Join 4WD TRIP - Freestone Creek, Valencia C.. (JimmySando)

Freestone Creek, Valencia Creek & Avon Wilderness MEDIUM

Freestone Creek, Valencia Creek & Avon Wilderness, VIC

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TRIP ROUTE

Meet at the Briagolong Hotel thursday night so that a pub meal can be had and maybe a beer or 2! Can roll out the swag or RTT at my parents place in town. Anyone wanting to meet on the friday morning is more than welcome to, however we will be leaving at 8:15am SHARP!

Friday Route: https://goo.gl/maps/i8cjEeqRZGKC7obY9
Leave Briagolong and head into the freestone area for some cruisy tracks, then head over to pyryte creek up to marathon road, scrubby creek track onto Valencia Creek Track up to Moroka Rd and Camp at Horseyard Flat or nearby

Saturday Route: https://goo.gl/maps/rqjd5J4oi9s9gaZs5

Early start, Head up to pinnacles first thing in the morning for views and then head down castle hill track, loop back to moroka rd to arbuckle junction, then down B1 track to the chromite mine and up Mt margaret tk and follow it all the wey to Ben Cruachen area, to find camp for the night on B en Cruachen Creek (Little Spot that I know)

Sunday Route: https://goo.gl/maps/8oBjtpsLmQik49RX9

Drive out to Pearsons Point lookout and home via Glenmaggie Weir.

Please note that some tracks along the proposed roiute may be impassable during heavy weather events and changes to the route will be made as required and as conditions change!

All vehicles will need to carry enough water, food and fuel for 3 days of driving in the bush.

I will be taking this trip regardless of weather conditions unless there are forcast severe storm warnings in the area.

I am happy to discuss the route, camp locations etc.

Requirement

Electric Winch
Recovery Gear

James Sandison (JimmySando)
GOING
Myself onlyChecked-In (13-Jun-2019 09:52)
RRS 3.6 TDV8 (2007 Range Rover Sport TDV8)
- 32" Tyres
- Winch

Rod Cusack (Romercles)
GOING
Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (17-Jun-2019 09:23)
4.2 Turbo 100 Series (2006 Landcruiser 100 series)
- 33" Tyres
- Winch

Jamie Hughes (Italiandingo)
GOING
Myself onlyChecked-In (13-Jun-2019 06:52)
3.6 V6 JKU 2013 Wrangler (2013 Jku)
- Front & Rear Locker
- Winch

Thurstain (Tcm9669)
GOING
Driver + 1 AdultChecked-In (12-Jun-2019 22:18)
GU Patrol (2003 Patrol)
- Winch

Nichole Rose (nrose_hilux)
GOING
Myself onlyChecked-In (13-Jun-2019 11:05)
Toyota Hilux (2006 Hilux)
- 2" Lifted
- Front & Rear Locker
- Winch

Daniel (wj_dan)
GOING
Myself onlyChecked-In (13-Jun-2019 09:09)
grand cherokee (2013 wk)
- 32" Tyres, 2" Lifted
- Rear Diff Lock
- Winch

Troy (Troyrgibbo)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
100 Series (2006 V8 Landcruiser)
- 33" Tyres, 2" Lifted
- Rear Diff Lock
- Winch

Jason (FauxBogan)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
Shadow (2020 Power Wagon 75th Anniversary)
- 35" Tyres, 2" Lifted
- Front & Rear Locker
- Winch

Johno (Jeep JK)

I am Interested / In Waiting List
Nissan GQ Patrol TD42 (1988 GQ Patrol Dx)
- 35" Tyres, 4" Lifted
- Winch

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Hi guys, I'm open to any suggestions on tracks / camping spots so post them here! I'll be planning the route over the next few days.

15 May 2019

Antony (Peloza79)

Can camp at tambo crossing, about 1km before the start of haunted stream on the right hand side. Pretty much next to the alpine hwy

15 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Antony (Peloza79) wrote: Can camp at tambo crossing, about 1km before the start of haunted stream on the right hand side. Pretty much next to the alpine hwy

Thanks mate, yes I know this spot well! I was thinking a pub feed on the Thursday night would be good though!

15 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
https://goo.gl/maps/LmV4D7M2K9zBqgD39
In the case that the link doesnt work, check the Files section where I have uploaded an image of a very rough trip route. I am open to suggestions on the finer details of the route. I am also open to reversing the direction etc. I will dig out the proper maps and have a bit more of a think. 3 main places I want to see are Dawson City Camp, Wentworth Falls and Camms Top Hut.

