Tallarook hard day HARD

Tallarook, VIC
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Completely weather dependent, out to tackle Tallarook's toughest. Steep, Phone, Tehans 2 link track and any others we can find or have time for. Will only run the trip if it's dry and has been dry for the week leading up to it. Max of 5 vehicles - leaving one spot off the list just at the moment until I confirm a person's availability. Will extensively film the day as well.

Requirement

  • Electric Winch
  • Recovery Gear
  • Winston

  • Winston (Winston_FJ) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 5 (Completed over 46 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (18-Nov-2016 03:34)
    TB48 Patrol GU6 ST-S (2008 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch
  • Ben

  • Ben (benjhall) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult
    4.8 GU Patrol (2005 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Antony

  • Antony (Peloza79) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 5 (Completed over 43 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (19-Nov-2016 07:08)
    Vdj79 landcruiser (2013 Landcruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Tony

  • Tony (le Dakar) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    GU Patrol 4.8 (2004 GU Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Alex

  • Alex (Alex_Lemons)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    4.0L Petrol 120 Prado (2004 Prado)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Anders

  • Anders (anderskyro)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    sr5 Toyota hilux (2014 Hilux)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Winch
  • Hussein

  • Hussein (Hussytd42)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    76 series cruiser (2016 Landcruiser)
    • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch
  • Jesse

  • Jesse (Stirlo) I had chainsaw training I had winch training Completed Intermediate training Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 4 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Luxy (2008 Hilux SR5)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
I would love to join you but already booked for the week before at the annual 4x4 earth gathering and then the following weekend as well on a trip.
I assume you will do Steep trk and Phone trk., my advice is take your time and walk the tracks and look carefully at lines, gentle on the go peddle and if you don't make it don't just keep going harder or you will break stuff, ENJOY
08 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Cheers Matt. Was hoping you'd be able to make it. Another time.

Yep will take it carefully and definitely walk it and plan the line first.
08 Oct 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
You will be fine and there are other people on this site that are better drivers and more experienced than I am so I am sure you will get some experienced drivers on the trip. I would join but being so busy in November I can not commit with 100% so would rather leave the spot for others, see what happens and if all the planets align I may be able to make it
08 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
All good mate.
08 Oct 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
I'm looking forward to trying the new rig out. I have a full brand new recovery kit and a new winch. And better than the old Navara, I have a snorkle and lift on this one :)
08 Oct 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
Red Hill Track is a hard track too.
09 Oct 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Not compared to Phone Track ;-)
09 Oct 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
Yes true. I did make it down Red Hill, but not up Phone in my old Navara.
09 Oct 2016
Anders
Anders (anderskyro)
looks like its gonna be a awesome trip !!
Was up in tallarook last weekend and was very wet, all the tehans were fine , just the link track to tehans 2 was a struggle got to the last wash out and just struggled for traction had to winch up the last little bit but was good fun !

im sure the boys that a twin locked should be sweet up phone and steep tk ive never driven them my self but been in the car while my brother went up it in his twin locked triton no worries at all.
09 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Anders (anderskyro) wrote: looks like its gonna be a awesome trip !!
Was up in tallarook last weekend and was very wet, all the tehans were fine , just the link track to tehans 2 was a struggle got to the last wash out and just struggled for traction had to winch up the last little bit but was good fun !

im sure the boys that a twin locked should be sweet up phone and steep tk ive never driven them my self but been in the car while my brother went up it in his twin locked triton no worries at all.
That link off Tehans 2 is a doozy. Had me stuck in the wet at night. The rocky bit at the bottom was sketchy. I wanted to push on but wifey said no. Loudly. With profanities.

Also want to do the climb up from Jenkins 1 up to the top of Rocky track. Order of the day will most likely be straight to Steep, then to Phone, down Rocky and up the steep section in the gully off Cable, up and around Brandy to descend Willies, up Tehans 2 link, around to Jenkins Link and up the steep section at the top of Jenkins 1, out via Mountain Track. If we have time.

