4WD Treks Close to Melbourne: Validation of trek 8 - The Yarra Forests
Date and time: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday 14th October
Description: Please contact your trip leader if you are unsure of any of the following requirements for this trip.
The purpose of this trip is to validate Trek 8: The Yarra Forest from the book ‘4WD Treks Close to Melbourne’. This means that the trip may run slower than normal whilst time is taken to check each part of the route and note updates needed on track comments. This trek is more about scenery and activities than driving. We will be threading through vast expanses of beautiful forest surrounded by some extremely tall trees. There are numerous walks to take in the splendour of the forest. If time allows we will go for a 3.2 km easy grade return walk to the 300-year-old Ada Tree. Before arriving at Noojee the trek passes the access track to one of the few remaining timber bridges in Victoria. Roads through the forest are maintained and unsealed, making this trek an ideal first outing for those new to off-roading or wishing to try out a new vehicle.
The Yarra State Forrest is home to swamp wallabies, wombats, echidnas, possums and glider. If we are lucky, we might see some wildlife on our way.
Weather: Melbourne region in spring. Could be sunny and mild, or cold and wet. Check the weather before departure and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.
Equipment: Below are the recommended vehicle requirements. If you are not sure if your vehicle is suitable for this trip, please have a chat with the trip leader.
A well-maintained 4WD/ AWD vehicles with normal road tyres are OK for this trip (All Terrain tyres would be preferred), UHF radio (or one borrowed from the club). Recovery gear is not mandatory, but if you have it, bring your standard recovery gear including rated snatch strap, shackles and a shovel.
Meals: We will be visiting picnic sites and campsites listed in the book where we will have our morning tea and lunch.
Coffee stops and lunch will be in the bush – byo simple lunches and morning teas (byo thermos).
No camper trailers, pets or firearms.
Maps and Reference Material: The Rooftop Maps 'Gembrook-Noojee Forest Activities Map' (on a 1:50,000 scale)
Trip Standard: Easy – Mainly gravel forestry roads, fairly wide and easily navigable.
Fuel: a full tank ex Melbourne
Distance: Approx. distance 60 km of mainly high range driving.
Duration: 1 day
Convoy limit: 10 vehicles
Meeting arrangements: We will depart at 9:00 am from Warburton from the front of The Three Sugars Cafe (3389 Warburton Hwy, Warburton VIC 3799). If you plan to get coffee beforehand then you will need to arrive a little earlier. We will aim to finish about 4.30 pm in Noojee.
Club Guest Registration policy: It is club policy in regard to insurance cover that if a member brings any non-members on the trip they must be registered and have paid the required fee as Temporary Members BEFORE the event.
i.e. non- members can no longer register on the day with the trip leader.
Temporary Membership information and ways to register can be found at:
Temporary (Guest) Membership
Also if a non-member wishes to bring their own vehicle, the member inviting the non-member must contact the trip leader for approval to bring the vehicle. Such approval will take into account skills of the driver, suitability of the vehicle and whether or not a place within the convoy limit is available for a non-member's vehicle.
Trip Leader: Piotr Pecho Phone – 0427 439 908 Email – piotr.pecho@gmail.com
Trek Manager: Carolyn Sparke Phone – 0418 549 396 Email – sparkie@vicbar.com.au
