Dargo to Walhalla MEDIUM / HARD

Victorian High Country, VIC

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This being a nice long weeekend I thought it'll be fun to try and do Dargo to Walhalla without hitting the black top.


This trip is basically a test to see if I can be bothered setting up the Camper and taking it down each night (which is something i'll have to do for the Cape York/Telegraph track trip).  The plan is to camp at different campsites each night so you'll need to be prepared for that if you come. The thing is i didn't want to make it boring by going on easy tracks all the way through so i've planned are rather ambitious route. I wanted to do some Iconic tracks thats on everyones bucket list.

  

The big issue is that, I haven't been on ALL the tracks I have planned and don't know if they will be too hard to tow a trailer through, so this will be a "see how we go" styled trip.

  

BUT...I do have a plan (ambitious though it is) and here it is:

  

Thursday night we'll be camping at one of the Wellinton River campisites in Dargo (probably Italian Flats),


Friday morning we'll be at the Dargo hotel to meet anyone thats coming (people will need to check in for us to wait for them),


Now here's the ambitious part...


Drive up Dargo High Plains Rd to the start of Blue Rag track, then up to the Trig Point for photo's and the 'oohs and ahhhs' (spectacular).


Back-track to Bassalt Knob Track and go down that 'till we get to Talbot Ville.  (I haven't been on here)


If it's late we'll camp here, if not we'll head onto Crooked River tk/rd and onto Billy Goats Bluff Trk,
then up to Pinnacles Hut.  Again depending on time we camp there (or at nearby HorseYard Flat).


From there, we head back down Pinnacles Rd onto Moroka Rd (or for the hard-core go down Castle Hill on to Marathon and then on to Moroka)


From there, we hit Tamboritha Rd and then to Dingo Hill Trk (this may be to hard for the camper)


Then Butcher Country Tk onto Macallister River Trk (many campsites along there)


Black Soil Trk on to Glencairn/Licola Rd (can camp at Barkly River)


Then into Licola for supplies and fuel if needed.


Hoping this is end of day 2 (Saturday)  or mid-day 3 (Sunday)


From there on to Cobbs Spur Tk/Green Hills/Black Range and Hut Track.


Then onto Fultons trk.  This is close to Trig Tack which is way to hard for a camper but it's close if anyone wants to go there).


We can camp at Aberfieldy or any of the close by camps.


I'm hoping this will be Monday morning.


From here it's either head home or go on to Mormon Town Trk, Cross Coopers Creek to Bruntons crossing, then to Rawson via Tyers Rd and then home.

  

This is ambitious and it probably wont turn out like this, but I think it's do-able without a trailer but not sure it's doable with...

  

Hope to see you all!

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Keith Irving (keef) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (02-Apr-2015 17:57)
    JKU Wrangler (2009 JKU Wrangler)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Danny (Bogg3d) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips)

    GOING
    Myself only
    79 Single Cab (2015 LandCruiser)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Steve (tasl) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 6 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 2 AdultsChecked-In (01-Apr-2015 17:44)
    90 series petrol Prado (1999 Prado)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Shane (SICKGU) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (02-Apr-2015 11:04)
    3.0ltr (2010 patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Matt (mattj105)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (02-Apr-2015 16:50)
    105 series (1999 land cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Dylan (Heno79)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (01-Apr-2015 22:31)
    95 Disco 300tdi (1995 Discovery)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Chris (ruf_lux94) I have mechanic skills

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (03-Apr-2015 06:18)
    2.8 td ln106 d/cab hilux (1994 hilux)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • ()


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    - No 4WD Details-

    • Belinda Vine (PJ)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Pee-J (2002 Cherokee)
      • 31" Tyres, 3" Lifted

    • Daniel (wj_dan) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 2 trips)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      grand cherokee (2013 wk)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch


    • Justin (jangbanger) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      TD42t GQ (1989 Patrol)
      • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • David (Golddigger) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Landcruiser, hilux & Landcruiser (1990 Landcruiser)
      • 33" Tyres

