Track Torque

“Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring”

TRACK

DECEMBER Torque 2018 Newsletter

Inside this issue:

➢ The President’s Page ➢ General Meeting Minutes ➢ Trip Reports ➢ Advertisements (Sponsors) ➢ Trip Calendar

www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 1 Track Torque WANGARATTA 4X4 CLUB

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club The Wangaratta 4WD Club has evolved from Committee Members a few members in 1983, to our current

Executive- membership of over 30 families. The Club is President Neville Sonego made up of individuals and families who are Vice President Mick Maher interested in responsible Four-Wheel Driving. Secretary Sue Abotomey There is no restriction on the make or type of Treasurer Irene Ham four-wheel drive vehicle, and there is always plenty of variety and camaraderie amongst Other Committee Members- members 4WD Victorian Representative Noel Ham Membership Officer Irene Ham Where we live: Members live all over the North Merchandise Officer Chris Sonego East and beyond, including from Benalla, Newsletter editor Bev Maher Beechworth, Corowa, Howlong Glenrowan, Property Officer Neville French Milawa, Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Publicity Officer Goorambat, Tatong, Langwarrin, Molyullah, Trip Coordinator Damian O’Connor Myrtleford, Mount Beauty, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Stanhope, Violet Town, Graham Abotomey Melbourne, Rosebud and Overseas (England). Andrew Ammendola

Non-Committee Positions- Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club is affiliated with Four Wheel Drive . Training Coordinator Dave van Zanten

Sergeant in Arms - Members of our club are proud to be part of the First Aid Officer - Adopt a Hut Program and work with Parks Web Master Andrew Brown Victoria to look after Top Crossing and Lake Cobbler huts. WEBSITE:

www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au Membership: Single or family $100.00 p.a. Temporary Membership: $15.00 (Three trips)

General Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, generally at the North East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee Recreation Reserve, commencing 8.00pm. There is no meeting in January. Please refer to the club calendar. Visitors are always most welcome.

Track Torque: Newsletter Contributions may be forwarded to …

Editor: Bev Maher  0419 533 898 : [email protected]

st Editorial Deadline:- 1 of the month This is your newsletter so be a part of it and send any articles of interest, comments, birthday etc to the editor.

Advertising: $100/yr. Please contact the editor for further details.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the editor or of Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc. The editor reserves the right to delete any section of any article, or reject any article, which has been sent in for publication in the Newsletter

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 2 Track Torque

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

PRESIDENT REPORT – DECEMBER 2018

At this time of the year the social calendar seems to bulge at the seams as we try to fit in all parts of our lives from family, work, club and friends. For those who are able to attend the club BBQ / meeting this month it is a great time to informally discuss plans for the following year. Look forward to seeing you there.

It is pleasing to see that a couple of trips are planned for January 2019. A good kick start to the year with the possibility of more to come. A fine lead up to the HC&B Dargo event in March.

As reported at our last meeting there was a group that put in a weekend assisting with track clearing. Your efforts are appreciated not only by fellow club members but by all users of these tracks. It also helps maintain a great working relationship with the Parks staff. Thanks go also to the group who made the Recce maintenance trip to the huts last month.

Chris and myself pass on the season’s greetings to you all and trust that your family gatherings will be enjoyable and safe.

President. Neville Sonego.

Club Contact Details

Name and Position Held Mobile Number Email Address Neville Sonego 0427 251 576 [email protected] (President)

Sue Abotomey (Secretary) [email protected]

Irene Ham (Treasurer) 0457 641 282 [email protected]

Damian O'Connor (Trip 0417 526 175 [email protected] Coordinator)

Bev Maher 0419 533 898 [email protected] (Editor Track Torque)

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 3 Track Torque Minutes of the Wangaratta 4x4 Club Meeting- OCTOBER

Date - Tuesday 13th November 2018, 8.00pm Place - Nth East Car Club Rooms, Tarrawingee

Neville & Chris Sonego, Sue & Graham Abotomey, Barry Present Richardson, Manfred Wagner & Narelle Culla, David Blore, Neville & Monica French, Craig Cheetham, Robyn & Glenn Norton and Bruce Gooday

Bev & Mick Maher, Damien O’Connor, Allan & Jeanette Wallace, Beryl & John Strang, Sean Strudwick, Daryl Collier, Noel & Irene Apologies Ham, Andrew Ammendola and Fiona & David van Zanten.

