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.