Finally a trip up blue rag is in order. I have a mate coming who has done the track before as i have not yet! The whole route is planned though. Meeting point will be the Stratford BP service station at 0900 on Saturday morning. Then head out from there. We are planning on camping at tallbotville Saturday night then heading up bluerag range track first thing Sunday morning. Then head home Sunday arvo. We also have a couple of little spots we plan to stop in and take a look at along the way!
The views are supposed to be pretty specky so if you have a camera and a free saturday/sunday it would be cool to get some more people coming with us, everyone welcome.
Any questions dont hesitate to ask.
Requirement
Jenkin (Boots Ranger.) Hi JG, I just did that trip last week and the road was in very good condition. Only a couple of sections where you would need 4WD and there were a few soft road SUVs up there. Having said that, it has been pouring rain here at Bairnsdale for the last 24 hours so things could have changed greatly. Would pay to check re road conditions / closures as you get closer to the trip. Yes the scenery is fantastic
07 Apr 2015
Peter (peter01) Done Blue Rag with other's from another forum in mid March camped overnight at Talbotville only a 20min or so drive off High plains road enjoyed the drive (only 3rd time out 4WD) and agree the views were great, enjoy
07 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Thanks guys, I will certainly keep an eye on the weather reports as the dates get closer. I don't mind if we need to change where we camp depending on the weather, no stress! We can play it by ear. I am so glad this trip has some decent interest. Should be a good trip!
08 Apr 2015
Steve (4WD_LYF) Hey mate I'm keen to go but my experience is fairly green and to top it off, I'm getting used to driving a manual again. What do you think?
08 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Steve (GU2013) wrote: Hey mate I'm keen to go but my experience is fairly green and to top it off, I'm getting used to driving a manual again. What do you think?
Well mate I am more than happy for you to give it a go. As the other guys have said the track recently is in pretty good order, I am mainly going for the views more than anything else. But we wont be setting any speed records just taking our time and there are plenty of guys including me who can help you out along the way.
Its all a part of 4wding mate, just giving it a go.
08 Apr 2015
Matt (mattj105) Yes the views are great but you will also have plenty of time to do a few other tracks. Try billy goats bluff or any of the other million scenic ones
08 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Matt (mattj105) wrote: Yes the views are great but you will also have plenty of time to do a few other tracks. Try billy goats bluff or any of the other million scenic ones
I have already done billy goats and several other tracks around that area. Blue rag is next on the list. And we can just play it by ear and who is up for what on the day I reckon
08 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Wouldn't mind going to harrisons cut. On upper dargo road. I havnt been before and am told it is worth a look. Might be a good side track on the up or back.
08 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Wouldn't mind going to harrisons cut. On upper dargo road. I havnt been before and am told it is worth a look. Might be a good side track on the up or back.
Sounds good Dan. I am happy to pop out and take a look!
08 Apr 2015
Steve (4WD_LYF) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Steve (GU2013) wrote: Hey mate I'm keen to go but my experience is fairly green and to top it off, I'm getting used to driving a manual again. What do you think?
Well mate I am more than happy for you to give it a go. As the other guys have said the track recently is in pretty good order, I am mainly going for the view ... Sounds like my type of trip mate. Any ideas for a meeting point?
09 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Steve (GU2013) wrote: Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Steve (GU2013) wrote: Hey mate I'm keen to go but my experience is fairly green and to top it off, I'm getting used to driving a manual again. What do you think?
Well mate I am ... Well from what I have seen we actually have a few people coming from all over. Anyone want to propose a meeting point?09 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Perhaps Sale, Stratford or Bairnsdale as a meeting point? Meet there at 9am on the Saturday? Would that be do-able for most people?
09 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Stratty sounds good. Meet at the bp? Last chance to brim the tanks and lpg. 0900 is fine for me.
09 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Zak (Uzooz) wrote: Anywhere works for me😀
Done! See you all there! I will keep an eye on the weather reports and keep you informed.
09 Apr 2015
Dave (disco) Hi Joel.
Have a great trip mate, I would love to come as I have not been there either, have to do other stuff, maybe another time.
Regards
Dave
12 Apr 2015
Dylan (Heno79) hi mate, did Blue Rag recently and a great trip. which way are you planning to go? Would love to do blue rag then back out via haunted stream to keep it interesting as there's a lot of black top from strat to blue rag if you avoid basalt knob / Talbotville. Any thoughts on tracks or you planing a straight trip?