It could be Steep and Phone and that's it. Depends on how much winching is needed.
09 Oct 2016
Ben
Ben (benjhall)
Sounds good! Looking forward to trying out my new nitro 4.88:1 diff gears :)
09 Oct 2016
Anders
Anders (anderskyro)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Anders (anderskyro) wrote: looks like its gonna be a awesome trip !!
Was up in tallarook last weekend and was very wet, all the tehans were fine , just the link track to tehans 2 was a struggle got to the last wash out and just struggled for traction had to winch up the last little bit but was good fun !

im sure the boys that a twin locked should be sweet up phone and steep tk ive never driven them my self but been in the car while my brother went up it in his twin locked triton no worries at all.
That link off Tehans 2 is a doozy. Had me stuck in the wet at night. The rocky bit at the bottom was sketchy. I wanted to push on but wifey said no. Loudly. With profanities.

Also want to do the climb up from Jenkins 1 up to the top of Rocky track. Order of the day will most likely be straight to Steep, then to Phone, down Rocky and up the steep section in the gully off Cable, up and around Brandy to descend Willies, up Tehans 2 link, around to Jenkins Link and up the steep section at the top of Jenkins 1, out via Mountain Track. If we have time.

It could be Steep and Phone and that's it. Depends on how much winching is needed.
sound like you got it pretty well planed out is the fj locked at all ?
09 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Yeah always lock it overnight... hahaha.

Twin.
09 Oct 2016
Jesse
Jesse (Stirlo)
Never done phone track yet it is on my to do list. Will keep my eyes here and see if a space opens up :)
11 Oct 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
Can't see 31's doing Phone track....unless your chasing some damage...
Should be a fun day out...look forward to meeting you guys
11 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
For me this day will be all about challenges and giving it a shot. I can't deny I'm nervous about what I have planned, it is by far the most difficult driving I will have attempted. I'm looking forward to gaining a lot more experience from this trip. And hopefully accomplishing some things I would've considered impossible a year ago.
12 Oct 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
I got halfway up phone track in a stock Navara on 265/75R16s without damage, 31's with a 2" lift I have a better chance of making it all the way up.
12 Oct 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
Donald (TheDonsWay) wrote: I got halfway up phone track in a stock Navara on 265/75R16s without damage, 31's with a 2" lift I have a better chance of making it all the way up.
They must have graded it.... :)
12 Oct 2016
Hussein
Hussein (Hussytd42)
Is there a spot open for another vehicle or it's still full?
13 Oct 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
I think 5 is a small group...
I'm open to more coming out...more the merrier..
13 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Hussein (Hussytd42) wrote: Is there a spot open for another vehicle or it's still full?
Full up Hussein, sorry. Total 5 vehicles, so it's the list as you see it now unless anyone drops off.

Someone should run the a other convoy in reverse to us, start the day off on Phone. Could try to coordinate meeting for lunch. There's phone reception in a lot of the park so it's doable.
13 Oct 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK) wrote: I think 5 is a small group...
I'm open to more coming out...more the merrier..
It's a big enough group for tackling the tracks I have planned. I haven't driven them before. I'd rather we are airing up at 4 than 10pm after having to winch for hours on end. And I'm not going to be rushing or driving hard at it - I don't want to break stuff and will take the time to have calculated lines and approaches thought out. If it was an easy trip I'd run 10 no worries. But 10 vehicles 100m apart, even 200m with some dust, there's 1-2km convoy length, a nightmare for any oncoming traffic to pass and a nightmare for leader and Charlie to stay in contact.
13 Oct 2016
Jesse
Jesse (Stirlo)
I'm interested In coming to! If I had been there before I would be happy to lead. But never been there before
13 Oct 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
Dude Tallarook is easy....we run 10 all the time..
But its your trip
13 Oct 2016
Ben
Ben (benjhall)
I agree with Winston, 5 is a good number for a hard trip, 10 is asking for trouble. All of the medium - hard trips I've been on in the past have been <6 people and it worked really well.
14 Oct 2016
Hussein
Hussein (Hussytd42)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote:
Hussein (Hussytd42) wrote: Is there a spot open for another vehicle or it's still full?
Full up Hussein, sorry. Total 5 vehicles, so it's the list as you see it now unless anyone drops off.