Guests NIL

Approval of Monica French / Graham Abotomey Minutes October 2018 Carried General Meeting Business Arising NIL from Meeting

*FWDV: Accredited Trainers - asking for applications from members. *Notice of AGM *High Country Huts advertising AGM and Echo from the Mountains. *Parks Vic: email from Chris Clarke thanking Wang 4x4 Club’s Correspondence track clearing team for their recent work. Published in Track In Torque. *WAW Bank Statements

Motion: “Correspondence be accepted.” Moved: Sue Abotomey Seconded: Neville French Carried

Correspondence Out

President’s As published in Track Torque Report-

Motion: “Treasurer’s Report be accepted and accounts be passed for Treasurer’s Report payment.” Moved: Sue Abotomey Seconded: Chris Sonego Carried

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 4 Track Torque Club Event Calendar

2018 Calendar: - November: 24th /25th Top Crossing Hut/Cobbler Hut Graham Abotomey 0357 273 427 or 0427 273 427

- December: - Tues 11th 6.30pm Christmas BBQ and General Meeting 8pm at NECC. PLEASE let us know if you will attending. The Club with provide the BBQ meat. Members to bring a salad or a sweet to share. Sue 0424 914 200

2019 Calendar: - January: 14th to 17th, High Country - David Blore

Calendar/Proposed - February: Huts maintenance – TBC Trips Graham and Damo

- March: Tuesday 12th AGM & General Meeting 8pm Nth East Car Club rooms

16th to 24th HC&B – Dargo Event

Simpson Desert departing FRIDAY 22nd MARCH for approx. 3 weeks. Graham & Sue Abotomey 0427 273 427

- April: Nil at present

HC&B – Report NIL

Member News NIL

NIL Training

Merchandise can be purchased from Work Locker – Murphy Street, Merchandise Wangaratta.

Please get information to Bev by the 1st of the month at the latest. Editor All Trip reports or 4WD related articles gratefully appreciated. Newsletter

Sergeant at Arms In Recess until 2019.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 5 Track Torque Track Clearing – Graham gave a verbal report. Refer November Track Torque.

The Spannerman, Swan Hill and Western District Silos Trail -

Neville Sonego enlightened those in attendance of a recent mid-week trip with another club. Amazing works of art built by the Trip Reports Spannerman at Boort. Swan Hill and the Pioneer Settlement.

Patchewollock to Horsham following the Silos. The Stick Shed at Murtoa and drive out to Mt Arrapillies.

Refer correspondence

4WDVic

1. NO Private trips to be advertised on Facebook or website as we need to fill our Club Calendar first. LATE trips to Damien O’Connor – Trip Coordinator for addition to Club Calendar and advertising to ALL Club members.

2. ‘Trip Participants List’ Damo reminded the Committee that ALL Trip Leaders are required to fill these out for ALL trips and give them to Damo for filing. These lists are available on the Website and from the Trip Coordinator and the Secretary.

3. Member Advertisements This was discussed by the Committee General Business Motion: “Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Inc. Club Members may advertise 4x4 and camping gear in Track Torque and on the Members Only Facebook Page.” Moved: Graham Abotomey Seconded: Damien O’Connor Carried

4. Craig Cheetham asked about an article he has submitted for Track Torque. Track Torque printed early this month. Sue to email Craig Bev’s email address.

Meeting Closed 8.35pm Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th December 2018 at North East Car Club rooms, Tarrawingee XMAS BREAK-UP - BBQ at 6.00pm ( Club will supply meats- just bring salad or Sweet) Meeting begins at 8.00 p.m.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 6 Track Torque

Butcher Country/ Region January 2019

Trip leader: David Blore

Emergency Contact: (outside of trip): ☎ Kay Blore 0433 209 396

Tail end Charlie: TBA

Trip leader contact details: ☎ David: 0407 885 410, email [email protected]

Start Date: Monday 14 January 2019

Meeting place: Swanpool 8.00 am Monday

Trip duration: expected to be two nights away, returning Wednesday night

Trip rating: Medium-Hard (I haven’t recced the area recently so have no first-hand knowledge of track conditions)

Type of tyre tread required: All-Terrain at a minimum, with better than 70% tread.

Fuel requirements/places to purchase fuel: Full tank ex Mansfield; 450-500 km touring range required.

Minimum recovery gear required: Snatch straps, shovel etc

Winch required: If you have one Wheel chains required: No Chainsaw: If you have a ticket and protective gear.

Fire restrictions: Most probably will be some restrictions. Plan meals for the possibility of a Total Fire Ban, i.e. no campfire or open fire cooking.

