Date and time: Tuesday 28 June 2022 to Friday 01 July 2022 (4 days)
Description: Whilst the High Country is denied to us until after Winter, the ‘Deserters’ want their ‘just deserts’ ;-)
The challenge for the Deserters this time is four Deserts in four days. This is a midweek trip so it will suit those on school holidays. Families with children are encouraged!
Starting in Ouyen the challenge is to explore parts of Murray Sunset, Big Desert, Wyperfeld and Little Desert National Parks, ending in Dimboola. If we get trip details in quickly we may even get a permit to explore some of the MVO tracks that the public can’t normally access.
We will bush camp in 3 designated National Parks campsites with drop toilets available.
Drivers must be familiar with sand driving and the use of the sand driving traction aids included in their vehicle. Driver proficiency course recommended. The sand tracks are straightforward, but there are a few sandhills and deeper sections of sand that require extra skill to navigate.
No pets as we will be travelling and camping in National Parks.
Please carry all food and water for 4 days plus cooking equipment and camping equipment. Enough fuel from Ouyen for 600km, although we will arrange a fuel stop after about 400 Km at Nhill along the way. (For this sand driving multiply your highway fuel usage by 1.3 to estimate sand usage)
Morning tea and lunches will be in the bush each day – byo simple, “on the move” lunches and morning teas (byo thermos).
No camper trailers, pets or firearms
Reference: Meridian Maps – Victoria’s Deserts Touring Guide 5th Edn.
Additional Equipment required: Air compressor and tyre gauge, MaxTrax or similar sand recovery equipment. Each vehicle ought to bring a bag of firewood for our nightly group campfire. A toboggan or similar is handy at Snowdrift campsite if you have kids with you. :-) Sand flags are not needed, but what the heck ...if you have one then stick it on!
Weather: Desert environment, potentially cold nights. Clothing and footwear for cold and possibly wet conditions. (Summer is a distant memory now!)
Review the Mildura weather forecast leading up to the trip and bring appropriate clothing, footwear and camping gear.
Equipment: Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if you vehicle is suitable for a trip, please have a chat with the trip leader.
Good off-road tyres (All Terrain, 60 profile recommended as a minimum), UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club), a well-maintained vehicle with low range (or equivalent), good ground clearance (200mm recommended as a minimum), recovery points, standard recovery gear including dampener, rated snatch strap and shackles, shovel. Drivers must have completed the RRCV club training or equivalent.
Trip Standard: Medium - The sand tracks are straightforward, but there are a few sandhills and deeper sections of sand that require extra skill to navigate.
Fuel: Enough fuel from Ouyen for 600km, although we will arrange a fuel stop after about 400 Km at Nhill along the way. For sand driving multiply your highway fuel usage by 1.3 to estimate fuel usage.
Distance: Melbourne to Ouyen 450kms. Ouyen to Dimboola 600km. Dimboola to Melbourne 350km
Duration: 4 days
Convoy limit: 10 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We plan to meet at Blackburn Park, Ouyen (look for the big Mallee root) at 9am on 28 June
Trip Leader: James Lawson Members click here for contact details