12 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Dave (disco) wrote: Hi Joel.
Have a great trip mate, I would love to come as I have not been there either, have to do other stuff, maybe another time.
Regards
Dave
Gday Dave,
Will definitely have a good trip! Shame you cannot come this time but I would be more than happy to go up there again another time when you are free! ;)
13 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Dylan (Heno79) wrote: hi mate, did Blue Rag recently and a great trip. which way are you planning to go? Would love to do blue rag then back out via haunted stream to keep it interesting as there's a lot of black top from strat to blue rag if you avoid basalt knob / Talbotville. Any thoughts on tracks or you planing a straight trip?
Hey Dylan, unsure at this stage to be honest. I haven't done bluerag yet so I will just be going with whatever everyone else wants to do. My mate Dan who is coming on this trip has done it before so I was just going to go whichever way he suggests. But if you wanted to come you are more than welcome ;)
13 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Hi joel would love 2 come along but only have 29in tyres and no lift think I will b sweet?
Gday Dave, don't think it should be an issue. I have 31" muddies and only heavy duty springs in mine (no real lift). I reckon you will have no issues.
15 Apr 2015
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Hi joel would love 2 come along but only have 29in tyres and no lift think I will b sweet?
Gday Dave, don't think it should be an issue. I have 31" muddies and only heavy duty springs in mine (no real lift). I reckon you will have no issues. Sweet mate me and my boy 7year old are in have 31" not 29" so all good!
15 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Dave Sheppard (Dave's rx) wrote: Hi joel would love 2 come along but only have 29in tyres and no lift think I will b sweet?
Gday Dave, don't think it should be an issue. I have 31& ... Sounds good Dave! Happy to have you come along!15 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Gday all, I met with Dan last night and have planned the exact route we plan to take on the trip. We have done a bit of a mud map for you all to have a look at if you wish. We will also bring hard copies of this on the day so you all have a copy too incase you don't have maps.
Cheers,
Joel
16 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) looks great Joel, cant wait for this one. Thanks for the upload.
16 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Angelo (cokeaddict) wrote: looks great Joel, cant wait for this one. Thanks for the upload.
I am quite looking forward to it myself! Should be a great trip!!
16 Apr 2015
Steve (Nav4x4) Hey Joel do u think this trip will b camper trailer friendly was thinking bringing one but not taking it up bluerag leaving it in dargo while we r up there
17 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Steve (Nav4x4) wrote: Hey Joel do u think this trip will b camper trailer friendly was thinking bringing one but not taking it up bluerag leaving it in dargo while we r up there
Gday Steve, yes I don't see why not! It should do what we do no worries!
17 Apr 2015
Steve (Nav4x4) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Steve (Nav4x4) wrote: Hey Joel do u think this trip will b camper trailer friendly was thinking bringing one but not taking it up bluerag leaving it in dargo while we r up there
Gday Steve, yes I don't see why not! It should do what we do no worries! Thanks mate will bring it with us looking forword to this trip looks like a well planned trip cheers Steve
17 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) So looking forward to this trip everyone! Should be a great trip. Weather is looking very hit and miss at the moment. But I am still keen to go. If Sunday turns out to be a shocking day weather wise it may not be worth while going up blue rag as you wont see anything but we can see what the weather does over the weekend and discuss on the morning! Keen for a good time away.
21 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Just checked the weather forecast. Cold and snowing. Last time i was up there it was the same. Snow on the ground, cold wind. But the views were clear! Then the next day was fogged out. Everyone bring double and tripple layers.
21 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Just checked the weather forecast. Cold and snowing. Last time i was up there it was the same. Snow on the ground, cold wind. But the views were clear! Then the next day was fogged out. Everyone bring double and tripple layers.
I don't mind if there is snow. As long as we can still enjoy the views! Definitely bring lots of extra layers.
21 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) 
Anyone travelling tomorrow morning wanna travel in a convoy we can meet at BP officer at whatever time that suits
also most likely I'm travelling by myself 😊
24 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Hey zak
Not sure what time I'm leaving yet but what time you plan on being at the servo mate?
