Dargo to Licola No.2 EASY / MEDIUM

Vic High Country, VIC

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So this trip is for all those missed out on Mark's Dargo to Licola trip. Happy for anyone to join even for those that want to do it all over again but priority will be given to those the have expressed intrest previously.

 

I am going to leave the trip rating at Easy/Medium for now but keep in mind it may be more Medium than Easy due to the time of year. Depending on the weather there is the very real possibility of getting to drive on white fluffy stuff :)

 

So long as we get a couple of experienced guys with well setup rigs, I'm happy for those with less capable vehicles to come along, we all started somewhere right.

 

But minimum requirements are:

  • Generally well maintained vehicle, we all break down but if you know you have something not 100% on your car, get it fixed or stay home.
  • Snorkel or Tarp for front of car (lots of river crossings, potentially alot deeper than ankle depth if we get any significant rainfull between now and then).
  • Must have real Low Range Gearing, no soft off roaders.
  • Decent tyres at least AT's.
  • UHF (handheld is ok)

Family/Kid/Wife/Gf friendly, bring them along, the more people to talk to around the camp fire the better.

 

Friday the 27th of May: My plan is to leave after work and drive to Dargo, if others from Melbourne wish to convoy with me on this late night highway cruise we can work out where to meet each other closer to the day. Just keep in mind you realistically won't get to camp until midnight or just after.

 

Saturday the 28th of May: 9am kick off from Italian Flat or where ever I found camp the night before... I'll make sure those that are going to join us on Saturday morning know of the exact location via this site, phone call, txt message or a string & can if necessary. We will then make our way up to Wonangatta, from what I have been told this will take most of the day once we factor in a Lunch stop and other photo opportunities, etc.

 

Sunday the 29th of May: Pack up camp and head off up Zeka Spur track. Once at the top we have some different options. Some might have had enough, in which case you are now on 2wd roads all the way down to Licola and then back home to Melbourne. Perhaps you have a thirst for more off road adventure, in which case the Caledonia Valley awaits. Finally if your lucky enough to have an RDO on the Monday then you could stay out bush for another night, I plan on camping in Macalisters Gorge.

 

Monday the 30th of May: For those that stayed on we will have a pretty lazy day, no rush, leave camp when ready, climb out of Macalisters Gorge and head home via Thomson Dam / Walhalla. There is the opportunity to do the Deep Creek tracks are others around the area if keen.

 

See you on the tracks :)

Requirement

  • Recovery Gear
  • Brad Jones (BradZook) I am first-aid qualified I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 2 (Completed over 11 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult
    2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (2020 Gladiator Rubicon)
    • 34" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch



  • Steve (Harro)

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (27-May-2016 10:19)
    MN Clubcab (2011 MN Clubcab)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Pauly (Dagy) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 3 (Completed over 29 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (26-May-2016 17:48)
    STU - V6 Petrol (2004 120 Prado)
    • 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 (27-May-2016 14:30)
    V8 discovery with a couple of modds (1996 Discovery)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch


  • Mitch (mitch_PX)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult + 2 Children
    Px Ranger (2011 Ranger XLT)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Anthony (atowen) I am first-aid qualified

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (27-May-2016 11:20)
    V8 Bruiser (2004 Uzj Cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Asmir (Azz)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    3L Diesel lux (Black Beauty) (2011 Hilux)
    • 32" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch



  • Johno (Jeep JK)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Nissan GQ Patrol TD42 (1988 GQ Patrol Dx)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Callym (My Nav123)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Yd25 d22 navara (2012 Navara d22 yd25)
    • 33" Tyres, 4" Lifted

  • Steve (blue rangie 304) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 5 trips) Premium Member


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    ex blue rangie/ landcruiser (2015 wildtrack)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

Peter Richardson (Richo)
Hi Brad / guys, my name is Richo and looking forward to meeting everyone and spending sometime out in the bush. Thanks Brad for arranging this trip and catering for those that missed out on the original trip. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about newer people or less capable vehicles coming along assuming a balance is maintained. All sounds great and with all things going well I hope to have the fire going for when you arrive Friday night. I might bring my drone and see what footage I can get of our weekend. I have put a little bit of footage up in the files folder of a video I took of Billy Goats Bluff in the High Country, not the best quality, its rather compressed and I have a better unit now
29 Apr 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Nice footage mate.