15 May 2019

Bryce (White Ranger)

James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi guys, I'm open to any suggestions on tracks / camping spots so post them here! I'll be planning the route over the next few days.

Haunted stream According to Parks track closures is closed from 13/06

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Bryce (White Ranger) wrote:
James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi guys, I'm open to any suggestions on tracks / camping spots so post them here! I'll be planning the route over the next few days.
Haunted stream According to Parks track closures is closed from 13/06

Thanks for the information mate. It appears that you're correct.
Unfortunately, when I looked into this I was told that It was not the case but did not come across the parks closure map. I will likely have to cancel the trip or change the location / dates.

16 May 2019

James (RiderID)

James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote:
Bryce (White Ranger) wrote:
James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi guys, I'm open to any suggestions on tracks / camping spots so post them here! I'll be planning the route over the next few days.
Haunted stream According to Parks track closures is closed from 13/06
Thanks for the information mate. It appears that you're correct.
Unfortunately, when I looked into this I was told that It was not the case but did not come across the parks closure map. I will likely have to cancel the trip or change the location / dates.

I wonder if its worthwhile to contact parks Victoria to get permission to access the track. Shame 4wdtrip is not considered a club would be easier to gain access

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
I have contacted Parks Vic and asked the question, when I get a response I will advise. I am still very keen to make a trip, but will need to look at alternative tracks that are not affected by seasonal closures. I am open to any suggestions in the Victorian High country from the thompson river area across to erinundra national park.

16 May 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

I'm not too familiar with this area, but I been to errinundra a few times, few good spots even one close to the river (Ada river campsite) but in terms of 4wding, it does not look like it's a popular destination with 4wders. Few tracks, I explored solo not too hard, but some of them were poorly maintained in terms of trees on tracks (track completely blocked) etc.. mostly easy tracks.

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I'm not too familiar with this area, but I been to errinundra a few times, few good spots even one close to the river (Ada river campsite) but in terms of 4wding, it does not look like it's a popular destination with 4wders. Few tracks, I explored solo not too hard, but some of them were poorly maintained in terms of trees on tracks (track completely blocked) etc.. mostly easy tracks.

Yeah I've been into the Erinundra area, whilst nice there isn't a whole lot of driving to do. I will come up with some alternatives and get back to everyone asap! Also, if I do hear back from DELWP or Parks Vic I will let you know.
Apologies for the mistake!

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Hi all,

I have been thinking about potential alternatives to the haunted stream area. I live local to the Avon wilderness area and there are still some good places to see around here that I think would be a good alternative to the original plan. This way I know that we won't get stuck with track closures.

I was thinking we could meet up in briagolong on the thursday night / friday morning. Then make our way up the freestone creek area over to marathon road and scrubby creek track, left hand branch track and ultimately up valencia creek track and camp at either moroka hut or horseyards flat. Saturday, we could make our way over to the avon wilderness area and camp at one of the locations along ben cruachen crk. then make our way out on the sunday where everyone can make their way home. If 4/6 of you are happy with this change, I will officially change the description and details of the trip.

Again I apologise for the mix up here, I definitely jumped the gun creating the trip..
I will be making a new haunted stream trip in october/november when the tracks reopen!

Please let me know your thoughts asap.

16 May 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

I personally really wanted to do haunted stream track, but if its gonna be closed then can't do much about it haha unfortunately. Its 5 hrs drive for me from home but it's on my bucket list.

Depending on what your final plans are, I might still be interested.

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: I personally really wanted to do haunted stream track, but if its gonna be closed then can't do much about it haha unfortunately. Its 5 hrs drive for me from home but it's on my bucket list.

Depending on what your final plans are, I might still be interested.

Totally understand if you want to leave the trip.
Proposed trip:
Meet Briagolong thursday night / friday morning.
Friday Route: https://goo.gl/maps/i8cjEeqRZGKC7obY9
Camp at Horseyard Flat or nearby
Saturday Route: https://goo.gl/maps/V72NGvTFMksb5rEp9
Camp at Dermody Camp or nearby

16 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Unfortunately, due to track closures (apologies for my poor planning) I am having to look into a new track location and route. Please see updated Trip summary and find google map links for rough routes. Should stay at medium level, though potentially medium/hard in the wet. Let me know your thoughts! Happy to discuss.

