Planning to run a Easter sand driving trip from Carpenter Rock -> Beachport -> Robe
Proposed Draft Itinerary
Day 1 (Fri) - Arriving at Millicent. There are many great places to visit on your way such as Mt Gambier.
Day 2 (Sat) - Beach/Sand driving - Check out Southend, then do a loop from Millicent to Carpenter Rock and back to Millicent
Day 3 (Sun) - Aiming to complete a loop starting from Millicent to Beachport and head north to Robe and back to Millicent
Day 4 (Monday) - Slowly head back to Melbourne
Day 2 Route
Day 3 Route
Note: My family will likely stay at Caravan Parks, no bush camping for us. I will confirm which caravan park we will be staying, and make sure they have accommodation.
More details will be provided closer to the date.
Note: Please arrange your accommodation below. See email below from Hillview Caravan Park (www.hillviewcaravanpark.com.au)
Hello Kelvin,
Thank you for camp site enquiry for Easter 2016.
We have sites available for Easter. Price is $26 for 2 persons per night for a powered site or $20 for unpowered. Extra persons is $6 per night each.
Children under 5 stay for free. For a group booking we are also offering less 10% discount. Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the park.
We have a unique area where all sites can be arrange in a circle and a fire pit can be placed in the centre (I’m assuming your enquiring for the 4wd club). This area is called our bush camping area. There
is powered and unpowered sites within this area. It is secluded, heavily tree studded but close to our amenities (refer to attachment for park plan) A picture of this area is on our home page of our web site.
Alternately we have other sites looking over the Mt Burr ranges and Millicent flats.
Please let me know if you would like any further information or would like to make a booking.
Regards
Allan Withers
Millicent Hillview Caravan Park
Dalton Street
Millicent 5280
Ph. 08 87332806
Fax. 08 87331166
www.hillviewcaravanpark.com.au
email stay@hillviewcaravanpark.com.au
How to use Maxtrax recovery boards
Requirement
Allan (Big Pig) 
Kelvin is the plan to drive the beach from Carpenter Rocks or hit the beach further west.
08 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Depends on the group preference, I do prefer to avoid driving the soft sand beach at Carpenter Rock, so mainly stay on the main track. So the first day is to let everyone a warm up and learn some sand driving skills.... but I am up for discussion.
08 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Maybe find accom. at Beach port , it's a bit more central to all the fun , especially if we are going to avoid the soft sand at Carpenter rocks.
08 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Maybe find accom. at Beach port , it's a bit more central to all the fun , especially if we are going to avoid the soft sand at Carpenter rocks.
This may be an option too, let me do more research.
09 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Hi all, I have updated the Proposed Itinerary. I suggest we stay at Millicent. See the map. Caravan park at Beachport is already fully booked. Millicent is the best location to get to other areas. I suggest we stay at Hillview Caravan Park. They have a special area which allow us to have camp fire (which is important for Easter).
Please tell them you are from 4WD TRIP to get 10% Discount. My family will stay at a powered site.
Please let me know what you think. Time is running out to book any accommodation so we will have to confirm tomorrow if possible.
09 Feb 2016
Gary (poppyg) WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry mate I have a wedding to go to
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Kelvin what were you thinking for a meet up point, I assume it will near Melbourne.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) I am flexible mate.... I plan to leave early morning around 8ish from Bonbeach...
We may meet you all at Millicent so we can all take our own pace as its a long drive from Melbourne...
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Hi all, I've just made a booking for my family to stay at Hillview Caravan Park. We will be camping. Please make your own booking as soon as possible. If you wish to stay at other places, I am fine too, we will just meet up somewhere. I will try to cater for everyone.
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Sounds like a plan ,we have to drop Meg of at the kennels first on Fri. , you mention meet up time as 8.30 Friday ,is this PM. Are you planning to drive the soft sand that caught a few out last time , your day 2 map shows us doing it ,which I have no problem with at all.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Just updated the meeting time and location to 3:30 PM at Millicent Hillview Caravan Park which will be our base camp. Al, we can work out the time/place to meet you if you can't make it.