Type of Accommodation/camping: Tent-based, base camping for two nights at Caledonia River; location not confirmed at present.

Maximum number of vehicles (first in gets a placing): 6 vehicles

Personal equipment requirements: Gear for very hot as well as possible cold and wet conditions.

Trip Details: We will be travelling to the Butcher Country region via Mansfield, the Bluff and Howitt Plains. The trip is a re-run of a similar trip a couple of years ago; there has been some considerable work done on Butcher Country by PV (reported recently in Trackwatch) which I want to see, and I’m hoping to use

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 7 Track Torque the same campsite we used on that trip which had a marvellous swimming hole in the river nearby. The other possible destination will be the Chromite Mine and Mt Margaret (I haven’t been there for about 30 years so keen to get back.)

There are a number of scenic locations to visit; we will encounter steep tracks (with a few very steep sections), with numerous river crossings of varying depth.

Drivers must have undertaken Club or 4WDVic training and be experienced in 4wdriving in steep terrain; vehicles must be mechanically sound, have low range and good tyres as noted above. Weather will be significant to the difficulty or otherwise of the trip; wet weather could affect river depths and may result in a change to the planned route.

If extreme fire weather or heavy storms are forecast, the trip will be postponed.

Expressions of Interest: Contact David to reserve your place. First come first served.

Note particularly: Trip will definitely be postponed if bushfires are active in the High Country. Parks Vic have been briefed on the coming fire season and the outlook isn‘t good.

Simpson Desert Trip 2019

Graham & Sue Abotomey- 0427 273 427 22nd March (Friday) to 12th April (Friday)

We plan to leave Wangaratta around 9am on the Friday and travel to Renmark on the Murray in South . This will take 2 days and then our trip will really begin. We will travel North through the Danggali Conservation Park to Yunta which is on the Barrier H/way. From Yunta we will continue to travel North West through Balcanoona, Leigh Creek, Maree,William Creek and on to Oodnadatta. (Fuel is available at most towns along the way. But be warned that there is no Telstra mobile available once you leave Yunta until we reach Birdsville. Yes Optus is the only carrier in between.) From Oodnadatta we will travel to Dalhousie for a swim in the springs. From the springs the Simpson awaits.

We will travel a number of the Simpson’s tracks and cross many sand dunes including Big Red on our way to Birdsville where we will stay for a couple of days to have a look around this famous town. On the road again our travels will take us to Innamincka via Cordillo Downs. We intend to camp on the Cooper at Innamincka for a night before moving a few Klms out of town to the Cullyamurra Waterhole for a couple of nights and yes you can catch fish in the river if you’re lucky. We will visit the Burke and Wills Dig Tree before heading south to Cameron Corner, Fort Grey and on to Tibooburra. We will do a loop run up and over the Jump Ups from here before continuing South. From here it will be a toss of a coin to see which way we head home either through White Cliffs and Wilcannia or Broken Hill. We will make a majority decision upon leaving Tibooburra.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 8 Track Torque Time frame: Home to Oodnadatta 8 days. Oodnadatta to Birdsville 6 days. Birdsville to Innamincka 2 days. Innamincka to Tibooburra 2 days. Tibooburra to Home 4 days. Total 22 days approx..

HC&B – DARGO - RECCE NO 1 -Pre-Trip Report

Name of Trip: Dargo/Haunted Stream Recce trip

Date/s: 2/01/2017 6/01/2017 From To Timings: Meet at the Dargo Inn (drive through town and on your left) any time you wish to arrive. We may go to the Museum in the arvo if Include where to meet, departure time and return time enough interest and it is open.

Trip Details: Click here to enter text. Leave Dargo on the morning of the 3th for a two-night trip to the List things such as Destination, Plan, Expected weather, Sights, Places, Key Haunted Stream. track names, etc We will do a day trip or overnight trip on the 6th depending on interest.

0438 641282 Noel Ham Trip Leader: [email protected] First Name Surname Contact Info Trip Rating: Medium Click here to enter text. A brief description of likely conditions to be encountered Select rating then add notes if needbe Number of Vehicles: 8

Suitable for: Camper trailers and caravans may be left at the Inn. List type of vehicle, whether campers or caravans can be taken, etc.

Vehicle Requirements: Tyres All Terrain Winch Choose an item.