I am really interested in this trip however in the Marks trip he recommended a 2" lift due to Zeka spur track being rough for stock suspension. I will hopefully have a snorkel on my rig by then.
29 Apr 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Nice footage mate.

I am really interested in this trip however in the Marks trip he recommended a 2" lift due to Zeka spur track being rough for stock suspension. I will hopefully have a snorkel on my rig by then.
Have a took to Brad and see what he thinks, it would be good to see you there
29 Apr 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
I will admit I haven't actually driven Zeka Spur myself so it's hard for me to pass judgement.

Have you got larger than stock tyres? Ultimately it is the clearance between the lowest points on your truck that count, which are your diff centers. No lift kit can increase the clearance under your diff's only larger rubber can do this.

If you come we won't just leave you stranded but you might have to be prepared for extra dents in your underbody, how well protected is a Navara underneath??? Hopefully though it would just be the shame of having to be winched up a section of track that everyone else drove, character building stuff haha. I used to drive a pretty much stock Suzuki Grand Vitara and got dragged over every second mole hill.

Or the worst case is that we would turn you around and get you back to a main road. In this case I would leave the rest of the group to drive up to the top of Zeka. I would drive with you back to close to Dargo and then I would head up Billy Goats Bluff and meet the rest of the group at Arbuckle Junction or Licola.
29 Apr 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Well done on getting this trip up Brad. Thurstain, in relation to Zeka Spur I would say you will be fine in a standard height vehicle, as long as you have a strong (not plastic) bashplate. There is really only one section (sharpish hairpin) that is quite rocky and it might be advisable to use a 'spotter' for this section. The rest of the track is reasonably straight forward, but if it is wet it will be a little more 'character building'.
29 Apr 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Mark (Yarra_Ranger) wrote: I'll do a video for you guys and post it before your trip.
I will also offer to do a video of Mark on that section; as long as he doesnt try to run me over again.
29 Apr 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I have 245/75R16 Cooper ST (approx 31 inches) which is quite standard size but then I have 265/75R16 Muddies (maximum tire size that fits without a lift kit) which are about 32 inches which will help me in better clearance.. so I think I'll slap on the muddies on and come along.

Also have a bash plate (metal) so hopefully all will be well. I will hopefully manage to fit the snorkel by then which I just ordered yesterday and the new awning :)

Thanks for your encouragement everyone :) I will be coming along. Not sure I'll manage to stay till Monday might need to leave Sunday. Will try to get the day off work.


Thanks everyone! I might even see some of you guys the weekend prior at the 4wdtrip catchup.
29 Apr 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
Have done a few trips up that way and love every one of them so looking forward to another chance to enjoy one of the the best parts of Vic.
Looking forward to meeting a few more 4wdtrip members.
29 Apr 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
Steven (ReefMaster) wrote: Hi Brad ,
How are you?
Is there any chance u can open a slot for me , I will definitely come . And this Zeka Spur? Sounds like fun . I noticed Paul Dagy and Harro are going on this trip - who I've met through this great site on previous 4wdtrip during Easter . It would be good to catch up with you guys and yes my rig is now more enhanced :) the gremlins in the Pajero tech from the last trip will be rectified by then .
Hi Steven,

As promised to those that missed out on Marks trip I will be giving them priority. I just opened up another spot for Mitch who previously expressed interest and has been in touch with me earlier in the week. I also have another couple of members on my waiting list lol.

If they decide to not join up we might be able to squeeze you in, I'll let you know.

Cheers Brad
29 Apr 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
We have booked into Dargo Motel for the Friday night .....so that means finding every one else on Sat. A.m.....

Any ideas what part of Italian flat u will be at?
It would be good to have some number plates for ID.....?

Looking forward to it....
06 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
Rego is ZAI451. Little Green Suzuki, cant miss it. I set the UHF channel to 15. You will also get emailed my mobile number and other details just before the trip starts.

