Grand Final Long Weekend Border Track Getaway MEDIUM

Vic / SA Border, VIC

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For those of us not football tragics a long weekend opportunity is calling now the weather is due to fine up a bit.   Thinking max 7 cars.  

Change in plans to get the meeting point closer to home in case the tracks are impassable and to give us more options on the day.  We'll meet at the Nhill BP Roadhouse 9.00 am Friday 30/9. The plan is to head up the Murrayville track to Big Billy, turn right on to Brushcutters track and have a look around the Big Desert state forest. Then go north to Murrayville, across to Pinnaroo and down the border track heading south all the way. The southern section is reportedly boggy but has bypass tracks as I have no desire to get bogged or play in mud.

Understand if people wish to drop out but weather is a factor that may yet effect our plans.

Need to be prepared for bush camping and a few nights of self sufficency and for payment of park / camping fees in cash as required.

A working GPS is also required in case the group has to split up or in case of mechanical difficulty.

 

Requirement

  • Alex (TEQ-80) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 4 (Completed over 35 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (28-Sep-2016 15:20)
    Dual cab dual locked dual t/cased LN106 (1992 Hi-Deluxe)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Paul Weaver (PDB4800) I am first-aid qualified I have mechanic skills

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (29-Sep-2016 10:19)
    PDB4800 (2005 GU1V Wagon)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Julius (Mishka) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (28-Sep-2016 11:06)
    Old MQ Patrol (1989 Patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Maarten (DUTCHD) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult
    The Unicorn (2005 Patrol TD42)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Dale Williams (Dexs tractor) I have mechanic skills

    GOING
    Driver + 1 ChildrenChecked-In (29-Sep-2016 21:23)
    79 dual cab (2014 Vdj79)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

  • Robin (Robin80series) I had winch training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Gu td4.2 turbo ute (2002 patrol)
    • 37" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Dev Dhillon (Dev_80)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    80 Series 4.2 (1991 land cruiser)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Looks like your trip has filled already Alex; well done.
02 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Still got a few slots in mind Allan just waiting to hear back from a couple of the guys but yep it looks like a goer. Good having this network to draw on eh
02 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Good deal I'd like to be on the track 9.00am-ish on Friday, we've got 2 1/2 days to play then, plus Peters got some good photographic equipment so we should get some nice pics. If we're nice he may take some drone shots in the sand that would be awesome.
03 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Good deal,

We have a full trip, thanks for joining guys. I'm off map shopping to get a better idea of what's available to look at while we're there, anyone can chip in with tips as I don' know the area at all.

Are we looking good to meet up at Pinnaroo either Thursday night or to pull out of Pinaroo around 9.00am for those who may stop short of the town Thursday ? Plenty of time but I'd like to get an idea what everyone's plan is so we're not losing anyone before we start.

