big desert wyperfeld trip report and photos november 2015 & first TRIP FOR THE new YEAR: vic high country

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1 november 2015 & big desert wyperfeld trip report and photos first TRIP FOR THE new YEAR: vic high country Proudly printed at the offices of Peter CRISP

2 Mildura 4WD Club Inc Victoria, PO Box 2067, Mildura Vic 3502 Website: Office Bearers for President: Vice-President: Glen Sutherland Mark Liddle Secretary: Maureen Saunders ( ) Treasurer: Membership & PR Officer: Magazine Editor: Trip Co-ordinators: Property Officer: Driver Training Officer: Di Sutherland Jann Girardi Michelle Liddle Geoff Girardi & David Fetherston Terry Benson Colin Dyke Education & Environment Officer: Linda Curran Trip & Social Committee: Terry Benson, Terry Curran, Lisa Wakeman, Joe Wakeman, Des Meredith, Geoff Girardi and David Fetherston Trade qualified Working locally since 1994 Want a professional job? Call Shane PAGE 2 Shane Sammut For all your painting needs Mobile:

3 It was a real pleasure to be able to host Wayne Hevey, the General Manager of 4WD Victoria and show him some of the more challenging aspects of off road vehicle use and public land management in around our district. President s Preamble I thought I knew a bit about the problems around the river resulting from inappropriate vehicle use, but I was not prepared for the extend of the damage which is going on. On an upside, it would appear that the damage is being done by just a small number of offenders. Hopefully though following the visit by Wayne and the meeting we had with Parks managers John and Peter and Victoria Police representative Mick, that some targeted action will be forthcoming to help curb this dreadful behaviour. It was also great to have Wayne, Mick and John come along to our last club meeting following the afternoon tour and get-together. It was a good night with lots of decent and thoughtful discussion and I just want to acknowledge all of our members once again for the way they made our visitors most welcome. On another note Wayne mentioned the training side of things which are becoming more of a focus of our association. I am happy to report that rather than our members needing to travel south to undertake 4 Wheel Drive accredited training that we can look forward to this occurring here. I hope to have more details at our next meeting so stay tuned. Glen Sutherland Photos: Glen Sutherland Cnr 10th Street & Lemon Ave Mildura Vic 3500 Technical Sales Ph: DEAN HALL Fax: Mobile: AH: dean@malleebearings.com.au PAGE 3

4 the big desert with gippsland 4wd club Friday 30 October Anne and I left from Irymple at 2.40pm to welcome our visitors from the southwest of our state. We arrived at the campsite about six pm after checking out the sandy western side of the lake bed. We found the majority of the visiting group already there and winding down from their journey up from the south. So we got our chairs and drinks and joined in the session. Already there was Mapo in LC 6cyl ute, Alan in a GU 4.2lt Ute, Ron in his superb V8 LC ute, Andy in his LC 100 series with Dianna along for the trip. Next to arrive were Glen & Di who also travelled down from Mildura club to greet our visitors. Les Davis his trusty GU arrived next with his mate Andy. Not far behind Les was Brett, Trish and teenage offspring Chivaun and Jake in their brand new Mazda BT50 and Later on that night Shane and Erynne arrived in their very capable Disco TD5. Terry and Anne Benson Photos: Michelle Liddle PAGE 4 728B Fifteenth Street, Mildura Ph: Fax: info@austrek.com.au MICHAEL SOLOMON - MANAGER

5 Saturday 31 October Everyone was up and about and ready to leave on time. A sandy section of track started just a few klms away so we aired down before leaving. We headed up the western side of the lake bed and after ten minutes we were gearing down to tackle the delightful but very sandy track. We disturbed lots of roos along this lake side track and the bird life was also plentiful. A lot more of the larger gum trees had died since our last visit here mainly due to the lack of water and the effects of the bush fire that went through here two summers ago. We rounded the top end of the lake an exited the R&L AUTO park by crossing a farm paddock planted to field peas which we stopped and sampled. At the end of the paddock we turned onto Gosling Lane and headed towards Wonga Camp Ground in the Wyperfeld National Park. We stopped at the Interpretative Centre to rendezvous with the rest of the Mildura crew who travelled down to meet up with us that morning. This group led by Mark, Michelle and daughter Stephanie in their beefed up troopy camper truck. Also present was Andrew in his pride and joy LC V8 ute with Geoff riding shotgun. Robert and Kerry came too in their Ford Ranger dual cab tray truck. ELECTRICS & AIR CONDITIONING Ronnie Clark Ph: Fax: rlautos@ncable.com.au 57 Ninth St, Mildura PAGE 5

