BEGINNER'S trip through Tallarook EASY / MEDIUM

Tallarook State Forest, VIC

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This is a trip strictly for newcomers to 4wding. If you have pretty much zero experience but want to learn about 4wding, start seeing what your vehicle is capable of and be able to more confidently join trips, then this is the trip for you.

We will take a drive through Tallarook State Forest and tackle some terrain that will challenge you. There will be a little of everything from rocks to clay, gravel to mud. Depending on rainfall we may even have a shallow creek crossing.

I don't expect anyone to have any recovery equipment - I will have enough to cater for everyone. If you have it, bring it. Likewise with an air compressor/deflator. I am happy to share, but if you are equipped, please do come prepared.

This will be a full day of driving, along with a bit of an advice session on various techniques and practices in 4wding, including safe recoveries and convoy procedures. I'm not a driving instructor so it isn't a lesson - I'm simply imparting some of the things I've learnt along the way that may be useful for you.

The only requirements are a UHF radio (handheld is fine) and your vehicle must be a true 4wd with low range transfer. Ie. Not an SUV.

Stock vehicles are fine. As a group I want everyone to enjoy the day, return home safely and with vehicles the way they started - except for some dirt on them! And hopefully with a bunch of grins and new skills developed.

Please bring lunch/refreshments to cater for the day. Make sure your vehicles are well serviced and maintained as 4wding is arduous on mechanical components. Also bring toilet paper as nature calls when you least expect!

NOTE: THIS IS NOT JUST A DRIVE ON SOME DIRT AND GRAVEL ROADS! THERE WILL BE CHALLENGING TERRAIN BUT NOTHING THAT IS UNSAFE. YOU WILL BE GUIDED BY 2 EXPERIENCED DRIVERS AND WE WILL BE EXTREMELY DILIGENT. HOWEVER, 4WDING DOES CARRY INHERENT RISKS TO PERSONAL SAFETY AND VEHICLE ALIKE. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN EVEN TO THE BEST DRIVERS, THOUGH ALL LENGTHS WILL BE TAKEN TO AVOID THEM.

Requirement

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

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult + 1 InfantsChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 09:46)
    TB48 Patrol GU6 ST-S (2008 Patrol)
    • 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
    • Winch

  • Anthony (Anth93) I am first-aid qualified I had chainsaw training

    GOING
    Driver + 1 Adult + 1 ChildrenChecked-In (23-Jun-2018 17:06)
    Triton_mq (2017 Triton)


    • Jack (Jack105) Trip Leader - Level 4 (Completed over 34 trips) Premium Member

      GOING
      Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 09:49)
      FZJ105R (1998 Land Cruiser)
      • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Front & Rear Locker
      • Winch

    • Jamie (Bambi05)

      GOING
      Myself onlyChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 10:41)
      Ranger (2015 xlt)
      • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Alex (rg_rado)

      GOING
      Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 13:55)
      TD 4.2 Coil Cab (2004 Patrol)
      • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted

    • Rob L (rnz2017)

      GOING
      Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 09:30)
      Prado Grande 120 (2003 Prado Grande)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Winch

    • Jaime (Millo)

      GOING
      Driver + 2 AdultsChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 09:44)
      Tiburon (Shark) (2004 Prado 120)
      • 31" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Kelvin (TREXGQ) I am first-aid qualified Trip Leader - Level 6 (Completed over 83 trips) Premium Member

      GOING
      Myself onlyChecked-In (22-Jun-2018 17:06)
      TREXGQ (1993 Patrol)
      • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
      • Front Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Paul Toth (Pablo) I have mechanic skills

      GOING
      Driver + 1 Adult + 2 ChildrenChecked-In (23-Jun-2018 08:12)
      80 landcruiser petrol (1990 landcruiser)
      • 35" Tyres, 3" Lifted
      • Front & Rear Locker
      • Winch

    • Phil (PT75)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      2.5 MN turbo diesel (2015 Challenger)
      • Rear Diff Lock


    • Andrew (Bono)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Roza (1992 Feroza)
      • 2" Lifted


    • Trevor (ranger1)


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

    • Daniel (Danielcoles)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Toyota hilux (2016 Hilux)
      • 32" Tyres
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Nick (Morphen83) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 8 trips) Premium Member


