Join 4WD TRIP - Border Track (Stoops)

Border Track MEDIUM

With only 2 vehicles now going and the current conditions on the Border Track, we will be now Be setting up camp in Murray Sunset and Big Desert. I will just run day trips in the desert for a bit of a look around and a play. We may venture onto some of the border track if conditions improve.

Requirement

Recovery Gear

Dave (Stoops)
GOING
Driver + 2 AdultsChecked-In (23-Sep-2016 12:47)
Triton (2016 Triton)
- 31" Tyres
- Winch

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
GOING
Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (23-Sep-2016 07:54)
GU Patrol (2003 Patrol)
- Winch

Peter Morris (peter1)
GOING
Driver + 1 Adult
Troopy (2004 Troopcarrier)

Kelvin (TREXGQ)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
TREXGQ (1993 Patrol)
- 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
- Front Diff Lock
- Winch

Wayne (Defender130)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
Defender (1997 Defender)

Luke (V8_cruiser1)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
V8 landcruiser (2015 Gxl79 dc v8)
- 31" Tyres
- Front & Rear Locker
- Winch

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Is this really easy/medium.. I read on other forums about "car swallowing bog holes" and even the chicken tracks are quite up.

Would like to know how true all that is?

05 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

A member on here ( discomat) who has driven it before says that all the bog holes can be bypassed and there are some rough climbs with soft sand and that's why I am allowing plenty of time to do it. It's early days I may change this trip a little including the trip rating but it won't go over a medium. Allanmac has put up a very good video of his trip on the EOI page have a look doesn't look hard.

05 Jul 2016

Allan (allanmac)

Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Is this really easy/medium.. I read on other forums about "car swallowing bog holes" and even the chicken tracks are quite up.

Would like to know how true all that is?

Thurstain, as Dave said have a look of the video I posted from my trip there last year as it shows some of the bog holes at the southern end, as well as some of the dunes you will drive up the northern end. As the trip is after winter I would expect the bog holes to be either full of water or at the very least extremely muddy, so for most vehicles, UNDRIVABLE. The video shows the available bypass sections next to the bog holes. Also if it remains damp, the sand sections will be alot easier to drive.

Personally, I would rate the trip as 'medium'. Most of it is easy but there are a few sections that could 'keep you on your toes' but in general should not cause any major issues as numerous standard vehicles have done this track.

06 Jul 2016

Allan (allanmac)

BTW, have just a few photos from our trip that may be of interest. Include both Pine Hut and Red Bluff Campgrounds.

06 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

06 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Trip changed to medium

07 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Emergency contact details needed

07 Jul 2016

Nathan Byrne (Nkkkeb)
[Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.

07 Jul 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Allan (allanmac) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Is this really easy/medium.. I read on other forums about "car swallowing bog holes" and even the chicken tracks are quite up.

Would like to know how true all that is?
Thurstain, as Dave said have a look of the video I posted from my trip there last year as it shows ...

Thanks! Looks like a lot of fun! Not too bad for my truck I reckon.

07 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Rough schedule and changed meeting time

10 Jul 2016

Don Clark (kmdc)
[Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.

10 Jul 2016

Callym (My Nav123)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Can't make anymore for that date. Sorry guys. Was really keen for this trip.

12 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Callym (My Nav123) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Can't make anymore for that date. Sorry guys. Was really keen for this trip.

Real shame you can't make it, thanks for letting me know early.

12 Jul 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Welcome Peter

12 Jul 2016

Peter Morris (peter1)

Dave (Stoops) wrote: Welcome Peter

Hi Dave - in response to your request for information about our forthcoming trip - my plan is to join you for 6 days including the overnight at Brim. Whilst I live on the other side of Melbourne, I plan to meet you at Calder Park as per your schedule. Probably stay with family that night in Keilor.

Looking forward to catching up. Regards

Peter

28 Jul 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

I plan on joining you at 8AM at the Calder BP just to confirm is it this servo? or the other side?
https://goo.gl/maps/KZMTyB8YTxy

Also the Thursday night, I'm not sure what I'll do. I might either head home or find a free campsite around Brim and join the "Big Desert and Wyperfeld parks grand final weekend" trip Friday morning.

Also are you able to confirm that this trip is OK to go ahead and is confirmed? I'll apply for time off work this week.

Thanks

09 Aug 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I plan on joining you at 8AM at the Calder BP just to confirm is it this servo? or the other side?
https://goo.gl/maps/KZMTyB8YTxy

Also the Thursday night, I'm not sure what I'll do. I might either head home or find a free campsite around Brim and join the "Big Desert and Wyperfeld parks grand final weekend" trip Friday morning.

Also are you able to confirm that this trip ...

