Neerim State Forest (reccy)

Date and time:  Saturday 20th February 2021, 9:00am – 5.00pm

Location:  Neerim State Forest, Sweetwater Creek Nature Conservation Reserve, Neerim Plantation

Description:  Starting from Neerim South in the west of the forest we plan to head down Whitelaw track (Hard). From there we will head into the middle of the forest along Sawdust Heap track (Medium/Hard) and Beards track (Easy). In the afternoon we will attempt tracks such as Hard Up Haul track (Hard) and Tolleys track (Hard). We plan to finish with Reference Track (Medium/Hard) which will take us to the north and onto the Mt Baw Baw tourist road. From there we will make our way to the Toolshed Bar in Noojee for a refreshment.  *note: track gradings taken from the Newtracs app (https://www.newtracs.com.au/)

The exact route will be subject to track and weather conditions.  If very wet or there has been a lot of rain in the preceding days then some of the tracks will become very slippery from the clay and become impassable, this may necessitate taking alternative routes or forest roads.

Weather:  This time of year is usually warm to hot - bring appropriate clothing, food and water.

Equipment:  Well-maintained Low Range 4wd’s with high clearance (minimum 2-inch lift above standard) and have rated recovery points front and rear.

Tyres must be of Light Truck construction and be either mud terrain or all terrain with deep tread and minimum 60 profile.  No road tyres.

Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training.  Vehicles must be UHF radio equipped (or one borrowed from the club).  Standard recovery gear including dampener, rated snatch strap and shackles, shovel must be carried.

No camper trailers, pets, or firearms

Trip Standard:  Hard. This trip is rated Hard due to the track ratings on Newtracs. (Hema states some tracks as medium however Newtracs has the more up to date rating in my experience). Expect steep challenging sections, ruts (may be deep in some sections) and bog holes after rain..

Fuel:  Full tank ex Melbourne

Distance:  Total – approx. 270km. 
  Melbourne to Neerim South  approx. 100km
  Noojee to Melbourne approx. 110km
  Neerim South to Noojee approx. 60km of mainly low range driving

Duration:  1 day

Convoy limit:  6 vehicles

Meeting arrangements:  We will meet outside the front of the Neerim South Milk Bar & Takeaway, 133 Main Neerim Rd, Neerim South VIC 3831

We will hold a trip briefing at 8.45am and depart at 9am sharp so please arrive a little earlier.  Don’t forget to bring your completed personal details forms in duplicate (one copy to keep in your glove box and the other to give to the trip leader in the morning at the briefing). We aim to finish around 5pm in Noojee.

Trip Leader:  Gary Tinner 0414 742 701 gary.tinner@visaexecutive.com