Toolangi - hard day workout HARD

Toolangi State Forest, VIC

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Update: trip is now postponed until 9th Nov, due to seazonal and additional unexpected track closures. Advise is also given from more experienced drivers to Toolangi that even the tracks which are open might be undrivable.


This trip is for experienced 4wd drivers with well setup and equipped 4wd cars!

Important Note: 
Only join and participate in this trip at your own risk. 
Every one will be responsible for their own safety.
Remember, as in any trip, if you or one of the trip members see that the track in front of them, we will assist you in exiting the trip or might discuss meeting at the end of the hard section, so that you can continue...

Approximate distance:
50 - 75 kms approximately (including tracks) from the meeting point.
Full Tank from Melbourne should be sufficient for this Trip 

Trip Description:
This trip is categorised as hard as I have not led any trips in Toolangi but from memory when I participated in other trips the terrain can get very challenging. It should be dry for the week prior and on the day so the tracks should be between medium and hard, but I am staying on the safe side as I dont want anyone to freak out later...
We will aim to finish by 4pm
We will be stopping for lunch so BYO food and water.
All Trip Participants, including passengers, must wear fully enclosed footwear (e.g. sneakers, work type boots) whilst on this Trip.

Recovery Equipment:
The minimum requirement is one Snatch Strap, 2 Bow Shackles rated, a Dampener and Riggers Gloves (a full recovery kit is preferable and more appropriate, but not ssential). Riggers Gloves must be worn when dealing with recovery equipment or for track clearing if encountered. Equipment must be in very good condition.. If you don't have this recovery equipment do not join!!

VEHICLE & EQUIPMENT:
Your vehicle must be Roadworthy and appropriately set up for the trip (if you know of any mechanical or maintenance issues with your vehicle, you must have these fully resolved/rectified before the Trip). You will need ground clearance for the Hard Tracks, therefore a suspension lift of at least 2 inches is strongly advised to minimize vehicle damage. Appropriate or Acceptable front and rear recovery points, for snatch strapping or winching, are essential. Due to the terrain of Toolangi State Forest I recommend a minimum of 33' Mud tyres. Tyres on or very close to roadworthy are not acceptable. Onboard UHF Radio, basic vehicle spares and tools, First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher.

Update: Snorkel might be required if deeper bogholes are to be attempted.

FOOD AND GENERAL PROVISIONS:
You need to be fully self-sufficient and bring enough Food, Water and Snacks for all persons in your vehicle for lunch. I usually stop and grill some steaks so you could and will have enough time to fire up your portable cooker. You also need to bring sufficient Water for every person in your vehicle. Weather can be very unpredictable in the mountains so please bring a warm clothes.

Planned Tracks list:

- Rockey track
- Lyndalls Track
- Aeroplane Track
- Cockpit Track
- campsite tk
- martins tk
- blowhard range tk
- kalatha creek north tk
- not much help tk
- luke creek tk no 2

And few others...

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Jack (Jack105) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 4 (Completed over 34 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (09-Nov-2019 09:37)
    FZJ105R (1998 Land Cruiser)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Omer (FLXN)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 ChildrenChecked-In (08-Nov-2019 12:42)
    Jeep (2017 Rubicon)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Jesse (Jess) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (08-Nov-2019 18:54)
    Petrol 80 (1993 80 Series)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Brendan (BP JK) Completed Proficiency training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    (2020 Gladiator)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Andrew (Corkerrr)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Nav (2017 Navara)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock

  • Nicko (garlani) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Patsy (2002 Patrol TB48 Ti GU3)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Nathan (SIKRUBI) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    JK Rubicon (2009 Wrangler)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


Olly (99HiLux)
Most of the tracks you are wanting to do are closed, only not much help track is open really
30 Sep 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Olly (99HiLux) wrote: Most of the tracks you are wanting to do are closed, only not much help track is open really
I was going by this map... https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/737019/Map26A.pdf

Are you sure, have you been there recently?
30 Sep 2019
Olly (99HiLux)
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote:
Olly (99HiLux) wrote: Most of the tracks you are wanting to do are closed, only not much help track is open really
I was going by this map... https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/737019/Map26A.pdf