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) We should be travelling through Millicent by 3.30, we will drop in, if by chance we miss the meet up time we will certainly catch later in the afternoon, whats your thoughts on driving the soft sand as per your map, i'm keen.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) I set the meeting time 3:30pm at Millicent just for a guide only. I know it may be difficult to be precise since it's such a long drive. As long as we get to meet up in the afternoon (later than 3:30pm), that's fine.
We can discuss on Fri night about the trip plan on Sat. I am fine driving on the beach at Carpenter Rock but obviously depends on the tide and how soft they are. I am happy to stay on the main track with those who don't want to drive the soft beach again at Carpenter Rock.
10 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) We can always split the group in two if some prefer to drive the soft sand like we did last year if it suits everyone else.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Just update the meeting time to 5:30pm. So take your time, drive safe and see you all at Millicent. If you arrive earlier or later, no worries.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Yes Peter, I think that's the plan. Antony definitely wants to try "V8 vs Ocean" ..... I think we will try to avoid the narrow section of the beach where you nearly lost your truck
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Don't worry Kelvin if I drive the narrow section, there is no way he won't try.
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Here is a little snippet of information , Easter Sunday high tide Beachport 3pm. fun times ahead.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) I think if we are still at Beachport at 3pm..... someone must be VERY bogged.
We should be arriving at Robe or near Robe at 3pm (hopefully)
10 Feb 2016
Justin (Jusso) Hi folks,
Thanks to Mien for the invite.
We haven't done any sand driving before so I hope you'll be gentle on us. We'll probably err on the chicken side rather than the risky side, especially on our first sand trip. But happy to give it a go when it doesn't involve the chance of sinking into the sea.
We will ring the caravan park tomorrow. We would normally bush camp but happy to hang out with the group.
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Welcome Justin! .... I am sure you will have a great time.
10 Feb 2016
Justin (Jusso) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Welcome Justin! .... I am sure you will have a great time.
Thanks Kelvin. That is certainly the starting plan :)
10 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Yes Peter, I think that's the plan. Antony definitely wants to try "V8 vs Ocean" ..... I think we will try to avoid the narrow section of the beach where you nearly lost your truck
But Kelvin, that was one of the most exiting parts of the trip haha
10 Feb 2016
Justin (Jusso) Not having been there before, do we need permits and/or a sand flag?
10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Peter (GQ351C) wrote: Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Yes Peter, I think that's the plan. Antony definitely wants to try "V8 vs Ocean" ..... I think we will try to avoid the narrow section of the beach where you nearly lost your truck
But Kelvin, that was one of the most exiting parts of the trip haha My ancient TREX may be too slow for this shit
10 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Don't worry Kelvin if I drive the narrow section, there is no way he won't try.
I prefer to drive along the beach and even drive through the narrow part, just as long as there is no BLOODY JEEP BOGGED IN FRONT OF ME LEAVING ME NO WHERE TO Go! Haha
10 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Peter (GQ351C) wrote: Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Yes Peter, I think that's the plan. Antony definitely wants to try "V8 vs Ocean" ..... I think we will try to avoid the narrow section of the beach where you nearly ...
Lol10 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Justin (Jusso) wrote: Not having been there before, do we need permits and/or a sand flag?
We don't need permit but we do need sand flag.
10 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Peter (GQ351C) wrote: Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Don't worry Kelvin if I drive the narrow section, there is no way he won't try.
I prefer to drive along the beach and even drive through the narrow part, just as long as there is no BLOODY JEEP BOGGED IN FRONT OF ME LEAVING ME NO WHERE TO Go! Haha Pete I hope your not talking about the Big Pig, I don't recall it getting stuck anywhere.
11 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) No not your Jeep Allan, the black swb Jeep, I think it was Gavin
11 Feb 2016
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo) Hi Justin,
Yep , you will need a sand flag.
At Carpenter's rock we did not need a permit but I haven't looked at Robe yet.