    • Peter Harker (Harks) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      76 series gxl v8 diesel (2013 Landcruiser)
      • Front & Rear Locker
      • Winch

    • Steve (Nav4x4)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      2.5 diesel navara (2012 Navara)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Winch

    Matthew (discomatt)
    Wow as you said ambitious, a nice drive and have done all those tracks but I certainly wouldn't try some of them with a camper in tow, I would join you but will still be away on the Border track trip. Have fun and good luck with the camper
    15 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    yeah Matt....I've done a few of those tracks too..... but I've taken the trailer on others that are on par and its never missed a beat..I think the only prob i'll have is with switch backs.....anything else should be ok and at the worst i'll need to winch myself up.

    a little bit of me doubts that I can do it all... but if so there are "outs" along the way......but I think me and the trailer can do most...... of the tracks I've done I can definitely do Blue Rag and Billy Goats....... Castle Hill and Dingo Hill i'm not sure about though.... of the tracks I haven't done Basalt Knob has me worried..
    15 Mar 2015
    Matthew (discomatt)
    Last time up Dingo hill a couple of cars had to winch but it was a bit wet, did Basalt about 3 years ago with only open diffs and what a challenge that was, we had a very precarious recovery of 1 vehicle that had lost traction and got stuck and with trying to drive out he kept sliding toward the edge, ended up only 3 wheels on the ground and his back right almost going over the edge. The worst thing was 1 of his kids couldn't release the seat belt to get out so had to stay in the car for the whole recovery. A few of the switch backs will cause some issues, Billy Goats has been graded recently so will be ok but we all know how quick things change up there.
    16 Mar 2015
    Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
    Agree with Matt, very ambitious towing a camper on a number of those tracks, especially over the Easter Break when it will be so busy. Many of the tracks dont have alot of room to pull over to let oncoming traffic past, twice as difficult towing a camper I suspect.
    16 Mar 2015
    Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
    Done all of these tracks recently(within the last 2 months) going down bassolt and dingo hill will be fine if dry and if you have trailer brakes, just remember dingo hill has 9 switchbacks, mabee even consider taking caladonia river track. Biggest drama will be a few spots on butcher country and billy goats(though recently being graded some spots might give you some greif) but being twin locked you should be fine if dry.
    16 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Yes I know its going to be tough and i'm all for diverting if it seems undoable or unsafe.. If its wet then then this trip may change to one where we head directly to camping spots in the morning then do the tracks around that spot without the trailer. If its dry then I think the trailer and me with twin locks can pretty much go anywhere. We've been testing out the trailer on the last few trips and its done remarkably well. even did rock crawling with it.

    I did think it would be busy so I wont be 1st in line so anyone coming the other way will have fair warning that an idiot with a trailer is coming LOL.


    Yes, On dingo hill I was looking to take the long way via caledonia river track.. I certainly wont do anything to reckless safety is my 1st concern but so is pushing my limits. and of course having fun.
    16 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Oh and I do have trailer breaks with a manual/automatic controller and it is an off road trailer... Worst case is that if itis to hard I'll drop the trailer somewhere safe (lock it up of course) and tent the rest of the way and then come back and get the trailer on Monday.
    16 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    So one problem we should be aware of is that a lot of camping spots will be full. So we may need to have a few options available.
    16 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    yeah that's another Issue.....There are plenty of campsites around i'm sure we shouldn't have to much trouble but it is one thing that may require route changes and scouting.

