Iconic Tracks - Blue Rag and Billy Goat Bluff MEDIUM / HARD

Vic High Country, VIC
Blue Rag and Billy Goat Bluff Tracks
 
Meeting point is Blue Pool Campground, Feestone Creek Rd, Briagolong. (37°46.795S, 147°06.751'E). Where we will camp Friday night.
This will allow folks to arrive as and when they can.  The camp site is about 8km north east of Briagalong, Vic.
 
Saturday morning (09:00) we will straight up to do Blue Rag track we will head through Dargo and up Dargo High Plains Road.
After Blue Rag, down Basalt North towards Talbotville, camping at Talbotville Saturday night or if time permits we'll push on via Billiy Goat Bluff Track and camp at Horseyard Flat.
 
If we have camped at Talbotville then Sunday will be up an over Billy Goat Bluff Track, The Pinnacles then through to Horseyard Flat.  From there we'll make our way out towards Briagolong.  Air up, fuel up and hit the bitumen for home.
 
Round trip Briagolong to Briagolong should be around 350km.  Fuel at Briagolong and topup at Dargo Saturday morning if required.
 
We will need to pickup some firewood on the way on Saturday.  Everyone should be self sufficient for camping.

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • John (Bulldog) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (25-Feb-2016 20:27)
    BULLDOG (2011 JK unlimited)
    • 37" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Dennis (bigden) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (26-Feb-2016 15:06)
    not your usual great wall (2010 x240)
    • 32" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Steve (blue rangie 304) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 5 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (25-Feb-2016 11:49)
    ex blue rangie/ landcruiser (2015 wildtrack)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Steve (Harro)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (25-Feb-2016 21:29)
    MN Clubcab (2011 MN Clubcab)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Zak (Uzooz) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 4 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (25-Feb-2016 19:46)
    Dakuwqa (2020 Gladiator)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Gary (poppyg)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (25-Feb-2016 20:15)
    4.5V8 diesel Landcruiser (2015 VDJ79R)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Adam (zem100) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    100 Series V8 (2002 Landcruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Eddie (EddieV8)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    100 series v8 (2006 Land cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch



Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
hi all
my favorite part of the country , look forward to catching up with everyone
14 Jan 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
Can never get enough of this area. Can't wait. Will most likely have a young semi-professional photographer along for the ride.
14 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
David (Paul Patrol) wrote: Can never get enough of this area. Can't wait. Will most likely have a young semi-professional photographer along for the ride.
Excellent, he can show me how to moved beyond the on/off switch
14 Jan 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
well that filled up quick!
14 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Dennis (bigden) wrote: well that filled up quick!
We'll have a maximum of 10 wagons on the trip I have some others folks going that I've invited directly so I kept it to 6 on here at this stage. I'm not sure if they've all joined 4WDTrip yet.
14 Jan 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Hey rob
Just looking at your itinerary for Saturday, bluff hut , Billy's goats and blue rag is a big day. Have you much of an idea yet?
14 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Dennis (bigden) wrote: Hey rob
Just looking at your itinerary for Saturday, bluff hut , Billy's goats and blue rag is a big day. Have you much of an idea yet?
Working on the route now, should post later this evening.
14 Jan 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Good stuff, Ime an old fella and need to stop and be rehydrated by about 3 in the afternoon :)
14 Jan 2016
Jason (FauxBogan) Premium Member
Damn it! Too slow. A good crew on this one too.
14 Jan 2016
Nathan Ward (moonhead11)
Twins jeep to Mt.murray then hothem Heights Dargo intersection may be a God track for your trip,
14 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Trip details updated.