12 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) I've uploaded some photos of the caravan park. You can view them at the Photo tab.
13 Feb 2016
Justin (Jusso) We've booked into the caravan park. We mentioned that we are with this trip so hopefully that put us all in the same area.
13 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Justin (Jusso) wrote: We've booked into the caravan park. We mentioned that we are with this trip so hopefully that put us all in the same area.
Yea, if you can tell them to camp at Bush Camp Area.
14 Feb 2016
Justin (Jusso) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Justin (Jusso) wrote: We've booked into the caravan park. We mentioned that we are with this trip so hopefully that put us all in the same area.
Yea, if you can tell them to camp at Bush Camp Area. Thanks Kelvin. We'll ring them to make sure.
14 Feb 2016
Antony (Peloza79) Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Here is a little snippet of information , Easter Sunday high tide Beachport 3pm. fun times ahead.
If you want il go first just incase you need to be snatched
14 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Anthony don't wish for what you don't want , I think you should go first.
14 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Hi all, we still have one more spot. If you want to invite your friends, feel free to do so. I will open this trip to others to join on Sat.
17 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Just a little tip , when driving on soft sand turn your snorkel head around because sand will rooster tail off your front tyres straight into your snorkel, also we will all need sand flags, try searching $10 sand flag and you might find my post on how to make your own.
21 Feb 2016
Allan (allanmac) Sounds like a great trip Kelvin. I have just returned from 10 days staying at Southend and we (Cheryl, Discomatt, Liza and myself) drove all the beaches from Robe to Carpenter Rocks as well as many of the inland tracks. The sand near Carpenter Rocks was extremely soft and even though we were there at low tide, we thought we were going to lose the Disco at one stage on the narrow section. Personally not sure that it is a good idea to let those with limited/no sand experience drive this section. The beach from Southend to Beachport is a easy drive and the drive from Robe to Beachport through Little Dip is well worth it imo. So many sights to see along the Limestone coastline. We were lucky in that we did not encounter much traffic but at Easter expect heaps so as you and Big Al have said, ensure everyone has sand flags. BTW, we got through running 16psi but TBH we should have probably gone down to about 12psi near Carpenter Rocks.
If you like, I can put up a bit of a trip report with pics if you think some going on your trip might be interested in having a look at what the area has to offer.
22 Feb 2016
Eddie (Tonka) Tempted. Been a few years since I was last there.
22 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) I got some footage of going through the narrow section at Carpenter Rocks last year when the jeep in front of me nearly got stuck leaving me no where to go, and to make it even worse, the next wave had come up further and made the sand even softer which steered my Patrol toward the ocean. 😲
https://youtu.be/ho2cGvNXt7w
22 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Eddie (Tonka) wrote: Tempted. Been a few years since I was last there.
One last spot mate, you have to be quick!
22 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Hi Allan (allanmac), thanks for the info. Yes, we did a trip at Carpenter Rock, and we nearly lost a Discovery 3, and few other cars nearly got washed away when driving through the narrow section. We plan to drive from Beachport and head north to Robe (opposite to your direction)
22 Feb 2016
Allan (allanmac) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Hi Allan (allanmac), thanks for the info. Yes, we did a trip at Carpenter Rock, and we nearly lost a Discovery 3, and few other cars nearly got washed away when driving through the narrow section. We plan to drive from Beachport and head north to Robe (opposite to your direction)
Sounds good Kelvin. Have started to put up a report of our trip that some maybe interested in. Not sure if you have done it before, but driving through the private property at Nora Creina (must open/shut gate) make sure everyone abides by speed limit etc.
(PS: Reckon all the residents 'throw the car keys in every night' and see who they end up with for the night...lol.
22 Feb 2016
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo) We did the trip to Carpenters Rock as newbies and have to say...amazing trip! When we saw Dave and Peter tackle the narrow section and almost getting washed away( we were following Peter) Jack just lost a little speed( was distracted)therefore we got bogged and we were happy! That gave us a chance to turn around as did everyone after us! Safety first!!
