Damo's 2021 Easter Mallee Drive 2-5 April Easter Long weekend

[Damo]

Hi All,

So it's time to run my Mallee Trip that I have been talking about for a while. I haven't been up this way for a long time but it is well worth the drive.

Trip rating easy/medium
All new members are encouraged to attend
Stock Jimnys and Sierras will be fine on this trip but must be in good mechanical order.

Please note as this is a touring trip into remote areas your car must be reliable and it is definitely not suitable for cars requiring trailers to transport them.

The Mallee has some really spectacular scenery and amazing starry nights. If you have never seen shooting stars then get ready to be blown away.

I am not reinventing the wheel for this trip but rather following the trip notes and maps in the attached links from Parks Vic.

https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/iconic4w ... mallee.pdf
https://www.4wdvictoria.org.au/iconic4w ... mallee.pdf

The trip will officially start at the Wonga campground about 40 Kms from Hopetoun at 8.30am sharp on Saturday the 3rd April, but to be ready to depart on Saturday we will need to camp on the night of Good Friday at Wonga Campground.

To make this trip work and cover the intended itinerary this departure time will have to be strictly adhered to.

If you are intending to come you will have to be organised and allow for the fact that most shops etc will be closed on Good Friday. Fuel stations should be open.

I will post up more details as they are confirmed, but as a minimum the following will be required:

Spare fuel: Sierras and Jimnys should be ok with a 20lt Jerry can.
bigger cars will require more obviously. I will confirm availability of fuel and advise later.

Water: Do not rely on any water being available. Bring all that you and your car may need.

Insect repellant and face mask for bugs. Ignore this at your peril.

Firewood: Please bring at least 1 bag per car or as much as you can easily fit in to guarantee us a nice campfire each night.

Maxtrax and recovery gear and first aid kit

Fire extinguisher and or fire blanket

Suitable clothing and footwear for cold nights and warm days. In the desert you need to be prepared for ALL seasons, even in the warmer months.

All food, cooking gear and most importantly chocolate for the trip leader.

UHF radio: Minimum of a 40 channel hand held but an 80 channel is better

Sand Flag, spare tyre and puncture repair kit and compressor.

More details to follow

Please post any questions you may have after reading the Parks Vic notes attached

Damo

[christover1]

I am in for this. Can't wait.

[luigi]

Hi Fellas.
Hi Damo. Yeah..me too.
Regards. Wayne.

[lockfyne]

I am keen for this one. Will bring the MUX.

[Damo]

Hi Guys, it’s good to see some interest in this trip.
I will update this post as the time gets closer
Damo

[christover1]

Inspirational and motivational pix

[christover1]

I finished the last little jobs on the Paj today.
Trimmed exhaust end.
Checked fuel can mounts.
Double checked my work.
Feel ready, so started packing checks.
Gotta learn small car camping again lol.

More inspiration from long ago and recent trips to the region.
Frog and Xoe are in there, proof I did have a Zook or two, before I got soft

https://youtu.be/_pCyZovhEEI

[Pigpen]

Hi Damo,

I am in if trip goes ahead, will attend in my Triton as discussed

Rod

[Damo]

Hi Guys,sorry but I can’t run this trip as I had left it too late to book the boarding kennels for our dogs and can’t get anything.
I have spoken to Shaun and he is happy to take over as trip leader.
Hope you all have a great trip
Damo

[christover1]

Sorry you can't make it.
I still plan to go.
I assume same plans Shaun?
I am already packed.