Snow Hunting and Exploring Trip EASY / MEDIUM

Rubicon, VIC

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Planning a trip to hunt some snow and explore around Rubicon area.. plenty of tracks in the area that are 1200m and higher up which should give us a great chance to get some snow!

 

I want to make it very clear that this will be an explore around and have some fun in the snow. We will stop and play in snow, take photos, walk to falls or lookouts if necessary. It will be easy paced and no hardcore 4wding to be done. I will do my best in doing research but conditions change all the time so if we decide to go up some track and it turns gnarly we will turn back and explore elsewhere.

 

Rough trip plan

- Meet at Alexandra

- Snobs Creek Falls

- Conn Gap Track (Elevation 1200m)

- Bleak Hill (Elevation 1314m)

- Browns Rd (One Boot Bridge)

- Royston Rd (Rubicon Power Station, Royston Falls)

- Rubicon Rd

- Blue Range Rd (Some Scenic lookouts on this track, elevation 700m to 1000m)

- Mt Margeret Gap (Elevation 1200m+)

- Mt Margeret Rd (Few lookouts, elevation 750m)

- Buxton will be end of our trip

 

---- IF TIME PERMITS ----

- Mt Sugarloaf (Elevation 923m)

- Wells Cave (~500m walk or so)

- Jawbone Peak (~500m walk, Elevation ~720m)

- Keep going up Cerberus / Little River Rd

- End our trip at Taggerty

 

According to google maps this should take us around 3.5 hours of just driving (120kms) so between meet and greet, lunch, water falls, snow fights, lookouts and everything else it should be a solid day trip... which we can prolong or shorten as we see fit on the day. Some of the suggested routes are just dirt roads so this will be a touring / explore / adventure trip.. photo ops etc... Family friendly.

 

 

If you have a 6 inch lift and 37s you are welcome to join however you will not test the capability of your rig, I will not try anything too hard and will turn back if deemed necessary. Everyone will be given a chance to try any obstacle at their own risk if they wish.

 

Trip rated as easy/medium due to possible slippery and steep tracks, however I want it to be as easy as possible.

Trip Requirements

- Aggressive Muddies are required as tracks will be wet, slippery, muddy and hopefully covered in snow

- Winch recommended but not required

- 2 inch lift is recommended just in case, however not planning anything hard

- Rated basic recovery gear (snatch strap and recovery points on your vehicle as minimum if no winch)

- UHF (at least handheld is a must)

- Bring food and drinks for the day. Lunch spot will be decided on the day.

- Wear waterproof boots and warm clothes. It will hopefully be cold.

 

This is what I am hoping for.. picture taken last year from the area around the same time.. so with a bit of luck we will see some white fluff!!

 

 

Requirement

  • Recovery Gear

  • Rob (Bessiethebeast) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Children
    80 Series 4.5 (1993 80 Series)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock

  • Tony (Photo_Ranger)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (30-Jun-2017 11:19)
    3.2 4x4 Ranger (2014 Ranger)
    • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted

  • Dave (Stoops) I have mechanic skills Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 4 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (30-Jun-2017 17:44)
    Triton (2016 Triton)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Winch

  • (DonK) I am first-aid qualified

    GOING
    Driver + 1 ChildrenChecked-In (30-Jun-2017 18:44)
    The Grandcruiser (1989 HJ61 12HT manual)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted

  • Kelvin (TREXGQ) Trip Leader - Level 6 (Completed over 83 trips) Premium Member


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


  • Callym (My Nav123)


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



  • Jason (Deimos)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    VIRCON (2016 Triton)
    • 31" Tyres
    • Rear Diff Lock

  • Christo (Lotriet) I had chainsaw training I had winch training


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    4l v6 petrol (2013 Fj cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Rod (Rod4wd) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    4.0L Navara (2006 Navara)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Alex (AlexRanger) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 1 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Ranger (2015 Ranger XLT PX2)
    • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Rear Diff Lock
    • Winch


Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hi Tony,
If a spot frees up you are welcome to join. I might even open up another couple spots. We'll see how it goes... It's still 3 and a half weeks away.

I just don't want to have a huge convoy just in case we need to turn around on some tracks. Will try and do more research on track conditions and might up the convoy to 6 cars.
07 Jun 2017
Sam Jones (Huntem)
hey guys,
id like to come if there is room
07 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Updated itinerary. There are a couple other places I would have liked to visit such as huts and other waterfalls but tracks will be closed.

According to google maps this should take us around 3.5 hours of just driving (120kms) so between meet and greet, lunch, snow fights, lookouts and everything else it should be a solid day trip... which we can prolong or shorten as we see fit on the day.

