Queens Birthday Dargo to Porepunkah (filming) MEDIUM / HARD

Vic High Country, VIC
Doing a trip through some standouts of the more challenging tracks in the HC. Heading from Dargo to Billy Goats, up to Talbotville then heading towards Porepunkah via Mt Sarah and Selwyn.

Will need lift and good tyres. Under vehicle protection advised and winch and recovery gear are essential. I am actively seeking the most challenging tracks that suit the route so make sure you and your vehicle are up to it.

Many river crossings planned. SNORKEL IS ESSENTIAL.

I will be aiming to get as much footage to make a good video of this trip so we may stop frequently for good shots.

Last fuel will be in Dargo, I haven't worked out how many kms we will be doing yet but I'd say for a lot of people you will require a jerry or two of fuel to be safe. Don't ruin the trip by running short.

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Winston (Winston_FJ) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 5 (Completed over 46 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (07-Jun-2018 11:40)
    TB48 Patrol GU6 ST-S (2008 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Ben Howe (Nacho) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (08-Jun-2018 18:44)
    hilux (2012 hilux)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Daniel (wj_dan) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (08-Jun-2018 11:11)
    grand cherokee (2013 wk)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch


  • Julius (Mishka) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (07-Jun-2018 10:47)
    Old MQ Patrol (1989 Patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch


  • Matt (Matt86) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (08-Jun-2018 15:46)
    Nissan Patrol GQ TD42 (1993 Patrol)
    • 37" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Richard (rtexplora)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    105 Series (2000 Landcruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Marc (GONM4D) I had chainsaw training I had winch training Completed Proficiency training Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    GONM4D (2003 Patrol)
    • 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Bryce (Bryce88)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    76 cruiser (2011 Landcruiser)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • George (Dirty old lux) Premium Member


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Dirty old 60 series (1989 Landcruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Eddie (Tonka) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 8 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Jeep (2005 TJ)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Robin (Robin80series) I had winch training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Gu td4.2 turbo ute (2002 patrol)
    • 37" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch


  • Trevor (Trevor56) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips) Premium Member


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Patrol GQ (1993 GQ)
    • 37" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

Matthew (discomatt)
Would have been keen Winston, to long since we caught up but we will still be on the Kimberly and Kakadu trip.
Was up doing Burgoynes and a few other yesterday, Cheynes to Wallhalla, what a blast !! Burgoynes is a nice drive with a few spots to keep everyone honest.
Catch up soon mate
25 Mar 2018
James (RiderID)
Been waiting for filming trip to pop up. Hopefully can join and help you out, but do have exams around that time.
Have a DJI P4P and a couple of cameras, have a little bit of experience filming before usually for my own YouTube channel.
25 Mar 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Would have been keen Winston, to long since we caught up but we will still be on the Kimberly and Kakadu trip.
Was up doing Burgoynes and a few other yesterday, Cheynes to Wallhalla, what a blast !! Burgoynes is a nice drive with a few spots to keep everyone honest.
Catch up soon mate
It has been too long mate! Nevermind, you'll have a great time in the Centre.

Yep some great sections.
25 Mar 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
James (RiderID) wrote: Been waiting for filming trip to pop up. Hopefully can join and help you out, but do have exams around that time.
Have a DJI P4P and a couple of cameras, have a little bit of experience filming before usually for my own YouTube channel.
Great stuff James. Be great to have you and Jack and Mien doing aerial filming as well. I'll be bringing my Inspire and Osmo.
25 Mar 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Wow that filled quickly! Awesome.

I've mapped out the routes. We are looking at 250 odd km between petrol so plan accordingly. I've got a 159L tank and will be bringing 2 jerries with me to be safe.

If I get a moment later today I'll write a detailed trip plan for you guys and upload the .gpx route files for those with mapping systems.

Can't wait for this trip!
25 Mar 2018
Chris (Milney)
Trip looks goood mate, in fact I've got something similar planned for this weekend. Interested to see your route?

