Case 109
Belanglo
(Part 1)
Case 109
Belanglo
(Part 1)
[Part 1 of 5]
The Hume Freeway is one of the busiest interstate routes in Australia, linking the countries two most populous cities, Sydney and Melbourne. Stretching for 840 kilometres, the Hume is part of the Auslink National Network, providing a vital connection for freight and transit between the two major East Coast cities.
In 2013, the creation of the Holbrook bypass marked the completion of an extensive overhaul of the roadway, with Sydney and Melbourne now linked by a continuous dual-lane freeway unrestricted by the traffic lights and speed restrictions of passing townships.
But it wasn’t always this way. Prior to the upgrade, the Hume Freeway was the Hume Highway. Those navigating the Old Hume had to drive through a vast number of urban and rural townships, traffic lights, and intersections. Despite the bypass upgrades that occurred throughout the years, one aspect of the Hume has remained the same – it is the only road providing access to the Belanglo State Forest.
Entrance to Belanglo is gained via the Hume, 16 kilometres south of the Southern Highlands town of Bowral, where a sealed road quickly gives way to rocky dirt roads, steep hills, and creek crossings impossible to navigate without an off-road vehicle. Fire trails and a complex network of tracks and paths criss-cross throughout the forest, which is so large and isolated that it is rare to encounter another person whilst visiting.
Despite its splendour and distinctively Australian landscape which continues to attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world, those who venture to the secluded forest note the vast space is enveloped by an eerie silence. As visitors turn to the forest entrance, a large ominous sign surrounded by a wall of towering trees warns:
‘Welcome to Belanglo State Forest – Please Be Careful.’
________
Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:
AUSTRALIA:
Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36
Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732
Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78
Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre
USA:
Distress & Lifeline: 1800 273 8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741
Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233
Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846
UK:
Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393
SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000
Samaritans support network: 116 123
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
CANADA:
For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/
NEW ZEALAND:
Lifeline: 0800 543354
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)
______
If you are hearing impaired or know someone who is and would like to get a transcript of the episode, please email us at contact@casefilepodcast.com
CREDITS
NARRATION:
Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host
EPISODE:
Episode researched by the Anonymous Host
Episode written by Elsha McGill
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com
All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo design by Paulina Szymanska
RESOURCES
BOOKS:
Highway to Nowhere – Richard Shears
Fate – Neil Mercer
Belanglo: the next chapter – Roger Maynard
Sins of the brother – Mark Whittaker and Les Kennedy
Milat, Inside Australia’s biggest manhunt – Clive Small and Tom Gilling
R V Milat, a case study in cross-examination – Dan Howard
John Marsden, I am what I am – John Marsden
NEWSPAPERS ARCHIVES:
Extensive articles from ‘The Age’ and ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ newspapers published between 1989 and 1998 were utilised to compile these episodes. The articles were accessed via the website, www.newspapers.com.
VIDEOS:
Crimes that shook the world – The backpacker murderer
THIS EPISODE’S SPONSORS
Robinhood – Get a free stock from companies like Apple, Ford and Sprint when you sign up
Quip – Get your first refill pack FREE with a QUIP electric toothbrush
Calm – Get 25% off Calm Premium subscription
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Listen On
[Part 1 of 5]
The Hume Freeway is one of the busiest interstate routes in Australia, linking the countries two most populous cities, Sydney and Melbourne. Stretching for 840 kilometres, the Hume is part of the Auslink National Network, providing a vital connection for freight and transit between the two major East Coast cities.
In 2013, the creation of the Holbrook bypass marked the completion of an extensive overhaul of the roadway, with Sydney and Melbourne now linked by a continuous dual-lane freeway unrestricted by the traffic lights and speed restrictions of passing townships.
But it wasn’t always this way. Prior to the upgrade, the Hume Freeway was the Hume Highway. Those navigating the Old Hume had to drive through a vast number of urban and rural townships, traffic lights, and intersections. Despite the bypass upgrades that occurred throughout the years, one aspect of the Hume has remained the same – it is the only road providing access to the Belanglo State Forest.
Entrance to Belanglo is gained via the Hume, 16 kilometres south of the Southern Highlands town of Bowral, where a sealed road quickly gives way to rocky dirt roads, steep hills, and creek crossings impossible to navigate without an off-road vehicle. Fire trails and a complex network of tracks and paths criss-cross throughout the forest, which is so large and isolated that it is rare to encounter another person whilst visiting.
Despite its splendour and distinctively Australian landscape which continues to attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world, those who venture to the secluded forest note the vast space is enveloped by an eerie silence. As visitors turn to the forest entrance, a large ominous sign surrounded by a wall of towering trees warns:
‘Welcome to Belanglo State Forest – Please Be Careful.’
______
Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:
AUSTRALIA:
Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36
Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732
Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78
Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre
USA:
Distress & Lifeline: 1800 273 8255
Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741
Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233
Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846
UK:
Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393
SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000
Samaritans support network: 116 123
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
CANADA:
For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call
NEW ZEALAND:
Lifeline: 0800 543354
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)
______
If you are hearing impaired or know someone who is and would like to get a transcript of the episode, please email us at contact@casefilepodcast.com
CREDITS
NARRATION:
Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host
EPISODE:
Episode researched the Anonymous Host
Episode written by Elsha McGill
MUSIC:
‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com
All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn
OTHER:
Logo design by Paulina Szymanska
RESOURCES
BOOKS:
Highway to Nowhere – Richard Shears
Fate – Neil Mercer
Belanglo: the next chapter – Roger Maynard
Sins of the brother – Mark Whittaker and Les Kennedy
Milat, Inside Australia’s biggest manhunt – Clive Small and Tom Gilling
R V Milat, a case study in cross-examination – Dan Howard
John Marsden, I am what I am – John Marsden
NEWSPAPER ARCHIVES:
Extensive articles from ‘The Age’ and ‘The Sydney Morning Herald’ newspapers published between 1989 and 1998 were utilised to compile these episodes. The articles were accessed via the website, www.newspapers.com
VIDEOS:
‘Crimes that shook the world’ – The backpacker murderer
THIS EPISODE’S SPONSORS
Robinhood – Get a free stock from companies like Apple, Ford and Sprint when you sign up
Calm – Get 25% off Calm Premium subscription
Quip – Get your first refill pack FREE with a QUIP electric toothbrush
SimpliSafe – Protect your home and your family today. Free shipping, free returns and 60 days risk-free trial
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