A Trip to Tallarook. MEDIUM / HARD

Tallarook State Forest, VIC

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It has been quite a while since I have been to Tallarook, so I thought next Saturday was a good time to get up there again. There are many tracks in the area with the majority, in my opinion, being of a medium rating, but there are a few that are quite difficult, especially if it is wet. Terrain is mixed, from shale, rock, with some clay sections so if you have a choice between A/T or mud tyres, I would suggest you run your muddies. In saying that, an aggressive A/T tyre in good condition will be fine for this trip. Whilst a suspension and/or body lift  and winch is preferred, it is not essential. For those who do like bogholes, there is one track that we may drive but for those like me who dislike them with a passion, there are bypass tracks around them. Please note that Phone & Steep Tracks will NOT be included in this trip, even though, if time permits, we may go and have a look at Phone Tk to show how 'narly' it is.

 

Strath Creek Pub is the meeting point as it is 'central' and caters for anyone coming from the 'west', but for anyone from the east who wishes to drive 'in convoy', be at McKenzie Reserve in Yarra Glen ready to leave at 8.15am. (For those who wish to do this, please let me know).

 

Plan is to have a fun day 4wding with a lunchbreak at either Freemans campground, (toilets) or at the reservoir. During the week I will contact the owner of a private property to hopefully get his permission to visit Warragul Rocks which has amazing views over the valley.

 

This is a 'family friendly' trip, so feel free to bring your partners, kids, girlfriend, boyfriends etc.

 

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Allan (allanmac) Trip Leader - Level 3 (Completed over 30 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (30-Apr-2015 10:22)
    NL Pajero GLS (1998 NL)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Matthew (discomatt) I am first-aid qualified I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 7 trips)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (01-May-2015 16:26)
    V8 discovery with a couple of modds (1996 Discovery)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Gary (poppyg)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (01-May-2015 16:54)
    4.5V8 diesel Landcruiser (2015 VDJ79R)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Colin (Col_and_Nic)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult
    XDRTYX (1995 PATROL)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Neil (love24wd) I am first-aid qualified

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult + 1 ChildrenChecked-In (30-Apr-2015 17:43)
    Nissan Patrol (2003 GU)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Allan (Big Pig) I had chainsaw training I had winch training Completed Proficiency training Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 10 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (30-Apr-2015 18:42)
    BIG PIG (2014 WK2 diesel)
    • 32" Tyres
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Matt (mattski)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    80 series (1993 Land Cruiser)
    • 36" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Jason (Jasonm)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    JKU (2008 Wrangler)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


Colin (Col_and_Nic)
Will be at the Yarra Glen meet point
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Colin Mcdonald (Col_and_Nic) wrote: Will be at the Yarra Glen meet point
Thanks for that Colin. Am sure Discomatt will also meet at Yarra Glen.
27 Apr 2015
Neil (love24wd)
Hi Allen
Would love to join this trip but i dont have a winch yet
Have a great day out guys at tallarook
Cheers
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Neil (love24wd) wrote: Hi Allen
Would love to join this trip but i dont have a winch yet
Have a great day out guys at tallarook
Cheers
Neil, I am happy to have you join us even if you do not have a winch as whilst preferred, not mandatory on this trip. I know Kelvin has set up the trip page that any medium/hard trip automatically says winch required but if he is ok with you taking part, all good from my end, as I do remember you having no issues on Discomatt's Toolangi trip.
27 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
I will meet at Yarra Glen. I was going to wash the Disco and take the muddies off after the weekend but will just leave it as is and just do my normal pre trip checks
27 Apr 2015
Gavin Brown (Gavmanslim)
Hi all,

I live in Tallarook so this one IS my back yard. Unfortunately I wont be able to make it but I'm happy to provide any advice on tracks if needed.

They have graded quite a few tracks recently due to planned burns by DEPI, So, if you'd like me to go and check out the level of difficulty - IE if the track was recently graded, I will try get up during the week.

Otherwise, Have a great time!. They have done some work to the dam, which is full at the moment, and there are plenty of yabbies in there if you are interested. And West Falls Road (leads out from the reservoir) is very slippery after the rain!

