Sunday 26th September 2021
By Anne & Bill
Trip Leader: Chris - Nissan GQ
Participants:
Karen & Richard - 79 Series
Anne & Bill - 80 Series
Apologies, Diane & Paul who had to pull out at the last minute.
The day started with us meeting at the Bonnie Doon Memorial at 8.45am. After discussing what was ahead we got underway by heading west to Ancona Rd. We travelled up Ancona Rd, turned into Mitchels Rd then Donaldson Rd and finally turned right onto Nth Creek Rd.
Travelling along here we came across a farm that caused us to really slow down to take in the scenery. It contained more “old rusty preloved relic “farm equipment than I knew still existed. Once acquired never relinquished.
Chris has mentioned that he might at some stage try and organise a visit (if pos.) to look at it properly.
We continued and then the question was asked, are we doing the easier or more challenging tracks? More challenging was unanimous.
At Ruoaks Rd we aired down, turned right and the fun began. We travelled through a beautiful valley that Chris referred to as Boulder Valley. I’ll let you guess why.
We continued taking an offshoot of Ruoaks Rd. (having fun) we then travelled via Dry Creek Rd onto Goldworthy’s Rd and Goldworthy Link Tk. coming out at Hells Hole Sluice
From her we travelled via Golden Mt TK, Ferraris Link TK, and Ferraris Rd before turning left into Howes Ck TK. From here we did one of the many Harpers tracks available in the area. We continued and took Lightening Ridge TK. And from there we took the Nillacootie track
Down to Lake Nillacootie where we had lunch. (And a much-needed toilet stop). It was great to see the lake full and the spillway overflowing.
Lunch over and we started the trip home. Turned left out of Nillacootie and before you know it, right into Donkey Hill Rd. (You guessed it, back into the hills and more great tracks).
We travelled a few more tracks on the way out and ended up at the Golden View. This took in views of the valley and part of the lake at Bonnie Doon.
We then travelled via Dry Creek Rd. to the Highway and went on our own merry way.
I would be remiss not to mention a few extra things.
One of the tracks on the way out was Harpers No.1.
Some would think this is a well rutted and steep challenge, but not us, we were up to the challenge. The old Nissan (Chris) got to the top and then it was the turn of the old 80 series (Bill). At approx. 2/3 of the way up the struggle began and the navigator (Anne) got out, and said see you at the top. Some say it almost rolled (exaggeration) but with a bit of perseverance we got there. Then the new Landcruiser (Richard) just cruised up. Not that hard a track.
Throughout the trip we noticed a lot of trees still in bright yellow blossom. We may have well missed these if not for our intrepid leader often informing us of what they were.
On many of the tracks travelled it was noticed that the track clearing was not up to the standards set by MAFWDC
We would like to thank Chris for a fantastic day. Great tracks and beautiful weather.
11 April to 16 April 2021
By Nick
Trip Leader: Bruce
Participants:
Bruce - Toyota Landcruiser
Ian and Andrew from Scouts Vic 4WD - Nissan Patrol
Nick - VW Amarok
As a new member to the group and being my first trip, I wasn't sure what to expect or who I would meet.
Start point was Ouyen caravan park on Sunday night. I arrived early and set up camp for the night. A quiet park with clean facilities. Bruce, Ian and Andrew arrived around half past 4. We did the introductions and set up swags in the camping area.
Dinner was at the Victoria Hotel. Roast lamb with chips for all. We all opted for the chips on the advice that apparently the mash potatoes were not real potatoes. Over dinner, the conversations started and never really stopped the whole trip. Filled with banter and knowledge, the precedent was set for a trip full of laughs and shared experiences.
Monday morning started from 6.30am with everyone waking slowly. Camp packed up and on the road by 8.30 for some last-minute supplies. A quick drive around Hattah-Kulkyne NP with a short nature walk, after morning tea. This was met with protests from Ian and myself - which would continue for every other walk we ventured on. Lol
From here we crossed the highway into Murray Sunset NP. Upon entering the park, we air'd down our tyres and began the sand driving. "Last hope track" was the launching point for the trip. Lunch was held at Mopoke campground before driving on to Phenneys Track campground to set up camp for the night.
At sunrise the next morning we were treated with beautiful reds and oranges filling the sky. Breakfast was had by all and we hit the road at 9am to venture further into the park. We travelled up to the Shearers Quarter campground for morning tea. Followed by another walk, and more groaning from two of us.
It was then on to the border track and following the line down the Vic/SA border. Like 12-year-old schoolboys, we all jumped over the border "without our permits" and quickly ran back in to Victoria. We headed south along the borderline and on to Pink Lakes to find our next stop over. Camp was set up and the fire was lit.