Yep thats right Calder BP outbound( my son thinks the only way to start a trip is a Maccas breakfast ). This trip will definitely go ahead, i have my leave approved . The camping ground we are staying in Brim is very cheap $10 per night, check it out in the "files" for this trip but up to you.

09 Aug 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Dave (Stoops) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I plan on joining you at 8AM at the Calder BP just to confirm is it this servo? or the other side?
https://goo.gl/maps/KZMTyB8YTxy

Also the Thursday night, I'm not sure what I'll do. I might either head home or find a free campsite around Brim and join the "Big D ...
$10 is not too bad - I'll decide later on. Might get together with the other trip guys who will be camping Thursday night.

And I agree with your son lol, a good mcmuffin is a good way to start a long trip!
09 Aug 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
I'm wondering how remote is this area? In terms of diesel, food and water... How self sufficient we need to be?

Thanks
12 Aug 2016

wayne (Defender130)
A full tank of diesel should cover you for the whole trip. if not you'll probably be able to get diesel and food supplies at the major towns. (there's a map attached under files)

Ouyen before you start
Pinaroo day 3
Nhill - maybe day 5 or 6
12 Aug 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
That's fine. Thanks. Looks quite accessible and I got 2x 20L jerry cans anyway so should be plenty of diesel then.

Thanks
12 Aug 2016

Nathan Byrne (Nkkkeb)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry guys. Wife has been sent away to a conference. Hope you guys have a great time.
31 Aug 2016

Dave (Stoops)
So this trip is coming up fast, how's everyone's preparation going.
My phone number if you need to contact me is 0407382006.
07 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
I'm super looking forward to it!! I Got some new goodies wanting to try out! Lift kit, remapped ecu and underbody protection!

Do we need to prepare anything specific for the trip? Aside from food, water, extra fuel and usual camping stuff?
07 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)
As the first 2 nights are in Murray sunset, it is a fruit fly exclusion zone. So no fruit and veg unless pre cooked which I will be pre cooking my veg and vacuum sealing. I intend to buy fresh fruit and veg in Pinaroo on day 3. Every vehicle should have a shovel, fire extinguisher, first aid kit. It is recommended to have a sand flag, I will have one on the Jeep but if anyone else has one please bring it.
Keep in mind some days we will be rough camping (no toilets) so come prepared for that and all should have the means to take out their own rubbish. Tyre deflators and air compressors are a must.
Maxtrax or similar are a good idea although I am yet to use mine.
I will bring firewood for the first night, if you have the room and are able to bring some that would be great. Do all the usual checks oil, water ect and have a good look around under the bonnet and under the vehicle. If you are unsure about anything please give me a call. 0407382006
07 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
All sounds pretty standard, although I don't have sand flag nor maxtraxx. Got shovel, first aid, compressor, fire extinguisher and all that.

Car been serviced around 2000 kms ago so oil etc is still all fresh however usual checks before leaving are standard.

I have a huge antenna (sticks about 2.5 meters from ground to top) ... Wonder if I could tie a high vis thing to it to act as a sand flag?

I might be able to shove in some firewood but I doubt it.

Either way, everything sounds good to me and I been looking forward to this trip since I signed up!

Also hoping we fill up the empty spot!!
07 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
Just bought a set of recovery tracks for the trip, been wanting a set for a while anyway... And might do a quick diy sand flag if I get the chance to
09 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)
As everyone probably heard there is quite a lot of flooding in Victoria which could affect this trip. The Calder highway is closed north of Charlton but there is a way around it at the moment.With more rain forecast for this week all we can do is keep an eye on the conditions of the roads and make a decision closer to the time. I'm still very keen for the trip to go ahead, all up to old Mother Nature now.
18 Sep 2016

Peter Morris (peter1)

Dave (Stoops) wrote: As everyone probably heard there is quite a lot of flooding in Victoria which could affect this trip. The Calder highway is closed north of Charlton but there is a way around it at the moment.With more rain forecast for this week all we can do is keep an eye on the conditions of the roads and make a decision closer to the time. I'm still very keen for the trip to go ahead, all up to old Mother Nature now.
Hi Dave
I spoke to the ranger last week (Rebecca 085763400) and she said the top end should be OK because it's mostly sand but the bottom end near Red Bluff was "dangerous" because of the mud and deep washouts - some as deep as a car. She indicated there was an alternate track around this section. Don't know about you but I'm not interested in playing in mud but suggest I ring you on Thursday once we can access the impact of forecast rain for this week. I said to Rebecca that I would give her a call next week for an update on conditions and perhaps we can then make a final decision once we have that information.

Talk later next week.