6 After the how do you do s etc we left Wonga behind and headed for the Box Flat car park where we drove onto the MVO track which took most of us through country that only bush walkers get to see. This track took us along the outlet Creek flood plain and to the locked exit gate just before the Casuarina Camp Ground. Straight after the gate we took a left turn onto a track that took us to The Snow Drift Picnic place right on cue for a leisurely lunch break. After lunch we crossed the Wirrengren plain an exited the Wyperfeld N.P. on Gunners Track. Soon after leaving the park we turned left and westward onto the Firebreak Track which runs all along the northern edge of the bush and the southern edge of the farmland all the way to the Vic/SA border this was a very interesting track with changing soil types from sections of red dirt to white sand hills to limestone country. There was a massive sand PAGE 6 Allen & Zita Heil sales@mildura.autobarn.com.au hill with a chicken track around it. Mapo, Mark, Shane, Ron, Andrew and Brett and family made it over the top and I m pretty sure it was the Liddles highlight of the trip. We arrived at Ross Springs at about 3pm where we all had a good stop and stretched our legs and relaxed a while. After our visit their my intuitive compass had a lapse and we had to retrace a few kilometers before getting back onto the firebreak track and westward again. When we reached The Murrayville Track Shane and Erynne left our group to head for Pinnaroo to top up with fuel. They set off with directions to our camp and the rest of us rolled into Yellow Gums Campsite around 5pm we all set up our respective Camps and settled in for a refreshing nibbles and drinks break. Shane and Erynne arrived at camped fueled up and showered a very sociable evening polished off big days drive. Terry & Anne Benson Autobarn Mildura Cnr 15th & Etiwanda Ave Mildura Vic 3500 Ph: Fax:

7 Sunday, 1st November Was that rain I just heard on the roof of the ute? Yep and thunder too. A quick look outside confirmed that big black storm clouds were rolling in from the north. Just the ticket; a bit of rain to cool things down, settle the dust and damped down the otherwise very loose sand. All was set for a good drive on the second day of our Big Desert trip. Breakfasts were had and camping gear packed into, or on the top of vehicles for the day. And away we go. Woops, a quick change of direction and yes, away we go, for real this time. First cab off the rank was a relatively short trip down south to visit Cactus Bore. There is an interesting little hill and short sand dune ridgetop to drive along, which is a good little warm up to more challenging terrain further on. The hill climb proved rough as guts and I overheard someone on the radio coin the phase Rob Whitworth Ph: Seventh Street East, Mildura 3500 Fax: Mob: milkshake track a very accurate description of one s stomach and contents lurching from side to side, violently, during the ride up the pock marked cratered track. After a short stop at the top, a few photos, we were off once again to explore more of the Big Desert. Next location of note was the fantastic Mount Thompson, which comprises a ridge top drive plus a single peak. The accent to the ridge top is tricky and plenty of momentum and heavy right foot is required to make this short but challenging climb through the deep soft sand. Once on the ridge though the stunning 360 degree view of the desert blots out any misgivings about the climb. The track culminates is a single peak which is always a challenge with its steep deeply rutted soft sand and hard left turn near the top, which must be negotiated to make the summit. True to form our tourists all eyed Tel: Fax: PAGE 7

8 PAGE 8 Terry & Anne Benson 3 Industrial Court, Irymple 3498 tbenson@irymplecanvas.com.au Caravan annexes & modifications Ute canopies Swags Tents Shade sails Canvas awnings

9 the challenge as a perfect opportunity for a competition between the various vehicle makes on the tour. Things were looking decidedly bad for the Toyota fraternity with Nissans, a Land Rover and a Mazda BT all making the top. Les added insult to injury by treating the drive like a trip to the corner shop for some milk. But all was not lost and Mark s big Troopy showed the rest of the Toyotas how to do it and before long the comp was declared (begrudgingly) a draw. Of cause we were all winners, being thoroughly entertained by the antics, comradery and good natured banter. The drive continued with us swinging back north passing through some very diverse country with differing landscapes and vegetation. Lunch was called at the Red Gums which is an outstanding and unique natural feature in this landscape given that there is no natural creeks or river within cooee. How they got there in the first place and how they have survived for hundreds of years so far away from any watercourse is truly a mystery and many theories abound about this. With lunch just a memory and the visitor s book signed we again hit the track heading for the SA border and the relative luxury of Pinnaroo. We duly arrived in the small SA town and sales@kulkyne.com contributed to the local economy with purchases of fuel, provisions and the odd ice cream or two. Some also took advantage of the servo showers. It was a much less feral looking crew who made their way back towards Murrayville, just over the Victorian border. The pub drew us in like bugs to a light and we did our best to also contribute to the local pubs economy before pulling stumps and heading back to camp. All survived the trip home, with a few of us collecting some good looking stumps on the way and it wasn t long before we were around the nibbles table reliving the highlights of the day s drive. It wasn t a late night by any means and apart from some impromptu (tent) pole dancing, it was a fairly well behaved crew who headed for bed after enjoying the fire, no doubt thinking about the next day s activities, whether heading off for the long drive home or the next episode of the Big Desert drive. Post script. One day after returning home Murrayville and district received over 100ml of rain when a tropical low pressure trough swept thunder storms across parts SA and Victoria. Official records say the town received 82 millimetres of rain in 24 hours in its wettest November day on record. Glen Sutherland * Camper trailers * Fishing Tackle * Outback Clothing * Camper Parts & Accessories * Camping Equipment * Used & Budget Campers * 4WD Fit-Outs & Accessories Calder Highway, Red Cliffs Vic 3496 Ph: Fax: PAGE 9