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      3.0 Diesel GU (2015 Patrol)
      • 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Front & Rear Locker
      • Winch


    • Jay (Kk_jeep)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      kk 3.7 (2011 Cherokee kk)
      • 31" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Winch


    • Phil (Phil)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Getaway Car (2014 Challanger)
      • 31" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch


    • Andrew (McDUX)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      MCDUX TRUX (2013 Colorado)
      • 30" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Winch

    • Mark (markfowl)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Prado 150 2.8TD (2017 Prado)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • 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


    • Dale (Cobber88)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Mq triton diesel (2015 Triton)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Winch

    • Nick (Nicksfjc)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      2.8 diesel (2017 Hilux)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Geoff Davey (JeepGC)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Jeep (2018 Grand Cherokee Limited)
      • 29" Tyres
      • Rear Diff Lock

    • Ben (B3NS4B)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Patrol Kettle (1995 GQ Patrol)
      • 33" Tyres, 3" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Aruna (LC1fzfe)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      4.5 Petrol 80 Series (1993 Landcruiser)
      • 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    • Lawrence (marvin) Trip Leader - Level 1 (Completed over 9 trips)


      I am Interested / In Waiting List
      Gu 4.8 (2002 GU)
      • 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
      • Rear Diff Lock
      • Winch

    Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
    Nooo! I have work on this day :(
    08 Jun 2018
    Alex (TEQ-80) Premium Member
    WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Sorry, just saw it as a beginners trip I've donr Tallarook a few times :-)
    08 Jun 2018
    Dave (Stoops) Premium Member
    Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Nooo! I have work on this day :(
    Hardly a beginner Thurstain ;-)
    08 Jun 2018
    Caitlin (blu4x4)
    Please let us know if another space opens up!!
    08 Jun 2018
    Roland (Baldrik)
    WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Asked to
    08 Jun 2018
    Greg (94_200TDi)
    With so much interest is it worth running 2 groups to allow more people to join?
    10 Jun 2018
    Kim Malek (Mits_paj)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest is it worth running 2 groups to allow more people to join?
    I think it might be worth it
    10 Jun 2018
    Allan (Big Pig) Premium Member
    Sorry Winston for hijacking your discussion page but Im trying to get in touch with Adrian from Dandenong, he is listed as being interested in this trip, I would like to talk to him about his Touareg.
    Regards Allan.
    0419505851
    10 Jun 2018
    Adrian (Touareg)
    Allan (Big Pig) wrote: Sorry Winston for hijacking your discussion page but Im trying to get in touch with Adrian from Dandenong, he is listed as being interested in this trip, I would like to talk to him about his Touareg.
    Regards Allan.
    0419505851
    Hi Allan,
    I have just sent you a private message. Cheers.
    12 Jun 2018
    Nick (Nicksfjc)
    Dam is there any chance for one more spot ? My misses is keen as to do this run ?
    12 Jun 2018
    Alex (rg_rado)
    Will a/t tyres be acceptable for this trip?
    14 Jun 2018
    Alex (rg_rado)
    Jamie (Bambi05) wrote:
    Alex (rg_rado) wrote: Will a/t tyres be acceptable for this trip?
    The only requirements are a UHF radio (handheld is fine) and your vehicle must be a true 4wd with low range transfer. Ie. Not an SUV.
    Yeah sweet got all that :). Cheers.
    14 Jun 2018
    Kim Malek (Mits_paj)
    Is there anymore news on weather a second group was being formed to head out as I'm keen as
    14 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Still too far out for an accurate forecast.

    If it's raining at all I've got room for heaps of people to huddle up under my awning when we stop for lunch.
    15 Jun 2018
    Alex (rg_rado)
    Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Still too far out for an accurate forecast.