All vehicles on club trips are required to have Choose an item. Choose an item. recovery points and carry their own recovery Lift Snorkel equipment, a snatch strap, shackles and Click here to enter text. dampener as a minimum. All vehicles require a UHF radio, the trip leader will advise radio channel prior to departure.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 9 Track Torque Trip leader to list other items that may be required for this trip. Things such as snow chains, water blinds, chainsaw, etc.

Fuel and Supplies: Fuel available at Dargo Brief description of where fuel and other supplies can be obtained if at all. Fuel required, fuel availability, cater for how many meals, spare parts required, etc Trip Specific Info: Trip will be cancelled and all notified if Fires in the area.

Food, clothing, prohibited items, fire restrictions, other items to bring, etc

Permits, Camp fees, etc Dargo Inn camping fee is $15 night

Send this completed form to the trip co-ordinator, web site administrator and the newsletter editor. HIGHIf you wish COUNTRY to go on this &trip, BEYOND ensure you register 2019 with - DARGOthe trip leader. Do not turn up without registering. Remember to let the trip leader know if you need to cancel.

HC&B -DARGO -RECCE TRIP NO 2 – Pre Trip Report

Name of Trip: HC&B Recce: Dargo -Wonnangatta - Lake Buffalo - Myrtleford

Date/s: 11/01/2019 13/01/2019 From To

Timings: We will travel to Dargo on the Friday afternoon, we will be leaving Albury around 3pm, arriving Myrtleford around 4pm then on to Include where to meet, departure time and return time Dargo arriving there around 6:45pm

Trip Details: Th plan is to leave Dargo on the Saturday morning and travel into Wonnangatta where we will camp for the night then next day List things such as Destination, Plan, Expected weather, Sights, Places, Key head out to Myrtleford and make our way home. track names, etc This trip is going to be camper trailer friendly so we will take our camper and all are welcome to do so. We need a TEC for this trip which will run from Sun to Tue on the HC+B event so if anyone is interested in being a part of that trip then it would be great to have you along for the recce also.

[email protected] Trip Leader: Dave and Fiona Van Zanten or ph 0400 936 113 First Name Surname Contact Info

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 10 Track Torque Trip Rating: Hard I’m not taking the hard tracks but when A brief description of likely conditions to towing the medium tracks are that bit be encountered harder hence the chosen rating. Select rating then add notes if needbe Number of Vehicles: 10

Suitable for: Off-road camper trailers with electric brakes (and brake controller in List type of vehicle, whether campers or tow vehicle), good off-road suspension and good articulating coupling. caravans can be taken, etc. Not suited to caravans or non off-road campers.

Vehicle Requirements: All Terrain Recommended Tyres Winch

All vehicles on club trips are required to Lift Recommended Snorkel Yes have recovery points and carry their own recovery equipment, a snatch At that time of year most tracks should be dry and river levels low. strap, shackles and dampener as a There are some water crossings and I don’t know how deep they minimum. All vehicles require a UHF radio, the trip leader will advise radio will be so a snorkel is required. A winch and lift are recommended channel prior to departure. but not compulsory. Trip leader to list other items that may be required for this trip. Things such as I’ll take a chainsaw, others are welcome to if they wish but must snow chains, water blinds, chainsaw, have all PPE. etc.

Fuel and Supplies: Fuel available in Myrtleford prior to departing there then available in Dargo on the Saturday morning. Bring enough fuel for a full Brief description of where fuel and other supplies can be obtained if at all. weekend of off-road driving. 150Km road driving to Dargo and approx. 200Km off-road driving back to Myrtleford. Fuel required, fuel availability, cater for how many meals, spare parts required, etc Trip Specific Info: Bring enough food, drinks, medications, etc for the weekend plus some spare for emergencies. The high country could be hot, cold, Food, clothing, prohibited items, fire restrictions, other items to bring, etc wet or dry or maybe all four so bring all sorts of clothing plus whatever other camping gear you may need.

Permits, Camp fees, etc There are no fees or permits required. Bring a joke or two to share with everyone, a few laughs and be prepared for an enjoyable weekend!

Send this completed form to the trip co-ordinator, web site administrator and the newsletter editor.