Are you sure, have you been there recently?
Yep. I live 5 mins away and there pretty much every 2nd day
30 Sep 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Olly (99HiLux) wrote:
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote:
Olly (99HiLux) wrote: Most of the tracks you are wanting to do are closed, only not much help track is open really
I was going by this map... https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/737019/Map26A.pdf

Are you sure, have you been there recently?
Yep. I live 5 mins away and there pretty much every 2nd day
Ok thanks, I will make a phonecall or two tomorrow and if toolangi is really that much off limits, I will change the trip to safer bet, perhaps tallarook... toolangi can wait for november, maybe it will start opening up by then.
30 Sep 2019
Baz (baz1000) Premium Member
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote:
Olly (99HiLux) wrote:
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote:
Olly (99HiLux) wrote: Most of the tracks you are wanting to do are closed, only not much help track is open really
I was going by this map... https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/737019/Map26A.pdf

Are you sure, have you been there recently?
Yep. I live 5 mins away and there pretty much every 2nd day
Ok thanks, I will make a phonecall or two tomorrow and if toolangi is really that much off limits, I will change the trip to safer bet, perhaps tallarook... toolangi can wait for november, maybe it will start opening up by then.
Yes many tracks closed when I was there a couple of weeks ago - Rockey Track was open, and Lyndalls too - awesome challenging tracks! I'd love to join you on Sunday but can't make it this week - keep posting drive days and I'll definitely join another one!
30 Sep 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Looks like plenty of tracks are still open
https://newtracs.bitbucket.io/index.html#10.89/-37.4621/145.4808

So the trip is still on
30 Sep 2019
Alisha (Turbo Diesel)
What tracks are you thinking of doing as I have a list of all of the seasonal road closures.
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
This is the list that I have in mind...

- Rockey track
- Lyndalls Track
- Aeroplane Track
- Nolans Rd
- Cockpit Track (if not seasonally closed)
- campsite tk
- not much help tk
- luke creek tk no 2

But I am also after recommendations for hard tracks that are opened. I saw few tracks on the newtracs map that were rated as difficult but were unnamed. The thing with newtracs, it only seem to show difficulty level as real users are driving through them.

https://newtracs.bitbucket.io/index.html#10.91/-37.4498/145.4842

I am not sure if it is based on the time it takes them to complete the track or if the users actually rate them.. if you have some other tracks in mind let me know or let's cross the the ones off the list that are closed. The impound of the car or some serious fines are the last thing we want :)
01 Oct 2019
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Jack, tracks that are closed are;

Aeroplane, Cockpit & Campsite, (all have gates)

The other tracks in your plans are open.
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Jack, tracks that are closed are;

Aeroplane, Cockpit & Campsite, (all have gates)

The other tracks in your plans are open.
Thanks Allan, so we are left with only few...
- Rockey TK
- Lyndalls TK
- Not much help TK
- Luke creek no 2 TK
Do you know of some other medium/hard tracks around Toolangi, worth driving?
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Few more to consider:
- Victoria Range TK
- Walking TK (AKA Reds East TK)
01 Oct 2019
Greg (94_200TDi)
You most likely won't be able to get to Luke's Creek either. Marginal Rd is closed off there. You could do Rocky. Lyndalls or locally known as crazy chook. Chevys track also. The rest you won't be able to really get to.
01 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
Most of those tracks are indeed closed, Lyndells and Rocky are not.
I strongly advise you do not even consider Reds West unless you have front and rear lockers and 35's with a few years experience.
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Most of those tracks are indeed closed, Lyndells and Rocky are not.
I strongly advise you do not even consider Reds West unless you have front and rear lockers and 35's with a few years experience.
So Toolangi seem to be still very wet. I was in Mt Disa last week and everything was drying out and medium/hard trip felt like medium. If this is the case with Toolangi and so many tracks are closed there I might move this trip forward until november when tracks start to open up... Matt, do you reckon with this week being so dry, Lyndells would become bit easier?
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Update: trip is now postponed until 9th Nov, due to seazonal and additional unexpected track closures. Advise is also given from more experienced drivers to Toolangi that even the tracks which are open might be undrivable.
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
It's actually 10th November, sorry about the typo..
01 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
Lyndells and Rocky are steep and rock base so not that affected by wet weather, they would both be no issue for experienced drivers but IMO are more technical / difficult than most of the tracks at Dissa, there is a reason its called Mt Disapointment...
Its all the clay based tracks that are closed and very difficult in the wet.
Last trip I ran there before the seasonal closures and twin locked cars with new muds couldn't get more than 50 m up some hills, some of the ruts and step ups were 1 m high clay walls
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Lyndells and Rocky are steep and rock base so not that affected by wet weather, they would both be no issue for experienced drivers but IMO are more technical / difficult than most of the tracks at Dissa, there is a reason its called Mt Disapointment...
Its all the clay based tracks that are closed and very difficult in the wet.
Last trip I ran there before the seasonal closures and twin locked cars with new muds couldn't get more than 50 m up some hills, some of the ruts and step ups were 1 m high clay walls
Sorry mate, you got the reason why it's called mt disappointment very wrong. Its surely not related to 4wding haha. Thanks for the advise though, I moved the trip to november, hopefully they will open up the tracks. I am running a trip in tallarook this sunday..