    If it's raining at all I've got room for heaps of people to huddle up under my awning when we stop for lunch.
    I’ll also try to have my awning up on my car by the trip date so there’s more than 1 👌
    15 Jun 2018
    Greg (94_200TDi)
    With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    18 Jun 2018
    Kim Malek (Mits_paj)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    I'd be keen to attend
    18 Jun 2018
    Manj (Navara99)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    M keen to attend too Greg.
    18 Jun 2018
    Trevor (ranger1)
    Im in that.😊
    19 Jun 2018
    Rod (Wingwalker)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    Id be keen to attend greg
    19 Jun 2018
    Greg (94_200TDi)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    Ok so there are at least 4 people who would be keen to run a second trip on the same day. I am going to post a trip officially in the next hour or so.
    19 Jun 2018
    Rod (Wingwalker)
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote:
    Greg (94_200TDi) wrote: With so much interest I would be prepared with assistance to run another group n the same day. Only provided there is enough interest, and it does not put anyones noses out of joint.
    Ok so there are at least 4 people who would be keen to run a second trip on the same day. I am going to post a trip officially in the next hour or so.
    If it is going to be okay with the first trip organizer then why not. Count me in!
    19 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    I don't have an issue at all with another trip being run. Good to see more opportunity for everyone to hit the tracks.

    Just a point for everyone that has registered interest in this trip, please be aware that the trip numbers are specifically for those who were quick enough to join the trip and click "going". As much as I hate turning people away from a trip, I will have to if you turn up and aren't on the list. Numbers are set for safety and coordination purposes and are strictly adhered to.

    Also, everyone will get an email reminder to "check in" to the trip. Please make sure you do so that I know you are coming.
    20 Jun 2018
    Kim Malek (Mits_paj)
    I was interested in the extra group going as was to slow to click going but lastnight my trans decided to die on me so I'm out for a couple of weeks
    20 Jun 2018
    Rob L (rnz2017)
    See you on Sunday morning!
    22 Jun 2018
    Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
    Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: I don't have an issue at all with another trip being run. Good to see more opportunity for everyone to hit the tracks.

    Just a point for everyone that has registered interest in this trip, please be aware that the trip numbers are specifically for those who were quick enough to join the trip and click "going". As much as I hate turning people away from a trip, I will have to if you turn up and aren't on the list. Numbers are set for safety and coordination purposes and are strictly adhered to.

    Also, everyone will get an email reminder to "check in" to the trip. Please make sure you do so that I know you are coming.
    Was the reminder email to check in sent out yet?
    22 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Jack (JacekPrado) wrote:
    Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: I don't have an issue at all with another trip being run. Good to see more opportunity for everyone to hit the tracks.

    Just a point for everyone that has registered interest in this trip, please be aware that the trip numbers are specifically for those who were quick enough to join the trip and click "going". As much as I hate turning people away from a trip, I will have to if you turn up and aren't on the list. Numbers are set for safety and coordination purposes and are strictly adhered to.

    Also, everyone will get an email reminder to "check in" to the trip. Please make sure you do so that I know you are coming.
    Was the reminder email to check in sent out yet?
    The button to check in is active now.
    22 Jun 2018
    Jaime (Millo)
    Looking forward for this trip :)
    22 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    I may have a big issue! Blew a suspected power steering hose last night on the way home from work. I'll jump underneath it this morning to see exactly what the problem is and hopefully rectify it.