10 PAGE 10 Cash Tyre Service Tyrepower Tim Mills (BBS) Manager Tel: Fax: Madden Ave Mildura Vic 3500

11 Monday 3 November We said goodbye to a number of the Gippsland group who where heading home in the morning and sang Happy birthday to Erynne before setting off for the Clarence Ranges. We had a bit of a tour around looking for the Big K lookout, but ended up coming to the conclusion that it was part of what we know as the big dune in the Clarence Ranges. The Clarence Ranges did not disappoint as far as challenges went. Mark, Shane & Andrew all had a few attempts on different tracks, with ever increasing run ups, but despite their best efforts, no one made it to the top. It s always fun trying though! A number of us walked to the top and were treated to a great view of the Big Desert. We headed onto White Springs, stopping near Sandbucket for lunch. Once at White Springs, we all drove up to the lookout for some photos before driving down the big sandhill to the springs. Andrew, Shane, Brett, and Mark all had a go at driving back up. Mark went pretty close and a gentle snatch from Brett s BT got him over the final ledge of soft sand. From here we headed back towards the bitumen stopping to air up and again at the restored Cow Plains station for a wander around and marvel at how isolated and difficult life on this land would have been in days gone by. We drove back to camp where we enjoyed a campfire and cake for Erynne s birthday. Thank you to Beno and Anne for organising such an enjoyable weekend. As always, it was a pleasure to catch up with the Gippsland 4WD Club members. Michelle Liddle 32 Eighth Street, Mildura Vic 3500 Ph: Fax: gpreco@ncable.com.au PAGE 11

12 mildura 4wd club xmas party 5th - 6th december The Christmas party is a spit roast dinner starting at 6:00pm, however everyone is welcome anytime at all and camp over is not compulsory. Members driving to and from Britts Bend are on their own time and outside this club activity. Some members will be camping on site from Thursday and won t mind company. Members need to be fully self sufficient except for the roast but please bring a salad or dessert to share which Di will coordinate. Please ring Di to arrange salad or dessert or djglsu@hotmail.com Britts Bend On the Murray River in the Murray-Kulkyne Park jason cook 1/79 LANGTREE MALL, MILDURA 3500 Ph & Fax: mildura@aussiedisposals.com.au PAGE 12

13 Directions to Britts bend Colignan Cnr 15th Street & Deakin Ave, Mildura Tel: DAVE CURRAN Manager full mechanics workshop repairs & service - any make or model victorian roadworth certificates PAGE 13

14 22-26 january 2016 the high country Join the Gippsland 4WD Club in the iconic Victorian High Country camping at Glen Maggie for 3 nights and 1 night near Mansfield. Gippsland Club will be leading 2 trips on Saturday and Sunday; one a scenic drive with some moderately challenging tracks, the other for those that would like to tackle more extreme tracks. Monday we will be heading for our campsite on the Howqua River via Butcher Country Track, Howitt Plains, Lovicks Hut and Bluff Hut. TRIP LEADERS: Glen & Di Sutherland. Call or djglsu@hotmail.com to register. MEET AT: DIFFICULTY: WHAT TO BRING: A pre-trip planning meeting will be held before the trip at a date to be advised to set a departure time & provide further information to interested members. Moderate to challenging. Expect some steep ascents, descents and water crossings. All participants to be self sufficient. BYO food, water, accommodation and recovery gear. Fuel and basic supplies are available at Heyfield or at the General Store at Licola. NOT A MEMBER BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF THIS TRIP? Contact Jann on or gfgirardi@hotmail.com to find out how. 6 Industrial Court, Irymple PO Box 230, Irymple 3498 Ph: Fax: CHRIS PEART Manager 4WDs & JAP COMMERCIALS WANTED FOR WRECKING Discounted new parts Guaranteed used parts Reconditioned units PAGE 14

15 trips & meetings november Tue 10 8:00 pm General Meeting Social Agenda Irymple Hotel, Calder Highway, Irymple Sat 14 to Sun 15 Tue 24 Cal Lal Weekend Trip Leaders: Terry and Anne Benson 7:30pm Trip Committee Meeting Geoff and Jann s, 3 Sandpiper Drive, Mildura december Tue 1 8:00 pm General Meeting Business Agenda Irymple Guide Hall, Henshillwood Oval, Irymple Sat 5 to Sun 6 Christmas Party Weekend Camping at Britts Bend january Fri 22 to Tues 26 No General meeting for January Australia Day weekend in the Vic High Country Hosted by Gippsland 4WD Club For the latest updates to the calendar visit the website at: Further information on trips can be found on the club website in the Upcoming Events section. PAGE 15

16 engagement Congratulations to peter and susan from the Mildura 4WD CLUB