    That said..... dont we just need a clearing??
    16 Mar 2015
    Matthew (discomatt)
    what type of trailer do you have??
    16 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Its Nothing really special... just a generic off road camper from a place called EzyTrail in Kilsyth.
    Independent suspension with leaf springs and shockers. Off road articulated hitch that just wont come off even if I flip :)

    The tent is quite large with a kind size bed area on top of the trailer and enough room on the floor to fit about 6-8 people.
    Here's a video
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0WXw7FNmto&list=PLuK2CxUmaJMDNkxZeoBdI9sVdzOjnzgCW&index=14
    16 Mar 2015
    Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
    Keith, have just re-read you plans & think you should really reconsider taking your trailer. Many people will bag the ezytrail campers but they are good value for money. I had one & took it on my central aussie trip that included the Oodandatta, Mereenie Loop & Savannah Way & it performed extremely well. With the the newer models, I dont think you will have any trouble on your Cape York trip if you drive to the conditions.<br /><br />There are 3 or 4 tracks that you plan to do on this trip that I would not even think of towing a camper trailer, no matter how good it is; even if the tow vehicle is twin locked etc etc.
    16 Mar 2015
    Anthony (Digger1982)
    I would have to agree with you there Allan. Think it's some great advise to take on board.
    16 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Ok....so i'll just leave the trailer at home or just do sure thing easy tracks??..... This trip is a "see how we go" style trip as stated in the details. I'm not a Gung Ho driver and have driven some of these tracks before. Just because it may be hard (even to hard) doesn't mean you shouldn't try, does it???

    I appreciate everyones concerns but I think I know my limits and will stop and retrace if I think its beyond me.
    I am thinking that no one has even attempted these tracks with a trailer and until someone does that cant really say its too hard..... can they???
    16 Mar 2015
    Matthew (discomatt)
    IMO just because you can doesn't mean you should, most of those harder tracks once committed it is very difficult to turn around, with a camper in tow it would be impossible to hang a u turn.
    I know I could tow my camper up billy goats and down Basolt but there is no way I would because the risk out ways the gain.
    Just my opinion hats off to you if ya give it a go
    17 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    The problem is that we have not done many of the tracks, listed. The ones we have done, like Billy Goats are doable with the trailer, but if someone comes the other way there could be problems. And being a long weekend there will be someone coming the other way. But it is true, some of the tracks you are committed to going on as you can barely turn a car around let alone a car with a trailer.
    17 Mar 2015
    Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
    I can't see a problem with taking a trailer on any of these tracks and further more its Keith's trip and he wants to take a trailer than that's up to him. i guess that's the problem with this website, there are just to many experts!
    17 Mar 2015
    Belinda Vine (PJ)
    I've been out with Keith many times now and he is a very sensible, capable 4wdriver, always looking for a challenge and ways to better himself, that being said, isn't that the aim of all 4wdrivers? I say take the camper Keith and if we get stuck, we get stuck... isn't that what our recovery gear is for?!
    17 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Thanks guys....this reminds me of a day trip Bel and I did.... heading up Andersons Track at Bunyip where we came across a steep heavily rutted section(you know the one if you've been there). There were 3 cars( 2 Landcruisers and a Navara from memory) in the process of turning back cos they thought it was to hard. They even laughed at Bels jeep thinking it wouldn't make it up.

    The Moral to this story is if you dont try you dont know. The Jeep made it up with ease even though it was mostly stock and these bigger 4x4's were to scared to even try. They failed and for no reason other than they THOUGHT it was to hard.
    17 Mar 2015
    Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
    Think you are being very unfair to those on the forum who are just giving advice/suggestions Antony. Yes, it is Keiths trip & if he wants to take his camper it is his call but I will say after driving pretty well all the tracks on numerous occasions that he proposes to do, all I can say is good luck, especially over the Easter period when it is probably the busiest time of the year in the High Country.

    My so called 'expert' suggestion would be; by all means give it a go towing the camper, but pick a weekend when there will be less traffic around.
    18 Mar 2015
    Matthew (discomatt)
    I don;t see a problem with to many experts it gives a good chance to know others opinions and thoughts which you can take or leave as you see fit, dont need to be offended if someone has a different opinion. On many occasions I have changed my mind on things after taking others opinions on board and have a think about it
    Totally agree with Allan as far as weekend choice and as I said hats off for giving it a go, absolutely nothing wrong with testing your gear.
    18 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    I agree with you Matt, the amount of experts are welcome, it's why we're here after all. Of all the comments, the thing that comes to mind that I didn't fully appreciate, the fact that it will be a busy weekend and that I may hinder others having a good time on the tracks. The level of difficulty of the tracks doesn't scare me. I have a respect for tracks and what they can do to your car and/or camper if you're careless, but I dont fear them.

