Portland Sand Dunes DATES: Friday 11th March 2016 Monday 14th March 2016 (LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND) GENERAL INFORMATION:

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1 Portland Sand Dunes DATES: Friday 11th March 2016 Monday 14th March 2016 (LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND) GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. Sand Driving to your heart s content in one of Australia s exclusive Parks. Discovery Bay Coastal Park, not far west of Portland, provides some of the most spectacular Sand and Sand Dune Driving in Australia. There is over 1800 hectares of Sand and Dunes! The entire Park is administered exclusively by the Portland Dune Buggy Club (the PDBC ) and has been for over 3 decades. The PDBC has granted GREATER WESTERN 4X4 CLUB INC permission to use the Park for Sand Dune Driving over the March Labour Day Long Weekend, subject to the appropriate PDBC Membership Application and Fee being submitted and paid by our Club participants and accepted by the PDBC. The PDBC will grant our Club attendees a 4 day Membership at a cost of $50.00 per driver. 2. The primary attachments with this Trip Information Sheet regarding the PDBC, are the following documents: PDBC Membership Application (4 Day Membership). PDBC By-Laws. PDBC 4x4 Technical Regulations. Please read all documents and if you have any queries, please contact the Trip Leader. The primary document required to be returned with your payment is the PDBC Membership Application. If you require assistance with this Form, please contact me. Confirmed participants for this Trip, must complete the required PDBC Membership Application and present it to the Trip Leader together with the $50.00 Fee (per driver) by no later than Friday 14 th February Failure to do so will result in your position being forfeited and offered to the next person on the waiting list. I please require this to be paid to me in CASH, as cash will be combined and a cheque drawn for the PDBC. The Parent/Guardian Consent section of the Portland Dune Buggy Club (PDBC) Membership Application is not required to be filled out, as it does not apply, as all our drivers are over 18 years of age. Please remember, the PDBC 4 Day Membership Fee of $50.00 is per driver and every driver must complete and submit an Application for a 4 Day Membership with the PDBC if they wish to be able to drive on the Sand Dunes. Therefore, if you and your wife want to do some Sand Driving, you both must separately complete a PDBC Membership Application Form and each pay $ Persons who will not be driving on the Dunes are not required to submit an Application nor is the $50.00 Fee payable. There are no other fees payable to the PDBC for the weekend.

2 3. We will be sharing the Sand Dunes with the Pajero 4WD Club of Victoria (the Pajero Club ). The Pajero Club have been using the Sand Dunes of Portland on the March Long Weekend for many years now, however the park is so big, the PDBC allow two 4x4 Clubs to a maximum of 25 vehicles in total at any one time. The Pajero Club have 15 vehicles, hence our convoy been limited to a maximum of 10. I encourage participants to acknowledge the Pajero Club Members with either a greeting or wave when passing by, or have a chat if you like. 4. Trip Leader will brief everyone and give instruction regarding Sand Driving before Sand Driving commences. 5. Driving on the Discovery Bay Beach or on areas covered with marram grass or other vegetation is strictly PROHIBITED/FORBIDDEN by the PDBC. Therefore driving is restricted to the Sand Dune Areas. However, the Discovery Bay Beach is accessible and there is a marker which four wheel drives are not permitted beyond. The beach itself is very close to the marker. The beach is deemed dangerous due to its undertow and accordingly swimming is not advised. You may dip your feet it, however this is the limit of depth you should go. 6. All activity on the Sand Dunes is banned between sunset and sunrise, therefore no night driving is permitted. 7. No pets or firearms are allowed within the Park area. It is also Club Policy that Firearms of any type and explosive material is strictly prohibited on Club Trips. 8. No alcohol is permitted to be consumed during the day and whilst driving. Should you do so, you will be asked to leave the Trip immediately. Alcohol will be permitted to be consumed in the evening during dinner at Base Camp, however this must be within reasonable limits so as not to cause you to be over the legal limit or affect your abilities to drive safely the following day. Should you do so, you will be asked to leave the Trip immediately. 9. For injury prevention, all Trip Participants, including passengers, must wear fully enclosed footwear (e.g. sneakers, work type boots) whilst driving on this Trip. Open footwear, e.g. sandals, thongs, slippers, and the like, are prohibited to be worn whilst sand dune driving. 10. IMPORTANT: please refer Heading below SAND FLAGPOLES. CONVOY LIMIT: Strictly Maximum of 13 Vehicles with 10 only permitted at any one time on the Sand Dunes. Positions 1 to 3 (which are the Trip leader and Assistant Trip Leaders) are fixed and positions 4 to 13 (which are the registered Participants) are share driving. ROUTE TO PORTLAND: Portland is accessible by either of the following main recommended routes: 1. Western Freeway, Glenelg Highway and Henty Highway via Melton, Ballarat, Lake Bolac, Hamilton and Heywood total of 340kms (one way) from Melton.

