Grampians Touring Trip EASY / MEDIUM

Grampians, VIC

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Planning a tour around the Grampians - Trying to hit as many tracks and dirt roads as possible.

 

Day 1: I'm planning on starting at the bottom from Dunkeld and weave our way through the south part of the Grampians through tracks and explore a few POI as we go past. Won't take a 3 hour walk, but if there is some stuff within 30 mins walk like Aboriginal Art and Waterfalls then I'll definately go for an explore. We will also tackle the hardest track of the Grampians (apparently).. which should be a bit rocky and rough but nothing extreme unless it's super wet. Depending how far we actually get and how much we manage to cover of the planned tracks we will maybe go across to Black Range State Park - I went there 2 years ago and there were a few good looking tracks (mind you it was very wet.. might not be as interesting if it's dry). We will discuss on the day. Then probably we will hit some bitumen depending how we are doing for time and setup camp at Plantation Campground which will probably be our base camp - but it does get busy!

 

Day 2 (updated): Probably go into Halls Gap for a good pie and coffee and then headoff to explore the smaller, north side of the Grampians and cover any areas we did not cover the previous day. Looking at the tracks for day two (north most part of Grampians) there aren't that many tracks and most of them are either closed or management vehicles only. This part is more touristy and mostly main dirt roads and bitumen. However my plan for day 1 is quite extensive and I don't think we will cover 200kms in one day worth of tracks and dirt.. so day two (Sunday) we might pickup where we left on day one and as time permits we will explore more of the touristy stuff like Grand Canyon and Beehive waterfalls (both a bit of a nice walk), gulgurn manja shelter and boroka lookout. North side isn't as big but has more touristy stuff to explore and will be more of a relax day.

 

Most of these track I never drove before, they might be easy or might be a bit more challanging. If it's wet, I know the Grampians can get a bit boggy so a snorkel is highly recommended

 

Some tracks here are dirt roads, others can be soft sand or rocks - so it should be a good mix of terrain. We might do some challanging sections depending on how wet it is. Since this is not a popular offroading destination, bring a chainsaw if you can please, as chances are there might be some fallen trees etc in the not so popular tracks.

 

I don't want to do anything crazy and rating this trip as Easy / Medium. It should be generally easy and just a nice easy drive, mostly enjoying the scenery and tracks not gonna get much adrenaline pumping at the insane tracks. We will try to travel on as many tracks as we can but we might hit bitumen a few times to get to a few places. We will explore and walk to certain things as we see fit.

 

Should be easy few days and good family fun. Trip is Saturday to Monday, but whoever wants to leave Sunday that can be done too. Reason for doing this is so we get 2 full days of offroading without having to drive 3 hours back to Melbourne afterwards.. also would like for it to be easy paced and get to explore as many places and some attractions also.

 

Please be prepared, most tracks might be easy but recovery gear is definately required, and there might be some water around, could be deep or not - depending on the days leading up to the trip.

 

Meeting Place

https://goo.gl/maps/EMxJbTdvfcx

 

Requirement

  • Recovery Gear

  • Faris (Mudway) I had chainsaw training I had winch training Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 3 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself only
    Gq with 350 chev 5.7 (1989 patrol)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch

  • Stephan (Dmop85) I am first-aid qualified

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (01-Jun-2018 10:33)
    3.0TD GU patrol (2000 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Thelma (9580series2)

    GOING
    Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (31-May-2018 20:48)
    Landcruiser (1995 80's Series)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front Diff Lock
    • Winch


  • Steven (ReefMaster) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 5 trips) Premium Member

    GOING
    Myself onlyChecked-In (15-May-2020 22:04)
    V6 (2012 Fj Cruiser)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch

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


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    Dual cab dual locked dual t/cased LN106 (1992 Hi-Deluxe)
    • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Front & Rear Locker
    • Winch


  • Greg (94_200TDi) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 9 trips)


    I am Interested / In Waiting List
    (1999 Prado)
    • 31" Tyres, 2" Lifted
    • Winch

Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
Too short on notice for me but have a great time !
16 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Alex (TEQ-80) wrote: Too short on notice for me but have a great time !
Yeah I figured... It wasn't part of the plan.. But got that weekend off and all so I thought might as well go for a run before they close the tracks!
16 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I have updated the trip plan. Please have a read.
17 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Can I please have a show of hands who will be leaving Sunday and who will be staying until Monday?

Updated Plan for day 2.
23 May 2018
Stephan (Dmop85)
I'll be leaving Sunday
23 May 2018
Rahul Grover (Rahul)
I'll be leaving Sunday too mate, possibly early Sunday tbh
Quick question as i'm super new to 4WD stuff, do i need tyre defeater/inflater stuff for this trip?
23 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Hi Rahul,
Yes for this trip you will need a tyre deflator, 12v compressor to pump up your tyres once your done offroading, also in addition to that you need to make sure your car has as minimum a RATED front recovery point or winch and a rear recovery point (such as a recovery tow hitch or at least a tow bar with a hitch pin). Also you are required to bring your own recovery gear, at least 4.7T rated D shackles and a 8T snatch strap and a damper as minimum.

Thanks.
23 May 2018
Mojo Safarinur (MojoPajero) Premium Member
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Can I please have a show of hands who will be leaving Sunday and who will be staying until Monday?

Updated Plan for day 2.
Leaving on Sunday avro around 5 or 6pm
24 May 2018
Thelma (9580series2)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Can I please have a show of hands who will be leaving Sunday and who will be staying until Monday?