I'm looking at doing Melbourne - Dargo - Billy Goats (if my partner in crime is keen) - Wonnangatta - Abbeyard - Porepunkah - Mt Beauty
25 Mar 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Chris (Milney) wrote: Trip looks goood mate, in fact I've got something similar planned for this weekend. Interested to see your route?

I'm looking at doing Melbourne - Dargo - Billy Goats (if my partner in crime is keen) - Wonnangatta - Abbeyard - Porepunkah - Mt Beauty
G'day mate. I've just uploaded the 3 x .gpx files- routes for each day. Since I plotted them I've extended the 2nd days camp further along so that the 3rd days driving won't be as long.
25 Mar 2018
Chris (Milney)
Thanks Winston
25 Mar 2018
James (RiderID)
Anyone planning on heading up on Friday arvo? Over 6 hour drive for me to get to Dargo, was thinking of camping at Italian Flat or one of the other camping grounds in the area if its full. Just hoping I don't have any exams on the Friday or Monday.
27 Mar 2018
Daniel (wj_dan)
If anyone wants a half way point Friday night you are all welcome to camp at my place on Friday night. I live in Stratford, so only a 1.5hr drive to Dargo in the morning.
I live on outskirts and have a few acres. Not the perfect camping destination but plenty of room. An saves a big drive Friday night or Saturday morning if you are coming from the city.
27 Mar 2018
Rob (Bessiethebeast)
Hi James and Daniel
I may take either of you up on your offer, I am in Wyndham Vale so it is a hike for us as well, we will be definitely leaving Friday - sounds like two good Plan B's. Talk closer to the trip.
Thanks
27 Mar 2018
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: We are double booked....
05 Apr 2018
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx)
Gday winston i can't download files mate can u put tracks up as normal. ?
09 Apr 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Gday winston i can't download files mate can u put tracks up as normal. ?
I will do when I get a spare few minutes mate
09 Apr 2018
Eddie (Tonka)
Hey Winston, when you roll through town I may be around, so if you can shoot me your planned route I may be able to jump on the tail end.
12 Apr 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Eddie (Tonka) wrote: Hey Winston, when you roll through town I may be around, so if you can shoot me your planned route I may be able to jump on the tail end.
Hey buddy, the .gpx route files are in the Files section. I've got both day 1 and 2 camping near talbotville however depending on how we travel on day 2 I'd ideally like to try to push on to the camping area near the bottom of Herne Spur. Which really means that day 3 has just a few river crossings and a bit of winding across the valley before heading up the ridge and then a straight run out to Myrtleford. If you're going to meet us you'd want to do it for day 2 when we do the Crooked River crossings - all 24 of them.
13 Apr 2018
Eddie (Tonka)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Eddie (Tonka) wrote: Hey Winston, when you roll through town I may be around, so if you can shoot me your planned route I may be able to jump on the tail end.
Hey buddy, the .gpx route files are in the Files section. I've got both day 1 and 2 camping near talbotville however depending on how we travel on day 2 I'd ideally like to try to push on to the camping area near the bottom of Herne Spur. Which really means that day 3 has just a few river crossings and a bit of winding across the valley before heading up the ridge and then a straight run out to Myrtleford. If you're going to meet us you'd want to do it for day 2 when we do the Crooked River crossings - all 24 of them.
Yep, I know the track and crossings! Cool.
I'll check out the route and see if I can make it. Dargo is less than 2 hours from home, so not difficult to get to!
16 Apr 2018
James Sandison (JimmySando)
Hi guys, just on the off chance anyone cannot make it and has to withdraw I would be keen to jump in and take the spot! otherwise will be keen for future trips in the area! Cheers
24 Apr 2018
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx)
Gday guys will b camping at Dargo pub fri nite if anyone wants to jump on all good! !!
09 May 2018
Mick (Grey Ranger)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Heading to New Zealand for work, was hoping to get back in time but unfortunately won’t be able to make it.
Was looking forward to it as well.
10 May 2018
Jacob Capper (jdcapper)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Chris (Milney) wrote: Trip looks goood mate, in fact I've got something similar planned for this weekend. Interested to see your route?