Regards

Peter (0418837348)
18 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)
Thanks for the information Peter that's great, yeah I'm not interested in bog holes either. I want this trip to be quite easy going and to spend time in the desert, so we won't be rushed and we will bypass anything that is dangerous or could cause damage.
18 Sep 2016

Don Clark (kmdc)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hi Dave,
As previously discussed I now have a medical issue which require treatment sooner than later and as a result I have had to withdraw from the Boarder Trip. After all the preparation I did with maps etc I am bitterly disappointed I wont be able to join you on what I suspect will be an amazing trip. I am sure everyone will have a ball. Good luck and keep me in mind for any future trips to conduct.
Regards, Don Clark.
21 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Don Clark (kmdc) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hi Dave,
As previously discussed I now have a medical issue which require treatment sooner than later and as a result I have had to withdraw from the Boarder Trip. After all the preparation I did with maps etc I am bitterly disappointed I wont be able to join you on what I suspect will be an amazing trip. I am sure everyone will have a ball. Good luck and keep me in mind for any future trips to conduct.
Regards, Don Clark.
Sorry to hear you have had to withdraw, was looking forward to meeting up. Wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.
22 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Don Clark (kmdc) wrote: WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hi Dave,
As previously discussed I now have a medical issue which require treatment sooner than later and as a result I have had to withdraw from the Boarder Trip. After all the preparation I did with maps etc I am bitterly disappointed I wont be able to join you on what I suspect will be an amazing trip. I am sure everyone will have a ball. Good luck and keep me in mind for any future trips to conduct.
Regards, Don Clark.
And a big thank you for all of your input to this trip
22 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
Hey Dave
Is this trip still a go? How's the tracks and area looking?

Thanks
22 Sep 2016

Peter Morris (peter1)
Hi Dave (& Thurstain)
This is the webpage where the "alert" appears and warning about the public roads heading into the park. My discussion with the NP office indicated the park was still open but care needs to be taken. Unfortunately, the ranger I spoke to last week only works Tuesday & Wednesday, so I haven't been able to get much more clarification as to the current conditions. The ranger mentioned last week that the bog holes at the southern end were bad but you can miss these by exiting via the Mnt Shaugh track and then re-enter the park from the south to see RedBluff.

As mentioned, I will give you a call in the morning and confirm my status re this trip. Fortunately, being retired I can do this trip when it;s dried out - a bit different to you when you have booked your leave. Anyway, I will give you a call in the morning.

Regards

pete

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Find_a_Park/Browse_by_region/Murray_River/ngarkat-conservation-park
22 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)

Peter Morris (peter1) wrote: Hi Dave (& Thurstain)
This is the webpage where the "alert" appears and warning about the public roads heading into the park. My discussion with the NP office indicated the park was still open but care needs to be taken. Unfortunately, the ranger I spoke to last week only works Tuesday & Wednesday, so I haven't been able to get much more clarification as to the current conditions. The ranger mentioned last week that the bog holes at the southern end were bad but you can miss these by exiting via the Mnt Shaugh track and then re-enter the park from the south to see RedBluff.

As mentioned, I will give you a call in the morning and confirm my status re this trip. Fortunately, being retired I can do this trip when it;s dried out - a bit different to you when you have booked your leave. Anyway, I will give you a call in the morning.

Regards

pete

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Find_a_Park/Browse_by_region/Murray_River/ngarkat-conservation-park
I'm still keen to go, the way I see it is if come across anything that can't be bypassed then we can always turn back. Murray Sunset and Big Desert are mainly sand so won't be affected to much by all the rain, if anything it will compact the sand and make it easier. The Northern section of the Border Track is also sand. When we get to the southern section we can bypass it as Peter has said. If I don't do it this week I will have to wait for another year as the Border Track closes early November. I will totally understand if anyone wants to pull out.
22 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
I'm still keen. Got everything sorted just need to put food in truck.
23 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
Hi Dave,
This might be a good quick read just to confirm your plan does not get affected by this

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Safety/park-closures/160914-ngarkat-conservation-park

Also looks like we need to pay some fees?

Regards
23 Sep 2016

Dave (Stoops)
Trip description
23 Sep 2016

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
Uploaded some pictures
03 Oct 2016

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TRIP COMPLETED

3 GOING, 3 Interested
7 adults

Trip Date
24-Sep-2016 (Sat) to 30-Sep-2016 (Fri)

Meeting Point
Bp Calder Park outbound
8:00 AM (Sat, 24-Sep-2016)

Organiser

Dave (Stoops)
View my trips

Border Track MEDIUM

Requirement

Dave (Stoops)

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Peter Morris (peter1)

Kelvin (TREXGQ)

Wayne (Defender130)

Luke (V8_cruiser1)

Organiser Dave (Stoops)

Organiser

Dave (Stoops)