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Gday guys, we have had a lot of rain here. It will most certainly be wet and muddy in sections. We will just take it real easy and be careful. Bring lots of extra clothes and some wet weather gear. We will still have a top time! Hopefully the rain stops
24 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Gday guys, we have had a lot of rain here. It will most certainly be wet and muddy in sections. We will just take it real easy and be careful. Bring lots of extra clothes and some wet weather gear. We will still have a top time! Hopefully the rain stops
If anyone can spare room for some dry firewood would be good too. I'll bring as much as I can fit, but we will need more. And cutting wet wood in the mud is not fun.
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Gday guys, we have had a lot of rain here. It will most certainly be wet and muddy in sections. We will just take it real easy and be careful. Bring lots of extra clothes and some wet weather gear. We will still have a top time! Hopefully the rain stops
If anyone can spare room for some dry firew ... That's a good point Daniel. I will bring some along as well.
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Hey all, so a notice for everyone. I just found out there is a March for Anzac day in the main street of Stratford at 9am tomorrow morning so we won't actually be able to get to the bp servo. I propose we meet on the sale side of the bridge going into Stratford. Is this ok with everyone? There is an open area just before the bridge on the sale side of stratty.
24 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Thats a good idea. I should have remembered the march. People will need to brim the tanks in Sale then. Ill get to the meeting point a bit early joel.
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Thats a good idea. I should have remembered the march. People will need to brim the tanks in Sale then. Ill get to the meeting point a bit early joel.
Done. I will get to the meeting point around 7:50 I think as well. That way people can spot us from the road as they head into stratty. If anyone cant find us just give me a call. 0488 025 883.
Cheers,
Joel
24 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Thats a good idea. I should have remembered the march. People will need to brim the tanks in Sale then. Ill get to the meeting point a bit early joel.
Done. I will get to the meeting point around 7:50 I think as well. That way people can spot us from the road as they head into stratty. If anyone cant fin ... Hey Joel,
Ok taking notes for the change here but not being familiar with Sale sorry, is the bridge on the princes Hwy before the left turn heading north to Stratford or after the left turn. or simply put for us hungry bastards....Before McDonalds?
Looking at the map I see a possible bridge over the Thompson river which is before the left turn at Sale Northbound for Stratford.
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Thats a good idea. I should have remembered the march. People will need to brim the tanks in Sale then. Ill get to the meeting point a bit early joel.
When you go through sale you follow all the signs to stratford, then JUST before stratford there is a bridge crossing over the Avon river. We are meeting JUST before that bridge. Unless people wish to meet in Sale? I am coming from sale. We could meet at Maccas in Sale at 7:45? Maccas is on the main drag of Sale. Would that work better?
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Angelo (cokeaddict) wrote: Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: Daniel (wj_dan) wrote: Thats a good idea. I should have remembered the march. People will need to brim the tanks in Sale then. Ill get to the meeting point a bit early joel.
Done. I wi ... When you go through sale you follow all the signs to stratford, then JUST before stratford there is a bridge crossing over the Avon river. We are meeting JUST before that bridge. Unless people wish to meet in Sale? I am coming from sale. We could meet at Maccas in Sale at 7:45? Maccas is on the main drag of Sale. Would that work better?24 Apr 2015
Steve (Nav4x4) WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry Joel was really looking forward to it
Having isues with my clutch mechanic
Has advised me prob not best idea to go
To far from home bloody navara shit clutches
24 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) It should take just over 2 hrs to get to the meeting point frm BP officer
I will be there by 6:30
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No worries Steve. What are everyones thoughts on meeting point? Macca's in sale at 7:45 or on side of road just before stratty at 8am?
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Steve (Nav4x4) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry Joel was really looking forward to it
Having isues with my clutch mechanic
Has advised me prob not best idea to go
To far from home bloody navara shit clutches
Shame you cant come mate. Perhaps next time your rig will be all good to go! I will be keen to go out again.
24 Apr 2015
Steve (Nav4x4) Yeah I'm up for it just want to try get get it till next service
Bout 1500k away then I'll put a heavy duty
Single mass clutch in have a good trip
Cheers Steve
24 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Ill be at the stratty bridge. On the left just after going under the train tracks, but before the main highway bridge.
24 Apr 2015
Fraser (ScotsMan) Joel Gunning (jgunning) wrote: No worries Steve. What are everyones thoughts on meeting point? Macca's in sale at 7:45 or on side of road just before stratty at 8am?