22 Feb 2016
Mien and Jack (DutchDuo) Peter (GQ351C) wrote: I got some footage of going through the narrow section at Carpenter Rocks last year when the jeep in front of me nearly got stuck leaving me no where to go, and to make it even worse, the next wave had come up further and made the sand even softer which steered my Patrol toward the ocean. 😲
https://youtu.be/ho2cGvNXt7w
Never forget this moment either!!
22 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Hang on hang on , back up a bit Al you talk of throwing the car keys in and seeing who you end up with , I think we need a special trip report.
23 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Mien En Jack (DutchDuo) wrote: Peter (GQ351C) wrote: I got some footage of going through the narrow section at Carpenter Rocks last year when the jeep in front of me nearly got stuck leaving me no where to go, and to make it even worse, the next wave had come up further and made the sand even softer which steered my Patrol toward the ocean. 😲
< ...
Neither will I. I was preparing to say goodbye to the GQ in that section after the wave come lol23 Feb 2016
Antony (Peloza79) Just watched Petes video and Im getting very excited for this narrow section @ carpenters rocks. Will we be able to split the group and some of us drive it?
23 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Antony (Peloza79) wrote: Just watched Petes video and Im getting very excited for this narrow section @ carpenters rocks. Will we be able to split the group and some of us drive it?
I'm keen to drive along the beach if the group splits. And regarding the narrow section I think we do it one vehicle at a time and radio for the next one to go once your through.
23 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Yes that will be possible, the way I see it the beach driving will need to be done in the morning as high tide is around 3pm., I would like to be through that section by mid morning.
23 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Yes, I agree with all. We should time the drive and make sure we only attempt it at low tide. I have no interest in losing my truck or put any of your truck in risk. I am happy to lead the group to go around it and wait for you guys. Since there is no sign post, I suggest the group who attempt will wait for us. And I think we learnt a lot from our last trip. Make sure we leave enough distance between each vehicle so even the vehicle in front in trouble or slow down, it will not slow down the vehicle behind (or the vehicle behind can stop in time or even turn around if needed). Also, may try to run lower psi down to 12-14psi.
23 Feb 2016
Peter (GQ351C) I agree with the tyre pressures Kelvin, I was on 12psi last time and I didn't get stuck or de-bead a rim.
23 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Righto Pete, I was told by some 4wders who have a lot of sand driving experience that it's not easy to pop the bead on sand even running on low psi, unlike mud/rock driving.
23 Feb 2016
wayne (Defender130) Not likely to pop a bead if you're sensible. ie: avoid sharp turns at speed.
However the lower the tyre pressure the more likely to develop a slow leak when grains of sand get stuck in the bead.
23 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Hey guys don't forget there is no taking fruit and veg over the border, still plenty of places to buy once there.
24 Feb 2016
Matthew (discomatt) Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Hang on hang on , back up a bit Al you talk of throwing the car keys in and seeing who you end up with , I think we need a special trip report.
What happens on a trip stays on a trip....
We had a blast and loved the place , first time there, no permits required anywhere, sand flag not compulsory but you would be nuts not to have one, head on here we come...
Tides unlike Fraser are not quite so important because on 3/4 of the beaches the dry sand is better than the wet, that's how I nearly got into strife, thinking the wet sand may be firmer, was I wrong and I used every pony under the bonnet to drag myself out
Have fun guys
26 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Wow... we have a full house!.. Thanks Zak and Jason's family joining us. Let's start the count down.... Easter hunt on the beach?...
26 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Hang on hang on , back up a bit Al you talk of throwing the car keys in and seeing who you end up with , I think we need a special trip report.
What happens on a trip stays on a trip....