If you wish to go on this trip, ensure you register with the trip leader. Do not turn up without registering. Remember to let the trip leader know if you need to cancel.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 11 Track Torque

Trip Title: 2019 Gastronomical Tour

Trip Dates: 16/02/2019 17/02/2019 From To

Trip Leader: Dave and Fiona van Zanten [email protected]

First Name Surname Contact Info

Trip Rating: Scenic A social drive enjoying good food and company Select rating then add notes if needbe Number of Vehicles: No limit

Suitable for vans/trailers: Bring whatever you wish, no restrictions this year

Vehicles Must Have: Tyres Highway Winch No For any off road event each vehicle must have No No UHF Radio, approved recovery points front and Lift Snorkel rear and a snatch strap with dampener as a You can even bring a 2wd highway type car if you wish but please have minimum. If you are not self sufficient with recovery a UHF to communicate with the rest of the convoy equipment check to see if you can borrow club property or ask the trip leader if there is someone with whom you can buddy up.

Fuel and Supplies: Plenty of fuel available, plenty of food at each stop! Fuel required, fuel availability, cater for how many meals, spare parts required, etc Permits, Camp fees, etc Nil required

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 12 Track Torque Trip Notes: A combined trip with members of both Wangaratta and Albury Wodonga clubs. Allow for a round trip of up to 500Km but probably less than that. We are still finalising the actual route but the idea is to enjoy a number of eateries and each other’s company, not to spend heaps of time behind the wheel.

A rough itinerary would be have coffee, depart on trip, stop for morning tea at a cake / coffee shop, drive a bit, lunch at a pub, drive a bit, set up camp, dinner at a pub. Next day a short drive, brunch at a café, bit of a drive, icecreams and farewells and head our own separate ways home.

Meet on Saturday morning at 8:30am at the Howlong Bakery for an 8:45am departure. We will be back home mid-afternoon on the Sunday.

Send this completed form to the trip co-ordinator and the magazine editor. Ensure you enter the trip into the Proposed Trips and Events area on the web site forum or ask the trip co-ordinator to do so for you.

If you wish to go on this trip, ensure you register with the trip leader. Am I going? Yes / No Have I registered? Yes / No

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 13 Track Torque

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 14 Track Torque

Following table from the HC&B Committee is the proposed trip calendar for HC+B 2019. Any trips listed with a ? under TL or TEC is a trip we are seeking assistance with. More information as it becomes available.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 15 Track Torque Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 16-Mar- 17-Mar-19 18-Mar- 19-Mar-19 20-Mar-19 21-Mar-19 22-Mar-19 23-Mar-19 19 19 Driver 19. 1. Wonnangatta / Buffalo Training 8. John Flemming camper trailer trip McGuire's Camper Trailer Trip Intro Track 9. 10. Tony Museum 2. Noel and Irene Hut Trip Machinery Trip Spur #2 B

11. 18. Waller's 3. Tony Trip A 13. Haunted Stream Talbotville Hut Track 4. 7. 5. 15. 12. Blizzard 14. Talbotville / 22. Mayford / Machinery Cassilis Billygoat Brewery BBQ Grant Wonnangatta Bluerag Spur #1 20. 21. 16. Upper New 17. Mayford / Murdering 6. Shannonvale Murdering Place Hut Bluerag Spur #1 Spur #2

Dinner / Welcome Guest Gala Dinner BBQ Spkr Trip TL TEC Trip Notes No 1 D+FvZ ? Rd, Eaglevale Tk, Wombat Range Tk, Wonnongatta Tk. Camp overnight in Wonnongatta Humffray Tk, East Buffalo Tk, Buggery Tk, Yararabula Tk. Camp overnight along the headwaters of Lake Buffalo Rd to Myrtleford and retuirn over the Great Alpine Rd and Dargo High Plains Rd to Dargo. PRE-TRIP REPORT ATTACHED IN TRACK TORQUE.

2 N+IH ?

3 Tony MG

4 GP SB

5 PO BK

6 GP SB

7 BK ?

8 JF ?

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 16 Track Torque 9 Tony MG

10 SB GP

11 N+I H ?

12 SB GP

13 N+IH ?

14 GP SB

15 PO BK

16 BK PO

17 PO BK

18 BK PO

19 GP SB

20 ? ?

21 ? ?

22 ? ?

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 17 Track Torque

TRIP REPORTS

The Munja Track by Craig Cheetham

As part of our northern trip the Ham’s & Cheetham’s completed the challenging Munja track from Mt Elizabeth Station to Walcott Inlet in the far north west of the Kimberly.

The original track was carved in the early 1960’s as a way to bring supplies to the remote cattle station, being resurrected in 1980 for tours being run by the Lacy family then later Bushtrack Safari’s using the Bachsten Creek camp as a base. Today the camp has all the basic amenities with long standing caretakers Janet & Peter Morris hosting our stay. Each May after the wet season the route needs to be opened with a dedicated crew rebuilding the track, pushing down the long grass & cutting the creek crossings back in.