Gav
27 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
any tracks that haven't been graded and are still a challenge? Not after a winch fest or car breakers. I know Allan quite well and know he loves a challenge but hates bog holes and damage
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
<div style='border:1px solid #cccccc; margin:20px; padding:10px; background-color:#eeeeee;'><i><strong>Gavin Brown (Gavmanslim) </strong> wrote: Hi all,

I live in Tallarook so this one IS my back yard. Unfortunately I wont be able to make it but I'm happy to provide any advice on tracks if needed.

They have graded quite a few tracks recently due to planned burns by DEPI, So, if you'd like me to go and check out the level of difficulty - IE if the track was recently graded, I will try get up during the week.

Othe ... </i></div>

Thanks for the info Gav. Have been there once or twice before after they had graded some of the tracks, which whilst totally understandable, made some of more challenging ones quite easy. I know there will always be a few that will be untouched, so am sure we will find some that will keep us interested on the day.

If you have the time, any info on what tracks have been graded would be greatly appreciated and if needed I can make some alterations to the planned route.

Totally agree re; West Falls Road in the wet. On a trip there many years ago, one of the cars in our group was sliding down totally sideways.
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: any tracks that haven't been graded and are still a challenge? Not after a winch fest or car breakers. I know Allan quite well and know he loves a challenge but hates bog holes and damage
Dont worry Matt, there will be a few that will keep us 'interested'. Wonder if Bills Track is still like it used to be.
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: I will meet at Yarra Glen. I was going to wash the Disco and take the muddies off after the weekend but will just leave it as is and just do my normal pre trip checks
Was pretty sure you would meet us at Yarra Glen Matt. Am not sure if I can leave the Paj go a full week without a wash.
27 Apr 2015
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
Wash it Al,I washed mine this morning,I love the look of your Paj,less is more,everything you need and nothing you don't need.
27 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Wash it Al,I washed mine this morning,I love the look of your Paj,less is more,everything you need and nothing you don't need.
Thanks for that Allan, think I might give it a 'tub' if time permits. Still have to change the blown headlight globe before Saturday.

Noticed you are interested in joining us on this trip; hope you can make it. BTW, my partner loves your Jeep, but I told her I am not prepared to 'downgrade'....lol (just kidding).
28 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
BTW, a couple of pics of Bills Tracks from a Pajero trip I ran a number of years ago; it pissed down all day....grrrr.

(They in the photo section)

PS: The driver of the Disco decided to try a different line through one of the bogholes that didnt go to plan
28 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Well folks, trip is now full with Big Pig (Allan) taking the last spot. We have a good variety of vehicles so hopefully it will be a good day out.

Looking at participants location and I think everyone, with the exception of Neil (love24wd), will meet at Yarra Glen, but if I have got this wrong just let me know.

I am anticipating that from Yarra Glen, all the tracks, and back to Yarra Glen will be in the vicinity of 250 klms, so a full tank of fuel will be sufficent. All fuel types are available in Yarra Glen if required.
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
All this talk about washing cars is making me feel guilty, might have to wash it before Saturday, its just not right to leave it dirty but on the upside driving it the last couple of days has washed all the mud from under the guards.
28 Apr 2015
Gary (poppyg)
i will see you a Yarra Glen
28 Apr 2015
Gary (poppyg)
hi matt do you now if its been rain up Tallarook alot because i have my A/T on still?
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Not sure Gary, there is a lot of rock and shale there so you will probably be ok with AT's but I am leaving my muddies on from last weekend. I will try and find some track details and rain fall on 4x4earth and get back to you, all info will be there somewhere
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Just had a quick look around and only 17mm in the last week, most last saturday. Good AT's should be ok but muddies will be better just in case we come across the dreaded red clay and there are a few showers forecast for Saturday. Your call mate.