Someone should run the a other convoy in reverse to us, start the day off on Phone. Could try to coordinate meeting for lunch. There's phone reception in a lot of the park so it's doable.
Yep I'm down for something like that. Been there numerous times. Nothing too dramatic up there.
If someone is leading a second group I'm definitely in.
17 Oct 2016
George
George (Georgie_Kyro)
Should be a good little trip this one, Anders (is my brother) and hes been up that way many times with me in my vehicle and his own.

I agree at keeping it to 5 as well chris and tbh never used to until i started realisong how much better and practical it emds up being.

I recently went out on a night run with some blokes in about 10 rigs that wasnt part of this forum amd i have to say unless you know everyone and there cars never again.

Unfortunately you cant control the capabilities of the vehicles and drivers amd we had everything from stock to highly modified, experienced and novices in the group.

We spent more time pulling blokes out of bog holes that thought it be funny to rev amd dump there hi spool turbo'd gq patrols into the bogs amd then wondered why they broke there fan and crack there radiator.

Chris hi by the way, georgie here from Trifecta Plumbing Solutions.
At least here you domt have to put up with my plumbing porn. ;)
Hopefully join you guys on a trip soon. In the mean time im in hospital with the new arrival to our family;)
21 Oct 2016
Richard
Richard (Papa_Bob)
I'll check with the missus if there's anything planned for that say and if not I'm happy to run a second trip in reverse.

Have to agree, big groups are a big of a nightmare.
22 Oct 2016
wayne (Defender130)
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK) wrote:
Donald (TheDonsWay) wrote: I got halfway up phone track in a stock Navara on 265/75R16s without damage, 31's with a 2" lift I have a better chance of making it all the way up.
They must have graded it.... :)
Phone Tk wasn't graded when I saw it a few months back. And I have to agree with Chris about 31's probably not making it up without damage, lift or no lift.
25 Oct 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Hi Winston, keep it a small group for sure, sorry Chris no offence but anyone that says Phone track and Steep track are easy tracks is kidding themselves, yes easy with a highly modified 4by and years of experience. Its not a good idea to tell people you don't know a track like those is easy because roll overs and broken cars are not what anyone wants and both those tracks can easily go pair shaped
26 Oct 2016
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Winston, be assured Phone and Steep Tks are tracks that will 'test your sense of humour'. The 1st 2 3rds of of Phone is not overly difficult and if anyone struggles to get that far, you are in for a big surprise for the last 3rd.

As Matt said, both are not for the faint hearted and by all means if you want to attempt them do so, but expect winching and possible vehicle damage as to be perfectly honest, there are a few vehicles on your trip that I would not let attempt either track.