The route began innocently enough on dusty 2wd station tracks winding its way between unusual beehive rock formations. A short walk discovered numerous indigenous art sites with spectacular examples believed to be up to 20,000 years old. After several mostly dry river crossings the track deteriorates quickly dropping down the Magpie Jump-up. It was often walking pace at best negotiating the rocks to avoid damage, the remoteness always front of mind. We camped about 80km in with large numbers of wild cattle in the area, the terrain apparently too difficult to muster them. Another slow day tackling the Fig Tree jump-up we passed several reminders of early cattle history & burnt out vehicles leading to the impressive Jamieson Arch. The walk to the top was taxing but well worth the effort. Bird life is nothing short of spectacular with over 120 different varieties found in the area.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 18 Track Torque

Long grassy plains & rocky jump-ups dominate the route with pandanus plants bordering the water holes & creek lines. After 2 days of being bounced around, Bachsten Camp on the edge of the Prince Regent Nature Reserve was a welcome sight & a great base from which to recharge & explore the Bachsten Falls, Wrens Gorge & the Honeycomb Caves. Unlike most of the nearby tourist attractions throughout the Kimberly, you pretty much have the place to yourselves & it has to be one of the last spots in Oz that rare spotted quolls, tree rats & bandicoot’s run around your camp fire at night. Heading south west the track deteriorates becoming overgrown in places, passing Carls Lagoon then winding our way off the plateau in low range to the flood plains of Walcott inlet. The Harding Range dominates the view as does the mighty Charnley River with its massive 12 metre tides, the birds & crocs prolific. A little exploring finds the old 1930’s Munja station site, remains of the airstrip & various signs of past cattle mustering.

Our return trip saw us backtracking to Mt Elizebeth Station the way we had come in taking a few side walks to gorges for a swim & explore more indiginous sites. The rock art is everywhere from early Infill paintings, Bradshaw Art, to Clawed hand paintings & the ghostly Wanjina’s.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 19 Track Torque Being the only track that pushes into this area it really is a privelidge to be able to access it. The gorges are remote & untouched with walks to see them challenging. The drive while not technically difficult is rough & rugged requiring a well prepared car. For those that like to explore the path less travelled this certainly should be on your bucket list.

Huts Run - Nov 2018

By Graham Abotomey 8 Club members and 1 visitor met at Whitfield at 9am for our Huts inspection trip. After a brief run down re the pros and cons of our trip our convoy of 6 vehicles headed towards Mt. Cobbler. The morning was a bit overcast and there was a chill in the air as we left the low lands of the King Valley and started to climb the rising hills of the valley. Upon reaching Bennies we swung hard left to start the climb up the Cobbler road. I thought this was going to be the first challenge for our visitor. He is an ex club member who had only had his 2010 model Suzuki Swift for a week and wanted to give it a run to see how it would go and to re acquaint himself with our Club. The run up Mt. Cobbler to the hut was good for all as the rain we had had earlier in the week had dampened the road and the lack of dust was to everyone’s liking. We arrived at the Cobbler Hut around 10.30am and smoko was declared. The purpose of this weekend’s trip was to check on the condition of the Cobbler and Top Crossing Huts and to report their condition to Parks Vic Whitfield office and plan for any repairs or maintenance that is required. The hut was occupied by a number of people that had arrived on the Friday and we were amused by the number of fishing lines that were in the lake and that there were a few leaning on the outside of the hut, upon telling them that over the years that our Club had been maintaining this hut none of us had heard or known of any fish that had been caught and that it would be near impossible that they could jump or swim up the Dandongadale falls. After smoko we had a quick look at the huts condition which was good except for the iron chimney that the top is starting to rust away and needs a few strengthening bands around and along some of it.

Chimney at Cobbler Hut Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 20 Track Torque

Hut check over we continued along the Cobbler Lake Track towards Speculation Road. Along the way we stopped and collected a load of wood for the evening’s fire and had our lunch just before the Speculation Road King Hut turn off. Lunch over we turned right towards the King Hut and proceeded down the Staircase to the King Hut arriving around 3pm.