16 May 2019

Rod Cusack (Romercles)

James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi all,

I have been thinking about potential alternatives to the haunted stream area. I live local to the Avon wilderness area and there are still some good places to see around here that I think would be a good alternative to the original plan. This way I know that we won't get stuck with track closures.

I was thinking we could meet up in briagolong on the thursday night / friday morning. Then make our way up the freestone creek area over to marathon road and scrubby creek track, left hand branch track and ultimately up valencia creek track and camp at either moroka hut or horseyards flat. Saturday, we could make our way over to the avon wilderness area and camp at one of the locations along ben cruachen crk. then make our way out on the sunday where everyone can make their way home. If 4/6 of you are happy with this change, I will officially change the description and details of the trip.

Again I apologise for the mix up here, I definitely jumped the gun creating the trip..
I will be making a new haunted stream trip in october/november when the tracks reopen!

Please let me know your thoughts asap.

I'm still in! A weekend away is always preferable to the alternative...

17 May 2019

Eddie Guerin (Monkey21)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason: Due to Roster changes at work i will now be working the Saturday & Sunday

17 May 2019

James (RiderID)
Avon Turton Divide Track is listed as MVO on topo maps and Hema Explorer

19 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

James (RiderID) wrote: Avon Turton Divide Track is listed as MVO on topo maps and Hema Explorer

Yeah bummer thats true, well could come down B2/B1 from Arbuckle and either camp at the chromite mine on the Saturday night or drive out via Mt Margaret trk and join up where the Turton joins the Avon in the Ben cruachen area.

19 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Hi All,
Unfortunately, Haunted Stream is off the cards until after winter. New trip is Freestone Creek and Avon Wilderness area!
I have made a few changes to the track routes and camping locations etc. Please review and let me know your thoughts! Cheers

21 May 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Hi James,
Just reviewing the trip details and I noticed that you plan on doing Mt Margaret, Chromite and B1 as part of the trip. Do you know what condition they are in at the moment?

I did these tracks the opposite way through 4wdtrip, around 3 years ago (I'm sure conditions changed since then) and took us literally from 9AM to midnight to get back to camp (on tamboritha rd).. to make things worse a guy broke a CV on the last track. Not sure on track conditions since then and probably doing them opposite way might be easier?

Have to say though, convoy was full of beginners and mostly stock cars, so that also could contribute to the fact.

21 May 2019

James (RiderID)
WITHDRAWN from Trip - Reason:

21 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Hi James,
Just reviewing the trip details and I noticed that you plan on doing Mt Margaret, Chromite and B1 as part of the trip. Do you know what condition they are in at the moment?

I did these tracks the opposite way through 4wdtrip, around 3 years ago (I'm sure conditions changed since then) and took us literally from 9AM to midnight to get back to camp (on tamboritha rd).. to make things worse a guy broke a CV on the last track. Not sure on track conditions since then and probably doing them opposite way might be easier?

Have to say though, convoy was full of beginners and mostly stock cars, so that also could contribute to the fact.

Hi Thurstain,
Yeah I did Mt Margaret twice last year from start to end each way. B1 heading south is predominantly down hill and chromite mine track has one particularly steep section coming out of the mine site that can be interesting in rough weather. Last trip was in November and we drove up from Hickeys tk through to Chromite mine and up B1 with no issues. That sasid, 7 months can change a track quite a bit depending on maintenance though as it has been fairly dry Id hope it is still ok!

21 May 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote:
Thurstain (Tcm9669) wrote: Hi James,
Just reviewing the trip details and I noticed that you plan on doing Mt Margaret, Chromite and B1 as part of the trip. Do you know what condition they are in at the moment?

I did these tracks the opposite way through 4wdtrip, around 3 years ago (I'm sure conditions changed since then) and took us literally from 9AM to midnight to get back to camp (on tamboritha rd).. to make things worse a guy broke a CV on the last track. Not sure on track conditions since then and probably doing them opposite way might be easier?

Have to say though, convoy was full of beginners and mostly stock cars, so that also could contribute to the fact.
Hi Thurstain,
Yeah I did Mt Margaret twice last year from start to end each way. B1 heading south is predominantly down hill and chromite mine track has one particularly steep section coming out of the mine site that can be interesting in rough weather. Last trip was in November and we drove up from Hickeys tk through to Chromite mine and up B1 with no issues. That sasid, 7 months can change a track quite a bit depending on maintenance though as it has been fairly dry Id hope it is still ok!

Sounds good - I will see if I can get Friday off.

Thanks.