Whilst Chris said Tallarook is 'easy', (might be for a heavily modified vehicle like his), with no disrespect I believe he is under stating the fact that there are a few difficult tracks in the area.
01 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Thanks Allan, I am well aware that neither of those two tracks are anything but hard for even a reasonably well set up vehicle such as mine (3" lifted, twin locked, 33 MTs and an advanced traction control system). Anyone coming on this trip does so at their own peril, myself included. I haven't responded to Chris's comment because I think the tracks are a very good leveller of egos. I'm very prepared to say "no" if I feel that I am too far outside of mine or my vehicles capability.
01 Nov 2016
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
All good Winston, your call but in my opinion I think you are better working your way up in a gradual manner, rather than trying what I think are a couple of the more extreme 4wd tracks in Victoria so quickly. I know some very experienced 4wders, (10 yrs plus), with well set up trucks who have sustained damage on these tracks. Is it worth it?
01 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Allan I'm not out there to be a hero, I'm just wanting to give it a shot. I'm not leaping into it like an idiot with no experience, I've shared the drive of CREB years ago, did Burgoyne east section with ease a few weeks ago and did the length of Fulton's and for me that (dry) is easy. As I said, I'll be the first to back down if I'm not comfortable. I'm not out to break my vehicle.
01 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Its the other side of Burgoyne Trk that is the "interesting" bit, east side is easy...
Nothing wrong with going and having a look then turning around...
02 Nov 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK) wrote: Can't see 31's doing Phone track....unless your chasing some damage...
Should be a fun day out...look forward to meeting you guys
Could you see a stock Navara doing The Ladder in Mt Disappointment area?
02 Nov 2016
Mathew
Mathew (Bitsaremissy)
Just tried the ladder yesterday and could do it if your happy drowning your vehicle. Bog holes are bloody deep and no chicken tracks. We gave up after the first lol drowned a 2" lifted jeep on 33s filled his rig to the seats.
02 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Yep, bog holes, stuff that...
Last time I did Phone Track an experienced driver, highly modded Hilux, twin locked and 33's couldn't get through one section and smashed a CV in the process, a standard unlocked 4by on 31's , I wouldn't hold my breath...
03 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
I'm not holding my breath that I'll get through Matt. No harm in admitting defeat before something gets broken. Worth a look anyway.
03 Nov 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
Mathew (Bitsaremissy) wrote: Just tried the ladder yesterday and could do it if your happy drowning your vehicle. Bog holes are bloody deep and no chicken tracks. We gave up after the first lol drowned a 2" lifted jeep on 33s filled his rig to the seats.
I did the Ladder last year in September with Kelvin and another, in my stock Navara. The bog holes did have chicken tracks back then, which I took. Climbing the Ladder itself, my diff hung up once and required winching for about 18 inches to get me off it. Kelvin set the winch for me. Apart from that I completed the Ladder in a stock Navara on 245/70R16 tyres that were not up to scratch with no other help required. Pick the right lines and The Ladder is achievable in a stock vehicle with reasonably good ground clearance.
03 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: I'm not holding my breath that I'll get through Matt. No harm in admitting defeat before something gets broken. Worth a look anyway.
Your car is more than capable of doing Phone track, it will be the nut behind the wheel that makes the difference...
You will be alright, it will be a great learning experience and you will love it
04 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Well this nut is a cautious nut.

Hey I sent you an invite to join the trip.
04 Nov 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
Don't get me wrong guys... My take On a track is its hard if the winch needs to come out...
I'm not out also to damage my Jeep...its done alot of work and is my daily driver.... Maybe I'm just used to going out with the same level of modified 4WD..... these tracks in guessing with the weather we have had in the past couple of weeks are going to not make it even easier...

And I have also turned back on tracks...no need for heroes if your the only one to make it and then brake it...spoils the day for everyone else...

And Al no offence taken....maybe I just haven't found any of the good ones....I have been trying to find a track I came across years ago....it was pretty hard just to walk down....got half way about 40m and it just kept going....its that elusive track haha
04 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
better off to be a bit cautious than going ah shit that wasn't in the brochure...
Didn't get a PM but it was in my emails, maybe a glitch in the system...
Will wait until next week is over before I commit, a week camping at Sheepyard Flat and heaps of challenging 4wding...
Will come if there are no oops, bang, ah crap moments
04 Nov 2016
Allan
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK) wrote: Don't get me wrong guys... My take On a track is its hard if the winch needs to come out...
I'm not out also to damage my Jeep...its done alot of work and is my daily driver.... Maybe I'm just used to going out with the same level of modified 4WD..... these tracks in guessing with the weather we have had in the past couple of weeks are going to not make it even easier...

And I have also turned back on tracks...no need for heroes if your the only one to make it and then brake it...spoils the day for everyone else...