As there was no one staying in the Hut area we decided that the night’s camp would be there. Camp set up and fire lit, the rest of the afternoon was spent around the fire. About 5.30pm we had rain for about an hour then it fined up for the rest of the night. Tea cooked and all around the fire until around 10pm, the evening came to a close. Sunday morning dawned and all had risen by 7am to a brilliant day. Brekkie and pack up done we were away around 9am for the run down the to Pineapple Flats. With the rain of the past week the King was a bit above its normal height and the crossings to Pineapple Flats provided a bit more of a challenge than normal. The Suzuki made it through unaided. (Just). The Burnt Top Track through to the Razor Back was a good apart from a few greasy patches along the way. From the Razor Back it was a good run across the Wabonga Plateau to Long Spur Track for a short run and then a left turn onto Sandy Flat Track down to the King River and on to Top Crossing for Lunch and an inspection of the Hut.

Top Crossing Hut Saturday Camp The Hut at Top Crossing is in good condition and someone has constructed a metal fire box into the original corrugated chimney. Lunch was at the hut after our inspection. We then retraced our steps to the junction of the Buckland Spur Track then an easy run to the William Hovell Dam. Tyres reinflated our next point of call was the Cheshunt store for an ice cream and farewell to all the Trip participants. I would like to thank everyone that came on the trip and helped access the 2 Huts. I will put to Parks Whitfield suggestions to fix or replace the top part of chimney at the Cobbler hut and a time frame to implement this in early 2019. Graham

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 21 Track Torque Strathbogie Ranges Trip Bev & Michael Maher A great day trip was recently enjoyed by a small group from Wangaratta. Camped for the weekend at the Midlands Holiday Park- just south of Swanpool, we headed off on the Midland Highway, down past the Mansfield turn off and just before Bonnie Doon, we turned right onto Lockhart’s Road. We then did a large circuit through winding bush tracks, over some rocky terrain, up some significant hills and through a large Pine Plantation. We visited Wild Dog Rocks, walked to top of Mt Strathbogie which was covered in dense cloud and mist, then onto Cocker’s Sluice Hole at the Dry Creek Goldfield. Lunch was at the pretty Polly McGuinn’s Reservoir on the Sevens Creek, before continuing on through some amazing Pine forests before walking into Lima Falls and then on way home, calling in on an old Historic Air crash Memorial Site where a “Wirraway” had crashed in April 1942. Back to camp via Creamery lane and onto the Midland Highway again, we arrived back at camp mid-afternoon. An interesting day visiting country and sites we had not seen before.

Mt Strathbogie

Lima Falls

Sevens Creek at Polly McGuinn’s Reservoir

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 22 Track Torque FWDV- Project Hi There! Can you help us? The More To Explore app includes track data, campsite info, photos and track rating guide which has been previously provided by some of our club members. The track information in the app is limited at this stage so we are asking our members for help in collating more tracks into the App. Four Wheel Drive Victoria is working with DELWP in supporting this App as part of our key volunteer work projects. So if you could assist by collecting some track data next time you are out on the tracks it would be greatly appreciated. We don't need any data from National Parks at this stage, just from State Forests. This app works really well and will become an asset for all four wheel drivers and recreational users of State Forests. Please make sure you log your hours and klms traveled so we can include them in our volunteer hours log. So! The information we require is location or name of forest, track name and if possible track log files, track difficulty rating using our track rating guide on www.fwdvictoria.org.au, photos of the track showing the most challenging section to give the user an idea of the track conditions, any other information such as points of interest, scenic spots and picnic areas etc. Have a play in the App yourself and you can see what information is already there. We also require some good photos of club trips such as convoys and 4WD’s in action for use on our website and social media. If you have any good shots of your club activities please send them through also. Please send your files via email to [email protected]. Check Out The Video The More to Explore App. was recently launched by DELWP & Forest Fire Management it is ideal for Bushwalkers, Four Wheel Drivers, Fishers etc. to plan and enjoy the great outdoors in Victoria and covers all our State Forest areas. The app provides an interactive map, descriptive information and photos of our visitor sites and recreational trails and enables you to download maps for use offline, when out of mobile phone range. The data is maintained directly by Forest Fire Management Victoria field staff and provides the latest and most up-to-date information available (includes the latest information on any visitor site or trail closures). More to Explore App https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB1aAjcX6rs&feature=youtu.be https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/visiting-state-forests/more-to-explore-apps-and-maps

Available from the apple appstore - Android available soon Many Thanks

Ian Fletcher Four Wheel Drive Victoria “Driving in a Sustainable Environment” 6/27-33 Thornton Crescent, Mitcham, VIC 3132 PO Box 292, Mitcham, VIC 3132 Tel: (03) 9874 7222 Fax: (03) 9874 7233 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fwdvictoria.org.au FOLLOW US ON Facebook: www.facebook.com/4WDVictoria Twitter: https://twitter.com/4wdvictoria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwdvic/?hl=en