I'm looking at doing Melbourne - Dargo - Billy Goats (if my partner in crime is keen) - Wonnangatta - Abbeyard - Porepunkah - Mt Beauty
G'day mate. I've just uploaded the 3 x .gpx files- routes for each day. Since I plotted them I've extended the 2nd days camp further along so that the 3rd days driving won't be as long.
just tried to check out your routes but the 1st and 2nd file dont seem to work. The 3rd does perfectly
18 May 2018
Rob (Bessiethebeast)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Unfortunately I have to withdraw from the trip, was looking forward to it as well. The patrol needs some TLC before her next trip and it won't get done before this trip. Hope you folks have a great trip.
27 May 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Jacob Capper (jdcapper) wrote:
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Chris (Milney) wrote: Trip looks goood mate, in fact I've got something similar planned for this weekend. Interested to see your route?

I'm looking at doing Melbourne - Dargo - Billy Goats (if my partner in crime is keen) - Wonnangatta - Abbeyard - Porepunkah - Mt Beauty
G'day mate. I've just uploaded the 3 x .gpx files- routes for each day. Since I plotted them I've extended the 2nd days camp further along so that the 3rd days driving won't be as long.
just tried to check out your routes but the 1st and 2nd file dont seem to work. The 3rd does perfectly
Sorry mate I'll have another look.

Heads up weather wise, the forecast 2 weeks out for the 3 days includes snow. If you've got chains I'd recommend bringing them as a backup. Unfortunately where there's snow there's also rain at lower altitudes so be prepared it may not be the best weather. Bring plenty of warm clothing.
28 May 2018
wayne (Defender130)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Transfer case issues aren't fixed yet
04 Jun 2018
4x4Mate (maltalian0) Premium Member
Hey Rob and James,

Also I will be coming from Werribee myself. 5.5 hours travel time approx.
I have the Friday off, so me and misses will be heading up Friday morning AM. Planning to get to a camp spot around 2pm the latest. Would be good to even pop in to Dargo pub for a feed. Will be my first time, so looking forward to stopping into this Iconic pub. Dave, if your around and the stars align for time, we can have a beer over lunch?

James are you still looking at camping Friday? Italian Flat looks promising?
05 Jun 2018
James (RiderID)
Nathan (maltalian0) wrote: Hey Rob and James,

Also I will be coming from Werribee myself. 5.5 hours travel time approx.
I have the Friday off, so me and misses will be heading up Friday morning AM. Planning to get to a camp spot around 2pm the latest. Would be good to even pop in to Dargo pub for a feed. Will be my first time, so looking forward to stopping into this Iconic pub. Dave, if your around and the stars align for time, we can have a beer over lunch?

James are you still looking at camping Friday? Italian Flat looks promising?
I think Rob pulled out from this trip. Most likely will stay at Italian Flats on the Friday night, I may possibly join you at the pub for lunch. Really depends what day I get my Jeep back, haven't had it for 2 months, trans rebuild and front diff rebuild (parts for the locker took over a week to arrive).
06 Jun 2018
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx)
Nathan (maltalian0) wrote: Hey Rob and James,

Also I will be coming from Werribee myself. 5.5 hours travel time approx.
I have the Friday off, so me and misses will be heading up Friday morning AM. Planning to get to a camp spot around 2pm the latest. Would be good to even pop in to Dargo pub for a feed. Will be my first time, so looking forward to stopping into this Iconic pub. Dave, if your around and the stars align for time, we can have a beer over lunch?

James are you still looking at camping Friday? Italian Flat looks promising?
A mate will call into ltalian flat may camp there if cool !
06 Jun 2018
4x4Mate (maltalian0) Premium Member
Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote:
Nathan (maltalian0) wrote: Hey Rob and James,

Also I will be coming from Werribee myself. 5.5 hours travel time approx.
I have the Friday off, so me and misses will be heading up Friday morning AM. Planning to get to a camp spot around 2pm the latest. Would be good to even pop in to Dargo pub for a feed. Will be my first time, so looking forward to stopping into this Iconic pub. Dave, if your around and the stars align for time, we can have a beer over lunch?