How about I meet you and anyone else joining the trip on Saturday morning out the front of the Dargo pub at 8am, with an intent to leave by 8.30am. That makes it super easy. No one should get lost then.
06 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
I plan to be at camp before dark on Friday arvo
10 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Any one leaving from near Pakenham or going through Pakenham? Keen to convoy if so.
15 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote: We have booked into Dargo Motel for the Friday night .....so that means finding every one else on Sat. A.m.....

Any ideas what part of Italian flat u will be at?
It would be good to have some number plates for ID.....?

Looking forward to it....
The Motor inn or the Hotel?
16 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
What time / day ? I'm going through the freeway through Pakenham on Friday
16 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote: Any one leaving from near Pakenham or going through Pakenham? Keen to convoy if so.
Mitch, as Thurstain responded, time and day?
16 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Friday or Saturday doesn't bother me. I was thinking leave Friday arvo/night and staying at the motel but not fussed either. When were you guys thinking of heading up
16 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote:
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote: We have booked into Dargo Motel for the Friday night .....so that means finding every one else on Sat. A.m.....

Any ideas what part of Italian flat u will be at?
It would be good to have some number plates for ID.....?

Looking forward to it....
The Motor inn or the Hotel?
The motor inn....
16 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote: Friday or Saturday doesn't bother me. I was thinking leave Friday arvo/night and staying at the motel but not fussed either. When were you guys thinking of heading up
Leaving Friday arvo ...at this stage not sure of time.......would plan to get to dargo before dark.
16 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
<div style='border:1px solid #cccccc; margin:20px; padding:10px; background-color:#eeeeee;'><i><strong>Thurstain (Tcm9669) </strong> wrote: What time / day ? I'm going through the freeway through Pakenham on Friday</i></div>Will be heading out Friday.....not sure of time at this stage....
Will know More mid next week.....
Depends on Keith's work schedule
16 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote: Friday or Saturday doesn't bother me. I was thinking leave Friday arvo/night and staying at the motel but not fussed either. When were you guys thinking of heading up
I will be leaving Friday after work at around 4.30PM from Melbourne CBD. I will be going directly to the campsite and setup.

I think Brad (Leader) will be doing something similar according to the Trip summary.. maybe we can all convoy there together.

I will be leaving Sunday due to work on Monday.
16 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
I am staying Friday night at the dargo motor inn. I will be traveling up Friday in time to have tea at the pub if anyone wishes to join me for a meal and beverages.
At his stage I intend heading back home on the Monday.
16 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
I will now be leaving later than I had hoped, work is stupid busy, will be heading down the freeway late arvo which is a bugger because the traffic will be crap. still not decided whether to set up at the Dargo Hotel for the night or head st8 to Italian Flat,
will confirm that next week
16 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote:
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote: Friday or Saturday doesn't bother me. I was thinking leave Friday arvo/night and staying at the motel but not fussed either. When were you guys thinking of heading up
I will be leaving Friday after work at around 4.30PM from Melbourne CBD. I will be going directly to the campsite and setup.<br /& ...
PM me your mobile number and Ill meet you on the M1 at Pakenham and we can convoy If that sounds good?
16 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Sounds good. Check your inbox.

Anyone else interested? let us know!
16 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
I could be travelling around that time, if you leave the CBD at 4.30 Pakenham will be about 6 to 6.30 will let you know closer to the day
19 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Current plan is that I leave work around 4, and be at the BP in Officer on the M1 around 5.
19 May 2016
Billy (75_Cruiser)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hope it's not too late for someone to take my spot.
I have a bad feeling my clutch is about to let go as the car has been really hard to get in and out of gear. I would rather withdraw from the trip than ruin people's weekend by braking down and holding everyone up. cheers
23 May 2016
Anthony (atowen)
Hi all,
Sorry to hear your clutch has let go Billy (had to limp out of the high country last year without a clutch!). Given the current outlook, looks like it will snow along the way. Look forward to joining this trip.
Anth
23 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
I will do my best to meet Thurstain / others at the BP in Officer on the M1 around 5pm Friday night. But I have to come from the western suburbs so I may end up being a few hours behind depending on work, trains & traffic.

I got back last night from an epic 2 day trip with another 4wd club, got some maintenance to do to my rig this week as a result but should be all good for this trip. Just new mudflaps, re-attach flares, wash the car, replace some light globes, etc.