Meeting location - Lake Cobbler during Friday arvo/evening.
14 Jan 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Robert, I have sent you a 'pm'.
15 Jan 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Rob
Still a big day in the saddle for Saturday. Ime guessing 150-200 k just to the bottom of Sth basalt knob tk into Talbotville. And with 10 cars likely to be slow.
Just thought I might add that seeing you havnt been thru some of these areas. Not trying to tell you what to do :)
15 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Dennis (bigden) wrote: Rob
Still a big day in the saddle for Saturday. Ime guessing 150-200 k just to the bottom of Sth basalt knob tk into Talbotville. And with 10 cars likely to be slow.
Just thought I might add that seeing you havnt been thru some of these areas. Not trying to tell you what to do :)
Yep I've had some first hand experience of the area passed to me and I'll be modifying the plan...expect the Saturday camp to change and Billy Goat will be Sunday morning. Update to follow.
15 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Updated the details for Saturday camp and route.

Camping at Talbotville Saturday night. Across to Dargo for fuel Sunday morning then Billy Goat Bluff track. Heading out through Briagolong. Lunch will be on trail not at Dargo.
15 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Saturday was looking a little ambitious and I have taken some sage advice to modify the trip accordingly.
15 Jan 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
Hopefully will be 3rd time lucky for me to get to Billy Goats. Have had 2 failed attempts getting there in the last 2 months. Got all me fingers & toes crossed 😉
16 Jan 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Oh...yes, that did fill up quick....
We are keen to go so are we on the " next in line" list....?

Is there any one on the " interested" list that could lead the same route....? Just thought I would ask? Lol...
31 Jan 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Oh...yes, that did fill up quick....
We are keen to go so are we on the " next in line" list....?

Is there any one on the " interested" list that could lead the same route....? Just thought I would ask? Lol...
31 Jan 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Hi all,

Meeting point will now be near Briagolong Vic and it will be a round trip to do Blue Rag and Billy Goat Bluff. We will be heading in and out of the High Country through Briagolong. Apologies for the changes but Lake Cobbler was looking like being a long Friday for most. I did a recce up to Lake Cobbler a week ago so its not ideal.
06 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Hi rob
So what are your plans for the trip . Do you have an itinerary?
06 Feb 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Dennis (bigden) wrote: Hi rob
So what are your plans for the trip . Do you have an itinerary?
I've updated the trip details on main page.
06 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
Robert (JK_Shorty) wrote: Hi all,

Meeting point will now be near Briagolong Vic and it will be a round trip to do Blue Rag and Billy Goat Bluff. We will be heading in and out of the High Country through Briagolong. Apologies for the changes but Lake Cobbler was looking like being a long Friday for most. I did a recce up to Lake Cobbler a week ago so its not ideal.
Nice plan. Much better then Cobbler. Cant wait
07 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Hi all
I plan to get to blue pool about mid day/mid afternoon on Friday . Never been there , is there much firewood around or should I bring some?
If we camp at Talbotville early enough theres a great short drive along crooked river and Bulltown spur for those that havnt been there
13 Feb 2016
Steve (blue rangie 304) Premium Member
1 week to go can't wait better start getting organised fellars most likely will make my way out to the meeting spot on friday if anyone wants to meet and go together let us know so we can meet up
18 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Steve (blue rangie 304) wrote: 1 week to go can't wait better start getting organised fellars most likely will make my way out to the meeting spot on friday if anyone wants to meet and go together let us know so we can meet up
Steve
It has been a bit quiet here.
. Ime heading off in the mid morning from western Melbourne . When are you planning on leaving , and from where?
18 Feb 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
Dennis (bigden) wrote:
Steve (blue rangie 304) wrote: 1 week to go can't wait better start getting organised fellars most likely will make my way out to the meeting spot on friday if anyone wants to meet and go together let us know so we can meet up
Steve
It has been a bit quiet here.
. Ime heading off in the mid mo ...
I got all pumped up and ready to go today. Been thinking it was this weekend for ages until I received a trip reminder for next week.....lucky, I woulda been up at camp thinking where in the hell is everyone lol. Steve, I've got kids at school so won't be leaving until the finish for the day. I should get to camp somewhere between 6 & 7pm. Will probably stop at maccas along the way? Gotta refocus now lol
19 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
Only a week away. With so many people requesting to join. l was woundering if we should run 2 groups. As Robert has withdrawn from the trip. It maybe a idea to camp closer to dargo. This would save a few hours of driving.
20 Feb 2016
Steve (blue rangie 304) Premium Member
Dennis (bigden) wrote:
Steve (blue rangie 304) wrote: 1 week to go can't wait better start getting organised fellars most likely will make my way out to the meeting spot on friday if anyone wants to meet and go together let us know so we can meet up
Steve
It has been a bit quiet here.
. Ime heading off in the mid mo ...
ring me on 0417345351
20 Feb 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Hi all,