James are you still looking at camping Friday? Italian Flat looks promising?
A mate will call into ltalian flat may camp there if cool !
Mate, of course, more the merrier.
06 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Hey guys just out of interest is anyone bringing a chainsaw?
07 Jun 2018
Daniel (wj_dan)
Yep I got one.
07 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Yep I got one.
Awesome. Mine is running very rough and not worth bringing.

I will grab a bag of wood as I have a sneaking suspicion we will face a bit of rain at times, so we can use the bag to dry out stuff that we cut.
07 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Just checked the forecast for Talbotville, temps of 13/7, 13/6, and 15/4, possible showers sat, Sunday and Monday are meant to be sunny.
07 Jun 2018
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx)
Got one allso winston
07 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Got one allso winston
Awesome. Gonna need a good fire I reckon!
07 Jun 2018
James (RiderID)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Started motor died, only just got the 4be back, now has problems starting, was really looking forward to this trip
08 Jun 2018
Daniel (wj_dan)
James, don't leave me alone. Only one jeep now to breakdown on the tracks. If we carry enough fuel for you and simply keep the jeep running continually no need for a starter motor.
08 Jun 2018
Trevor (Trevor56) Premium Member
Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: James, don't leave me alone. Only one jeep now to breakdown on the tracks. If we carry enough fuel for you and simply keep the jeep running continually no need for a starter motor.
Hey Dan
Is it quicker from Stratford to Dargo via Beverly Rd or continue on princes hwy towards Bairnsdale and take Dargo turnoff
09 Jun 2018
Daniel (wj_dan)
Beverly. It's fully sealed now (in the last few years) so it's few mins quicker.
09 Jun 2018
Trevor (Trevor56) Premium Member
Thanks we are just on the sale bypass rd at the moment
09 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
There's fuel at Dargo yeah?
09 Jun 2018
Trevor (Trevor56) Premium Member
Pretty sure there is not cheap but it is a bit remote
09 Jun 2018
Daniel (wj_dan)
I got home at 430. All safe and sound. Hope the rest of u are traveling well or are home already. Thanks Winston. Really good r and r weekend. Cracking campsites too.
11 Jun 2018
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx)
Home at 630 all good thanks winston great trip mate
11 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Cheers guys, we got home at 5.30. Thoroughly enjoyed my first drive through the region, great company, great driving.
11 Jun 2018
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Thanks for the a top trip Goomba, and for looking after me, many thanks for you and Sondra. Wish i was a little fiter Also want to thank joung Nathan and Danial for the tools and help. And the good company of the rest of the blokes Dave -- Ben--Matty and his dad.By the way i got home 7.30 pm she recons i smell like cow shit.
11 Jun 2018
4x4Mate (maltalian0) Premium Member
Yep, awesome weekend definitely. Great camp spots, great tracks, great views, and great company. Well lead trip.

After you left, we had the cows come over and join us by the fire. Gave Tegan a few manual driving lessons. She will be 4wheeling in no time. lol
12 Jun 2018
Matt (Matt86)
Cheers guys good weekend wish we could have stayed Sunday Night but thats the ways it goes.
12 Jun 2018
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
I'll write up a report soon in the forum guys.
12 Jun 2018
Ben Howe (Nacho)
Really enjoyed the trip,great group and great camp spots. Thanks for organising Winston.
12 Jun 2018
4x4Mate (maltalian0) Premium Member
If anyone is interested, I made a little video of this trip. Finally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmbNWyWFz7L/?taken-by=4x4mate
14 Aug 2018
Join or Sign in to Post a Comment.

TRIP COMPLETED

7 GOING, 10 Interested
10 adults
Trip Date
09-Jun-2018 (Sat) to 11-Jun-2018 (Mon)

Meeting Point
Dargo Pub
10:30 AM (Sat, 09-Jun-2018)