Who ever gets to camp on Friday night first needs to do their best to reserve some space for the rest of us (no need to start a civil war though, if others come and it means there are 2 or 3 groups of us spread out on Friday night so be it) and somehow let the rest of us know where you are so we can come find you.
23 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hey Brad and Mitch,
The M1 is a pain with traffic. Last Friday I went to the 4wdtrip get together (awesome trip) and it took me just under 2 hours to get to the BP at Officer from the CBD. So I think we should push the time maybe around 6, especially since Brad might have issues too coming directly from the westies and with roadworks on Westgate - It's not a fun drive (I know since I drive to Melbourne everyday from the westies).

So, if it's ok with everyone let's say 6PM meetup at BP Officer?
23 May 2016
Pauly (Dagy) Premium Member
Leaveing from Sth Dandenong @3pm Friday afternoon with intention to get to Italian flat by 7.30 - 8.00 set up camp and fire.
Anyone else want to leave at this time as would rather leave early and set up.
23 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
6PM at officer BP sounds good to me
23 May 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Have a great trip guys. Looks as though it is going to be bloody cold, so make sure you have heaps of warm clothes. For those who havent been there before, you might want to look at a couple of videos I posted from Mark's trip the other weekend.
23 May 2016
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61)
Hi guys, really looking forward to this trip. Il be heading up Friday night and staying at the dargo river Inn. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I am unsure of where the meeting point at Italian flat is? Are some meeting outside the pub come Saturday morning? Thanks
24 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote: Hi guys, really looking forward to this trip. Il be heading up Friday night and staying at the dargo river Inn. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I am unsure of where the meeting point at Italian flat is? Are some meeting outside the pub come Saturday morning? Thanks
Hey Stewart, I am staying Friday night at the Dargo Motor Inn. I think there may have been mention of other(s) staying in town somewhere. I can meet you and who ever at the pub at a given time Saturday morning to catch the others be it at the pub or Italian Flat camp ground, I'm easy either way. Google suggests Italian flat is about 11 minutes or 8 Kms from Dargo so when the final meeting place and time is posted those that are in town can sort it from there.
24 May 2016
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61)
Peter Richardson (Richo) wrote:
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote: Hi guys, really looking forward to this trip. Il be heading up Friday night and staying at the dargo river Inn. I'm unfamiliar with the area so I am unsure of where the meeting point at Italian flat is? Are some meeting outside the pub come Saturday morning? Thanks
Hey Stewart, I a ...
Ah good stuff thanks for that mate
24 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Have a great trip guys. Looks as though it is going to be bloody cold, so make sure you have heaps of warm clothes. For those who havent been there before, you might want to look at a couple of videos I posted from Mark's trip the other weekend.
Where can I see the videos?
24 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
Video's are in the trip report section of the forum.

We will be in for a wet weekend so be prepared people, snorkels will be a must as the rivers will be high, depending on rain fall alternative routs might need to be taken and make sure snorkels are sealed properly. A tarp might also be a good idea to block off the front of the car. Tracks will be slippery so make sure your winch is working, I reckon we might need them...
24 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
Love the footage of Billy Goats, driven it a few times and never seen it from that view. Awesome !!
24 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Keith & I are staying in the motel Friday night ....
there was mention of meeting at General a Store 8 a.m. Saturday....I guess that is still go.......?
24 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
we will see, have seen very easy tracks turn into very slippery tracks with a sprinkle of rain, there will be rain up there Thursday, Friday and Saturday so the tracks will be nice and wet, can't wait
24 May 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Brad and the other members attending this trip, a few suggestions if I may.

1. As some are camping and others staying in Dargo, seems rather pointless for those camping to 'backtrack' back to Dargo. I would suggest everyone meet at the McMillans Rd junction, (plenty of room for all vehicles), on Sat morning at a time Brad thinks appropriate. Am sure there are some who think they will need to refuel, (ULP/Diesel was $1.51 per litre the other weekend), but it is only aprox 200 klms from Dargo to Licola via the route you plan to take, so I dont see any need to head back to Dargo if you fill up at Stratford or even Sale.