3 2. Princes Freeway via Werribee, Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and Port Fairy total of 321kms (one way) from Werribee. Based on travel information, Route No.1 will take approximately 5 hours and Route No. 2 will take approximately 5.5 hours. The most effective Route is Option No.1 due to less number of towns and less trafficked than the Princes Highway, however it is up to you if you are travelling down on your own or in your own group as to which option you choose. You may even wish to choose another route altogether to Portland, which participants are free to do. The roads all the way to the turn off for the Campsite are sealed major roads. The road turning off to the Campsite area from Portland Nelson Road (C192) is unsealed all the way to the Campsite for about 5kms. The unsealed road is fairly wide easily accommodating a vehicle in either direction. It is generally a very good surfaced road for the most part, but has some harsh corrugations in the early section (please refer to the heading CAMPSITE ROAD SUITABILITY FOR CARAVANS & CAMPER TRAILERS in this Information Sheet for more details regarding this road). DIRECTIONS TO PORTLAND VIA THE OPTIONAL ROUTES: Option 1 Western Freeway (M8) to Ballarat. Take first exit to Ballarat and follow into town centre. Turn left into Midland Highway (A300) from town centre. Follow Midland Highway and turn right at the Roundabout that is signposted for Hamilton. This is the Glenelg Highway (B160). Follow Glenelg Highway all the way to Hamilton. Along the way to Hamilton, you will pass several towns. A short break should be earmarked for either Lake Bolac or Dunkeld. Upon reaching Hamilton, follow the signs for Portland. You will eventually exit Hamilton from the south side and should be on the Henty Highway (A200), which is sign posted. Follow the Henty Highway via Heywood to Portland. Nearing Portland, the Henty Highway intersects with the Princes Highway (A1). Proceed straight ahead to the meeting point. Option 2 Princes Highway (A1) from Laverton/Hoppers Crossing/Werribee all the way to Portland via Colac, Camperdown, Warrnambool and Port Fairy. The Princes Highway intersects with the Henty Highway (A200) close to Portland. Turn left into the Henty Highway and proceed straight to the meeting point. MEETING TIME & POINT: Participants choices are: 1. Travel up with the Trip Leader on the Friday. Contact the Trip Leader to make arrangements. Trip Leader will be leaving home at 7:00am in order to get there as early as possible to secure our base camping area. 2. Travel up on the Friday, or on whatever day you have chosen to come up, and make your own way direct to the Campsite. 3. All Trip Participants must advise the Trip Leader by before the Trip, their intended departure day and time, so that the

