Attendees:
- Merrick (TL) – 80 Series Landcruiser
- Gordon – 80 Series Landcruiser
- Doug – 100 Series Landcruiser
- Steve C – Shorty Pajero
- Matt – GU Patrol
- Phil – D40 Navara
- Jacob – GU Patrol Ute
- Nathan and Katherine – Gu Patrol
Meeting at Flour Flower bakery in Kinglake on a brisk, but clear Saturday morning for once I was first to arrive. Joined shortly by a few members who had already been out for a couple of days, sussing out the good tracks and braving the rainy weather in the area. In no time at all we had assembled quite a crew and sat down for some unexpectedly tasty hot pastries, I myself had a Jalapeno, Beef and Cheese pie that was the best pie I’ve had in a long time.
At about 9AM we trundled out of the shopping precinct car park and a literal few hundred meters up the road. Turning off onto map marked and newtrac listed tracks within a pine plantation. Airing down on a sloppy, but graded track we gave Doug a quick lesson in convoy rules and set off, only to immediately his a load of “no access signs”. Crossing the main road this continued along with a gate that wasn’t meant to be there. Not what you want from the first few tracks of the trip.
Taking these signs as a “sign”, I made the choice to skirt right around the plantation and start on another section that was marked as state park. This proved fruitful and we were soon easily navigating our way through a small forest and plantation on the way to Arthur’s track. Taking the long way around we darted left and right through a number of small tracks that gave a slight challenge. Soon we came upon a short rocky set of ruts offering a challenging shortcut back up to one of the main drags through the park.
Taking a couple of unsuccessful attempt’s I yielded to let Steve in his nimble shorty Pajero have a crack. Wouldn’t you believe it! He made it first go! Albeit with alot of bouncing, wheel lifting and a diff lock. Phil tried afterwards and after letting a little more air out his tyres he got it up as well. Taking a cue from him I also let a few more PSI and still no luck, I resigned to it being a winch job. Dragging myself up the hill, I must have cleared the slick mud off the track as everyone sailed up almost without a hassle.
Unfortunately immediately afterwards we had to make another U-Turn. Atleast most could claim victory on this first obstacle. Winding further along, we climbed up and down before turning the corner to a fun looking Arthur’s track. Blow me down though that was also closed. Another detour back out to the main roads we officially entered Mount Robertson State Forest and tackle a few light n easy tracks. Stopping for lunch and discussing with those who had been in the area for a day already we made the decision to take Long Gully Tk out of the park and head to Tallarook. Thankfully that last track was fun and not closed.
A quick run up the tarmac had us climbing up the Tallarook plateau and into some lightly challenging tracks of scrabbly rocks, optional bogholes and tight cornering. Up and over we made our way down to the reservoir falls. Late afternoon we chose a camp on the bank with some gorgeous afternoon sun. Soon a fire was raging and everyone quickly settled into relaxing. Lots of laughs and some delicious food cooked on the fire was the flavour of the night.
The next morning saw us greeted with a cloudless blue sky and for some another fire cooked meal. Doug, Gordon and Phil headed off early to head home but we quickly caught up to them as they had accidently taken the scenic route. The rest of us, keen on another half day of driving, wound our way through some familiar tracks to a couple of big challenges. It was on one of these that Steve pointed out I’d forgot to re-lock my hub after leaving Mt Robertson, no wonder I was struggling on some easy stuff, I tell what I had been cursing my car alot. With this restored we pushed onto Phone Tk.
Steve and I only drove half the track as upper section was a little beyond us. Nathan, Jacob and Matt ended up in a battle with the mountain. Snaking left and right, over tyre sized boulders and through big boy ruts the rigs pushed on. Quicker than expected they had become conquerors, what a drive it was! Rewarded with an amazing rock perched campsite ontop this is where the trip came to an end, the main drag taking us out to air up and jump on the freeway.
Thankyou to everyone that came, it was a fantastic time. It was also great seeing many people sharing helpful tips for Doug to navigate obstacles and terrain, we certainly have built up a wealth of knowledge quickly.
Cheers, see you all on the next one!
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