As Johnnie has mentioned, I am unable to go on this trip now due to pressing work commitments. Dave has agreed to lead the trip and Johnnie has offered to help him out. I hope you all have a great trip.
20 Feb 2016
Robert (JK_Shorty)
Kelvin will change the trip leader to Dave tonight.
20 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
The trip has certainly changed since it started with cobbler and Craig's hut :)
Sorry you can't make it rob. As long as we get away I will be happy
20 Feb 2016
Steve (blue rangie 304) Premium Member
im not fussed with whoever trip leader is loading car for trip this afternoon so can't wait to get away next week fdy/ sat/sun
20 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Hi all,
Unfortunately Rob can no longer lead the trip. I have changed the trip leader to Dave (Paul Patrol).
20 Feb 2016
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Hmmm so only 1 jeep on this trip means no jeep story's at camp or maybe only jeep fail stories lol
Looking forward to this one
21 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
hahahahahaha..........Go the Jeep.👍😎
21 Feb 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
Well, I may have to unfortunately drop out of this trip. I have received an offer for my beloved Patrol that was too good to refuse. Am waiting for finance to be approved. If they get given the green light I will have to remove myself from the trip. If they get knocked back I will definitely still come on the trip.
Spewing about the timing as I have been really looking forward to this trip for a long time. Was gonna be my final ever 4wd trip before hanging up the muddies.
I should have an answer by Wednesday at the latest & I will confirm as soon as I know.
Gonna be a great trip with awesome people on board for this one.
22 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
David (Paul Patrol) wrote: Well, I may have to unfortunately drop out of this trip. I have received an offer for my beloved Patrol that was too good to refuse. Am waiting for finance to be approved. If they get given the green light I will have to remove myself from the trip. If they get knocked back I will definitely still come on the trip.
Spewing about the timing as I have been really looking forward to this trip for a long time. Was gonna be my final ever 4w ...
Wow , pretty tough to get this one of the ground. Ime happy to take over the trip if you can't make it
There was originally 4 mates of the first leader coming as well, what's happening with them?
22 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
[Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
22 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Alright, I have just swapped the trip leader to Dennis. Thanks Dennis for stepping forward and take over the trip. Well, looks like a Russian Roulette here :)
David, can you please withdraw from the trip if you think you definitely cannot come. Thx
22 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
How many people have a chainsaw?
23 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
I have a small chainsaw with me , wont clear a tree over a track but will cut firewood
david may still be with us but which ever way, I will be at blue pool mid afternoon on Friday and we can continue as planned
ph 0415725766 dennis
23 Feb 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: [Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
Hi Kelvin. Looks like the guy is having trouble getting finance. He told me that he will let me know by close of business today. He's trying other options.

As I mentioned in my post earlier, as soon as I know the answer either way, I will let everyone know & if the answer is he is good for finance I will pull out of this trip.

I'm reluctant to just pull out as I've tried to do this trip 2 times recently and have failed to make it on both occasions. Really, really looking forward to this trip.

And to the chainsaw question, I have a chainsaw, don't leave home without it.
23 Feb 2016
Gary (poppyg)
I have a chainsaw it will be with me
23 Feb 2016
Freya (Sparkles)
[Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
23 Feb 2016
Freya (Sparkles)
Gary (poppyg) wrote: I have a chainsaw it will be with me
Is your wife letting you go? Lucky there are no women going on this trip.
23 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
David (Paul Patrol) wrote:
Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: [Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
Hi Kelvin. Looks like the guy is having trouble getting finance. He told me that he will let me know by close of business today. He's trying other options.