Cheers.
05 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Yep, I'm not planning on any getting any extra supplies for a few days once we leave Pinnaroo that's it I reckon. Cheers.
05 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
I went on a trip that looped through the border track, Big Desert Wilderness Park, Wyperfeild National Park and Murry Sunset National Park. The trip started and finished in Pinaroo, on that occasion the meeting point was at the BP on the highway. The BP servo is a 24hr truckstop with roadhouse and ample parking. I can’t provide too much in the way of navigation advice as I was only playing follow the leader with it being a bit ad-hoc. I don’t think you’d get too lost as these areas are reasonably handy to civilisation. I intend staying either in Pinaroo or nearby Thursday night and happy to meet up anywhere Thursday night or Friday morning
05 Aug 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Probably head up the Thursday if I can finish early enough maybe tag along with someone if it suits
05 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Hi guys, I have put up a small video clip of a section of the border track for those that haven't been there. If people want, I can put up a few more clips of some of the country around the areas we are going?
05 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Mark Townsend (tractorboy) wrote: Probably head up the Thursday if I can finish early enough maybe tag along with someone if it suits
Hi Mark, I will most likely be heading up quite early Thursday, I hope to be at Pinnaroo by the time most people will be knocking off work, lucky me
05 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I'll be LATE into Pinaroo so might have to meet up at the BP Friday morning. I'll see if I can twist my bosses arm to leave lunchtime though, you never know. Great footage too Peter I'm looking forward to a run in some sand for a change.
06 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Alex (ALX4X4) wrote: I'll be LATE into Pinaroo so might have to meet up at the BP Friday morning. I'll see if I can twist my bosses arm to leave lunchtime though, you never know. Great footage too Peter I'm looking forward to a run in some sand for a change.
Alex, you never know about the boss, either way we'll have a great weekend with at least two nights to chat around a camp fire, good stuff. With regards to the sand driving, when we toured around that area we found some challenging spots that had some chicken bypass tracks so you could still have a bit of adventure if you chose to, but its all good!
06 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Garry (Gazza) wrote: I'm guessing you don't need a sand flag? Has it's a one way track, or do you need one ?
The trip leader on my previous occasion there stipulated it as a requirement so I was happy to comply, didn't see any others with one other than us
06 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I'll bring my sand flag, the good old Jolly Roger just in case. It's just a bit of PVC pipe that slips over a spigot on the bull bar held on with an 'R' clip. Cheap and cheerful but does the job.
10 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I'll bring my sand flag, the good old Jolly Roger just in case. It's just a bit of PVC pipe that slips over a spigot on the bull bar held on with an 'R' clip. Cheap and cheerful but does the job.
10 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Hi all,
I've uploaded a picture of a NPWSA suggested 2 day loop - the one that goes down the border track and back up through the big desert and shows as The Big Desert Loop. This would bring us out on the main drag near Murrayville, about 30k's east of Pinnaroo, so it would be turn right to go home from there. Any thoughts on doing this ? I'd like to see as much as we can while we're so far away from home.
I've got a Wyperfield map on the way that covers this and another one of the Ngarkat conservation park as well so we're covered for maps. I'll check out the permit side and costs if we think this 2 day trip is a goer ? We could take our time as we've got 2.5 days plus 0.5 a day home anyway so plenty of time to do it.
16 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Alex (ALX4X4) wrote: Hi all,
I've uploaded a picture of a NPWSA suggested 2 day loop - the one that goes down the border track and back up through the big desert and shows as The Big Desert Loop. This would bring us out on the main drag near Murrayville, about 30k's east of Pinnaroo, so it would be turn right to go home from there. Any thoughts on doing this ? I'd like to see as much as we can while we're so far away from home.<br / ...
Alex, I'm happy to go along with pretty much anything, what you're suggesting sounds fine to me.
16 Aug 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Hi Alex, the loop is fine by me. Are we still meeting Thursday night at Pinaroo
16 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Hi Julius, I reckon it will be midnight by the time I get to Pinnaroo (!) so I've changed the meeting to 9.00am Friday at BP Pinnaroo.
Gives everyone a chance to get there safely if they need to take a break as it's a long haul after work. Can stop short and still get there Friday AM.
See you there at BP.
16 Aug 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
O.K See yous 9 am at the Bp.Probably for the better, driving out west in the night chances are hitting a few roos are very high
17 Aug 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
I'm still hoping to leave by lunch on Thursday to give me a bit more time
17 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I've now got 2 light bars on the 80 (ebay specials) and converted my old IPF halogen driving lights to 70W HID's with the ballasts and igniters hidden inside the driving light shell so you'd never know..... They are like flame-thowers now :-)
Chomping at the bit for a bit of night driving but I might see if the boss will let me go early Thursday too as I don't want roo splatter either.
17 Aug 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
Dear All
I will be leaving Melbourne @ 0700 on Thursday
Taking a leisurely drive to Pinnaroo
I will be staying at the Pinnaroo caravan park O/Night
Pub meal at the Pinnaroo Pub @ 1830 (Railway Tce & Day street only a short stagger back to the caravan park)
Last time I filled up at Ouyen but fuel was 10 c a litre cheaper at BP Pinnaroo
Paul
PDB4800
17 Aug 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
If I can get whole day off I'm up for leaving early on Thursday just so I can stop a few times on way
17 Aug 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
Went to Pinnaroo same time last year
Its about 6 hours from Northern Suburbs
I envisage getting to Pinnaroo @1600 Hrs
Time to set up the roof top tent and scrub up for a pub meal
17 Aug 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
