Bullen Range Nature Reserve VKFF-0984

With a nice sunny afternoon decided to activate a local park for WWFF, Bullen Range Nature Reserve, VKFF-0984. I usually activate this park as part of a SOTA activation of VK1/AC-033 Bullen Range, however as its a large park of over 41,000 Ha thought I would try activating from the Northern end of the park for a change. 

Drove out to the Cotter reserve and headed up Paddys River Rd, then turned off onto Bullen track, an unsealed road on the left. The track heads down to Paddys River crossing. Sign on entering Bullen Range Nature Reserve

Headed down to Paddys River Crossing. Found the river level high after a lot of recent rain, decided too risky to attempt crossing today.

Could have set up here but no phone coverage at the bottom, so headed back up to bfg road, then left onto Horse Paddock Rd. Followed this to a locked gate and the boundary of Bullen Range Nature Reserve, stopping at a locked gate.

Don't know why there is a locked gate here, the road of the other side was completely overgrown and undrivable... lots of trees and dirt mounds, no way it could be driven. Carried the table, chair and radio gear through the gate into the park and headed to the left to a bit of a clearing, set up the dipole.

SWR good on 40 m.

Operating spot on Google Maps. Note the road ahead to Cotter Caves and Paddys River crossing no longer exists, nor the 2 side roads...

Shack on the table. In the distance behind the table SOTA summit Mount McDonald, VK1/AC-048.

Got on 40m. Started with a park to park with VK2BHG/p Gerald in VKFF-1408 Jervis Bay Marine Park, a strong signal.

Spotted myself and worked hunters VK2IO, VK4KC, VK4MAD, VK4DOG, VK5MAZ/3 VK3PAS/3 Marija and Paul mobile on the way to a park

VK2VW, VK2HFI, VK3PF, VK3CWF, VK3HY, VK2FHSV, VK2CCP, VK3BBB, VK7LTD, VK4DFJL, VK3EJ

Another park to park with VK2UAO/p Stuart in VKFF-2330 High Camp Flora Reserve, also a strong signal.

VK2LEE, VK3SQ, Vk3YV, VK2XOR, VK7QP, VK3DAC, VK3KMF/mobile VK2, VK4HMI, VK2VH, VK4AAC/2, VK5CZ, VK2KMI

I briefly tried 20 m but no answers to my calls.

As had enough contacts and getting late in the afternoon packed up and headed back home.