    Being a hindrance for others is a bigger issue so, as I said, I'll probably change what I was planning to do and the way I do it. But then wouldn't you get a laugh when you saw some dick towing a trailer the other way?? :)

    I hope you guys can come. It would be fun and informative and at the very least we can see, 1st hand, who was right LOL :)
    18 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    OK.....need help :).. been looking at the map.. Is there a route where, over Easter and without bothering anyone, you can get from Dargo to Licola safely, while towing a Camper trailer, without going through Bright in the north and Stratford/Maffra in the south???


    The main idea of this trip was to see if I could be bothered setting up the trailer and setting it down each morning and night in preparation of the Cape York/Tele track trip. The tracks were more of a bonus than they were a goal. But this is Easter, one of a very few long weekends, Can't blame me for trying to make the most of it.

    The alternative, like going somewhere we know is not really a challenge but just a good a test, would not only be boring, but would attract little attention on here.

    I would like to hear suggestions.
    18 Mar 2015
    Matthew (discomatt)
    I would love to join you, any trip to the high country is a good one and would be really keen to see just how a camper went on some of those tracks, would be a great learning experience for me!! But I get back from border track half way through easter weekend.
    As far as set up and pack up nightly we did that on our last trip to Fraser and some of the trip home via the coast, it was pretty easy as we didn't un hitch and didn't put out the front awning, just a few pegs and main section unfolded which took about 10 min. to set up and about 15 min. to pack up. We have a Johnnos evolution
    19 Mar 2015
    Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
    OK Keith, I will give it a go but think you might find it a little boring, but as I said earlier, Easter is going to be busy no matter what tracks you decide to do. I presume you still plan to leave Dargo and head up to Blue Rag then make your way back to Talbotville via Sth Basalt Knob Track?. If so this is what I would do. PS. I find the drive to Blue Rag as one of the most boring in the HC but it is one of those must do treks. Over Easter it will be ;busier than Bourke St; as many many people will go up there. Anyway the way I would do it (with camper in tow) is.. 1.After leaving you camp near Dargo, head straight to Talbotville that morning and set up camp. Rather than go in all the way via McMillans Rd, go in via Collingwood Spur. After setting up, head up to Blue Rag via Sth Basalt knob, return the same way then TL onto the Crooked River Tk and do the 20 odd river crossings, up Bulltown then back to Talbotville for the night. This will take aprox 6 hrs. The next day you have a couple of options here. If you want to do Billy Goats, head up Cynthia Range down Eaglevale Tk into Eaglevale then up Billy Goats onto Moroka Rd and spend the night at Horseyard Hut or continue further along to find a campspot for the night. If all is going well, you could almost make it to Licola via B1/B3 tracks onto Mt Margaret towards Licola rather than head in via the boring Tamboritha Rd. As you may have noticed, I have excluded Dingo Hill Tk. Other option from Talbotville is to head towards Wonnangatta via Cynthia Range, Herne Spur etc. Descend down Hernes or Wombat as either will be a good test for the camper and you will have a few river crossings to negotiate as well. From Wonnangatta head up Zeka Spur Tk to Howitt Rd then look at camping at Howitt Hut, (will be busy but should be enough room to set up). From here, you have the choice of doing Butcher Country/Caledonia /Macalister/Black Soil Tks etc on your way to Licola. Again, this area will be very busy, and on parts of the Macalister there is very little room for passing. Also a couple of the river crossing are very rocky, so will be a test for the camper. Alternative is on leaving Howitt Hut is down Howitt Rd onto Tamboritha then onto B1/B3 track as per Billy Goat option. From Licola I would head towards Walhalla via Burgoynes Gap Track; 1st rocky section will also be a good test. Anyway, food for thought.
    19 Mar 2015
    Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
    I find my comments to be fair, here was a trip that was thought about and set out and due to peoples concerning comments it's now up in the air. I read through trips and comments and find many things that I wouldnt do but its not up to me to tell trip leaders or other 4wders that they are making mistakes or highly recomend against going on certain tracks with certain vehicles. just because you wouldnt do something doesnt mean that everybody else shouldnt either. Theres one thing saying I wouldnt do it but reading through the comments there are some comments really against this trip! Im sure it will be busy, but so will everywhere else and out of all the tracks mentioned there are only a few sections that you would not be able to pass a car. Keith it doesnt matter what tracks you take you run the chance of passing cars, and in saying that you are not towing a 20ft boat. In a few cases (I.e billie goats, Cobb spur, blue rag) you might find it easier to be in the middle of the pack so you can have a scout making sure you have a clear run but in saying that you will be traveling uphill so you will have right of way. There is nothing wrong with your original itinery, they are all good tracks which join well with plenty of good camping spots.
    19 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    Although Keith is planning the trip, an true he hasn't done many of the tracks, but that is part of the trip, to do tracks you haven't done, see sights you haven't seen. go places you haven't gone. He was always planning to have a couple of cars in front, and a couple behind, so that if he has problems he can be pulled, or winched back, or forward. The lead cars can pass on the warning of the nutter who is taking his trailer who is coming up behind, and from experience, most people you meet are all to happy to pull off to the side, and wait or if the group is able to pull over be waved on.
    As far as I know the trip is still on, but as he stated is fluid, depending on weather and other conditions at the time.
    19 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Thanks guys..... yes the trip is still on. I appreciate everyone comments and im definitely listening.
    I really like your idea Allan of going to Talbotville 1st and dropping the trailer then doing blue rag and Balsalt knob then back to Talbotville.. Honestly if I can avoid the trailer all the way then that's better for me and for all. So this will be how the trip starts. Then onto billy goats.
    B1B3 I haven't been on, but Mount Margaret might be to hard for the trailer( especially the last bit coming down into Licola). I have only been on there once and that was going up the other way.
    Licola to Walhalla is probably the easy leg so is not to much of an issue