Looking forward to it, haven't been there for a while. It will be a good day wheeling.
28 Apr 2015
Gary (poppyg)
looking forward to it my self and catching up with you haven't been on a trip with you since the desert.
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Yep been a while between drinks oops I mean drives, looking forward to catching up
28 Apr 2015
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
I think you two had better get a room.
It will be good to be up at Tallarook with a trip leader who can find there way around,unlike the last time I was there when it was the blind (me) leading the blind,I tell you what Mat if you leave your muds on I will leave mine on and Allan I will meet you at Strath Creek as I will travel the freeways to Broadford then duck across.
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Get a room, not bloody likely ! have you seen Gary's ugly bald head... um....
28 Apr 2015
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
Damn, I wish I could join your trip Allan. I have committed to Bush Clean Up for FWD Victoria. Matt.........come back! .........we need you !
28 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Allan (Big Pig) wrote: I think you two had better get a room.
It will be good to be up at Tallarook with a trip leader who can find there way around,unlike the last time I was there when it was the blind (me) leading the blind,I tell you what Mat if you leave your muds on I will leave mine on and Allan I will meet you at Strath Creek as I will travel the freeways to Broadford then duck across.
Al, I suggest leaving your muds on. There has been a little rain up there in the last week, but it doesnt need to much on some of the tracks we will be driving to make it quite slippery. In saying that, I dont think you will have any issue running your A/T's Gary.

Thanks for letting me know where you plan to meet Al & Gary & I thought going to Strath Creek via the freeways would take much longer, but even though it is 20 odd klms longer than via Yarra Glen, time wise the difference is only about 5 minutes.

At this stage, forecast is possible shower later in the day, so if no more rain this week, I think most of the tracks will be reasonably dry.
28 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Damn, I wish I could join your trip Allan. I have committed to Bush Clean Up for FWD Victoria. Matt.........come back! .........we need you !
Yes, is a 'bugger' that you cant join us Kelvin as I considered running this trip the following Saturday, but as it is Mothers Day weekend & no gaurantee that I wont be working, decided best to go with this Saturday.
28 Apr 2015
Gary (poppyg)
Hay bald is beautiful 😜🍻
28 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Weather forecast is now fine with maybe a light shower mid arvo so tracks will be dry after a few warm sunny days. If I get time I am going to put the AT's back on tomorrow after work, driving around on muddies sux and I can't wait to get them off.

Just hope I don't end up like the disco in the photo...
30 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Weather forecast is now fine with maybe a light shower mid arvo so tracks will be dry after a few warm sunny days. If I get time I am going to put the AT's back on tomorrow after work, driving around on muddies sux and I can't wait to get them off.

Just hope I don't end up like the disco in the photo...
Yes Matt, weather is looking better by the hour; now forecasting 21 degrees so it might be T shirt weather. Can understand you wanting to put the A/T's back on, but I am still running the muddies as I am too lazy to change plus there is one track that I have wanted to have a look at for ages up there, and if time permits, we might have a look at and the say it can get quite slippery, but hopefully it will be perfectly dry.

Have left a message regarding a visit to Warragul Rocks which is on private property, but am yet to receive a reply.

Looking forward to a good drive on Saturday.
30 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
I hope you wont end up like that other Disco, as the water can stink up there, unless it is a 'Land Rover thing' to attempt totally different lines and see how good the door seals are; his were not that flash...lol
30 Apr 2015
Colin (Col_and_Nic)
I'm guessing I should get some sikaflex to plug the holes in the firewall where previous owner decided the grommets weren't necessary
30 Apr 2015
Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
Allan I thought the cable barrier at Warragul rocks was to keep vehicles out , so it seems I inadvertently trespassed when I walked a small group in 6 months ago, woops .
If its dry maybe we could give Phone track a go.
30 Apr 2015
Trip Leader Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Allan I thought the cable barrier at Warragul rocks was to keep vehicles out , so it seems I inadvertently trespassed when I walked a small group in 6 months ago, woops .
If its dry maybe we could give Phone track a go.
Al, the owner got really pissed off when so many 4wders just decided to drive through his property even though it was stated 'private property'. Am not sure what his thoughts are of people walking through, but from what I have heard, he is more tolerant with walkers/rockclimbers.

Dont worry, we are going to have a look at Phone Track and I will leave it up to each person to decide if they want to have a go.
30 Apr 2015
Matthew (discomatt)
Not this little black duck, last time I saw phone track it was insane and I have heard that most of it is now blocked off
01 May 2015
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TRIP COMPLETED

6 GOING, 3 Interested
8 adults , 1 children (9 in total)
Trip Date
Sat, 02-May-2015

Meeting Point
Strath Creek Hotel Carpark
9:30 AM (Sat, 02-May-2015)

TRIP FULL