I will probably meet you guys at maccas at Sale but will give you a call in the morning when i am close to Sale my number in 0414 584 488
Cheers
Fraser
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No worries mate. For everyone's notice I will be at maccas in sale from 7:30 until about 7:50 then I will head over and meet up with Daniel in Stratford just before the bridge into stratty. Sounds good Fraser!!
24 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) If the meeting time is 8am
We may have to leave BP Officer before 6
I'll try to be there by 5:40 😴
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Zak (Uzooz) wrote: If the meeting time is 8am
We may have to leave BP Officer before 6
I'll try to be there by 5:40 😴
Yea sorry Zac. Meeting time has always been 8. But we will wait for you if you are a couple of minutes behind no stress ;)
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Hey guys, I am an idiot!!! So sorry!! It's 9am!!! You were right zac. Ok so I will be at maccas at 8:30-8:45 tomorrow morning and then head to stratty for a 9am take off!!! So sorry lads. My mistake. Been a big week. Have an extra hour sleep! Haha
24 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) So 6:30 at BP officer then😊
Are we carrying extra fuel
For this trip⛽️⛽️⛽️
24 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) Also I will be on channel 12 at officer
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No extra fuel should be needed according to our calculations. No worries! See you in the morning lads! Remember if anyone needs directions or anything just call me.
24 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Hi Zak,
Sorry for the late reply mate. I will be heading straight to Sale sorry. Reason is I am not sure what time i can leave home.
See you there mate.
24 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Someone mentioned firewood carry space.
I will put my roof rack on so if needed I can take some wood up there. Its a full roof rack with 1/4 of it taken by my RV5. if ya think its going to rain all weekend has anyone got an old tarp to throw over the wood.
oh and where r we getting the wood btw?
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Hey Angelo, I was going to bring some wood from home. I can also bring an old tarp to throw over the wood too. I will see you in sale in the morning mate
24 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Ok mate see u there, if I am a tad late, head up to the bridge and I will catch up there but I should be fine.
24 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No worries. Will do. I am looking forward to this trip everyone! Should be good!
24 Apr 2015
Dylan (Heno79) WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry guys, last minute family issues. unfortunately won't be able to make it. Have a great trip.
24 Apr 2015
David Terrance Sheppard (Dave's rx) What a great weekend boys thanks 4 all the tips and the drag outs only the 2! need 2 get some $ in truck and I will b on next one thanks again guys! Me and ryan!
26 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No worries at all Dave. It was a terrific trip and you did great!! You gave it a go that's all that matters!
26 Apr 2015
Angelo (cokeaddict) Hey guys, To all that came along, I want to say thanks again for being a part of a great weekend. Thanks to Joel for organising it and many thanks to Daniel for his knowledge of the area. On day 1 we were treated with a little "surprise" which to me was one of the best moments of many years of off-roading.
So I got home did all the usual things we do, shower, dinner, unwind and started uploading all the great video. All was going great, uploaded the final video and once that was done I cleared the sim cards off the gopro and camera, then...WHAM.... lappy crashed and all day 1 footage lost. I have tried recovering and have managed to get a few pictures back but videos seem to be lost.
I will call the local computer shop today and see if they can get the vids back for me. I apologise for that guys but I will try my best to retrieve them. All the river crossings and the first big hill climb were on that day 1 video.
27 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) No way!! That's pretty bad luck mate!! See how the computer guys go at recovering it for you..Real shame but not your fault. We will always have the memories.
It was a great weekend that I will remember for ages to come!
27 Apr 2015
Zak (Uzooz) I also lost all my day 1 videos + the river crossings
Don't know how it happened but no stress we had fun
27 Apr 2015
Daniel (wj_dan) Must be cursed by the ghosts of the goldfields. I knew that cemetary was a bad idea! Ive got one small video of fraser going up the first hill. Not much exitment as he made it look like my driveway. Ill try and post up some things when i get on the pc tonight.
27 Apr 2015
Joel Gunning (jgunning) Angelo (cokeaddict) wrote: Update; Pics could not be recovered sadly.
So Sorry boys
Shame Angelo, but no stress. Just means we will have to do it again and take more pics!
04 May 2015
6 GOING, 6 Interested
7 adults , 3 children , 2 infants (12 in total)