I'm northern suburbs based so good to know
17 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
So just over a month to go, coming up quickly ! I've got maps of the area so no way will we get lost.... I hope.
Also spoke to Parks Vic at the 4WD show last weekend and on his advice have called their Mildura office - which was unmanned so I've just left a message- to let them know we are in the area on these dates. The Parks Ranger at the 4WD show said it makes all the difference if people let them know they are in the area as a courtesy - need any help or assistance and if they know you have been responsible to let them know you are they will offer every assistance they can, as opposed to what, who are you ..........
So apart from waiting to (maybe) hear back from Mildura and bolt on my sand flag all is looking good. See you on the Friday AM !
26 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Sounds great!
26 Aug 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
All good Alex, where do we get the permits from, if need any ?
26 Aug 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
What day did you go 4 wd show Alex went on the Friday spent to much will we need sand flags or not for this run also does anyone recommend a rear bar for my hilux to carry spare wheel and Jerry can been offered one for good price but want to know if worthwhile I can understand the wheel would be better up on wheel carrier easier to access
26 Aug 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Hi Mark
A flag in sand dust and dune driving is a must for safety to on coming traffic. Even if its only a broom stick with a piece of red rag on top, Will do. I like the ideal of the spear fuel and wheel carrier, free up the tray and keeps fuel away from food stuff and valuables, and specialy stuff that desolves. Digging a spear out of the back of a ute can be a bit of a c$#&*&# when you could just un do 3 nuts and the way you go. cheers cobber
27 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I agree with Julius- I've always had a spare wheel and jerry can holder on all my 4x4's, even on the 80 I modified the Kaymar wheel holder to take a jerry can as well - blowed if I was going to pay $700 for a jerry can holder when I can add one for under $100... Looks like self registration is the go for any access we 'may' need which is why bringing some small denominations and gold coins is a good idea. A sand flag is not compulsory, I have one and will be probably out front anyway so will sing out if there's any oncoming traffic but I've always used just a bit of PVC conduit on a spigot. But I did buy a flash one at the 4WD show for $60 so will try that. I went on the Saturday and got lucky - won the BF Goodrich double swag prize on the day heh heh. I'll post a pic in the pic section of me gloating to the crowd.
30 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
See photo 4 :-)
30 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
See photo 4 :-)
30 Aug 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: See photo 4 :-)
nice one
30 Aug 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Yep, good idea, I'll be staying on Vic time so 9.00am Vic time it is.
06 Sep 2016
Peter Richardson (Richo)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Unforeseen reasons, I am very disappointed, enjoy your trip guys
09 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
No worries Peter, we'll have to catch you on the next one !
09 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
gday guys! me and my partner are the ones picking up the pieces after Peter pulled the pin! First off road trip for the "new" patrol! Keen to give her a proper run after setting her up the past few months! I'll get a sand flag happening and we'll be easy as to where to go! It's a nice area so bring it on! Any idea of distance of the loop (fuel)? Also, we'll be heading off after work so we'll be up very late too! Alex, are you in Silvan? What time are you leaving? I'm in Kalorama, could team up if you like....
13 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
oh, and what tyres do you guys have? I have BFG KM2's.... probably not ideal on sand??
13 Sep 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Hi Maarten
half warn muddys are as good as a near new a/t's in sand. Just air down to 23-25 psi If your tyres are better than half warn you can go 21-23 psi, you'll be right.
13 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
mine are about 1000 km old.... 1700 by the time i get to pinnaroo ;-)
13 Sep 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
All good mate just air down to 21 psi if it digs it self a way you'll let it down a touch more, wouldn't go lower than 18 psi
13 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
sweet! still on the hunt for used at's as a second set, if i find some in time i'll put em on.....
13 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Hey Maarten, good to have you aboard. I run KO2 All terrains and they are great in sand. I'lve run as low as 12psi at Robe but it's got really soft sand in spots I reckon I'll start around 20 and see how we go. KM2's will be fine. I'm hoping to head off from Silvan about 12.30pm on the Thursday if the boss lets me go early. What time are you thinking ?
13 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Fuel, a full tank at pinnaroo will see you right. We aren't covering huge distance even though it's sandy. I'll be filling the slurper on Friday morning at pinnaroo, not sure how far I'll get Thursday night but if I get away early will get there early evening and prop just out of town somewhere and roll out the swag.
13 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
I doubt neither of us can finish early, so leaving here by 4 pm at best! it'll be a late one! might even crash earlier and do the last couple of hours friday morning.....
13 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Maarten (DUTCHD) wrote: I doubt neither of us can finish early, so leaving here by 4 pm at best! it'll be a late one! might even crash earlier and do the last couple of hours friday morning.....
That's my fall back plan too. It's like 600+ klms to Pinnaroo so a long haul. I had cruise control fitted 2 weeks ago though so looking forward to testing it out on the highway. When its a Toyota speed sensor driving a GM drive by wire ECU (aka no throttle cable) I sure was happy to find someone who could do the install......
14 Sep 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Hey Dutchy, great to see you join this trip; you will enjoy. Your KM2's will be fine for the trip as I dont think the sand will be too soft; especially after all this rain. On our trip last year in April most of us were running our muddies and ran anywhere between 14 & 18 psi. Mind you, we were the 1st cars through and the sand was soft in places.