4 Trip Leader knows when to expect you 4. All Trip Participants must also provide their mobile phone number for the Trip Leader to contact you on if need be. ROUTE/DIRECTIONS FROM PORTLAND TO CAMPSITE (for those desiring to travel directly there on their own): Proceed straight ahead after passing the junction of Henty Highway & Princes Highway. After passing the Henty/Princes Highway junction, move over to the right hand lane in readiness to make a right hand turn. Turn right at the sign displaying NELSON. This is the continuation of the Henty Highway A200. Proceed straight ahead. After going over the bridge the goes over the railway, turn right into the Portland Nelson Road (C192). After turning right, proceed straight ahead until you come to a T intersection (the railway track will be on your right). Turn left to continue with the Portland-Nelson Road C192. Follow the Portland Nelson Road (C192) for approximately 32kms to reach the road that will take you to the Campsite. Look out for a large sign (black writing on white background) displaying MOUNT RICHMOND (do not confuse yourselves with a much earlier sign that displays Mt Richmond National Park, which is white writing on green background). Upon reaching the signpost displaying MOUNT RICHMOND, very shortly thereafter will be the turn off to the Campsite. You will be looking for a street signpost on your left displaying SWAN LAKE. This signpost is white writing on brown background. Also displayed at this signpost is the street name POST OFFICE ROAD which is black writing on white background. Turn left here. The road from here to the Campsite is all unsealed road. After turning left into POST OFFICE ROAD/SWAN LAKE, proceed straight ahead until you reach the end at a T intersection. Turn right here. After turning right at the T intersection, turn left at the next intersection you come to, which should have an old wooden signpost saying SWAN LAKE. If it doesn t, as it was old and leaning a bit last year, do not be concerned. Just turn left at this intersection. After turning left, this section of the Road goes all the way to the Campsite. You will initially go through some crests and then descend steeply twice to the bottom where the road veers sharply to the right. From here the road is fairly straight and follows farmland on your right for about 1km. The road will then veer sharply to the left. After veering left, follow the signs that say DUNE BUGGY CLUB CAMP AREA. Eventually you will come to a Y intersection (the road splits). Veer right here for access to the Campsite area that we will occupy. Look for us in a tucked away area (cul-de-sac) on your right. The Trip Leader will look out for you. If you are arriving at night, the Trip Leader will set up a flashing strobe light (orange) for you to see where we are camped. The distance of road leading to the Campsite from Portland Nelson Road (C192), is approximately 5kms.

5 CAMPSITE ROAD SUITABILITY FOR CARAVANS & CAMPER TRAILERS: Post Office Road/Swan Lake, the road that leads to the Campsite from Portland Nelson Road (C192), has a sign at the start saying the road is not suitable for Caravans. This is not exactly correct. The road and the Campsite area are very suitable for caravans and camper trailers. The sign is there more for conventional 2WD vehicles that would not be able negotiate the two steep descents (ascents on exiting) with respect to traction with such weight behind them, especially in wet conditions. Therefore, 4WD vehicles hauling Caravans and Camper Trailers are suitable as they can engage low range in such conditions. CAMPSITE CONDITION AND FACILITIES: As advised, we will be sharing the Campsite area with the Pajero 4WD Club. The area is very large and will easily accommodate us all. We will be in our own secluded area adjacent to the large open area that the Pajero Club will occupy. The campsite area can become quite wind swept being we are near the ocean, however our little section is quite well bordered by medium to high thick shrubs/trees and vegetation, which is what makes up most the landscape around the area. The floor of the campsite consists mainly of soft sand and some dirt with some debris from the trees and shrubs. Therefore, for those pitching a tent, it s advisable that you place a tarp or some sort of ground sheet underneath your tent to prevent you puncturing or tearing your tent floor. There is one toilet block that is easily accessible from our campsite. It contains two flushing toilets (septic system). Yes, you read correctly flushing toilets. There are several open fire places around the campsite, which are bordered by steel frames with legs cemented in the ground. We will be using one fire place at the top of our campsite area and commune around this at night. There is no firewood in and around the campsite area. If anyone is able to assist in bringing in firewood, that would be greatly appreciated. Last year saw one of the participants being able to cart in firewood all the way from home, however there is firewood available from downed trees along the road the leads into the Campsite (POST OFFICE ROAD). Perhaps a couple of members will be able to assist and go back along this road and collect some wood. If you have a chainsaw and are able to bring it and you are qualified in using it, that would be great and very much needed or otherwise we will be collecting sparse scraps. The PDBC will bring down rubbish bins for the whole area for us to place our rubbish. There is no charge from the PDBC in bringing in and removing the bins (they are really wonderful people). There are no showers at the campsite, therefore you need to be self-sufficient in this regard. However, the PDBC usually deliver (or it is collected by the Pajero Club) their hot water shower unit, which is set on top of a 6 x 4 Trailer. This will be set up in the main camp area that the Pajero Club will occupy, but all are welcome to use it. The PDBC ask that you make a gold coin donation