And Al no offence taken....maybe I just haven't found any of the good ones....I have been trying to find a track I came across years ago....it was pretty hard just to walk down....got half way about 40m and it just kept going....its that elusive track haha
All good Chris, as you know lots of Tallarook is easy, but there are a few tracks, other than Phone and Steep, that are great fun and keep you on your toes. As you have done both of these, may I suggest you advise Winston to all stop at the point just before it gets 'hard' on Phone to have a real close look, as there is a place to turn back if need be.
04 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
I am sure Winston will stop before the hard section....
I can see it now, eyes like dinner plates, jaw dropped and a slight nervous tension as his butt clenches the seat...
I do hope I can make it
05 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
See Matt - this is why people don't like you. Hahaha. (Just kidding, I quite enjoy your sense of humour)

Yes I will stop. I will pucker.
05 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Donald (TheDonsWay) wrote:
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK) wrote: Can't see 31's doing Phone track....unless your chasing some damage...
Should be a fun day out...look forward to meeting you guys
Could you see a stock Navara doing The Ladder in Mt Disappointment area?
Bog holes aside I wouldnt call the ladder "hard" unless it's wet.
05 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Ha Ha I just say it as I see it...
Besides that was my first response to Phone Track :-o
took about 4 years of 4wding experience before I drove it, and for the record drove straight through the hard section without needing a winch and on 32's ;-)
05 Nov 2016
Matt
Matt (Matt86)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Unfortunately have to withdraw due to date clash with family visits. However going to attempt run my first trip to Tallarook this coming Saturday.
08 Nov 2016
Richard
Richard (Papa_Bob)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Just had a look at the list of car interested in coming and they're way more equipped so will give the spot to them.
08 Nov 2016
Anders
Anders (anderskyro)
is anyone able to tell me if red hill track is now open its been closed for awhile because of seasonal closure but just wondering if they have now opened it up?

would be keen to drive it, because every time i go there its closed
13 Nov 2016
Stuart (redrock)
Ive been down sterp track in the paj but not up. Want to try it now i have 2inch lift and 33s. But my experience is limited. I read a lot and when im out draw on common sense. Thats not to say my judgement has at times seen me in a pickle but have managed to keep going. Ah the winch where would we be without it .
16 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Hi guys I'm not feeling great about running this trip on Saturday. With the tracks being drenched on the weekend and showers forecast today and Friday it will make driving phone and steep pretty much impossible - and I didn't plan the trip to do it all with a winch. Just turns the day into a slow and boring effort for everyone involved.

Feedback?
16 Nov 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
I just had a look at BOM for Tomorrow, Friday and Saturday here, Saturday is forecast to be totally rain free here and Friday has a 20% chance of rain around 2pm, Tomorrow is rain free, and that's it for Broadford, which is my neck of the woods, next to Tallarook ranges pretty much.
16 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
Well it's all about the challenge, so let's give it a shot.
16 Nov 2016
Chris Meehan
Chris Meehan (PunisherJK)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry guys have to pull out my kids can't be bothered getting up at 630 on a Saturday to go out wheel in...our trips normally have a 930 start

Might see you out on the next one..have fun and be safe
16 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
You will be OK as far as the rain goes, today will dry it all out, dust will be the issue not mud...
Enjoy the day and can't wait to see the trip report, photos and video
Good luck and have fun
17 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
A shot i foune that gives you a good perspective of the top section of Phone.
https://s25.postimg.org/sengopb4f/P1070428.jpg
17 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
And another.

https://s25.postimg.org/q8t5u77nz/P1070429.jpg
17 Nov 2016
Matthew
Matthew (discomatt)
Know the spots well, first photo head st8 to where he is standing on the track and hug the right hand side, second photo same but left hand side. BUT that could have changed big time....
17 Nov 2016
Antony
Antony (Peloza79) Premium Member
Will be camping the Saturday night if anyone wants to join
17 Nov 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
Winston, where at the start of Marchbanks rd are we meeting tomorrow? In the paddock at the top of the off ramp from the freeway southbound? or around the corner lining up along the road?
18 Nov 2016
Winston
Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
At the top of the ramp as soon as you turn left there's enough space roadside for us to fit.
18 Nov 2016
Donald Topping
Donald Topping (TheDonsWay)
No worries, I'll be there :)
18 Nov 2016
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TRIP COMPLETED

4 GOING, 7 Interested
5 adults , 1 children (6 in total)
Trip Date
Sat, 19-Nov-2016

Meeting Point
Start of Marchbanks Rd Broadford
8:30 AM (Sat, 19-Nov-2016)

Organiser
Winston

Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member

View my trips