Alex, make sure you all stay away from those bog holes down the southern end as I reckon they will be all full of stinky mud/water. Hope you all have a great trip.
14 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Thanks Allan, if there's a chicken track around a boghole, I'm your man. Been there done that, don't have to prove anything these days :-)
So, I just got a call back from Parks Vic in Mildura, Kim the ranger had been on leave but found my message and called me back. We're good to go, they know we are in the area, he just said be mindful of oncoming vehicles, I've got my sand flag, and for us to be self sufficient food and water. No fees unless we are staying at Wonga Campground which is book and pre-pay which I'd rather avoid. There's other free camps along the way, I reckon anything mid to late afternoon that looks flat and not muddy will do the job.
See you all at Pinnaroo 9.00am Vic time. Looking forward to it !
14 Sep 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Alex, remember you all still have to pay the permit fee to enter the Ngarkat Conservation Park, which is $10 per vehicle, at the self registration place near Pine Hut Soak. Red Bluff Campground would be a good spot to stay on your 1st night, but get there by mid afternoon (easily doable), if you can as I think it might be a busy weekend up that way.

Yes, there are bypasses around the 'vehicle swallowing' bogholes...lol
15 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Thanks Allan. Thieves !!!!
15 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Never pitched my swag on the roof rack but there's always a first......
Might leave it up there and just keep driving lol.
15 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Got from front air locker installed so vehicle looking good for trip
16 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
How's your truck looking Gaz ???
I'm filling up tonight before the long weekend petrol price cycle kicks in too.
22 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
We're scrambling to find a dog sitter but confident we'll find one! Bought some recovery tracks and a sand flag, so will be good to go! Looking forward to it!!!
23 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Hope so Maarten! Only a few days to go so I'm starting to pack this weekend so no last minute panic oops I forgot my swag......
24 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
i think we're trying sleeping in the car, might bring the tent as back up.... With drawers in this one the head room is limited compared to my old 4.5 GU, but with thursday night probably spend at a roadside stop, we'll try that first.... we'll start packing tomorrow, as it seems we have a dog sitter sorted now!
24 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Guys, Garry has floated an idea which, looking at my map seems like a good alternate and taking the weather into consideration means more miles on track, less miles on road, so I'll float it here, would need to canvass everyone's thoughts. Me, I'm in if we agree
Meet at Nhill, take the Murrayville track up through the Big Desert, maybe TR on to brushcutters at big Billy work our way up to Murrayville, pinnaroo then down the border track all the way to the western highway come out near serviceton or Bordertown then home.
I really like this idea it knocks off 100's of Kay's of bitumen and means more time on the tracks.
Looked at my map- if I had this map,at the time it would have been the trip to post.
Need feedback pleas does this suit the group just means we meet at Nhill 9.00am instead. I'd like to vote yes but will go with what we vote as a group.
Please reply asap as we've only got a few days to go. Cheers.
25 Sep 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
Its time to vote
Seems like a plan
Last minute changes are not good
I had planned to stay at Pinnaroo on Thursday night.
25 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
i had been wondering why we m]were meeting at the furthest point from Melbourne, but being the last on board, i was just going with the flow. But if asked, Nhill sounds like a very sensible idea, wiping hours off the bitumen!!! YES from us!
25 Sep 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
My phone number is 0423 346 699
Call or text
Phone / Text blocks private numbers
25 Sep 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Guys, Garry has floated an idea which, looking at my map seems like a good alternate and means more miles on track, less miles on road, so I'll float it here, would need to canvass everyone's thoughts. Me, I'm in if we agree
Meet at Nhill, take the Murrayville track up through the Big Desert, maybe TR on to brushcutters at big Billy work our way up to Murrayville, pinnaroo then down the border track all the way to the western highway come out near serviceton or Bordertown then home.
I really like this idea it knocks off 100's of Kay's of bitumen and means more time on the tracks.
Looked at my map- if I had this map,at the time it would have been the trip to post.
Need feedback pleas does this suit the group just means we meet at Nhill 9.00am instead. I'd like to vote yes but will go with what we vote as a group.
Please reply asap as we've only got a few days to go. Cheers.
Im happy to meet at Nhill, thats only 4 and a half to 5 hrs away instead of 7 to Pinaroo. Im all for it.
25 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Guys, Garry has floated an idea which, looking at my map seems like a good alternate and means more miles on track, less miles on road, so I'll float it here, would need to canvass everyone's thoughts. Me, I'm in if we agree
Meet at Nhill, take the Murrayville track up through the Big Desert, maybe TR on to brushcutters at big Billy work our way up to Murrayville, pinnaroo then down the border track all the way to the western highway come out near serviceton or Bordertown then home.
I really like this idea it knocks off 100's of Kay's of bitumen and means more time on the tracks.
Looked at my map- if I had this map,at the time it would have been the trip to post.
Need feedback pleas does this suit the group just means we meet at Nhill 9.00am instead. I'd like to vote yes but will go with what we vote as a group.
Please reply asap as we've only got a few days to go. Cheers.
How are these tracks after all the rain up north west of state and more to come early part of this are there any closures are they still medium rating as I'm taking step up as I'm used to doing same old tracks in high country but otherwise I'm easy still hoping to leave thursday
25 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Guys, Garry has floated an idea which, looking at my map seems like a good alternate and means more miles on track, less miles on road, so I'll float it here, would need to canvass everyone's thoughts. Me, I'm in if we agree
Meet at Nhill, take the Murrayville track up through the Big Desert, maybe TR on to brushcutters at big Billy work our way up to Murrayville, pinnaroo then down the border track all the way to the western highway come out near serviceton or Bordertown then home.
I really like this idea it knocks off 100's of Kay's of bitumen and means more time on the tracks.
Looked at my map- if I had this map,at the time it would have been the trip to post.
Need feedback pleas does this suit the group just means we meet at Nhill 9.00am instead. I'd like to vote yes but will go with what we vote as a group.
Please reply asap as we've only got a few days to go. Cheers.
Seen a lot of reports on tracks being pretty bad at present and even read the trip going up this weekend is camping outside and doing day trips into tracks for those feeling adventurous not sure how true this is
25 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I hate mud with a passion. I for one have no plan to slop around in big holes no fun in that for sure. If the weather is not favourable we'll have to adapt for sure. But I'm happy to change the meeting point to Nhill - if the track conditions are against us we are 2-3 hours closer to home and have more options from there if we re-route or assess the plan. I understand if anyone wants to drop out if the weather is not great and there no certainty on what may or may not be passable at the time. Mud and bog holes are out of the question for me!
25 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Meeting point and route changes mindful of weather
25 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
I'm with you Alex, no big sloppy holes for me thanks. It might pay to contact Parks Vic who may know what the conditions are like. If the bordertrack is too hard, happy to divert to easier sections of Wyperfeld NP or Little Desert NP. Is there are rough idea what the proposed finish time Sunday is (excluding the drive home)?
25 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Me I'd like to be home Sunday arvo at worst. Don't want to get home at midnight and drag into work the next day.
25 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
Garry (Gazza) wrote: There's no alerts for the area anymore, only one about closure in November, apparently there's bypass tracks to avoid bog holes ,and easier options on the dunes if needed. Should be drying out with the weather. 21c sat and 23c Sunday
Weather ok for weekend but not very warm leading up to it and rain predicted for early to midweek in Nhill and pinnaroo from forecast I seen
25 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
We'd like to get home by 6-8 pm, so leave Bordertown no later than midday...
25 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
The guys who are on the track now have posted some pics on their trip pic section and lt looks dry as a bone, at least in the dunes..
Looks like they are having fun in the sand, BRING IT ON !!!!!!
There's a roadside stop just past Dimboola at Pink Lake, I might camp there for the night Thursday if it's far enough off the road but anyway will see you Friday morning.