2. Italian Flat. WE found a great campsite, (a pic in the Trip Report on the forum), that will easily cater for all those camping. As you enter the campground, turn right & go past the pit dunny and it is on your left. We were lucky in that a group had left behind a lot of wood, but taking some with you for the Friday night fire is advisable as not much around the campground. Lots of wood on the tracks approaching Wonnangatta, but if forecast is right, it might be fairly wet.

Am sure you folks will have a fantastic trip and I wouldnt be surprised if come across some of the 'white stuff' at the top of Zeka Spur.
25 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Everyone still al systems go or some not going due to weather.
25 May 2016
Anthony (atowen)
Still all systems! Will meet up Friday night at Officer
Anth
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
It's still all systems go from me. Truck is already packed up! Just need to do minor stuff like cleaning air filter etc from previous trip.

6PM at BP Officer is still the plan for me. Hopefully the place won't be flooded that's all.

I hope we have alternative routes in place just I'm case.. As I don't want to drown my truck :)
25 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
6PM it is! What UHF will everyone be on?
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Let's use the trip's official channel? 15. Or we can come up with our own for the convoy
25 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
As there are some of us camping & some of us staying in motels I like Allan's idea of meeting at the McMillans Road turn off. I think 8am is a good target time.

As some of you have pointed out the weather isn't going to be great. This won't stop me. I'm really hoping to get to drive on some nice fresh snow.

I'll make sure on Friday morning I have updated all the details to reflect meeting location & anything else that may change between now and then.
25 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
Haven't changed tyres, haven't sorted the fridge or food and the car is packed full of work gear :0
Plan to leave work at 12.00 Friday home by 1.00 empty car, load car, change tyres and do a check of fluid levels should be at the BP by 6.00, its only 30min. from my place, if I am going to be late will let you know on here or PM some mobile numbers
my number 0416 207 008
25 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Sounds like a great weekend with some great people and locations, looking forward to it. Assuming the McMillans Road turn off at 08:00 is the primary meeting point, can I suggest that those staying in town meet at the pub at around 07:30ish to convoy out to meet the others. Looking at google it is about 17kms or 21 minutes to McMillians Road turn off. Open to suggestions
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Matthew (discomatt) wrote: Haven't changed tyres, haven't sorted the fridge or food and the car is packed full of work gear :0
Plan to leave work at 12.00 Friday home by 1.00 empty car, load car, change tyres and do a check of fluid levels should be at the BP by 6.00, its only 30min. from my place, if I am going to be late will let you know on here or PM some mobile numbers
my number 0416 207 008
Inboxed you my phone number.

I have everything setup from last weekend :) truck is ready to go! It just needs diesel, wash and cleaning air filter will be a good idea too from last trip.
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Looks like everyone is pumped for this trip! I been looking forward to it since it was posted on the forum.

So just to confirm, so far Friday @ 6 we should see the below people:
Myself
Mitch
Brad
Matthew

Just so we know who to wait for. If anyone else interested please shout out so we can add you to the list, so we don't leave anyone behind and we don't waste time waiting for people that aren't going to show up. It's a long drive and will go well into late night.. So we don't waste time around wondering who's coming.

Edit: Does anyone know what's the last servo that will be open late at night on the way there? My rig isn't too thirsty but that trip will chew at least half a tank..
25 May 2016
Anthony (atowen)
Hi all,
Will also join the convoy from Officer on channel 15 i gather, my mobile is 0437 463 687. Here's to some snow!
Oh and last fuel would be Stratford but i have a feeling they shut early, usually fill up in Sale before going up towards Dargo.
Thanks
Anth
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hi Anthony
Inboxed you my number. I think Sale is quite close and would make a good place to fill up on our way. I'm sure everyone on the convoy will need a good fill, unless you have long range tank.

Also I might not be on uhf as I need to remove my antenna due to parking area not having enough clearance at my work. I'll put it back on at the BP station.

