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Flinders Ranges, Painted & Simpson Deserts PART 1
This was a long touring trip:-
3 weeks - 5 vehicles - 8 participants.
The youngest participant was aged 17 and this is an extract from his report.
Day 1 The starting crew, being Jeff & Kez, Marie, Jen & Alec left Wodonga at 9 am and travelled to Yarrawonga. We then continued through Cobram, crossing into NSW at Echuca Moama through to Balranald, checking out the Silo Art at Lake Boga. We met up with Myles, Mark & Yvonne at Balranald, and dined at an Irish Pub with Chinese Cuisine.
Day 2 We woke up to a chilly morning in Balranald. We set off to Mildura to get a few items as our key fob ceased to function and Mum forgot the cutlery. New battery in fob, new cutlery set, fuelled up body and car, and it was off to Renmark in South Australia. We stopped at the quarantine station where our car was inspected for fruit and veg. After that we drove to Burra in the Flinders Ranges, while travelling through a beautiful sunset. We set up camp at night by using our headlamps and lantern in the Burra Showground.
Read more: Flinders Ranges, Painted & Simpson Deserts PART 1
Mt Murray & Buckland Valley
A fun autumn trip exploring tracks from Wandiligong to Mount Murray, returning to camp in the Buckland valley.
6 vehicles with 9 participants met at the Bandiana Theatre at 8:30 am on a glorious Saturday morning. A quick driver briefing (including making sure those without a winch were sandwiched between those that did have one) and a reminder on convoy procedures set the way forward.
We headed toward Yackandandah & Myrtleford, then stopped at Porepunkah for morning tea. Continuing on through Bright, we turned off to Wandiligong & continued on Morse’s Creek Road. After a short “sightseeing detour” up Growlers Road, we continued out to Mongrel Creek Road, then turned off to Nolan’s Creek Road. For someone who has not been out 4WD’ing for about 10 years, it was lovely to be back in the gumtrees and tracks!
Recent Trip Highlights.
Recently there has been a very healthy trip calendar with a variety of trips being run to many and varied destinations. Trip types have been varied, so there has been something to suit everyone’s taste. Day trips, weekend camping trips, extended touring trips & base camp trips as well as our two catered weekend social functions held at the Wymah Reserve. These trips have been well attended with some having a waiting list to participate. These are some of the highlights & lowlights.
Geehi 4 Day Camping Weekend
Some travelled in convoy, having met at Bandiana on Friday morning, while other made their way independently to the campsite and some whimps looked at the weather forecast and decided to give the weekend a miss.
Our Trip Leader had a big map of the area on a tarp and showed us what our plans were for Saturday. We were all looking forward to the drive. Many of the group either hadn’t been there before or hadn’t visited the area for a while. We were impressed with the new pit toilets, close to the camping sites.
Buckland to Buffalo - Day Trip
Nine vehicles left the Bandiana Area Theatre at 8.15am and headed to Myrtleford & then on to Porepunkah for morning tea at the beautiful Riverside Park. From here we continued up the Buckland Valley Road to Buckland Bridge, where we turned left on to Goldie Spur Track and aired down. The drive over Goldie Spur presented us with some spectacular views of the Lower Buckland Valley and the southern face of Mt Buffalo.
Eustace Creek/Staceys Bridge/Wheelers Hut Camping Weekend
7 vehicles headed off from Bandiana to meet up with one further vehicle at Tallangatta for morning tea and a look at ‘Sandy the war horse’. Off the black top and onto Cravensville Road, kicking up plenty of dust, and we were up into the bush. 3 kms in we aired down ready to get serious. Well, no, not really serious, too many funny buggers in the crew, pointing out the feral cat beside the road, which was of course a massive piece of CAT machinery surrounded by some bushes. You never know what you’re going to see up here.
Read more: Eustace Creek/Staceys Bridge/Wheelers Hut Camping Weekend
Border Track & Murray-Sunset National Park
8 days of challenges & loads of fun
15 members - 9 vehicles
The 380 km Border Track runs from Hopetoun to the Sturt Hwy and finishes just across the border into South Australia at Renmark. As it’s name suggests, the Border Track follows more than 50 km of the fence line marking the boundary between Victoria & South Australia. Its sandy tracks wind through remote sections of both the Wyperfield & Murray-Sunset National Parks, allowing access to some unforgettable mallee-country landscapes. The Track has many challenging sand dunes along its tight & twisting track.
Stringybark Creek Camping Weekend
A small but brave group ventured out for a camping weekend at Stringybark Creek. The wet/cold weather didn’t deter these intrepid campers. The campfire was a necessity and many yarns & laughs were enjoyed sitting by its warmth. We all learned more about the Kelly Gang and checked out the Kelly Tree.
A fun weekend.