6 each time you use the Shower Unit for the sake of its upkeep and refilling of the LPG gas cylinders that enable hot water to be provided. The PDBC (or the Pajero Club) will also remove the shower unit when the weekend is over. This is also very generous of the PDBC and the fee asked for its use is also very reasonable as such. If anyone has a portable shower unit that they prefer to set up and allow others in our group to use, then this would be most welcomed and most appreciated. There are numerous bore water taps spread throughout the campsite area. Some are dry. The ones located within our immediate campsite area have water. These can be used for cleaning, washing hands etc. However, THE BORE WATER IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DRINKING. FUEL: Last fuel stop is Portland. There are no petrol stations after Portland to the Campsite. There is a Shell Petrol Station just prior to Nelson turnoff (you will need to do a U turn, as it is on the Hamilton side of Portland), or there is another Shell Petrol Station a little further along the main highway on your left after the Nelson turn off next to a KFC. Both Stations have all fuel types. Full tank/s from either Shell Petrol Stations at Portland will be sufficient for the weekend for some, however other participants may find they will need to return to Portland during the weekend to top up on fuel due to sand driving being allot more stressful on engine operation (lots of high revs going up dunes). Portland is approximately 35kms from the campsite and is thus not too far to drive to, to top up on fuel or get extra supplies if need be. It may also be a good idea to bring a Jerry Can or two to carry additional fuel, but please make sure you have the Jerry Can properly secured to your vehicle and the Jerry Can is a prescribed fuel container. Under no circumstances will you be permitted on the Trip with fuel being stored in a non-prescribed and/or non-clearly marked fuel container. TRIP STANDARD: 1. Scenic/Social and Easy to Base Camp. 2. Sand Dune driving can be Easy/Medium/Hard subject to conditions and dunes encountered. For the most part it will be Easy to Medium. 3. Any sand driving experience will be to your advantage, however Trip Leader will provide instruction and guidance. TRIP SCHEDULE: FRIDAY: Arrivals to Base Camp and set up. SATURDAY: 1. 08:00am - Breakfast 2. 09:00am - Sand Dune driving instruction/tips from Trip Leader

7 3. 09:30am - Depart base camp for Sand Dune Driving 4. 12:30pm - Return to Base Camp for lunch 5. 01:30pm - Depart base camp for Sand Dune Driving 4. 05:00pm - Return to base camp for dinner. End of day s driving Some of us are planing to go for a pub meal at Portland everyone is welcome SUNDAY: As per Saturday schedule. MONDAY: 1. 08:00am - Breakfast 2. 09:00am - Pack up 3. 11:00am Depart base camp for home. Upon reaching the Portland Nelson Road (C192), the Trip will officially be at an end and participants are free to choose their routes home.. RECOVERY EQUIPMENT: The minimum requirements for this Trip are two Snatch Straps rated 8000kgs each, two Bow Shackles rated 4.7T or 3.25T each and stamped SSL or SWL, Riggers Gloves, Dampener and a Shovel. Riggers Gloves must be worn when dealing with recovery equipment, especially if winching. An inspection of recovery equipment will be carried out at Base Camp after you have set up. Inspection will be once only for the weekend. Please ensure you have your equipment with you and that it is in excellent condition. VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT: Your vehicle must be Roadworthy and appropriately set up for the trip. Any and all mechanical or maintenance issues with your vehicle must be resolved before attending this Trip no exceptions. Special attention should be given to your vehicle s cooling system see next paragraph for more information. Appropriate front and rear recovery points (for snatch strapping or winching) are essential. Highway Terrain Tyres are permitted for sand driving. Tyres just on roadworthy are not acceptable. Due to distance between vehicles for safety whilst driving, an on board UHF Radio is essential, as normal hand held units do not have the watt capacity to transmit over long distance and over dunes. If you have a hand held unit, bring this in case of need. Basic vehicle spares and tools (spare radiator hoses, heater hoses and drive belts are a good idea when sand driving). First Aid Kit. Cooling System the main area of concern is engine heat due to the stress sand driving places on them due to low gearing and constant high revs, which can be exacerbated with hot weather. Therefore you must ensure that your radiator is in excellent condition and not blocked in any way. Likewise, check and ensure all heater and water hoses (including radiator hoses) are not hard, brittle, cracked in any way or