Running list is:

Myself
Mitch
Brad
Matthew
Anthony
25 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Mark (Yarra_Ranger) wrote: Just to give you an idea of how much water is around when we started the previous trip the wonangatta/crooked junction was 1.91M
It's currently 1.49M
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDV60078.html
You won't be crossing there, but it's a good indicator of how much water is in the area.
There was rain before our trip, a lot more than is coming in the next couple of days, so don't ...
Thanks for the link mate! I'm gonna keep a close eye on that one hoping it stays low, and instead we get some snow!
25 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
can I suggest Leave servo at 6.15 if anyone is not there they can catch up or meet at Sale or Dargo and meeting at 8 am seems early get up make coffee have breaky, morning crap and then pack up and on the road will be very rushed only to stand and chat on the side of the road, have seen it plenty of times before, 8.30 or 9.00 meet and leave would be a more relaxed start to the weekend...
what do people think?
I am off to work see ya later
26 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
True Mathew, im not much of a morning person myself and would love to start later but if I say the trip starts at 9am we might still be waiting for people at 10am and thats too late. But happy to compromise and make it 8.30am.
26 May 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Brad, you could easily make the meeting time at 9 or 9.30am at McMillans Rd and still have plenty of time to get to Wonnangatta before dark. On Mark's trip we didnt leave Italian Flat until 9.30ish due to a vehicle problem then another small issue with another vehicle prior to getting to McMillans Rd. After all that, we still arrived at Talbotville about midday after completing the Crooked River tks, had about a 45 min lunch break and arrived at Wonnangatta about 4ish after collecting wood along the way.

BTW, just checked the snow forecast and they are saying snow on Friday down to 1400 mtrs and on Saturday down to 1300. With luck you may see what I have put in the file folder.



I think I mentioned elsewhere, allow 3-4 hours from Talbotville to Wonnangatta. Anyway just a thought as tend to agree with Discomatt, no need to leave campground quite so early which gives a little more time for those to have their morning coffee, pack up etc etc.
26 May 2016
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61)
Il be leaving melbourne (brunswick area about 5 -5.30 so will be a bit behind you others for the convoy. Happy to meet any of the others that are staying around dargo sat morning so that we can convoy out to that junction you guys are talking about. Just name the time il be there. Depending on how late we arrive Friday we will probably have a quiet beer at the pub upon arrival. Cheers
26 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
I'm easy on the Saturday meet time, just happy to be tagging along. I will be outside the pub 30 minutes earlier in case any of the town dwellers want to travel out to McMillians Road meet location together.
My Mobile number is 0409 67 35 36
26 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote: Il be leaving melbourne (brunswick area about 5 -5.30 so will be a bit behind you others for the convoy. Happy to meet any of the others that are staying around dargo sat morning so that we can convoy out to that junction you guys are talking about. Just name the time il be there. Depending on how late we arrive Friday we will probably have a quiet beer at the pub upon arrival. Cheers
Keith and I are staying at Dargo Motel Friday night so will convoy with others to mcallisters Rd meeting point.
.
The motel does not do a hot breakky
So we will be getting a yummy egg n bacon roll from Dargo general store ...
I reckon that could be a good meeting point for us townies..??
Thoughts??
26 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
Allan (allanmac) wrote: Brad, you could easily make the meeting time at 9 or 9.30am at McMillans Rd and still have plenty of time to get to Wonnangatta before dark. On Mark's trip we didnt leave Italian Flat until 9.30ish due to a vehicle problem then another small issue with another vehicle prior to getting to McMillans Rd. After all that, we still arrived at Talbotville about midday after completing the Crooked River tks, had about a 45 min lunch break and arrived ...
Fair enough, 9am it is then, doesn't take much convincing me, I am all for sleeping in haha.

I just seem to remember reading somewhere about leaving earlier, not sure where I read it or who said it now but that's what made me suggest the 8am start.
26 May 2016
Pauly (Dagy) Premium Member
Hi guys, Harro and I are going to try and get a headstart we are meeting @ the Caltex service station Longwarry at 4pm
We will be heading to Italian flat to set up camp and hopefully start the fire if anybody wants to tag along for the early start let me know, more than welcome.
26 May 2016
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61)
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote:
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote: Il be leaving melbourne (brunswick area about 5 -5.30 so will be a bit behind you others for the convoy. Happy to meet any of the others that are staying around dargo sat morning so that we can convoy out to that junction you guys are talking about. Just name the time il be there. Depending on ...
Sounds good, what time are we thinking?
26 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote:
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote:
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote: Il be leaving melbourne (brunswick area about 5 -5.30 so will be a bit behind you others for the convoy. Happy to meet any of the others that are st ...
I guess 8.15 ish would see us leaving by 8.30 to get to others about 20 mins later.....
We have Toyota 100 series maroon color,

I think the pub and general store are sort of opp. Each other....