    Thanks Allan, I kinda didnt really expect alternatives so i''m grateful you took the time.
    Thanks to Antony for sticking up for me :) and Steve for sitting on the fence LOL. (Steve will know not to take me seriously :))
    19 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    oh and thanks to Matt.... for being the level headed guy that could see both sides....
    19 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    Hey guys! Just a question, as I havent been up that way since I was a kid and not driving, would I be able to do these tracks with stock suspensions and 33 A/T's? Or will I have to wait a while until I get coin to throw winch on etc? Thanks just really want to get into High Country and be in the place I love without destroying the car I love.
    20 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    Brendan, Blue rag and Billy goats have been graded recently, And in the dry, should be ok with stock suspension as long as you have good tread on the tyres. And as the plan is for keith to take a trailer, the other tracks we are going on should be OK.
    But if it rains then mediums tracks can change into next to impossible tracks.
    20 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    Alright sweet. I'll be down as coming and ill hopefully have my missus with me to but if it rains and crap ill just be happy basecamping!
    23 Mar 2015
    Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
    WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason:
    23 Mar 2015
    David (Golddigger)
    Keen to do this trip but can't commit due to daughter been due to have first grandchild. If she has had it & alls good then I will join. Daughter is due 1/4/2015 so it's close. If I come i'll have 17yo son & myself.
    24 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Also thinking of coming along. Need to buy winch rope and recovery kit first ;) will let you know if im in.
    24 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    http://www.findacamp.com.au/c amp-site.php?camp=159 This is the campsite we are thinking of staying at on Thursday night.
    24 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    NO worries David and Matt ..... You are all more than welcome.