As I mentioned in my post earlier, as soon as I know t ...
no problem Dave, you are still on the list.
23 Feb 2016
Dave (disco)
HI All, I will be in the area on Sat night (I live near by) Will meet you all at Talbotville camp area. Let me know beforehand if you dont make it or are late. I should be there around 3ish in the arvo, will setup camp/wood etc if you like.
24 Feb 2016
David (Paul Patrol)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sold my beloved Paul Patrol. Have fun everyone. I'm bloody jealous I can't be there.
24 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
<div style='border:1px solid #cccccc; margin:20px; padding:10px; background-color:#eeeeee;'><i><strong>Dave (disco) </strong> wrote: HI All, I will be in the area on Sat night (I live near by) Will meet you all at Talbotville camp area. Let me know beforehand if you dont make it or are late. I should be there around 3ish in the arvo, will setup camp/wood etc if you like.</i></div>Dave, Ime not sure what time we will get to Talbotville ,some may want to drive crooked river,but Ime guessing about 3?
A load of firewood would great!
I will look out for you

david, sorry you can't make it
24 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
Dave (disco) wrote: HI All, I will be in the area on Sat night (I live near by) Will meet you all at Talbotville camp area. Let me know beforehand if you dont make it or are late. I should be there around 3ish in the arvo, will setup camp/wood etc if you like.
see you at camp
25 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
just a note for everyone. I don't think fuel is available in briagalong anymore.
some one might have better info
anyway I plan to fill up at stratford on the h,way
25 Feb 2016
Steve (Harro)
Hi Dennis thanks for becoming leader and hello everybody. I'm gonna try to get away by 5.30 should be up there by 9.
BP Stratford is open till 9 O'clock if anybody wants to fuel up before heading in.
See you all tonight cheers Harro
26 Feb 2016
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Anyone bringing families
My wife n little boy decided to jump in at the last minute
26 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Zak (Uzooz) wrote: Anyone bringing families
My wife n little boy decided to jump in at the last minute
Not sure on anyone else's family but all welcome
26 Feb 2016
Zak (Uzooz) Premium Member
Very dry and dusty lol
But if a Great Wall can make it up there without any problems then anyone can😊
29 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
Mark (Yarra_Ranger) wrote: Thanks mate, Dennis must cop it a bit for driving a great wall, but it is twin locked.
I was wondering if my PK ranger on 29's and no lockers would handle it. (manual, no traction control, just left foot braking)
Conditions of all the tracks were great mate. Basalt spur has been graded tho. Would be very dangerous in the wet after the grading with all that dust and beening that steep.
29 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
i put a post on trip reports on the forum for any one interested. more to come there.
me cop a bit for driving a great wall ??? much more fun having a go at the jeep :)
29 Feb 2016
John (Bulldog) Premium Member
Dennis (bigden) wrote: i put a post on trip reports on the forum for any one interested. more to come there.
me cop a bit for driving a great wall ??? much more fun having a go at the jeep :)
Had a great time mate. Hope you enjoyed your ride home in a Cool Jeep.👍😎
29 Feb 2016
Trip Leader Dennis (bigden)
Hi mark
I didn't list it, just ended up as leader. Blue rag is easy . We did the easiest part of crooked river but the main part with Bulltown spur should be at least medium . There are lots of close tracks around there that are hard
In my opinion Billy's goats should be called hard , some might call it medium. I guess it depends on who is doing it and what the drive

If it's listed easy you would probably get inexperienced people with less capable cars.
29 Feb 2016
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TRIP COMPLETED

6 GOING, 5 Interested
6 adults
Trip Date
26-Feb-2016 (Fri) to 28-Feb-2016 (Sun)

Meeting Point
Blue Pool Campground, Feestone Creek Rd, Briagolong. (37°46.795S, 147°06.751'E)
6:30 PM (Fri, 26-Feb-2016)