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 23 Track Torque December 2018 CLUB APPAREL

Club Tee Shirts, jumpers etc. are available from: - Black or Bottle green, Full Zip Polar (code 3FJ) WORKLOCKER Adults$35, Kids $27 120 Murphy St, Wangaratta, Phone: (code PF631) Ladies (03) 5722 4644 $39 New L/S Polo are available. Kids 2KLP Adults 210 $

Polo shirts, bottle green and gold. (code PS61) Mens

$20.00 (code PS62) Ladies PS62 $19.00

(code PS61K) Kids $18

Black or Bottle Green, Polar Vest (CH18) Cap $7 min of 5 (30V) $25 Plus logo cost

(code CH27) Beanies $7 min of 6 Plus logo cost . Cost for embroidery:-

Logo - $7.50 Name – $4.50 PLEASE ORDER AND PAY UP FRONT Prices are subject to change DIRECT WITH WORKLOCKER.

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 24 Track Torque 2018/2019 – Trip & Event Calendar

DECEMBER- 2018 4th December Committee CANCELLED Meeting 11th December General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 6.00pm BBQ Xmas B-B-Q Clubroom Nolan E: susieabotomey@hotmail. Short Club meeting Rd Tarrawingee com to follow

NB. Club to Please notify Sue of provide meat. attendance to assist Members please catering bring Salad or Sweets to share

JANUARY- 2019 2nd – 6th HC&B Recce#1 Dargo Inn Medium Noel Ham As per attached Pre- January Dargo/Haunted 0438 641282 Trip Report Stream Recce trip [email protected]

11th – 13th HC&B Recce #2 Myrtleford @ Hard- Dave & Fiona van Zanten As per attached Pre- January Dargo - 4.00pm Trailer [email protected] or Trip report Wonnangatta - OR Dargo @ firendly ph 0400 936 113 Lake 6.45pm Buffalo - Myrtleford

14th – 17th Butcher Country/ Meet at Swanpool Medium David Blore- As per attached Pre- January Caledonia River - Hard 0407 885 410, Trip Report region email [email protected]

FEBRUARY- 2019 5TH February Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 12th February General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com 16 th – 17th 2019- Meet on Saturday Dave & Fiona van Zanten February Gastronomical morning at [email protected] Tour 8:30am at the Howlong Bakery for an 8:45am departure. We will be back home mid afternoon on the Sunday. Date tba Huts Maintenance Graham & Damo tba

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 25 Track Torque MARCH – 2019 5th March Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 12th March AGM & General N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Meeting Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com 16th March- HC&B – Dargo Dargo varied Website for bookings 24th March Event More details to come

22nd March- Simpson Desert Leave from Medium Contact: Graham & Sue As per attached Pre- 12th April Trip Wangaratta - Hard Abotomey- Trip Report 0427 273 427

APRIL- 2019 2nd April Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 9th April General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com 19th April to ? Easter Trip tba 22nd April

MAY- 2019 7th May Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 14th May General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com

JUNE- 2019 4th June Committee NE Hotel N/A 6.00 PM for Dinner Meeting 6.30PM for Meeting 11th June General Meeting N.E Car Club NA Sec: Sue Abotomey 7:30 PM for an Clubroom Nolan E: 8:00PM start Rd Tarrawingee susieabotomey@hotmail. com 8th June to Long Weekend 10th June ? Trip tba

NEWS AROUND THE 4X4 WORLD

DON’T FORGET BLAZE AID -Please contact Chris Male from BLAZE AID on 0418 745994 or Ian Lucas on 0431712565

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 26 Track Torque

NOTE FROM EDITOR- Firstly, thanks to everyone for the support I have received since taking over the role of Editor. Hope you have all enjoyed reading the Track Torque and seeing the great things our Club does on a regular basis. As we draw close to the end of 2018, I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a safe and Happy Christmas season and all the best for 2019. Looking forward to more great activities and fun times with the 4WD Community of the North East. Safe driving in this wonderful country of ours-

Remember to “Take only photos and leave only Footprints. Bev

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 27

Track Torque

TRACk

Torque

DECEMBER 2018

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club

A0001052D PO Box 494 Wangaratta 3676 www.wangaratta4x4club.org.au

“Responsible Four Wheel Driving And Family Touring”

Wangaratta Four Wheel Drive Club Inc –DECEMBER 2018 Page 28