We had a blast and loved the place , first time there, no permits required anywhere, sand flag not compulso ... Haha.... your pants must be wet :)
26 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) [Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
27 Feb 2016
Antony (Peloza79) Thinking I might go home via the otways and spend and extra night or two driving around/exploring there if anyone is interested in joining
28 Feb 2016
Allan (Big Pig) You making up for going home early this weekend Anthony
28 Feb 2016
Antony (Peloza79) HaHa😒
Have 10 days off so trying to fill some time, plus always wanted to go there
28 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Antony (Peloza79) wrote: Thinking I might go home via the otways and spend and extra night or two driving around/exploring there if anyone is interested in joining
I did in my last trip to Carpenter Rock / Portland, definitely worth the drive...never driven the whole Great Ocean Road..... unfortunately I have to go back to work on Tue, so can't join you :(
28 Feb 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Check out this video, great watch before our Epic Easter Trip :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQCoKBCiayA
02 Mar 2016
Allan (Big Pig) I also searched on You Tube for beach driving Robe, there about half a dozen good vids to view, well worth it .
02 Mar 2016
Allan (Big Pig) Who is staying on the Monday night , Deb and I will be .
07 Mar 2016
Justin (Jusso) We are heading off on Thursday, arriving Friday and leaving Monday.
07 Mar 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Same here Justin, I will stay at Warrnambool on Thur night and head to Millicent on Friday. So we should be there in the afternoon.
07 Mar 2016
Allan (Big Pig) We are staying at Mortlake on Thursday night, that will give us time to get to Beachport and settle in then head back to Millicent for the meet up on Fri.
07 Mar 2016
Peter (GQ351C) We will be heading there Friday morning and leaving Monday
07 Mar 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) With only 9 days till our epic trip, make sure you have a sand flag fitted. Also, try to get hold of a set of maxtrax or similar traction aid. It's important for sand driving.
16 Mar 2016
Luke (V8_cruiser1) Hi there, anychance of more people joining the trip? Thought I would ask.
Thanks Luke.
21 Mar 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Luke (V8_cruiser1) wrote: Hi there, anychance of more people joining the trip? Thought I would ask.
Thanks Luke.
Just sent u a PM
21 Mar 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Just rang up the park they will have plenty of firewood for us... no need chainsaw... how good is that!
23 Mar 2016
Justin (Jusso) Kelvin (TREXGQ) wrote: Just rang up the park they will have plenty of firewood for us... no need chainsaw... how good is that!
Fantastic. That question came up today when we were discussing things for the trip. Thanks Kelvin.
23 Mar 2016
Justin (Jusso) Hi folks,
I just wanted to thank Kelvin for organising this trip. We had a great time meeting/catching up with everyone on the trip. It was especially good that all of the kids got along and had each other to avoid any boredom.
It was good to experience the sand/beach driving but I don't think it is our cup of tea, the soft sand sure was hard work but Sunday was better.
Thanks also to Antony, Peter & Kelvin for going out of their way to help Mien/Jack and us out of the playground and back onto the track back to Millicent. Sorry to have messed up your day.
And lastly sorry we didn't get to say goodbye to most of you. We were keen to avoid the traffic coming back and we don't mind travelling at night.
We look forward to seeing you all on a future trip.
Regards,
Melina, Justin, Spencer and Hayden.
28 Mar 2016
Kelvin (TREXGQ) Hi all
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter trip. Its great to see everyone and seeing all the kids had a ball on the sand dune and beach, it would be the best part of the trip.
Sorry to see some of you couldn't complete the second day. There were some amazing spots closer to Robe.
No worries Justin, we all have our favourite type of trips and types of 4wding. If sand driving is not your cup of tea, it good to find out sooner than later.
Thank you all for helping so we had a great trip.
Looking forward to our next Easter trip.
By the way, I know its easy to share photos on facebook but please take a moment to upload your photos on our trip page so others can view.
Thanks all
29 Mar 2016
Peter (GQ351C) Thanks for organizing another great trip Kelvin.
The kids did have a great time, as did Mim and I.
Justin, regarding helping you guys find your way back to the main track, no problem at all. I believe safety of other 4wders comes before personal fun.
It was nice meeting new members and look forward to the next trip together.
Cheers Pete, Mim, Marisa, Sophie and Chloe
29 Mar 2016
8 GOING, 4 Interested
15 adults , 10 children , 1 infant (26 in total)