    Steve, that link didn't work for me and i'm actually thinking it may be better for us to go up early Friday morning (say leave here at 5:30am at the latest) cos we wont be able to leave Thursday night until 6:30pm at the earliest... seems a bit to much work to get there around 11pm then packup early to meet everyone else by 10am at dargo hotel..but then I guess that's the point of the trip.... but then I have Bel :) LOL
    24 Mar 2015
    Shane (SICKGU)
    Hi guys
    Anyone leaving from south eastern suburbs friday morning that wants to tag along cheers shane
    24 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    I will be joining along this trip! Have a 105 series cruiser/3"-33's! I put down 2 adults but could possible be 3 not sure yet :)
    25 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    I have thursday off, so will head up early thursday, and planning on dinner at the pub.
    25 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    So weather report for rest of today.
    Partly cloudy. High (70%) chance of showers in the west, slight (30%) chance elsewhere. Snow falling above 1300 metres. The chance of a thunderstorm with small hail in the south during this afternoon and evening. Winds west to northwesterly 30 to 45 km/h. Daytime maximum temperatures between 14 and 20.

    Luckily we are not goign until next week
    .
    26 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    thursday 13-27 warm with some sun
    friday 13-26 warm with some sun
    saturday 10-22 a passing shower
    sunday 11-17 considerable cloudiness
    Mondya 14-18 rain & thunderstorm.
    26 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    Should be good now I bought a winch >:D
    26 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    I would say it would be cold. Umm just a quick question, will anybody be bringing a chainsaw for some track clearing if needed and is there any NEEDS i will have to bring? Going by keiths info on this trip it will be fine to fill up fuel on the way up and on the Friday or saturday which ever it was but does anybody know what lpg supply is like where we will be re fueling??? Cheers
    26 Mar 2015
    Dylan (Heno79)
    I was just debating the chainsaw question myself Matt. I can bring one along if nobody else is but i'm pretty limited for space at the moment so would prefer to leave it behind if we have a couple of others in the group?
    26 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Yeah thanks guys. I have a 105 series so will fill the main tank (petrol) and bring 2 jerries along i think.
    27 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    Dargo and Licola have petrol, but the price is like haveing your testicles given a hard squeeze.....
    27 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    So where is the closest place to stop for fuel before we start? At reasonable pricing if there is
    27 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Ohh crap i never thought about easter traffic. So what time and where are we meeting thursday night
    27 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Sorry bit of a silly question above^ im wanting to know as i have never been to dargo where to find italian flats for the Thursday night camp? Cheers
    27 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Just a quick wrap up of whats happening.

    Main meetup time and place is Dargo Hotel at 10:00AM Friday morning so If you just want to make your own way up then see you there and then.

    Steve and Benji will be at Italian Flats campground on Thursday so if anyone wants to go up Thursday then this is the best place to meet. Best to talk to Steve with regard to times.

    I've decided that, for me, it'll be to late to get there Thursday so I'll be leaving really early Friday morning.
    Its about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive( with no stops) from here (endeavour hills - near Dandenong) so i'll be leaving at 5:30am. This should give me enough time to get to Dargo by 10am with time to spare.
    If anyone wants to meet and travel up in convoy then I think the best place would be the Bunyip Servo (where the variable speed signs are) around 6. Please let me know if you want to do this so I know how many to expect.

    As for fuel, I think Benji has covered that.
    I have 2 tanks totally about 150 ltrs and i'm diesel so that should do most of the trip but I do expect to top up at Stratford and maybe Licola. I have 2 x 20L jerry cans on the trailer that can be used for petrol only if anyone needs them.

    Chainsaw?!....I have been meaning to get one anyway so I might as well get it now. I should have a small one by the start of the trip.

    The route is now a mixture of Allans suggestions and my original route but totally subject to conditions and traffic.
    After we meetup we'll head to Talbotville to setup camp for the night. Then uo to blue rag and back for the day,

    It should be an interesting trip to say the least.