Around the fire we enjoyed dinner followed by more storytelling and banter over driving styles and vehicle capabilities. The evening was overcast and a little windy, but it didn’t dampen the fun.
Morning still had clouds overhead, but we were on a mission - to back on the tracks by 9am and on to Big Desert NP. More sand driving and walking tracks today with the day being the shortest of the five days of driving.
We found Broken Bucket Campground and set up camp for the evening. It’s a strange feeling being out in these two parks. I found that there is nothing out there, yet it is full of things to look at and explore. The tracks are varied. From hard dirt to soft deep tracks, and evidence of wildlife was everywhere and surprisingly very green.
We spent the night by the fire trying out our phones taking pictures of the stars and surrounding areas.
On the road early we headed off to Kaniva for a fuel stop before heading on to Serviceton and its amazing train station. This was the biggest surprise of the whole trip as we happened to get there to meet the caretaker, Les, and were lucky enough to have a guided tour. Learning about its role in the border crossing between 1889 and 1986.
From here we drove into the Little Desert NP. This part of the trip was the trickiest. With deeper sand and huge wash outs in the tracks. It was also the longest driving day. We got into camp later than planned but we were quick to set up and head into Dimboola for a shower and a feed at the Victorian hotel. By the way, we all highly recommend the steak here. It is well worth stopping in if you’re in the area.
The final morning had come around faster than we wanted but we were looking forward to getting back to our loved ones. We headed back into Dimboola for fuel before the drive home. For me saying goodbye I couldn't help but reflect on the past five days. I learnt a lot about off road driving, sand driving, my vehicle and about myself. I also learnt a lot about three top blokes who I really got to know over the past week. We laughed, we shared ideas and learnt from each other.
All in all, a great trip. And if all of the trips are like this one, I’m glad i found Mansfield 4x4 club. Thank you to Bruce for leading the trip. And showing us some beautiful country.
Editor’s Note: Ian and Andrew instigated the Victorian Scouts 4WD after a fellow scout died driving in Wonnangatta. They wrote much of a manual that has gone on to be used by many clubs for training purposes.
26 March 2021
By Richard
Trip leader - David
Participants:
David, Kath, Kane & Anita - Toyota 80 series
Brian & Alison - Ford Ranger
Graham - Toyota Prado
Richard & Karen – Toyota 79 series
We all met at the Mansfield BP at 8:00am on Friday 26th March. With the briefing and paperwork done, we headed towards the Howqua Track where tyres were let down. The track into Sheepyard was very wet and slippery, so much so, that a council water truck working on the road had slid into a bank and was in the process of releasing water to lighten his load. We turned onto Brocks Rd, stopping at Bluff for morning tea, where Dave pulled out a commercial coffee type machine which he ran on an inverter of huge proportions. So much for roughing it!
We continued towards Lovick’s Hut and then onto Howitt Plains Hut, having lunch along the way. It was then onto Zeka Spur Track which was much easier than anticipated. We arrived in the Wonnangatta Valley at around 4:30 pm. Having never been there before I was amazed at the size of it. We had a look around and then picked a great campsite not far from the homestead site and right on the riverbank. We got the fire going, cooked dinner all whilst enjoying a few ales and wines. During the evening we were watched by a fox that was just on the edge of the camp lighting.
The Saturday was spent fishing, sight-seeing or just relaxing. There were a few showers about but not enough to be a worry.
Kane and I went fly fishing. We only stalked and hooked one fish which was not landed. Kane had a few casts and I was very impressed with his ability.
Dave was the only one to climb the widow maker. He donned a fluoro vest due to a few deer hunters on the move. We were able to view him all the way up and back down from the comfort of the fire.
We were kept company by the fox again which pinched our new cooking (welding) gloves during the night. Hopefully he gets more use out of them than we did!
Sunday saw us wake up to reasonable weather, but it did involve a damp pack up. Nobody seemed to be in a hurry, so a leisurely breakfast was had by all. When we were ready, we headed to Whitfield. We crossed the Wonnangatta River and headed up Wonnangatta Track which was a fairly steep climb. At morning tea Dave went to have a look behind a tree (I think there was a plumbing problem involved) and lo and behold at a temperature of only 8C in a beam of sunshine, there was a snake. (I will be more careful fishing early in the season from now on.)
We headed down through Abbeyard and onto Whitfield where we had afternoon tea, then headed home in different directions.
I would like to thank everyone on the trip for a great time and especially Dave whose local knowledge was invaluable.