But we do not know the way to mcallisters Rd....so we will be followers, not leaders. Lol
26 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
I notice 2 references to "mcallisters Rd" in earlier posts, correct me if I'm wrong, but lets all meet at the same place which I understand is "McMillians Rd turn off" at 9.00
26 May 2016
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61)
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote:
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) wrote:
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith) wrote:
Stewart James Bruerton (Chuggin61) ...
That sounds good to me! I'm in a white 60 series landcruiser.
26 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Ok. Truck is ready to go! Full of diesel and everything. Cya guys at BP Officer!

Also glad it's not gonna be raining.. At least not too much! Hopefully still see some snow.. Although so far it only says "freezing rain" in Wonangatta
26 May 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Ok. Truck is ready to go! Full of diesel and everything. Cya guys at BP Officer!

Also glad it's not gonna be raining.. At least not too much! Hopefully still see some snow.. Although so far it only says "freezing rain" in Wonangatta
Still think you are a good chance to see some snow at the top of Zeka Spur Thurstain.

Again, all have a great trip and do the right thing by the trip leader and all 'check in' to confirm your attendance.
26 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I hope we don't have to do much winching as the engage/disengaged lever came off, bought a new one this morning before work and tried to put it on but I can't tighten it in place properly and to engage the gear it's a bit fiddly. Whilst the winch is working properly, it needs a bit of a fiddle to get it to engage gear. Bloody things.

Hopefully winch won't be needed.
27 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
Meeting Point has been updated.
27 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Brad Jones (BradZook) wrote: Meeting Point has been updated.
Are we still camping at Italian Flat tonight?
27 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
So I have gone back through the comments as far as I can work out the following people are staying in Dargo tonight:

- Carolyn Carton
- Peter Richardson
- Stewart James Bruerton

And the rest of us are camping at Italian Flat. Is there anyone that I have missed?

Is there anyone that is not camping or staying in Dargo tonight but meeting us in the morning at the McMillans Road turn off?

I just want to have an idea of who we need to wait for in the morning.
27 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote:
Brad Jones (BradZook) wrote: Meeting Point has been updated.
Are we still camping at Italian Flat tonight?
Yeah mate.
27 May 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
As for conveys tonight, looks like we have the following:

Caltex service station Longwarry at 4pm
- Pauly
- Harro

BP Officer at 6pm
- Myself
- Thurstain
- Mitch
- Matthew
- Anthony

(As Mathew suggested please do not wait around for anyone "including me", if it gets to 6.15pm and there are still people missing they can catch up)

The others staying in comfy beds appear to be making their own ways to Dargo tonight.
27 May 2016
Carolyn Carton (caz&keith)
Yay,,,,it's Friday

Keith and I are heading off soon for a cruisye drive to our comfy bed. Lol....
We will be eating at Dargo pub tonight......maybe catch up with the others from the motel at the pub....
C y all. Soon
27 May 2016
Matthew (discomatt)
I am ready to go in about 30 minutes so will NOT meet you guys at 6.00 I may be at Longwarry by 4.00 depending Friday arvo traffic, don't wait for me if not there, will see you all at Italian Flat
27 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Thanks for the heads up Matt

BP Officer at 6pm
- Myself
- Brad
- Mitch
- Anthony
27 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I'm at BP Officer.. For those in the convoy
27 May 2016
Pauly (Dagy) Premium Member
Having a beer at dargo pub just one. Then to Italian flats set up fire
27 May 2016
Anthony (atowen)
Thanks for an awesome trip guys, ended up back home at 6:45 so a nice 6 hours from Zeka!
29 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Hi guys, thank you for a great trip, everyone was friendly and helpful, I got home very happy! I will be posting a few pics and videos as time goes by and would love to see other people's images as time allows, cheers
30 May 2016
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Awsome trip enjoyed it, will load some go pro footage this week mine mostly shows Pauly though lol
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Awesome trip guys! Loved every second, learned to drive new terrains and the wisdom just kept flowing!

