TRIPS FOR 2023
1. March 13th-19th. Victoria High Country 4WD.
Neil
Trip Report:
Under the experienced leadership of Neil, our group consisted of three very clean cars and five enthusiastic 4WDrivers and passengers. We met at Colac Colac Caravan Park, introducing ourselves at a briefing for the trip.
We travelled south toward Omeo and overnight at beautiful Wheelers Creek campground where we found the new rebuilt hut, great facilities and many campsites. Our first bush bath was enjoyed here. We explored the large Cassilis historic gold mine site with many interesting mine relics.
We proceeded via Birregun Road to overnight at the lovely Dogs Grave camp site.
On to visit the historical Grant town site with interesting storyboards and then the old town site of Talbotville. We camped overnight at Black Snake Creek.
Then east to stretch our legs at Dargo and a lovely lunch at the Dargo River Inn. Back to Black Snake Creek camping for a second night.
North via Crooked Rover campground, across the Kingswell bridge, onto Eaglevale to walk the swinging bridge. With many river crossing and a challenging climb up over Wombat Range Track northwards to Wonnangatta Station Hut campground.
West onto Zeka Spur Track – another challenging track, then south to Howitt Hut to set up camp. After lunch we drove to Bryces Gorge to walk the 8km circuit. A highly recommended walk. At the start of this walk a large group of beautiful high country horses with their riders had just completed the track.
After heavy rains overnight we left Howitt Hut along the challenging King Billy Track only to find Brock Road closed for maintenance so we took the Bluff Hut track via Lovicks Hut (a top site) and along to Bluff Hut for two nights. A lively group of 14 students and 2 teachers from Mansfield High School hiked through with their large packs. On our “day off” some of us walked up to the Bluff (8.4km return) and returned just before heavy rain set in. Everyone touring in the area came to the hut for shelter. After about two hours the sunshine came back and our visitors left. We had an early dinner and took the short walk to the lookout over to Mansfield enjoying a glass or two of wine while watching a beautiful sunset.
After Bluff Hut, down to Sheep Yard Flat for our last night together where a few more wines were enjoyed to celebrate a great high country 4WD experience. Back to home now and to clean our very dirty vehicles.
Driving skills were tested with lots of bumpy and rocky roads, steep ups and downs, curly bends and many water crossings.
Thank you Neil, a great time was truly enjoyed by all.
Sue, Lorraine, Rick and Maz.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
2. July 28th -5th Aug. Alpana Cactus Kill.
Keith
2023 ALPANA STATION CACTUS KILL REPORT.
The 2023 Alpana Cactus Kill was held from Saturday 29 July to 5 August. This was the 14th year of ARPA/RA working at Alpana. Working days usually started with the group gathering outside the Shearers’ Quarters at 8:30 am for an outline by David Henery of the area to be covered that day. The group were usually back at the Shearers’ Quarters by 3:30pm.
Our 2023 participants were –
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Sherryl, Syd, Roger, Rick, Patty, David (Coordinator), Tin, Mal, Barbara, Jenny, John
SATURDAY 29 JULY
The group arrived during the afternoon, many having stopped at Hawker for fuel and lunch.
David and Sally provided a barbeque dinner with quandong and apple pie with ice cream.
​
​
​
3. Sept 7th-14th. Meningie, Limestone Coast to PtMacDonnell.
Julia
Trip Report:
Thursday 7th September. 2 nights at Meningie caravan park
Severe wind warnings, heavy rain and cold temperatures greeted our group at Meningie on the first day of our trip along the Coorong and Limestone Coast. However it didn’t deter our determined group of 13 members gathering for happy hour in the shelter of the huge camp kitchen.
Several members had to pull out of the trip at the last minute so we started off with Barry T, Dawn & John B, Cecilia and Kent M, Edith and Stuart S, Yvonne N and Brendan R and trip leaders Bruno & Julia G. Four vehicles towed caravans and other members booked cabins.