Thinking of also increasing cars to 6 once I confirm a couple things.. so stay tuned!!
07 Jun 2017
Scott (IronSparks)
Well if you increase the numbers - hook us up too.
07 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
To whoever is monitoring the trip, I am about to create another 2 spots in the next minute due to the demand. I think 6 will be the final limit after that it'll start to be hard to manage.

Good luck to whoever gets the spots! I am actually really surprised with all the interest. I'm sure some people will drop out as the days go so keep your eyes peeled if you miss this round.
07 Jun 2017
Andrew (Klrwrangler)
GREAT SUCCESS :D
07 Jun 2017
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Shit missed out
07 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
For those that are coming - any of you guys ever been to Rubicon area?
07 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hey Tony,
Sorry you missed out. Have you looked at Kelvins trip? It will be ran the weekend after
https://www.4wdtrip.com.au/trip.aspx?tripid=661
Similar area, I reckon there should be snow too.

I already have 6 cars coming and a TEC.. I don't want this to get out of hand. If trip is a success I might run another similar trip at a later date in July with more cars as I'll know exactly what to expect.

Keep your eyes peeled, I never thought this trip would be in such a demand! Sorry for whoever missed out. I'm sure some people will drop out closer to the dates so spots can open up in the future.. I see it happening all the time on this website.
07 Jun 2017
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Well done on leading your 1st trip Thurstain. Dont be overly concerned about taking a wrong turn from time to time as it is all part of the adventure. I still 'stuff up' at least once or twice on every trip I run, even in places I have been to previously; (last Tallarook trip was a perfect example...grrrrr).

Am sure everyone attending will have a great time.
08 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Thanks Allan,
All I need now is SNOW! Haha. Otherwise it'll be quite an uneventful trip.
08 Jun 2017
Tony (Photo_Ranger)
This will be my first trip. Looking forward to it
08 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Tony (Photo_Ranger) wrote: This will be my first trip. Looking forward to it
Welcome aboard.

Is this going to be your first trip off-roading? Or you mean first trip with this website?
08 Jun 2017
Tony (Photo_Ranger)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote:
Tony (Photo_Ranger) wrote: This will be my first trip. Looking forward to it
Welcome aboard.

Is this going to be your first trip off-roading? Or you mean first trip with this website?
first trip off roading
08 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Tony (Photo_Ranger) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote:
Tony (Photo_Ranger) wrote: This will be my first trip. Looking forward to it
Welcome aboard.

Is this going to be your first trip off-roading? Or you mean first trip with this website?
first trip off roading
Awesome bud! Your going to have a blast! Welcome to the off-roading world.

Just make sure you have at least a hand-held uhf radio and basic recovery gear (rated shackles, snatch strap) and front and rear recovery points on your vehicle, and tyre deflator and optimally an air compressor to pump up your tyres again once we're done or you can go to Buxton servo.. As we will be deflating tyres for sure.
08 Jun 2017
Mitch (mitch_PX)
Any chance there is room. For one more?
11 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Sorry Mitch, not unless someone drops out.. Put down interest in the trip if you'd like so you get notification when someone drops out.
11 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Added an "If Time Permits" Itinerary and UHF 10 channel

---- IF TIME PERMITS ----

- Mt Sugarloaf (Elevation 923m)
- Wells Cave (~500m walk or so)
- Jawbone Peak (Elevation ~720m)
- Keep going up Cerberus / Little River Rd
- End our trip at Taggerty
11 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Updated meeting point just down the road to allow for the bigger convoy.

Rotary Park, Grant Street, Alexandra (-37.189618,145.708153)
12 Jun 2017
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Added an "If Time Permits" Itinerary and UHF 10 channel

---- IF TIME PERMITS ----

- Mt Sugarloaf (Elevation 923m)
- Wells Cave (~500m walk or so)
- Jawbone Peak (Elevation ~720m)
- Keep going up Cerberus / Little River Rd
- End our trip at Taggerty
Fairly sure the track to Jawbone is a walking track and quite an accent if I remember correctly.
12 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Dave (Stoops) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Added an "If Time Permits" Itinerary and UHF 10 channel

---- IF TIME PERMITS ----

- Mt Sugarloaf (Elevation 923m)
- Wells Cave (~500m walk or so)
- Jawbone Peak (Elevation ~720m)
- Keep going up Cerberus / Little River Rd
- End our trip at Taggerty
Fairly sure the track to Jawbone is a walking track and quite an accent if I remember correctly.
Yes it's a bit of a walk from the parking area. Unsure of conditions, we'll check it out if we have time and if it's too hard we can give it a miss.
12 Jun 2017
Andrew (Klrwrangler)
if there's not snow on the radars, will the trip still go ahead?
12 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Yes I'm still planning on doing the trip either way. I'm hopeful that there will be snow... Was there last year and there was plenty, also lots of tracks over 1000m so it's gotta be unlucky warm weather for it not to have any snow.