    Seeya's there :))
    28 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Only problem I have is that my car is at the Mechanics....should be ready by Wednesday at the latest... IF not then I'll be coming up in a Jeep Cherokee without the trailer. (is that sniggering I can hear?? LOL :))
    28 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Good info cheers mate.
    28 Mar 2015
    Danny (Bogg3d)
    I will be bringing my Chainsaw. Not the Jeep :)
    28 Mar 2015
    Shane (SICKGU)
    Hey guys...i will meet up at caltex at 6am so count me in
    28 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    If anyone is coming up on thursday I will be having dinner at Dargo hotel. about 6pm. The plans for thursday include stopping at dandy market, then picking ben up at moe I haven't got a set time yet, but if someone wants to go in convoy let me know and I will work out a meet time and place.
    28 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    I will be leavibg thursday night and am expecting to arrive in dargo around 9:30pm. If anybody wants to come at the sinilar time let me know.
    28 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Can anybody give me directions and inform me of how to get to italian flats Thursday please
    28 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Sorry for all the posts but i think i have found the camp grounds for thursday night although if your also going thursday night be sure to save a camp site for me as i have heard it to be busy on long weekends. If you will be there thursfay can u PLEASE message me. Thanks
    28 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    Matt (mattj105) wrote: Can anybody give me directions and inform me of how to get to italian flats Thursday please
    Matt, from Dargo its about 9 km's out.....go north up dargo high plains rd for about 5km's then turn right (the turn off is a dirt rd and kinda just appears....be careful not to miss it) onto upper Dargo rd for about 3km's ...Italian Flats campground if one of many up that rd on the right and its sign posted ( I think its 3rd or 4rd campground on that rd) .....once you're on the dirt rd i'd call out on CB ch 13 for steve or Benji


    here' the link Benji posted

    https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Dargo+VIC/-37.408913,147.264841/@-37.4494832,147.2535166,13z/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b25f3e969fd9d81:0x40579a430a045e0!2m2!1d147.2511238!2d-37.4612376!1m1!4e1?hl=en
    28 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Keith Irving (keef) wrote:
    Matt (mattj105) wrote: Can anybody give me directions and inform me of how to get to italian flats Thursday please
    Matt, from Dargo its about 9 km's out.....go north up dargo high plains rd for about 5km's then turn right (the turn off is a dirt rd and kinda just appears....be careful not to miss it) onto upper Darg ...
    Thank you very much mate much appreciated
    28 Mar 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    Did a trip up to Moe to drop of my Grand daughter. Fuel in Traffagar and Yaragon is cheaper than melb. 129. compared to 132.
    29 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Only problem is they are miles from dargo. I suppose i can fill the 4 jerries up there and the car and just top up in closer if i need to! Cherrs for the heads up
    29 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    I'll be heading up to Dargo Thursday night and i'll hopefully get there around 10ish.
    29 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Brendan where you leaving from? I plan on getting there around 10ish also im leaving from northern suburbs melbourne
    30 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    I'm leaving from Mitcham Eastern Suburbs. Probably around 6-7. We can convoy if you wish but i have the 2.8 snail so it might be hard ;P
    30 Mar 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Hahah meet u there then. Im leaving 5ish, should take around 5 hours with a stop
    30 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    Ill try for 5 so ill post a message on Thursday
    30 Mar 2015
    Brendan (Big_Red)
    Ill try for 5 so ill post a message on Thursday
    30 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    I love the fact that you guys are organising yourselves ....I'm looking forward to meeting you guys.

    Shane?......i'll see you at the Caltex at Bunyip at 6am.

    only 3 (or 4) days to go...For those of you that haven't confirmed yet, now is the time.... there are only 2 spots left.....trust me you dont want to miss out on this.
    30 Mar 2015
    Shane (SICKGU)
    Yeah mate i will be there for sure
    31 Mar 2015
    Dylan (Heno79)
    I'm aiming to leave the eastern suburbs around 2 on Thursday. If anybody is heading from the east around that time yell out.
    31 Mar 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    My car is back from a major service and running like a dream so its full steam ahead for this trip.