​
Friday 8th September – travel approx. 100kms
A convoy of 5 cars departed at 9am for a muddy track along the lapping waters of the Coorong. Dawn and John were unable to join us today and returned home. We arrived at Long point camp ground & boat ramp for a damp morning tea, then onto Mark Point and the historic windmill. Reaching the end of the track at Pelican Point, we found that the walking trail to the barrages was closed but we enjoyed the sight of hundreds of nesting eurasian coots, black swans and several other birds. We headed back along Loveday Bay Rd for lunch at Raukkan. Unfortunately the store was closed due a funeral in progress so we continued on to Narrung for a picnic lunch and watched the queue of cars cross the ferry. We returned home via Narrung Rd around Lake Albert. Cecilia invited us into her van for drinks and cards, prior to eating out at the Museum restaurant. In the warmth of the restaurant’s boiler wood fire we discussed plans for the next day.
Saturday 9th September – travel approx. 140kms. Overnight at 42 Mile Crossing NP.
We were slowed down by several kilometres of major road works leaving Meningie and looked forward to morning tea at Salt Creek, Sadly the historic oil rig was blown over the previous night and the popular coffee van was closed until October long weekend. We arrived at 42 Mile crossing camp site, unhitched our vans and had lunch. The weather was perfect for a drive to nearby Chinaman Wells and a 2.5 km walk. Back at camp we deflated our tyres as it was time to tackle the hilly dune track to the beach. The rough seas and soft sand made it unsafe for us to drive along the beach. So, Plan B, we took the Old Coorong Rd to 32 Mile crossing. This track was very lumpy and required a bit of shovelling in holes. We were rewarded with a smooth beach run and low tide until we turned inland at Wreck Crossing Track.
The dunes were quite challenging with a couple of vehicles needing help. We finally reached the clay track around the flooded lakes, inflated our tyres and returned to camp via the bitumen. We enjoyed a sunny but chilly happy hour and after tea several of us snuggled up in my van for another round of cards.
​
Sunday 10th September – travel approx. 80kms. Overnight at Kingston.
After leaving 42 Mile crossing we stopped at the Granites for a walk along the beach in sunny but cool weather. At Kingston we unhitched our vans at the foreshore RV Park, fuelled up and visited the bakery for morning tea. A scenic drive then took us to the Cape Jaffa jetty and later we enjoyed sumptuous platters and a wine tasting on the decking of the nearby Cape Jaffa Winery. That evening we ate in our vans/cabins and later relaxed in my van playing “Upwords”.
​
Monday 11th September – travel approx. 45kms. 2 nights in Robe
Lesley & Barrle S intended meeting us at Kingston but now they said it would be at Robe. However another couple Alan & Sue R met us in Robe today at the Lakeside Caravan Park. After morning tea at Mahalia Café, Cecilia, Kent and Barry enjoyed a round of golf, while others ventured around town. At happy hour in the camp kitchen, Alan & Sue were introduced to the group and tomorrow’s trip was discussed.
Tuesday 12th September – travel approx. 60 kms. Day trip
Text from Lesley & Barrie- “They are held up and would meet us at Beachport!” On this warm and sunny day our convoy of 6 vehicles headed off to Little Dip CP and Nora Creina.
The Robe tourist Info centre highlighted on the map which tracks not to take so we followed the bushy inland track until the turnoff at Hermitage Track, then along a scenic short run on the beach where we spent an good hour digging our newest member out of the sand. A well-earned morning tea break followed at the turn off to Domaschenz Track. The track to Nora Creina Beach was easy going but a closed gate has been erected to stop the 25,000 annual 4WDrivers passing peoples’ shacks on their way to Beachport. A good dirt bypass track is now in place. We had a comfortable trip back to Robe and all enjoyed a delightful dinner at the Caledonian Hotel.
​
Wednesday 13th Sept. - travel approx. 70kms. 2 nights at Beachport caravan park.
Last Text from Lesley-“Barrie has taken ill and they are unable to join the group”. Another sunny, warm day as we left Robe. Our first stop was at the Beachport Jetty Café for morning tea and right next door is the caravan park so we had an early check in. Later in the afternoon we followed the coastal Bowman scenic drive, which quickly changed to a sandy track through sand dunes. We turned off at Three Mile Rocks intending to follow the track around Lake George, but the water level flooded the track so we took Drift Road back to the caravan park. After tea that night we enjoyed another game of “Upwords” in the camp kitchen.