Cheers.
26 Sep 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
Same here Garry Which motel are you booking into
I should be in Nhill about 4pm Thursday
Pub Meal ?
Paul
26 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
We're waiting for the worst of the traffic to pass before heading off. I'd say 7 or 8 pm, crash at dimboola
26 Sep 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
Booked same motel
Leaving Craigieburn about 11 am
26 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Mark Townsend (tractorboy) wrote: Got from front air locker installed so vehicle looking good for trip
Good deal. There's bound to be some friendly rivalry between marques... I'll be waving the Toyota flag for what's left in my truck that is Toyota anyway.
Diff locks aren't great in sand, there's not usually a lot more traction on the other side of the axle. Best bet is to turn them on well before it looks like trouble so one wheel doesn't dig a hole and you cross-axle out. Steering with a diff lock in sand is not a problem, your truck will go wherever the sand tells it to anyway, lol.
26 Sep 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
On over night trips i usually cook the first night, goulash or Hungarian chicken paprika, let me know how many of you interested if any?? So i know how much meat i buy.
26 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
I've already shopped darn it.
26 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
I'm hoping to leave Epping midday Thursday and sounds great julius
26 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
we're sorted too, thanks anyway!
26 Sep 2016
Julius (Mishka) Premium Member
Just a thought, if some one got a chainsaw might pay to bring it, for fire wood, i got one but it wouldn't cut a cucumber
27 Sep 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: The guys who are on the track now have posted some pics on their trip pic section and lt looks dry as a bone, at least in the dunes..
Looks like they are having fun in the sand, BRING IT ON !!!!!!
There's a roadside stop just past Dimboola at Pink Lake, I might camp there for the night Thursday if it's far enough off the road but anyway will see you Friday morning.