Also I'm going to be in Mansfield area that week on holiday so might have some time to check Rubicon area before trip if time permits.
12 Jun 2017
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Long range forecast is light snow on July 1st Thurstain, so 'fingers crossed'.
13 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Well I'm hoping for some serious snow! Last year the whole region was covered in snow... So really hoping to have a good snow trip.
13 Jun 2017
Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
Looks unlikely for snow on the day, forecast is for snow on the 3rd. Will be good to get out for the day.Bringing my daughter along to steer the red Jeep, that should make things interesting for me. Not sure I will cope sitting in the passenger seat.
24 Jun 2017
Alex (AlexRanger)
Hey guys,

Finally have a Saturday off (the joys of shift work!) so would love to jump on this trip if a space becomes available. Not too bothered if there's no snow - just keen to get the Ranger out on a weekend with some other people!
24 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Temperatures are still going down. I'm in Mansfield at the moment and it's quite cold... So with a bit of luck you never know! Even if it snows a day or two before we might still see some white stuff... If not, it'll still be a good day out.. It's a nice area and if weather is clear we hopefully can see some views.

Hopefully if there's no snow we don't get everyone cancelling last second. For those who are willing to come either way, it'll be great.. However if your attendance is subject to snow please don't cancel last second and give other people time to join!
25 Jun 2017
Rob (Bessiethebeast)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Temperatures are still going down. I'm in Mansfield at the moment and it's quite cold... So with a bit of luck you never know! Even if it snows a day or two before we might still see some white stuff... If not, it'll still be a good day out.. It's a nice area and if weather is clear we hopefully can see some views.

Hopefully if there's no snow we don't get everyone cancelling last second. For those who are willing to come either way, it'll be great.. However if your attendance is subject to snow please don't cancel last second and give other people time to join!
Hi Thurstain
Just a courtesy message to confirm our attendance on the trip and looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the group on Saturday in Alexandra.

Rob
27 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Rob (Bessiethebeast) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Temperatures are still going down. I'm in Mansfield at the moment and it's quite cold... So with a bit of luck you never know! Even if it snows a day or two before we might still see some white stuff... If not, it'll still be a good day out.. It's a nice area and if weather is clear we hopefully can see some views.

Hopefully if there's no snow we don't get everyone cancelling last second. For those who are willing to come either way, it'll be great.. However if your attendance is subject to snow please don't cancel last second and give other people time to join!
Hi Thurstain
Just a courtesy message to confirm our attendance on the trip and looking forward to meeting you and the rest of the group on Saturday in Alexandra.

Rob
Hi rob,
That's great. See you Saturday.
28 Jun 2017
Allan (allanmac) Premium Member
Fingers crossed that you see some snow Thurstain. 'White stuff' or not, am sure everyone will have a great day and look forward to seeing report and pics.
28 Jun 2017
Andrew (Klrwrangler)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Car still in pieces :(
29 Jun 2017
Mykoon (Patrol48)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: My buddy cant make it
29 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Yes Allan, not looking good for white stuff but hopeful for a good trip still!

Tony welcome aboard! Told you people will drop out.
29 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
For everyone that's still interested.. There is one spot left! See you all tomorrow morning.
30 Jun 2017
(DonK)
Lucked out on this saw it has been full for weeks was going up with my son solo on Saturday. Cheers
Have mud maps as well. What's best option for snowchains?
30 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Welcome aboard Don. No snowchain should be required, your muddies aired down a bit should be enough. However feel free to bring them if you have them. Most important is bring recovery gear etc.

I don't think there will be much snow tomorrow. It's too warm at the moment.

See you at the meeting point.
30 Jun 2017
(DonK)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Welcome aboard Don. No snowchain should be required, your muddies aired down a bit should be enough. However feel free to bring them if you have them. Most important is bring recovery gear etc.

I don't think there will be much snow tomorrow. It's too warm at the moment.

See you at the meeting point.
No worries
Have plenty of recovery gear 👍🏻
see you then
30 Jun 2017
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Full trip report on forum. For those who have pictures please post them up!

https://www.4wdtrip.com.au/offroad/social/forum/read.aspx?originalpostid=10016&forumid=9
02 Jul 2017
Steve (4WD_LYF)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason:
01 Jan 2018
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TRIP COMPLETED

5 GOING, 10 Interested
7 adults , 2 children (9 in total)
Trip Date
Wed, 06-Nov-2019

Meeting Point
Rotary Park, Grant Street, Alexandra (-37.189618,145.708153)
9:30 AM (Wed, 06-Nov-2019)