PS: A word of warning to anyone camping with Brian. Keep your drinks and dinner away from his clumsy feet!
21 November 2020
By Karen
This was the Club’s first trip after the second Covid-19 lockdown and boy it was great to get out on the tracks again.
Trip leader - Graham
Participants:
Graham & Anna – Toyota Prado
Maurizio – Toyota Prado
Alec & mate Brad - Toyota
Richard & Karen – Toyota 79 series
We set off from Jamieson and headed up Polletti Track, then onto Mt Terrible Track to reach the summit of Mt Terrible. Mt Terrible Track is great for all drivers as it has many difficult side tracks for the more adventurous drivers. Morning tea was had at the top of Mt terrible while taking in the hazy views.
We continued along Mt Terrible Track, then onto Hope Track and then Big River Rd. We found a place to stop along the way for a late lunch. Most of us pulled out sandwiches we had made before setting off. Alec however, not to be outdone, pulled out an impressive stainless steel table and proceeded to assemble gourmet wraps for himself and Brad, followed by a dessert of strawberries. Obviously, he had been well trained by our very own Ambience Officer, Maurizio.
After lunch we continued along Big River Rd. We had a brief stop at the Rapids Campsite to take in Big River and stretch our legs. We headed to the main Eildon Rd and then onto Newman’s Track back up to Mt Terrible and back down via Polletti Track. The original plan had been to stop and have a beer at the Historic Kevington Hotel, however, this has been another victim of Covid-19 and is now closed. We headed into Jamieson Brewery for a couple of beers before saying our final good-byes. Thanks for running a great trip Graham. It was a very enjoyable day.
The Route: Jamieson - Polletti Tk- Mt Terrible Tk – Fryers Creek Rd –Big River Rd - Hope Tk- Mt Terrible Tk to summit – Return via Polletti Tk to finish at historic Kevington Hotel
28 June 2020
By Editor
Leader - Richard
Participants:
Richard and Karen - Toyota 79 series
Dulcie - Toyota Prado
Maurizio - Toyota Prado
Chris - Nissan GQ
Graham and Anne - Toyota Prado
Rod and Wendy - Toyota 100 series
Richard Jarvis led the day trip on a day that shone brightly. Everyone enjoyed some good views, some rocky and moderately steep tracks, and some rutted boggy tracks. It was the good bog hole that everyone had a great time driving through after checking the depth of the water!
The route took in Strath Creek Pioneer Reserve, Flowerdale Rd and was then the group went around the Tallarook State Forest before finishing up at the pub.
30 May 2020
By Wendy
Trip leader – Bruce on behalf of David
Participants of Group B
Bruce and Annabelle - Toyota 80series
Rod and Wendy - Toyota 100 series
Neil and Jodie - Toyota Prado
Gail and Steve - Ford Ranger
Robert and Noelene (guests) - Toyota 200 series
We meet at the BP in Mansfield on a cool but fine morning and after an agonizing wait for a cuppa (30 mins), we headed off to Buttercup Road, Merrijig where we tyred down and had a general catch up (gossip) prior to the trip briefing.
At 10.45 we headed down Buttercup Road enjoying the views after so long in lockdown. Neil pointed out a property called Harrison’s view where a set was built for “The Man from Snowy River” and some of the movie was filmed there. We continued to Carters Road stopping for morning tea and a toilet break at the campsite. A quick photo shoot before heading up Plain Creek Track which was like a rollercoaster ride.
We stopped at a walking track to a waterfall, where we caught up with group 1. Group 1 had walked to the tram bridge, which was no longer there, so we just walked to the falls. This walk was well worth the 2 km round trip. On the return walk, Neil found a tree with a big slot that looked like Ned Kelly’s helmet or even could have been a post box. Very interesting.
Continued up Carters rd to Tomahawk Hut for lunch where Rod and Neil had a kettle boiling race, Gas V wood. Results came in - Neil won with his little wood fired kettle. In Rod’s defence, he did over fill our kettle.
Back on the road to Buckland’s Spur Track then Evans Creek Track where it became a bit rockier and slippery on the downside. A short stop at Evans Creek Hut where some deer hunters had set up camp for the night.
On to Cambatong Rd to the Spur Track stopping to see the rain gauge on Bald Hill. After a stop for some farewells and to enjoy the extraordinary views, we continued to Gonza Ridge Rd finishing our trip passing the Glenroy homestead on Glenroy Rd.
Steve, Robert and Rod stopped at Neil’s to pump up tyres before heading home.
A GREAT day was had by all!