24 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Hi guys,

I just want to gauge opinions on meet time and location. Some of you will be coming from the Melbourne direction and depending on your work commitments you may or may not be interested in coming down on the Thursday evening or Friday morning. The plan will be to have all vehicles fueled up and ready to go by 8:15 am which will make for an early start for some (Departure time is up for discussion). So let me know what your personal preference is and I will try to accommodate everyone's needs! We have some decent ground to cover on Friday, though if time does get tight we can make changes as required on the day! Cheers

27 May 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

If there's a camp spot close to meeting point of Friday morning, I'll come up Thursday night after work. Will most likely be past dinner time at the pub by the time I get there, so pub meal for me is not an option.

27 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Thurstain (Tcm9669) I've sent you a Private Message. Please check your inbox.

27 May 2019

Nichole Rose (nrose_hilux)

James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi guys,

I just want to gauge opinions on meet time and location. Some of you will be coming from the Melbourne direction and depending on your work commitments you may or may not be interested in coming down on the Thursday evening or Friday morning. The plan will be to have all vehicles fueled up and ready to go by 8:15 am which will make for an early start for some (Departure time is up for discussion). So let me know what your personal preference is and I will try to accommodate everyone's needs! We have some decent ground to cover on Friday, though if time does get tight we can make changes as required on the day! Cheers

Hi James,
How many kms do you think we will be doing? and will there be refuel stops at any point?
I will look at heading down on Thursday night after work.
Thanks
Nichole

28 May 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)

Nichole Rose (nrose_hilux) wrote:
James Sandison (JimmySando) wrote: Hi guys,

I just want to gauge opinions on meet time and location. Some of you will be coming from the Melbourne direction and depending on your work commitments you may or may not be interested in coming down on the Thursday evening or Friday morning. The plan will be to have all vehicles fueled up and ready to go by 8:15 am which will make for an early start for some (Departure time is up for discussion). So let me know what your personal preference is and I will try to accommodate everyone's needs! We have some decent ground to cover on Friday, though if time does get tight we can make changes as required on the day! Cheers
Hi James,
How many kms do you think we will be doing? and will there be refuel stops at any point?
I will look at heading down on Thursday night after work.
Thanks
Nichole

Hi Nichole, the last fuel is in Stratford or Briagolong. However, due to the inconsistent opening times of the Briagolong general store, I think it would be best to fill up in Stratford at the BP on your way through. I will be carrying 80lt in my main tank and 2 x 20lt Jerrys (total 120L) from Stratford which will be enough for me on the trip. I have estimated that the total distance of the trip starting and ending in Stratford is 330km with 80% of that in the bush. Licola general store is a bit of a detour from our route, but it does have fuel.

28 May 2019

Jamie Hughes (Italiandingo)
Licola won't be too far if in desperate need for fuel, but ill bring 2 x 20ltr with me so shoukd see me through. I havent got my roof rack yet though, that would have helped

11 Jun 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

I'll have 120 Litres in main and sub leaving Sale BP.. Which should get me at least 600kms (closer to 800km really).. Did a few engine mods last 3 weeks and didn't check fuel consumption yet.. (need to refill after last trip to recalculate). I reckon that will be enough as your route is under 400kms back to town.

Looked at weather forecast, it's looking good! Hopefully stays that way! I'm keen as hell.

Anyone else planning to camp Thursday night after the pub meal?

11 Jun 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Stratford BP is slightly closer mate 👍 and Jamie, if you need us to carry an extra 20l either Rod or myself will have room on our roof. I have a spare 20lt jerry at home

12 Jun 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

Not sure if Stratford will be open that late?

Also sorry wasn't following previous conversation... If anyone needs roof space... I've got a massive roof rack and won't be using it.. So can carry stuff if anyone needs!

12 Jun 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Awesome thanks mate.I think Wurruk and Stratty BP both close at 9pm.

12 Jun 2019

Thurstain (Tcm9669)

I've checked in. I'm keen as!

Patrol is all packed up ready to go, just need to fill the fridge and fill up diesel and I'm done. I'll be on my way hopefully by 4pm and be at the pub just before the kitchen closes.. Depending on traffic coming from the west! If I catch you guys there it'll be terrific, otherwise I'll find camp close by and see you all in the morning.

12 Jun 2019

James Sandison (JimmySando)
Just give me a buzz when you are halfa away and I can order a meal for you if you're going to make it by 8 👍
Also, Nichole same goes for you too! I have finally finished getting the car sorted 👌

13 Jun 2019