Trip Report

The weekend started on Thursday night when we arrived at Glenmaggie, unpacked and re-packed and sat around the fire for a while before heading off to bed. Friday saw Jason, Kate, Hank & Michelle in the 80 series, Stewart & Aaron in the Suzi and Hazza in the Cruiser Tray head off on our way to Wonnangatta for the night.

We travelled thru Licola, the Sisters and up Butcher Country Tk where we diverted off to an un-named track to see where it took us. We were amazed at the condition of this new track as it cut its way down to the valley floor having everything pushed to the side that was in its way. In places it looked as if there was another track off to the side that wasnąt in bad condition but a new one had been cut in its place leaving a mess of trees and over turned rocks everywhere. As we arrived at the bottom we were stunned to find the track going both directions was in relatively good condition with only small bushes growing along the centre of the track so we proceeded to the left for a while pulling up to have lunch at a clearing a short way along.

After lunch it was decided that we would climb our way out of this valley towards our destination really enjoying the track that was in very good condition, even though a little over grown in places, making our way back up to the High Plains Road. From here it was a quick trip down Zeka Tk towards Wonnangatta where we set up camp, repaired the first flat tyre, then sat around a fire watching the full moon rise above the hills before hitting the hay.

Saturday morning came so we packed up and headed out along the old lower track thru some of the bog-holes that were mostly dry making our way towards Hearne Spur that was a smooth, steep climb as it had just been graded. From Mt Cynthia we headed over to and up Billy Goat to The Pinnacles to catch some spectacular views of the surrounding area before following the main roads back to Glenmaggie to repair 2 more flat tyres, a shower and a counter meal at the pub.

It was a slow start on Sunday with many suffering from alcohol induced headaches but by about 9:00 we were on our way heading for the near by tracks. I took Stuart, Hazza had Shane, Hank and Michelle tested their 4Runner, Mat took Daniel in the Pajero and Aaron rode the motorbike as we headed off towards Ben Cruachan Ck Track thru the very dry creek beds making our way up and over to the camping area at the base of Burgoynes Track on the Macalister River. From here it was a really long climb up the hills towards Black Range Track where we turned onto the main road and headed back to camp to clean up and cook dinner before the usual camp fire stuff. The day drive was long and interesting with everyone enjoying themselves and some learning some valuable points on the how-to of 4Wheel Driving.