PLEASE NOTE: Trip date has been changed from March 14-17 to April 25-28 due to the Gippsland fires and the numerous track/road closures.
This trip will be similar to the one I ran a while back, but in the opposite direction. The planned route has a bit of everything; steep & rocky ascents/descents, numerous river crossings, as well as visits to some of the iconic high country huts. Listed below is the basic plan, but this can change due to unforseen circumstances;
Day 1. Erica to Macalister Gorge or Cheynes Bridge.
Will leave Erica and make our way to 2 of the Deep Creek tracks, (1 & 4). Then head to Burgoynes Gap track via the last section of Fultons and either camp the night at Macalister Gorge or Cheynes Bridge, depending on how we are travelling.
Day 2. Overnight camp to either Lovicks or Howitt Hut.
From overnight camp we will make our way into Licola to refuel,(ULP & Diesel available), then head to Howitt Plains via Macalister River Tk, Butcher Country Tk or Dingo Hill Tk. If all going well, we continue onto King Billy Tk to Lovicks Hut for overnight stop, or if we have hold ups, we will stay at Howitt Hut.
Day 3. Overnight camp at either Sheepyard Flats or Frys Hut.
From wherever we camp on Day 2, we will make our way towards Mansfield visiting Bluff & Bindaree Huts, Bindaree Falls and Craigs Hut. From there we will make our way down to Sheepyard Flats or Frys Hut for our last overnight camp.
Day 4. Overnight camp back to Melbourne.
From our campsite,we will then have a leisurely pack up in the morning & head home via Mansfield.
This trip will involve some long days 'behind the wheel'. I am hoping to be at our overnight stops by aprox 4-5pm everynight. Ensure you have enough fuel to cover aprox 400klms with a high percentage of this being in low range, so if unsure carry a 20ltr jerry. I would suggest everyone tops up with fuel in Moe before our meet up at Erica. We will be driving some reasonably narly tracks so ensure you vehicle is in good condition & has the minimum requirements for this trip. In regard to river crossings, a snorkel is preferable but if you do not have one, please have a water blind/tarp just in case some of the river crossings are high. All participants must be self sufficent with food/water & camping gear etc and please note that no dogs/pets on this trip as we will be driving through National Parks. Vehicle/Driver requirements are as follows;
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: - Minimum of 32" tyres either A/T's or M/T's. No HT tyres or SUV type vehicles; all must have low range. Full recovery gear, UHF Radio
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS: - Must be experienced, not suitable for drivers new to 4wding, (preferably participated in at least 5 trips on this site).
I have the descretion to remove members if they do not have the minimum vehicle/driver requirements along with anyone who continually joins a trip here then pulls out at the last minute, (which there are many). Am sure those who do take part will have a very enjoyable and challenging trip. Most overnight stops will have pit toilets available so feel free to bring partners etc.
.Any questions, just ask.
Requirement
- Electric Winch
- Recovery Gear