires. Quartz, topaz and spinel are also found in the creek. As the Reddestone Creek sapphires can look almost black, it is always worth keeping anything that looks like it could be a sapphire. Keep in mind as well that sapphires come in other colours as well - green, red or yellow.

 

Q. Do you hire equipment?

Yes, we hire sieves at $5.00 per day per set. We recommend that you bring something to put your finds in, and a shovel/pick. We do provide these on request, but there is limited availability.

 

Q. I don't know what to look for - will you help?

We are happy to give you a quick lesson in the fossicking park. This needs to be discussed and arranged prior to arrival.

 

Camping

Q. Where can we camp?

There are designated camping sites on the river and creek. Depending on where you camp, you may also get mobile reception.

 

Q. Do you cater for vans/campervans?

Yes there are areas suitable for both. There are limited powered sites available, please request this when you make a booking. Camping on the river requires a 4WD/good vehicle clearance, however there are sites on Reddestone Creek that are accessible for a 2WD. River camping does not have power/connectable water.

 

Q. Do sites have power and water?

Yes, there are limited powered sites with connectable water. A rainwater tank is available at the guesthouse for drinking water.

 

Q. Can we have a campfire?

Yes, subject to weather conditions. Wood is freely available to collect.