8 swollen at the necks. If so, change them before the Trip as they will almost certainly fail and strand you. You should also have fairly new drive belts, as these can fail under heat and constant high revs as well. Bring the old ones as spares. SAND FLAGPOLES: It is a stringent prerequisite of the Portland Dune Buggy Club that all vehicles must have a Sand Flagpole that meets their requirements. The critical point is being visible to other vehicles on the dunes. Vehicles are obviously obscured by sand dunes and hills. A Sand Flagpole attached to the vehicle provides visibility as it reaches high above the vehicle s base height. Accordingly, the Flagpole must be a minimum of 4 meters in height from the ground point of the vehicle, and must be of rigid construction so as not to flex back towards the vehicle when driving. The Portland Dune Buggy Club do come down and inspect our vehicles for compliance with the Flagpole requirements, therefore any Flagpole not meeting these conditions, will result in the vehicle being disallowed from being on the dunes area no exceptions. 4x4 Equip in Bayswater North ( make and produce not only the appropriate Flagpole for this Trip, it is also excellent in quality and well worth the purchase. This Flagpole is also available for purchase via Wester 4x4 in Hoppers Crossing. They are contactable on (03) Ask to speak with Jim Mizzi, who will be only too glad to help you with your purchase. This Flagpole complies with PDBC s guidelines. They are 4 meters in height and are of rigid construction thus preventing them flexing back towards your vehicle and inhibiting visibility to other drivers on the sand dunes. They are also telescopic and reduce down to one meter for ease of packing and carrying in your vehicle. The Flagpole also comes with the mounting system to your bulbar, however Trip Leader recommends that you also bring along several Long Zip Ties and one large role of Racing/Gaffa Tape and/or Duct Tape just in case they are needed to further secure your pole. FOOD/PROVISIONS: Depending upon when you arrive, you need to be fully self-sufficient for the entire trip that is, bring enough Food, Snacks and Water/Drinks for Dinner on the Friday night, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner on the Saturday, Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner on the Sunday and Breakfast on the Monday. You will also need to cater for morning and afternoon teas or snacks in between main meals. Although it will be very early Autumn when this Trip is on, weather can be unpredictable on the south Coast, therefore please bring warm and wet weather clothing/gear just in case. Likewise, please also bring summer gear and sun protection, as it can also be very hot this is especially important if you have young children. EMERGENCY CONTACT / PERSONAL DETAILS: Each driver must bring three (3) sealed envelopes with your name and vehicle on the front and containing completed Emergency Contact / Personal Details forms for every person travelling in your vehicle. You should complete these prior to leaving home. One envelope should be carried in the vehicle glove box or centre console, and two copies provided at Sign On, one which will be retained by the Trip

9 Leader and one given to the Tail End Charlie. Both copies will be returned to you at the end of the trip. The form is attached to this in PDF format. If you have any persons in your vehicle that is not covered by your Club Membership, then they each must complete a Temporary Visitor/Membership form and pay $10.00, which is payable by the Club to FWDV for Public Liability coverage. This form and payment must be submitted to the Trip Leader by no later than Friday 2 nd March 2012 no exceptions. Form and payment not lodged with the Trip Leader by this date will regretfully result in that person not being permitted to attend the Trip. Please understand that there are major insurance responsibilities for the Club when running Trips and as such, the Club cannot afford to be uninsured with any person on a Club Trip. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation. TRIP LEADER: Michael Calleja Tel: miccalle@bigpond.net.au