​
Thursday 14th September - travel approx. 70kms. Day trip
An exciting morning! Alan and Sue drove from Robe to join us for a drive along Rivoli Bay from Beachport to South End. Although the beach was wide, the sand was soft and the incoming tide didn’t allow much room to manoeuvre. Consequently 2 vehicles got bogged just 5 minutes after we started. Two hours later, after much exhausting shovelling and connecting snatch straps we left the beach at the next exit onto the highway. Over a picnic lunch at Southend, we discussed what we learnt from our beach experience. Alan & Sue returned to Robe while the rest of us continued a scenic drive to Cape Buffon and into Canunda NP along the well maintained Bevilaqua Ford Track. We emerged at Rendelsham on the highway and returned to Beachport. That night we enjoyed a great meal at the Beachport hotel and much conversation.
Friday 15th Sept - travel approx. 120 kms. 2 nights at Port MacDonnell caravan park
A glorious, warm day as we left Beachport with Cecilia, Kent and Barry detouring via Millicent for a game of golf, while the rest of our group took the scenic route.
Carpenter Rocks was a quiet spot for morning tea. Then along the coast road to Blackfellows Caves for a clifftop walk. Heading inland we stopped at Little Blue Lake, before arriving at Port MacDonnell and settling in. Later that afternoon 3 vehicles drove along the rugged coastline stopping at the historic lighthouse site. We arrived back at camp just as Kent & Co were setting up their vans. Perfect time for a happy hour and discuss our travels.
​
Saturday 16th September - travel approx. 100km. Day trip
Our last day trip took us to Ewens Ponds and its crystal clear waters, then onto Donovan’s on the Glenelg River for morning tea. At Nelson at we took the ocean beach boardwalk and found a sheltered spot nearby for a picnic lunch. Afterwards we followed the well-made River Track into the Lower Glenelg National Park stopping at Sapling Creek a popular fishing spot with a boat ramp. After leaving Victoria we stopped at Piccaninnie Ponds and walked to the beach where the pond’s water enters the sea. The low lying road back to Port MacDonnell hugs the coast from Brown Bay and you have to watch out for waves at certain places. Our farewell dinner that night was at the busy Victoria Hotel in town and the seafood hot pot was a delicious. We all had an early night, ready for an early departure the next day.
We travelled approximately 785kms on this trip and saw the Coorong in its splendour. There were no major mishaps (except that Kent’s meal was forgotten at the Beachport Hotel). We all improved our 4WDriving skills, all enjoyed the camaraderie and we all arrived home safe and sound.
Report and photos by Julia, trip leader. September 2023
​
​
​
4. Oct 17th-27th. Jamestown.
Neil
Trip Report:
Thursday 19 October- Germein Gorge and Wirrabara Forest
Heading north east from our camp at Jamestown to Stone Hut then on to view
excellent Silo Art at Wirrabara. Next highlight was the Bridle Track to top of
escarpment for fabulous views over Spencer Gulf. Descending to the plains we
ventured east up picturesque Telowie Gorge, a lovely spot to relax and enjoy our
picnic lunch at Blessings Winery. Back into Wirrabara Forest and to the Bluff
Lookout. A great day had by all and rewarded by happy hour back at camp.
Friday 20 October- Hallett, Pandappa, Terowie Circuit
Convoy east via Hallett to enjoy morning tea at Hubert Wilkins stone cottage historic
site. Then Dares Hill summit and stop at historic Mt Bryan East School which is
halfway point of Heysen Trail and also on the Goyder Line. Lunch at deserted
Ketchowla homestead and shearing sheds. Drove through parched scrub, rocky
terrain, dry creek beds and yellow flowering prickly pears, then to Telowie via Whyte
Yarcowie and back to Jamestown. White smoke in distance from bushfire in
Bundaleer Forrest. Sleepy lizards crossing roads and feral goats spotted.
Brushed dust off in time for happy hour back at camp.
Saturday 21 October- Mystery Day
Jackets on, raincoats packed. Headed north past Mannanarie then west onto earth
track past Yatina Gorge. Stop at Magnetic Hill to test vehicles going backwards. On
past Pekina to old St Paul’s Church and interesting cemetery before venturing to
White Cliff, Booleroo Centre and then south past Wilsdonville school site ruins.
Turning right on main road to Appila Springs CFS and Yarowie Hotel.
Back to Jamestown and short walk to town oval and Australian shearing Championship activities. 4WD’s and big rigs everywhere.
Final dinner enjoyed at the Commercial Hotel.
A great trip Neil, many thanks from all.
Kent and Cecelia, Bruno and Julia, Lorraine and Sue.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