"In 1824, Mount Disappointment wasnamed by explorers Hume and Hovell because of their disappointment that the dense tree growth prevented them from viewing Port Phillip Bay from the summit."
01 Oct 2019
Omer (FLXN)
Sounds good 👍
I’m in for tallarook
01 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Waiting for trip to be approved
https://www.4wdtrip.com.au/trip.aspx?tripid=1070
Not sure if anyone can sign up until its approved
01 Oct 2019
Omer (FLXN)
Not yet hasn’t come up yet
01 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
If you want fun at Tallarook check out phone track and steep track, both are a good drive
02 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Steep track is closed, but phone track is on the list this Sunday
02 Oct 2019
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Some of the people on your trip have no diff locks.

I think youre caught in a predicament here because you've posted a "hard" trip yet some of the vehicles who are "going" will not be able to get up rockey track and red east track with no lockers (33s and 32s)

I advise to either lower the rating to medium hard and avoid those or leave it as is and advise members with no lockers that its a rated hard trip and that maybe isnt the trip for there vehicle.

Red east aka walking track is toolangi's hardest track.

Avoid this one with your current group at all costs.

My 2 cents. If you have further questions happy to assist.
We are heading out there this weekend
23 Oct 2019
George (Georgie_Kyro)
https://youtu.be/tbghIpv2FG8
23 Oct 2019
George (Georgie_Kyro)
https://youtu.be/pOMwHbs5l8Q
23 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
Walking track yes I agree, last time I did it we got half way and even a twin locked Patrol with big tires and bead locks couldn't get all the way up, as mentioned early on in this trip discussion do not even attempt it.
Rocky track on the other hand is much easier but a good challenge, it was my learning track where I learnt the art of left foot braking and have done it many times on 32's and open diffs at both ends, its now a fun walk in the park for me but still a good challenge on smaller cheese cutter tires
Just for clarity, most of the time I do the L/H side not the big step ups, I have done them a few times but that is right on the cars limits and we all know what happens when you constantly drive a car to its limits...
24 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
I am still keeping an eye out to see if anyone pulls out and I can get a spot
24 Oct 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Thanks for all advise. I will reconsider some of the tracks you mentioned. Rockey tk has 2 lines, lhs I also did on 33s without lockers quiet easy.. and each member can choose which 1 to do, I might try middle this time, as I have lockers.
A lot depends on the weather as well. Does anyone know if any of the hard tracks have any difficult areas of no return?? I am asking... if we drive to any point where it's too difficult to get through, would it be difficult to turn around??
27 Oct 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
Rocky and Lyndells would be the only ones you will do that once committed there is no return due to steepness
28 Oct 2019
Omer (FLXN)
The left line on rocky track should be sweet for people without lockers as long as they got a winch.
04 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Winch is a must on this trip as per my requirements. If any member does not have one, will not be allowed to join.
04 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Rob and Wes, I am assuming you guys have a winch fitted, only forgot to include in your 4wd specs??
04 Nov 2019
Rob (Bessiethebeast)
Hi Jack, the 80 series is having a sleep in cuddling up to the pajero this weekend - aiming for a litter of mixed colour Jimny's. The Nissan TB4.8 is either disgusted or jealous at their ongoing relationship and wants out of the shed for a play on the hills and in the mud. Electric winch, 35" MT tyres, low reduction gears & 2" lift - no lockers.....the 80 series got those!
05 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Are you trying to tell me in a poetic way that you have 4 4wds? Simple yes or no would have been sufficient :)
05 Nov 2019
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
If the forecast is correct; rain all this week, you will find most of the tracks 'character building' to say the least. Rocky Tk is no walk in the park when wet and there would be no way you will get up Cockpit or Blowhard without winching..