Such a great experience!! Didn't see much snow but drive to Licola had some nice snowy parts.

Have lots of footage and pics. I'll try to upload some when I get some time.
30 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Steven (ReefMaster) wrote: Hi guys and gals,
Did you see any snow ?
Yeah sure did. You weren't going to ski in it, but we drove through it on the way back to Licola
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Zeka was full of mud!! but quite easy aside from a couple climbs that were just covered with mud and you slip and slide allover the place.

Great experience.
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I sure did. Adrenaline pumping through my body hahah! Was scary at times since I'm not very experienced but man.. does it feel good when ur at the top and you look back and see all that steep climb and mud that you conquered!!
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hey guys,
Uploaded 3 videos in files section and a few pictures in the Photos section. Have more dash cam footage but it will need some editing.. so will take me a while to get around to it.

Hopefully Brad / Jess have some good footage of the river crossings they hopefully will share :)
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Yes so pretty much behind Wonangatta station before you cross the creek... I forgot who suggested it (was it Pauly?).. but pretty much was decided early on that this was an amazing place. Whoever it was, he been there before and said it was nice and I must say.. it actually was nice!! We had it all to ourselves.

For those interested I have uploaded 2 photos showing the tracks we took. I tracked our drive with the Hema app.
30 May 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Thurstain / Mark, I had suggested that side of the creek at wonangatta, I've stayed there previously, others may have also suggested it? Thanks for the footage Thurstain and the track details are great, cheers
30 May 2016
Pauly (Dagy) Premium Member
Mitch (mitch_PX) wrote: Awsome trip enjoyed it, will load some go pro footage this week mine mostly shows Pauly though lol
Look forward to that
30 May 2016
Pauly (Dagy) Premium Member
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I sure did. Adrenaline pumping through my body hahah! Was scary at times since I'm not very experienced but man.. does it feel good when ur at the top and you look back and see all that steep climb and mud that you conquered!!
amazing what your truck can do. Lift on it next and you can do more without so much worry, we'll done.
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Mark (Yarra_Ranger) wrote: Only joking guys.
Lol.. I knew you were joking however I thought next time I open the tent.. I should pay attention as there might be something in there.. I mean we're in outback Australia.. I'm sure bird eating spiders are out there somewhere!!
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Pauly (Dagy) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I sure did. Adrenaline pumping through my body hahah! Was scary at times since I'm not very experienced but man.. does it feel good when ur at the top and you look back and see all that steep climb and mud that you conquered!!
amazing what your truck can do. Lift on it next and you can do more without so much worry, we'll done.
Thanks mate! I am a bit impressed with it myself to be honest.. every obstacle I saw I questioned whether I was gonna make it or not.. but the truck has bigger balls than me. I spent a lot of money on it already but it's probably time to do the bigger mods like Lift Kit and maybe lockers (although it already has Limited Slip Diff which seems to be doing quite OK). Just gotta save up a bit of $$ and get the lift done next.

But yeah, a bit of guidance from you guys, a bit of right boot at the right time and it roars and goes!
30 May 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Nobody has more pictures to upload?
02 Jun 2016
Trip Leader Brad Jones (BradZook) Premium Member
I have plenty but have been too busy to upload. Will try to get around to it this weekend.
03 Jun 2016
Steve (Harro)
G day Brad just a quick thanx for running an orsum trip, well done.

Cheerz Mr. and Mrs. Rusty
03 Jun 2016
Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Brad Jones (BradZook) wrote: I have plenty but have been too busy to upload. Will try to get around to it this weekend.
Would appreciate that.

Thanks
08 Jun 2016
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TRIP COMPLETED

10 GOING, 6 Interested
16 adults , 2 children (18 in total)
Trip Date
28-May-2016 (Sat) to 30-May-2016 (Mon)

Meeting Point
Dargo High Plains Rd & McMillans Rd https://goo.gl/maps/ajrQBYw4GLx
9:00 AM (Sat, 28-May-2016)

TRIP FULL