Updated Plan for day 2.
Hi Thurstain, we will be staying till Monday.
24 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Looks like most people will leave on Sunday, which is fine. Sunday will probably just be a chill day, maybe some off-roading in the morning, see how everyone feels.

Also I might camp near Dunkeld on Friday night depending how I go after work, save the 3 hour drive in the morning. If anyone is interested, let me know.
25 May 2018
Stephan (Dmop85)
Hopefully we get some good driving in Sunday, I'm happy to head home around 3-4pm
25 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Yeah Sunday we will try to cover off any tracks we didn't do Saturday and see what else we find.. maybe visit a few places on the way.

I'm flexible so will decide on the day depending who needs to leave at what time. I plan to go in Halls Gap for a morning coffee and a nice pie, whoever has to leave early can leave early.. those staying till Monday or staying till evening Sunday will hit some more tracks / explore.. north part of Grampians is mostly management vehicles and the little track that there are, most of them are already closed off. But the south side has heaps of tracks so we can either decide to head south again or go visit a couple short walks to beehive falls or the grand canyon or whatever else. I'm not fussed.
25 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Sorry guys - Something came up and unfortunately I will not be camping Sunday night either. I will still do a full day off-roading on Sunday as planned (4pm or so finish) - but will also leave home afterwards.

I am sorry for any inconvenience, those who planned to camp Sunday night (which I think were few), can still do so if they wish. This will not affect any off-roading plans, as Monday I didn't have any offroading plans.
28 May 2018
Rahul Grover (Rahul)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Hi Rahul,
Yes for this trip you will need a tyre deflator, 12v compressor to pump up your tyres once your done offroading, also in addition to that you need to make sure your car has as minimum a RATED front recovery point or winch and a rear recovery point (such as a recovery tow hitch or at least a tow bar with a hitch pin). Also you are required to bring your own recovery gear, at least 4.7T rated D shackles and a 8T snatch strap and a damper as minimum.

Thanks.
Recovery gear -check
Compressor -check
Deflator-check
Recovery points -check
UHF Radio -check
Let's destroy some tracks!!
29 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
I talked to a local guy and I might have come with an alternative plan for day 2 which will involve a crossing or two hopefully.. and if we are lucky enough, might find a cool building (He was not too sure where it is.. but I know it's off one track). Don't think this will take us too long as it's a small section so in the morning on Sunday we might do something else also.

Please also check your cars, recovery gear and everything. Getting ready for a good weekend.

Me and Steven will be camping Friday night around Dunkeld most likely if anyone wants to join us.
30 May 2018
Rahul Grover (Rahul)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Hi Guys, apologies but I won't be coming anymore. Had the car up on the hoist for an inspection and the front diff is leaking. Need to sort it out before any trips. Enjoy the trip!
31 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Not good mate.

See you next time.
31 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Good reminder,
Please check your cars. Basic stuff. Tyres, oil, coolant, lights etc. Goes a long way.

Everything goes to plan we will travel over 230kms of tracks and dirt roads. Make sure you have fuel for Saturday (180kms). Sunday we can fill up at halls gap in the morning.

See you all Dunkeld Saturday morning!
31 May 2018
Thelma (9580series2)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I talked to a local guy and I might have come with an alternative plan for day 2 which will involve a crossing or two hopefully.. and if we are lucky enough, might find a cool building (He was not too sure where it is.. but I know it's off one track). Don't think this will take us too long as it's a small section so in the morning on Sunday we might do something else also.

Please also check your cars, recovery gear and everything. Getting ready for a good weekend.

Me and Steven will be camping Friday night around Dunkeld most likely if anyone wants to join us.
Hi Thurstain, Robbie and I are staying the Friday night at the Southern Grampion cottages. You & Steven are very welcome to pop in and enjoy our open fire haha. Hoping to be there by about 3pm tomorrow, if we don't catch you friday looking forward to joining you guys Saturday morning, cheers Thel
31 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Thelma (9580series2) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I talked to a local guy and I might have come with an alternative plan for day 2 which will involve a crossing or two hopefully.. and if we are lucky enough, might find a cool building (He was not too sure where it is.. but I know it's off one track). Don't think this will take us too long as it's a small section so in the morning on Sunday we might do something else also.

Please also check your cars, recovery gear and everything. Getting ready for a good weekend.

Me and Steven will be camping Friday night around Dunkeld most likely if anyone wants to join us.
Hi Thurstain, Robbie and I are staying the Friday night at the Southern Grampion cottages. You & Steven are very welcome to pop in and enjoy our open fire haha. Hoping to be there by about 3pm tomorrow, if we don't catch you friday looking forward to joining you guys Saturday morning, cheers Thel
Thanks for the invite, we will be camping 7 mins away from there. If we can't get a fire going, we might take you up on your offer.

Thanks
31 May 2018
Trip Leader Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
Uploaded photos and trip report posted on forum

https://www.4wdtrip.com.au/offroad/social/forum/read.aspx?originalpostid=11422&forumid=9
07 Jun 2018
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TRIP COMPLETED

6 GOING, 3 Interested
9 adults
Trip Date
02-Jun-2018 (Sat) to 03-Jun-2018 (Sun)

Meeting Point
Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre Across from Dunkeld Memorial Park (Parker St)
9:30 AM (Sat, 02-Jun-2018)

TRIP FULL