    Any final questions? Please ask them now. I'd like those that are coming to check in on this site so we know exactly who's coming and who's not.
    Again there are 2 spots left so if you've not decided yet if your coming then forever hold your peace :)

    Due to the nature of this trip (and the fact that there is little or no mobile coverage up there) we cant organise to meet up with anyone after 10am Friday at Dargo Hotel.

    look forward to seeing you all and if you're good the Easter bunny might show up :)
    01 Apr 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Im pumped haha all packed new dyneema winch rope hopefully get to use it! Im on petrol and gas. Will be coming with 2 hopefully full tanks and 4 jerry cans (80ltrs) if your towing a van with jerry can spots please bring them along it would be great if i could fill them up just incase they are needed cheers.
    01 Apr 2015
    Steve (tasl)
    Have a jerry on the roof, will also top up in sale or stratford. I have a newish winch that hasn't been used. But am in 2 minds over it. If I don't need he winch, then the car is running great. if I do, well the money spent on the winch was worth it. Better sitution would be if I have to winch someone else out.
    01 Apr 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Steve iam a little bit worried abiut strapping 4 plastic jerries to the roof. I hope they dont leak
    02 Apr 2015
    Chris (ruf_lux94)
    I new to this page but I think I'm doing this right lol me and a mate are real keen on the dargo to walhalla trip we have a car each but can go to together and are wondering if there is so spots left?
    02 Apr 2015
    Chris (ruf_lux94)
    What do you mean by check in?
    02 Apr 2015
    Chris (ruf_lux94)
    Oh I think I get it now so well just met you guys at dargo at ten tomorrow morning?
    02 Apr 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Make sure your not late for your own good. Hate for anyone to miss out. Take into account easter traffic in the morning.
    02 Apr 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    yeah... like Matt said.... give yourselfs at least 4 -4.5 hours to get there. We'll be leaving here at 5;30am and meeting Shane at the Caltex at Bunyip at 6am. We'll be taking the northern route from Moe, through Glengarry, Toongabbie and Heyfield in a bid to beat traffic. (but if its light we're go the normal way)
    see the link below.

    Chris, Welcome and you and your friend can bring both trucks if you want. Checking in is via a link on the main page of this trip.
    I can see most have checked it except for Chris, Brendan and Danny (he'll be there anyway I know that)

    See you all tomorrow.


    https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Endeavour+Hills+VIC/Dargo+Hotel,+Lind+Avenue,+Dargo,+Victoria/@-38.0992019,146.6304785,11z/data=!4m19!4m18!1m10!1m1!1s0x6ad616f64f2631d9:0x5045675218cded0!2m2!1d145.2577854!2d-37.9758866!3m4!1m2!1d146.8037471!2d-37.9809442!3s0x6b28ce214371cc39:0x130579a40e931c30!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b25ec933023860d:0x7c2995b3323dde89!2m2!1d147.251!2d-37.460741!3e0?hl=en
    02 Apr 2015
    Matt (mattj105)
    Sunday and monday was the toughest tracks of the trip. We did mt margaret. New calidonia and many more yous missed out. Overall thanks everyone for the good trip :)
    06 Apr 2015
    Belinda Vine (PJ)
    I agree with you Matt... even though things went a little pear-shaped to start off with, without a doubt, the best part of the trip was our trip to Licola and the tracks we did today... Licola was a lot less crowded than Dargo too, I'm so glad we didn't go home on Sunday morning! :D
    06 Apr 2015
    Trip Leader Keith Irving (keef)
    I totally agree as well.... I will post a full trip report tomorrow.. things went pear shaped to start but got so much better..
    06 Apr 2015
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    TRIP COMPLETED

    8 GOING, 8 Interested
    15 adults
    Trip Date
    03-Apr-2015 (Fri) to 06-Apr-2015 (Mon)

    Meeting Point
    Dargo Hotel
    10:00 AM (Fri, 03-Apr-2015)