In saying that, hope you all enjoy the trip Jack.
06 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Allan (allanmac) wrote: If the forecast is correct; rain all this week, you will find most of the tracks 'character building' to say the least. Rocky Tk is no walk in the park when wet and there would be no way you will get up Cockpit or Blowhard without winching..

In saying that, hope you all enjoy the trip Jack.
Thanks Allan, I spoke to Wes about the cockpit tk, he was there yesterday and could not drive up it so of course, I will not underestimate any of the tracks. The list was just a guide and with that amount of rain, what's medium becomes hard. So yeah we will most likely avoid the hard tracks, Rocky will also might just need to be done on the left. A car lost a wheel in the middle section and who knows if it will be removed by Sunday. After all there is always next time when the weather improves and I get better understanding of what Toolangi is like on different weather days.
07 Nov 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
I went on a run out there last Sunday, all the clay tracks are a real challenge, think insane slippery Cockpit , Blowhard and Airplane are in the very hard category , Rocky and Lyndells are not for the faint at heart at the moment but still driveable for the experienced
07 Nov 2019
Warren Buchanan (guwazza)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Can't make this 1 car needs some tlc
07 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Any one been to "not much help tk" recently? How is it?
09 Nov 2019
Jesse (Jess)
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote: Any one been to "not much help tk" recently? How is it?
Did it this time last year, it's a fun track, problem with it is the bogs. You have to drive a lot of them and they can get deep after a lot of rain
09 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Jesse (Jess) wrote:
Jack (JacekPrado) wrote: Any one been to "not much help tk" recently? How is it?
Did it this time last year, it's a fun track, problem with it is the bogs. You have to drive a lot of them and they can get deep after a lot of rain
So no way around them?
09 Nov 2019
Jesse (Jess)
Most of it you can, but there are some bits you have to drive. May of been graded in the last 12 months but I doubt it.
09 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Wes (Rouge) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Family emergency
No worries Wes, and thanks for the update on the tracks, perhaps next time
09 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Jesse (Jess) wrote: Most of it you can, but there are some bits you have to drive. May of been graded in the last 12 months but I doubt it.
No probs, we will come, see and either conquer, do a chicken track or run for our lifes :)
09 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
From memory, Alisha and Ram had a chainsaw , but if anyone has one bring it pls. Also bring your best boots, gumboots, etc...
09 Nov 2019
Rob (Bessiethebeast)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hi Folks, sorry have to pull out, it is 1,40am and two sick kids who won't settle. To get to the meeting point I'd need to leave in just over 4hrs. Very disappointing, hope you guys have a great day out.
10 Nov 2019
Matthew (discomatt)
I did not much help last weekend as well, you can avoid the big bog holes , the bits you have to go through have a solid base, not much of a challenge though as most of it your just following ruts. I always enjoy the end section with the sideways angle, a good challenge going up or down and it has a bypass for anyone not wanting to take it on
10 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Hi Ram and Alisha, we waited until 9 am, decided to start the trip without you. Please post if you are on the way, we could arrange to meet you somewhere
10 Nov 2019
Trip Leader Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
Well, for me it was early exit right at the beginning of the trip @ the top section of Rockey tk, front diff is making clunk noises. I got put on a tow track and now looking to rebuild with front locker installed.

The other guys decided to continue, thanks for all the efforts to help me turn it around and get to major rd. Pls make sure to let me know how it
10 Nov 2019
Omer (FLXN)
No problem jack that’s what we are hear for to help each other out. Turned out to be a awesome day. Little bit of carnage Nothing too serious just popped off the indicator off the front flare and pulled a tyre off the bead up a nasty rutty hill. Big thanks to Jess for helping me change the tire I was in a shit spot to change the tyre a high lift really would of come in handy.
10 Nov 2019
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TRIP COMPLETED

4 GOING, 5 Interested
6 adults , 1 children (7 in total)
Trip Date
Sun, 10-Nov-2019

Meeting Point
https://goo.gl/maps/abD8xhJ2FX4j1hHw6 - corner Melba Hwy and Rockey Tk
8:30 AM (Sun, 10-Nov-2019)