Cheers.
Hi Alex, those pics are from my trip last year; posted to give the group an idea of the conditions.

Am sure you guys will have a great time and after all the rain, with more expected over the next day or so, the sand should not present any difficulties as it will be damp. As I said earlier, the southern section will be a mess so stay away from the bogholes. Again, have a great trip.
27 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Yeah we will, still going. I might post a pic of Menzies with his arm around John Howard.
27 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
i've got my chainsaw packed, the chain isn't new but will be ok.... Only 1 tank of fuel though, not taking a jerrycan of 2 stroke....
27 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
flash flooding for the wimmera and mallee! lucky we're sleeping on 4 wheels ;-)
27 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Roof rack here I come I'm not sleeping in any mud :-)

And welcome aboard Dale. There's been a bit of shuffling as we've eyed the weather and travelling distances and we're meeting in Nhill on Friday morning, 9.00am BP roadhouse so see you then..
28 Sep 2016
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Roof rack here I come I'm not sleeping in any mud :-)

And welcome aboard Dale. There's been a bit of shuffling as we've eyed the weather and travelling distances and we're meeting in Nhill on Friday morning, 9.00am BP roadhouse so see you then..
Fingers crossed the weather is ok, just put up a pic in the photo section of the radar image of the storm going across SA now.
28 Sep 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Just think of it as "character building' followed by 'how far to the nearest Motel..."
28 Sep 2016
Paul Weaver (PDB4800)
I am going to put the tinny on the roof
28 Sep 2016
Mark Townsend (tractorboy)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Heading up to trip only to get a call telling me my daughter has been involved in an accident so obviously family first headed back home
29 Sep 2016
Dale Williams (Dexs tractor)
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Roof rack here I come I'm not sleeping in any mud :-)

And welcome aboard Dale. There's been a bit of shuffling as we've eyed the weather and travelling distances and we're meeting in Nhill on Friday morning, 9.00am BP roadhouse so see you then..
I'm almost packed mate, I tried calling you. Hopefully the weather is ok. See you in the morning
29 Sep 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
Thanks to everyone for a great weekend! Good to hit the tracks again! Happy as Larry with the new car despite a couple of minor issues, sway bar links already ordered and emailed about the load rating on the springs i was given. Now a good clean and get her ready to tow a van in two weeks!
02 Oct 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
That sand sets like friggin' cement. My Karcher pressure washer is struggling to remove it. Ill post up some pics ASAP.
03 Oct 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
We got a little rain on the run home.... My karcher will be put to use tomorrow! Tempted to upgrade the air box and get a tune up done prior to my next trip....
03 Oct 2016
Maarten (DUTCHD)
They were Toyota ones....
06 Oct 2016
Trip Leader Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Hey Jase, watch me ignore the comment above........ There, see how easy that was ?
Maybe, and it's a big maybe as we all were a bit surprised where they let go, it was due to the rear diff lock being engaged while reversing down hill around a corner. I would have thought in sandy conditions there'd not be enough grip to load up the diff so it's really a guess. I don't know unless Dale has come up with anything.... It was unusual to see the hubcap jump of the wheel when it was going in a straight line, albeit backwards.
06 Oct 2016
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TRIP COMPLETED

5 GOING, 2 Interested
7 adults , 1 children (8 in total)
Trip Date
30-Sep-2016 (Fri) to 02-Oct-2016 (Sun)

Meeting Point
BP Nhill Roadhouse
9:00 AM (Fri, 30-Sep-2016)