pota

Inaugural #POTA activation of AU-11192 Never Never River #hamradio #amateurradio

Andrew Woodward

This is take two of trying to do the inaugural #POTA activation of the Never Never River AU-11192 on the north coast of New South Wales, near Bellingen, and halfway between Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads.

The Never Never River is the centrepiece of The Promised Land, an amazing place of nature, beauty and tranquility at the foot of the World Heritage Listed Dorrigo National Park.

I am on a 21 metre in length end fed long wire feeding into an Icom IC-7300 using an Antuner AT-100m Tuner. I will be doing voice between 0300 and 0500 am UTC on Sunday, 3 May 2026. I plan to try 40 and 15 metres and will spot on pota.app and Parks and Peaks.

I say “take two” as I came last Sunday, set up and then found I didn’t have sufficient charge in my battery. I do today and will hopefully do the first successful activation. However, atamospheric conditions don’t look great so I may have to come again.

A cloudy sky with gray clouds looming over a grassy field and distant mountains partially obscured by mist.
A small gray camping table set up on a red and white checkered tablecloth outside, with green grass and trees in the background, and mountains partially covered by clouds in the distance.
A canopy tent set up in a grassy field with picnic tables underneath, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background. Various equipment is placed on the tables, indicating an outdoor activity.
A table set up under a canopy with a red and white checkered tablecloth, displaying various radio equipment, a laptop, and a water bottle.
Informative sign welcoming visitors to the Gumbaynggirr Homeland, detailing the cultural significance, natural resources, and traditional practices of the Gumbaynggirr people.
Sign for Arthur Keough Reserve, featuring information in English and Gumbaynggirr language, set against a natural background.
A small tent on a grassy field with a warning sign indicating a radio antenna wire above, surrounded by trees and a distant mountain view.
A serene river scene surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with pebbles lining the water's edge.
A serene river scene with a rocky shoreline and a wooden bridge crossing over. Lush green trees surround the area, creating a peaceful natural environment.
A brown and white dog wading in a shallow stream surrounded by lush greenery and rocky shores.

3 May 2026