    Either way the trip is still on as Kelvin (4wdtrip Director) has said he will take over trip leading for me, and Paul is a very experienced driver as well. If I can't be there then rest assured you're in very capable hands.
    23 Jun 2018
    Lawrence (marvin)
    Winston (Winston_FJ) I've sent you a Private Message. Please check your inbox.
    23 Jun 2018
    Lawrence (marvin)
    Jamie (Bambi05) wrote: I'm going to head up on Saturday for camping at Flat Rock Campsite feel free to join me if you like, it's only 20km from our meeting point., No rain for Today 22 Jun, Sat 23 Jun or Sun 24 Jun, just cold :)
    If I get a spot I will come and join you.
    23 Jun 2018
    Lawrence (marvin)
    [Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
    23 Jun 2018
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di)
    Lawrence (marvin) wrote: [Private Message Sent] - If you are GOING, please check your inbox.
    Done
    23 Jun 2018
    Paul Toth (Pablo)
    Great day all. Good job to the 1st timers. Had a ball.
    24 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Really glad I got to come along today, even as passenger, as it meant i got to share the fun wjth everyone. Hope you all enjoyed the day. Was some great driving from everyone. Cheers all.
    24 Jun 2018
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di)
    Thanks for all your help and support. Was a fantastic day.
    24 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Will upload all my pics and do a trip report in the forum asap.
    24 Jun 2018
    Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
    What exciting day it was, thanks to everyone for -a great company and the leaders for being so helpful. Will be doing it again for sure but first thing is first, time to perform some 4wd upgrades recommended by the organisers, so we can one day climb the " no name " track
    24 Jun 2018
    Rob L (rnz2017)
    Thanks to everyone (especially the leaders) for a great and well run trip. I had a great time, learned a lot and it was great to meet some new people. I will upload my photos and videos to the drop box when it is available
    24 Jun 2018
    Anthony (Anth93)
    Was a great day thanks everyone, especially Winston and Kelvin for all your help. Definitely keen to get back out there now!
    Cheers
    24 Jun 2018
    Kelvin (TREXGQ) Premium Member
    Thank you all for coming. Special Thanks for Winston organised the trip. Hope you all had a ball. Get out there and learn... don't relying on too much of the technology, really get to know your car, the terrain and true 4wding is... see you next time.
    25 Jun 2018
    Alex (rg_rado)
    Are these all the photos for the trip? Can people add their own up??
    25 Jun 2018
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di)
    Alex (rg_rado) wrote: Are these all the photos for the trip? Can people add their own up??
    these are my photos. cheers
    25 Jun 2018
    Jaime (Millo)
    It was great to meet you all yesterday. I got a big smile, cold hands and my hurt running as we did the tracks. I'm looking forward to join the next trip. Thanks all specially Winston and Kelvin that wanted to share your knowledge and experience. Cheers
    25 Jun 2018
    Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
    Hi Winston, how did you go with mapping out the tracks we traveled? Anyone has anymore pics, I uploaded couple of mine.
    26 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Hey mate sorry I'm time poor. Have not had enough of a chance to sit down and upload photos and track log yet. The joys of having an 11 month old son.
    27 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Hey guys I've uploaded all the photos I took to Dropbox. There's a heap of blurry ones, I haven't been through to pick out the good ones yet. And there were a few shots I missed taking because I was distracted. Sorry if you were one of them!

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9u27tmk6ppjqpvw/AAAaDVNZMEk-u9-6JvX5ZLrGa?dl=0
    27 Jun 2018
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di)
    Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Hey guys I've uploaded all the photos I took to Dropbox. There's a heap of blurry ones, I haven't been through to pick out the good ones yet. And there were a few shots I missed taking because I was distracted. Sorry if you were one of them!

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9u27tmk6ppjqpvw/AAAaDVNZMEk-u9-6JvX5ZLrGa?dl=0
    can't open it????
    27 Jun 2018
    Trip Leader Winston (Winston_FJ) Premium Member
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di) wrote:
    Winston (Winston_FJ) wrote: Hey guys I've uploaded all the photos I took to Dropbox. There's a heap of blurry ones, I haven't been through to pick out the good ones yet. And there were a few shots I missed taking because I was distracted. Sorry if you were one of them!

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9u27tmk6ppjqpvw/AAAaDVNZMEk-u9-6JvX5ZLrGa?dl=0
    can't open it????
    You have to copy the text and paste it into your browser.
    27 Jun 2018
    Di Campbell (Carl and Di)
    tried that it is empty?
    27 Jun 2018
    Thurstain (Tcm9669) Premium Member
    Dropbox works fine for me. Looks like awesome tracks to get your rigs dirty and gain some confidence in 4wding!
    27 Jun 2018
    Jack (Jack105) Premium Member
    Works for me... great pics, thanks
    27 Jun 2018
    Rob L (rnz2017)
    I will upload my photos tonight as well into the dropbox
    27 Jun 2018
    Rob L (rnz2017)
    Hi all,

    Here are some the photos and videos i took. I think i got videos of most people trying to get up the more difficult spot.

    You will need to copy the below link into your web browser

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jakdta12lfbqnsx/AABK8suOz2BpDk-0TduMbXj9a?dl=0
    30 Jun 2018
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    TRIP COMPLETED

    10 GOING, 23 Interested
    19 adults , 3 children , 1 infant (23 in total)
    Trip Date
    Sun, 24-Jun-2018

    Meeting Point
    Carpark of Broad Fuels in Broadford
    9:30 AM (Sun, 24-Jun-2018)

    TRIP FULL